Because the King suddenly let out a wail: "What a waste!"
He glared at the Grand Duke, his eyes full of anguish.
"Who squanders magical energy like that? Does your magical energy just fall out of the sky?"
The Grand Duke was slightly puzzled. Was the King of Conquerors distressed over his expenditure of magical energy?
"Heh. My Master prepared three Mana Furnaces for me."
The King's expression froze. He wanted them so badly!
Three Mana Furnaces? He could use Ionioi Hetairoi to his heart's content!
He lowered his head and glanced at Waver, who was clinging to the edge of the chariot, trembling.
"Boy."
"Huh?"
"Look at his Master."
Waver's face flushed. Poverty made the boy blush. "I, I..."
"Forget it. If I want something, I'll conquer it!"
The King looked back at the Grand Duke, a certain light flickering in his eyes.
"Vlad III! Why shouldn't a hero like you be brought into my army?"
The Grand Duke frowned slightly. He felt insulted.
"What did you say?"
"Join me!"
The King spread his arms as though embracing the whole world.
"The King of Conquerors' army welcomes every hero! Wherever you are king, whatever past you may have had-join me, and we shall conquer the world together!"
The Grand Duke's expression was anything but friendly.
"King of Conquerors! Are you inviting me to serve under you?"
"Exactly!"
"Heh. How insolent! You seek to conquer my nation! How could I tolerate invasion?"
His gaze sharpened. "Besides, you are a sinner."
The King's expression shifted slightly.
"A sinner?"
"The renowned King of Conquerors conquered countless lands and enslaved countless people. What were you in the eyes of those you conquered?"
"A demon."
"An executioner."
"A calamity that brought war and death."
Yet the King was entirely untroubled by what he heard.