A Chance Encounter on a Narrow Road

Uproar!

As Bernard's forceful rebuke rang out, the nobles in the hall immediately erupted into commotion.

The three remaining counts who had yet to state their positions wore complicated expressions and began to hesitate again.

Batman's and Rakoff's faces alternated between red and white. Rakoff in particular had stepped forward of his own accord, without facing any coercion at all.

"Bernard, old friend, why put yourself through this?" King Carlfer, who had watched coldly from the sidelines all this time, finally reacted, looking at Bernard with a bitter smile.

"Actually, even if all of you submitted to this rebellious son, I would not blame you. After all, I raised this poisonous wolf myself, and even dragged all you vassals into it!"

"Your Majesty, there is no need to say more. This is my choice, Bernard's choice!"

"Good! Very good!" The Second Prince was finally angered into laughter. "Since Count Bernard is so righteous, then I shall grant your wish! Rad, seize Count Bernard—and seize Miss Stella as well!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

With that, Vice Commander Rad slowly walked toward Bernard.

Bernard drew the longsword at his waist with a clang. As for Stella, she gripped her dagger tightly and slowly raised it to her snow-white neck.

Bang!

"Your Highness!"

Yet at that critical moment, the palace doors were abruptly shoved open. A captain of the Iron Guard Knights hurried inside, his face full of anxiety.

This sudden development immediately interrupted what was happening in the palace. The Second Prince frowned at the captain. "What is it? Did I not say that the palace doors were not to be opened without my order?"

"Your Highness, an accident has occurred in the reception area. A young noble brought men and killed the Iron Guard Knights guarding the passage gate!"

"What? A noble?