Chapter 316
But this time, it's different from the past.
Kazdel has fallen, but the Sarkaz will eventually win the war and rebuild their homeland.
But this time, once lost, no one can guarantee they can rebuild the city...
The Allied Forces's current strength far exceeds their expectations.
Contrary to Theresa's expectations, she had assumed that these Royal Court rulers, the most steadfast supporters of Sarkaz, would rise up at this moment. However, she forgot that they, who had lived through constant warfare, were perhaps the people who hated war the most.
"The Sarkaz are not afraid of war... but they will grow weary of it."
Maria suddenly remembered a book she had read before, and the very first sentence of the chapter contained this sentence.
It is said to be an autobiography written by a Sarkaz, recounting his experiences growing up under the rule of the Immaculate King, going through wars, and then wandering.
No Sarkaz will tremble on the battlefield, but no Sarkaz will smile on the battlefield either.
They were really tired.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Theresa, who was standing next to the Demon King's seat, couldn't help but clench her fists.
She wanted to say something, but knew she couldn't say anything.
Going against the flow of the crowd was not her wish.
But it was at this moment that Dukale spoke up.
"Abandon Kazdel? What kind of despicable, pathetic person would make such a choice? Girl, your question makes me laugh."
Dukale sneered and declared his willingness to fight at that moment.
Nitze was standing to the side, nodded in agreement.
"The Sarkaz never abandon their comrades, their homeland... Any ignorant fool who wants to destroy the Sarkaz will ultimately be engulfed in Sarkaz wrath!"
"..."
Nitze's thoughts are easy to understand. He has always been an extremely loyal Sarkaz, and his feelings for the Sarkaz are probably the most intense among everyone present.
He would rather die in battle than abandon the sacred land of Sarkaz!
But...
What does Dukale mean by speaking up at this moment?
Agreed.
The Lich representative then spoke up, offering his own judgment.
At this moment, with Maria's nod, Lamaline also spoke calmly.
"Defend Kazdel!"
Seeing that the major Royal Court had made their decisions, the other wavering Royal Court gritted their teeth in resignation.
"We cannot abandon Kazdel!"
"This is our home!"
"Those Allied Forces bastards must die here!"
Gradually, the other sounds in the meeting room were drowned out, and only Kazdel's voice continued to echo.
No one likes to give up their home.
Even though they had just considered backing out, that didn't change their true intentions.
They are only thinking about their own race.
If they were truly unable to resist, they were unwilling to let their compatriots die in vain.
But now that the major Royal Court have made their stance clear, they have gained some hope for what was originally a hopeless war situation.
It's like the last glimmer of hope for someone about to drown.
They will hold on to it at all costs!
Theresa breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.
But she knew that things weren't over yet.
Next comes the real highlight of this meeting...
"Now that everyone has reached a consensus, then... in the absence of the Demon King, we still need a temporary leader."
"A leader... capable of ruling over everyone!"
Theresa's voice was like a bucket of cold water, instantly making the atmosphere in the room oppressive.
Everyone knew that this was likely the most important thing at the meeting.
With the Demon King no longer present, this so-called temporary leader is the symbol of the Sarkaz's supreme power.
Since the death of the previous Demon King Yelesh, the Black Crown, the symbol of the Demon King's authority, has also disappeared.
Even the Sarkaz didn't know much about Black Crown, but they knew that Black Crown would choose its master.
In other words...
If you can become the leader, you will likely gain the Black Crown's recognition and then become the Demon King!
This is a supreme right.
Even though they were already the rulers of the Royal Court, they found it difficult to refuse this power.
Although no one spoke, everyone's eyes were actually on the four people closest to the throne.
But soon, the Lich representative took a step back.
He had many suitable conditions and many unsuitable conditions, but in any case, they didn't want to get involved.
So he chose to step back and voluntarily relinquish this opportunity.
The other rulers of the Royal Court understood this action and shook their heads, then placed their hands on the conference table.
Soon, everyone else abstained.
At the conference table, only three Royal Court were still engaged in a silent struggle.
The most powerful Banshees in Kazdel.
Eaters of the Dead possessing the power of the god of war.
The Blood Demon who once personally killed his own demon king brother.
In everyone's eyes, the three are equally matched, and no one would object to whoever takes the stage.
Only...
They really couldn't figure out which of the three would get the seat...
But to everyone's surprise, the war god, the Nachzehrer King Nitze, whom they had placed so much hope in, quietly lowered his hand...
This?!
In an instant, everyone couldn't help but widen their eyes.
But what surprised them even more was that Nitze not only withdrew from the competition on his own initiative, but also stood up.
"Eaters of the Dead are not interested in power; we will participate in the war in our own way."
"As for the leaders of this war..."
"Perhaps, the Banshees is the most suitable person to shoulder this responsibility now..."
He actually recommended Banshees?!
Everyone clicked their tongues in amazement.
Immediately, many people recalled the secret meeting between the Banshee Court and the Carrion Court, which had only been made public some time ago.
They began to wonder if all of this had been foreshadowed.
In the ensuing moment of hesitation, all eyes turned to Dukale standing to the side.
Throughout the entire venue, he was the only one still competing with the Banshees.
After another moment of silence, Dukale suddenly chuckled.
"Nitze, hero of the Sarkaz, you are becoming increasingly foolish..."
"You actually chose to believe a group of Banshees who even lost their own kingdom?"
"I don't expect you to see the road ahead clearly, but can't you even tell where the dead end is?"
As Dukale spoke, he tilted his head back and looked at Maria and Lamaline in front of him with disdain.
I didn't intend to say too much...
"But..."
"Queen of the Banshees, on such an important occasion, you actually brought your entourage? Isn't this extremely impolite?"
Dukale's voice wasn't loud, but it drew everyone's attention to Lamaline standing to the side.
Although Queen Maria Banshees, is indeed of high status, in this meeting... Maria, who is not the ruler of the Royal Court, is certainly not qualified to attend, let alone sit on equal footing with them.
They wanted to know what Lamaline was thinking.
"... Watch your words!"
Lamaline frowned upon hearing Dukale's disdain for Maria. "She is my queen, she shares everything with me, and naturally has the right to be here... Besides, it's none of your business to interfere in the affairs of the Banshees, Blood Demon!"
"Of course I know."
Dukale remained as composed as ever, setting down his glass and twitching his fingers slightly.
The blood in the cup seemed to come alive, transforming into a blood snake that carefully clung to his fingers.
"However, I don't really have much confidence in you."
"How can I entrust the defense of such an important place as Kazdel to someone who can't even protect his own home?"
Dukale kept bringing up the fact that the Banshees had lost their royal city.
Clearly, he won't give in so easily.
Lamaline to the side, also had a furrowed brow.
Maria simply patted the girl's hand gently, then quietly took it in hers.
"So, do you think you're suitable, Blood Demon Grand Duke?"
Lamaline's tone softened, and her eyes regained their calm.
"Can a madman who dares to lay a hand on his own brother and even the Demon King really lead the Sarkaz?"
"Perhaps..."
Dukale didn't respond directly; he just continued toying with the blood snake in his hand, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
"But it's still better than you guys, isn't it?"
Having said that, he stood up, looked at all the Royal Court rulers present, and calmly announced his decision.
"If these people become leaders... then we Blood Demon will choose to leave."
"The Blood Demon will protect Kazdel in his own way..."
Dukale's meaning is quite clear.
He does not recognize the position of leader of the Banshees.
For a moment, everyone was caught in a dilemma.
Dukale's threat to withdraw is truly despicable.
However, given Kazdel's current situation, they truly cannot afford to lose Blood Demon as a powerful ally.
In an instant, everyone's attention turned to Lamaline standing to the side.
If the Blood Demon really withdraws... the other Royal Court will likely follow suit, though there will be considerable turmoil.
A small failure could lead to extremely serious consequences...
Besides... Dukale is indeed right.
The Banshees couldn't even defend their own capital, let alone Kazdel...