Many of the royals and ministers were left in stunned disbelief. In the past, Allardland had always named a crown prince, but it was understood as a preparatory step for the future reign of the king. Never before had the crown prince wielded such immense power from the outset.
Whispers spread among the onlookers, with some wondering if Bernard wasn’t afraid that his own son might amass an army, rebel, and seize the throne for himself.
In that moment, even Cedric stood in stunned silence. He couldn’t comprehend why his father had suddenly granted him such immense authority. Declaring him the crown prince seemed like the natural next step-after all, he was Bernard’s only son, and Allardland was destined to be his. Yet, for reasons unknown, Bernard had hastily transferred such power to him.
As an outsider, Jared was largely indifferent to the events unfolding around him. He was simply enjoying Bernard’s hospitality, knowing that in a few days, he would be leaving for the Divine Smithing Sect. It had been some time since he had heard from Zelda, and he could no longer sense her presence. He planned to take the Dragonslayer Sword to the sect, hoping they could refurbish it thoroughly. Ideally, he wanted them to restore Zelda to her former self.
Meanwhile, far away in the remote border town
of Howler City, Denzel stood by the window, his gaze directed toward the distant palace grounds. Dressed in a pale yellow robe, he had spent many years in this quiet, isolated town, yet there was no masking the noble air that still surrounded him.
Behind Denzel stood an elderly priest, draped in a worn priest’s robe. Holding prayer beads in his left hand, he had his eyes half-closed, his lips moving in a quiet chant. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and, in a calm but certain tone, said, “They’ve arrived…”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a soldier, clad in full armor, rushed in and exclaimed, “Your Highness, Mr. Cabeza from the Demon Seal Alliance has arrived!”
Denzel nodded in acknowledgment and motioned for the priest to follow as he left the room.
In the hall, Zayan awaited him, accompanied by two cultivators from the Demon Seal Alliance. As Denzel entered, Gatlin greeted him with a faint, knowing smile. “Your Highness, I’ve come specifically to offer my congratulations this time.”
“Congratulations?” Denzel responded, taken aback and visibly puzzled.
Zayan’s smile remained, his tone blunt. “King Bernard has already declared your elder brother, Cedric, the crown prince and even handed him the commander’s seal. Your brother now holds the authority to command the entire army of Allardland, including Howler City, where you reside. Your father’s actions clearly show his wariness of you. Given these circumstances, there’s no reason for you to keep enduring in silence. If you align with us, the Demon Seal Alliance, we can overthrow your father together, and you can claim the throne.”
Denzel’s eyes narrowed. “So, you came here to drive a wedge between my father and me. Aren’t you afraid I’ll capture you and deliver you to him for punishment?”
Zayan let out a hearty laugh. “Hahaha, of course, I’m not afraid. I knew you wouldn’t do such a thing. If you were truly loyal to your father, why would you secretly train death warriors? If I’m not mistaken, you likely have hundreds of them at your command, with quite a few Ultimate Realm experts among them, no?”
Denzel furrowed his brow, his expression tinged with concern as he asked, “How did you come to know all this?”
Zayan shrugged nonchalantly. “Your Highness, there’s no need for more questions. I have my ways of gathering information. What matters now is whether you wish to collaborate with our alliance.”
Denzel’s brows knitted tightly. He was troubled, struggling to make a decision. “Give me some time to think.”
“Very well, I’ll give you a day to consider. This is your final chance-I hope you recognize its value.” With those words, Zayan turned and led his entourage out of the room, leaving Denzel to ponder his decision in silence.
Turning to the old priest beside him, Denzel asked, “Sir Abbot, what do you think I should do?”
The old priest offered a faint smile. “Your Highness, haven’t you already found the answer in your heart? Why seek mine?”
A faint smile crossed Denzel’s face. He then turned and walked out of the grand hall.
