https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-447-Cardinal-Lanchi-Happens-to-Have-a-Wide-Network-of-Connections-in-the-Empire/12584636/
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Chapter 448: Cardinal Lanchi's Bad Habit
Chapter 448: Cardinal Lanchi's Bad Habit
Pranae's gaze fell upon the Great Poet, as if seeking spiritual solace. As the current leader of the Great Demon Tribe, his judgment would directly determine the survival of their Demon World.
"Loki McCassy can bring us advantages in terms of rules and a stronger voice in negotiations, maximizing the possibility of preventing our enemies from turning the tables. However, correspondingly, even with our support, his lack of military might may not be enough to deter our opponents from doing so... I am quite certain that he currently lacks the military strength to back him up."
Pranae continued, explaining his earlier concerns to the Great Poet.
"Why are you so sure about that?"
The Great Poet placed his wine glass on the stone table and leaned forward slightly.
While the former statements were mere speculations that no one could confirm, the last statement, "Loki McCassy currently lacks military might," was astonishingly accurate.
The reason he had come to Herlrom Prison was to acquire the power to counter the Cardinal.
Lanchi was curious as to whether Pranae had seen something through his unstable, intermittent future sight or clairvoyance, or if there was another reason.
Pranae hesitated for a moment as he gazed at the black-haired, green-eyed figure listening intently, his expression serious.
The new king's eyes seemed to convey complete trust in his words, without a hint of doubt or skepticism.
Pranae had prepared himself for the possibility of his ideas being rejected.
Now, however, he felt a bit hesitant to continue.
This trust and respect were somewhat overwhelming.
But under the gaze of those expectant emerald eyes, Pranae took a deep breath and decided to press on, "If Loki McCassy were to truly obtain this military might, providing him with the strength to maintain the stability of the Protoss Empire and prevent it from being overturned, and if he is truly loyal to the Protoss Empire, he will become a significant variable in the downfall of the Protoss Empire's enemies... Once the enemies detect this sign, Loki McCassy's life will surely be in danger. There will be those who will stop at nothing to eliminate him, even if the cost and difficulty of doing so are high. They will still make the attempt."
Pranae believed that the reason Loki McCassy had survived until now was twofold. Firstly, in the eyes of the enemies lurking in the shadows of the Protoss Empire, Loki McCassy's current threat was not significant enough to warrant his elimination.
Secondly, Loki McCassy's rise to power had been incredibly rapid and astonishing, making him an embodiment of unpredictability.
However, if Loki McCassy were to attempt to further associate himself with the Protoss Empire's top combat power, there would be those who would move to eliminate him before he could gain their support.
This was the delicate balance of power within the Protoss Empire at present.
Pranae's words hung in the air of the cold, frosty prison cell. He waited quietly for the new king's reaction, hoping that he would understand how slim their chances were of benefiting from the Protoss Empire's turmoil.
Even though it might not be what the new king wanted to hear, he felt compelled to speak, not just for his sister and his people but also because he did not want to see the young new king perish.
The black-haired, green-eyed figure picked up his wine glass and took a sip as he pondered Pranae's words.
He found that drinking wine did indeed have a certain appeal, provided he didn't use his body as the drinking vessel.
"I now think that if the king of the Demon World a hundred years ago had listened to you, the outcome might have been different.
The Great Poet looked at Pranae with a wistful gaze, a slight smile tugging at his lips, and said, "Every time I recall my first arrival at Herlrom City Station, the majestic brass band and the religious string instruments, the organ, and the constantly rising high notes create an urgency, as if the war would never cease. It leaves an impression of endless ascending tones, unsure when they will fall."
The weighty history of the Great Demon Tribe's holy war was ingrained in their bones, never finding solace in gentle melodies or harmonious chords.
Perhaps Pranae had hoped a hundred years ago that things could have been different, but sadly, no demon heeded his words.
However, things felt different now to Lanchi. He hoped that one day, upon returning to Herlrom City, he would hear this music conclude with a note of hope and liberation.
Pranae's eyes flickered slightly as he paused upon hearing the new king's response.
He fixed his gaze on the new king's eyes, wondering what he had seen and what thoughts were running through his mind.
Those clear emerald eyes, naturally imbued with compassion and contemplation, seemed to reflect the world. Pranae had never seen such eyes in any member of the demon tribe.
"...I don't deserve the king's praise, but I believe that if the king of the Demon World a hundred years ago had been you, even without my help, the outcome would have been different."
Pranae lowered his head to the black-haired, green-eyed figure before him and spoke softly.
If he hadn't misunderstood, the underlying meaning of the king's words was to place him as the second-in-command of the demon tribe.
But his response was also a hope that the king would spare him; he couldn't bear the weight of such expectations.
This left the Great Poet confused as he stared at Pranae for a long time.
"Pranae, come with me. Isn't it better for me to protect you?"
The Great Poet spoke slowly once more, posing a question.
"...Why are you so insistent on me, a useless and embarrassing member of the demon tribe?"
Pranae, who had not lifted his head, could still feel the intensity of the king's gaze, filled with favoritism, making him dare not meet those fiery eyes.
Only this ardor was undeniable, and it even made Pranae feel an instinctive assurance—even if he refused the king today, the king wouldn't harm him and would instead respect his choice.
Pranae's heart was filled with hope. In the midst of the flourishing Demon World, he had not encountered a ruler who believed in him.
Just as Pranae had let go of everything, he met the ideal new king in the worst of times.
The new king was determined to win over the Protoss Empire, but his stubbornness would likely lead to their complete annihilation once more.
Pranae's mind was in turmoil, unsure if it was the strong liquor disturbing his spirit or the enchanting music swaying his heart, but he found himself conflicted, wanting to follow the new king into the fiery path.
Not far away, by the stone table, Antanas quietly waiting took out a bag of biscuits from her pocket and shared half with Cynora, leaving her bewildered. Cynora had no idea how many snacks Antanas had smuggled from the prison, and why were they all edible?
Antanas had turned into a spectator, certain that the king's therapeutic words were about to begin.
The new king could have easily coerced or enticed Pranae into submission, but instead, he habitually preferred to conquer through emotions.
(End of Chapter)
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