Chapter 747: Chapter 265 Ultimatum
“Father…”
The dagger fell to the ground, its black and red aura retracting back into the blade.
Compared to the beginning, it had clearly grown significantly stronger.
Evidently, in a very short time, this power had continued to erode and assimilate considerable blood energy.
But with no target now, it seemed to 'play dead,' this source that led to the fall of the King of Athens reining in all aura, like just an ordinary weapon.
However, in the silent great hall, Andrea, who had witnessed it all, was clearly not deceived by its appearance.
Stepping forward, she grasped the sword embedded in the ground. In an instant, countless pieces of knowledge surged toward her, yet none seemed chaotic.
A mortal demigod's century of experience and wisdom were left here, and with them came a great power.
Though it couldn't compare to Theseus at his peak, it was enough to subdue Athens at this moment.
Even though there was more than one mortal demigod, it was indeed difficult to find a second one among the aristocrats of Athens.
“It's all because of it–”
Biting her lip, perhaps stirred by this power, Andrea instinctively grasped the sword with both hands.
Go to wuxiaworld.site
The blade fell, as if trying to vent her sorrow upon that small dagger.
The sound of the sword's swing echoed in the great hall, stirring clouds of dust.
But at the last moment of the clash, Andrea's sword stopped.
“Ha–Andrea, you need to calm down.”
“Even Father couldn't obliterate this power, so what good is shattering its vessel? That's a meaningless act and will only bring greater trouble…”
Taking a deep breath, she held back her sorrow.
Looking at the vacant seat before her, Andrea took a step back.
“Now, I have more important things to do.”
Theseus's death was just the beginning, Andrea knew as she stepped through the door, there would be no time to compose herself, and greater challenges would arise.
But as Father had said before…
“I have never killed anyone before.”
“But today could be the first.”
Her palm sweating as she held the sword, Andrea slowly turned around.
Then she pushed open the door and walked into the starlit night sky.
In the main hall of the Royal Palace of Athens, it was bustling with noise.
Compared to when she first arrived, the number of people had more than doubled.
Amidst the uproar and endless chatter.
Since Andrea went to see Theseus one last time, various speculations and news had continuously come from the outside.
People from all directions had arrived one after another, even the Earl whom she had previously stunned was present.
This lord, who once ruled a city-state, was evidently not a fool, just hadn't expected a traditionally kind-hearted princess to act suddenly.
So although his expression wasn't very pleasant, he could still muster the energy to wait for the King's summons.
At least until now, Theseus's condition remained unknown. Even though there were rumors of him being critically injured, it was still just hearsay.
Before accurate news arrived, no one dared to take action.
Step, step, step–
Another set of footsteps sounded, almost at regular intervals, bringing the latest news to this great hall.
The previous news had been the City of Eryxis declaring Theseus in defiance of All Gods, acting rebelliously, breaking away from Panhellenic rule, and restoring the kingdom's name.
Not long after, new information was delivered.
“Ladies and gentlemen.”
After conversing with the newcomer for a while, an elderly man turned to look at the numerous nobles awaiting news.
He sighed slightly and said solemnly, “According to the latest information, the situation is probably more troublesome than we thought.”
“Eryxis declared independence, the new king prayed in the temple to the Goddess of Agriculture and the Heavenly Empress, denouncing His Majesty with eighteen crimes.”
“Disrespecting All Gods, infringing upon demigod sovereign rights to rule their domains, supporting the trafficking of evil alchemy constructs, sheltering spellcasters who usurp power.”
“Colluding with non-human species, massacring civilians, restricting speech, and so on…”
“He claims Eryxis suffered under the tyrant's harm, and now can no longer endure, hoping the Heavenly Empress would uphold justice.”
“Almost simultaneously, the Kingdom of Argos under Mount Olympus endorsed this, as did the Kingdom of Pilos in the south of the continent and seventeen other city-states or kingdoms. However, they believe the accusations against His Majesty are inaccurate, as the eighteen crimes do not fully summarize all the wrongs.”
“So, do they say what they intend to do?”
With each sentence, the atmosphere in the room grew heavier. Finally, someone couldn't bear it and chose to ask.
The old man conveying the news sighed again and then slowly said, “Of course.”
“Relying on the connection between All Gods and their believers, it wasn't long before a final decision was made.”
“All the aforementioned kingdoms, city-states, numerous trade associations, and church bodies of All Gods jointly issued a statement. They declared that Theseus's actions threatened not only Athens but the stability of the entire human world.”
“And under His Majesty's rule, Athens was the source of all evil.”
“So they demanded His Majesty to abdicate, go to Olympia to stand trial, like Sisyphus of old, and accept the corresponding punishment; they also demanded we execute all spellcasters in Athens not belonging to priesthoods, and cut off trade with areas outside the domain of All Gods.”
“The Royal Family of Athens should allow city-states to regain autonomy, cease direct rule over various areas, and restore the original system; repay for past maritime trade actions to the Sea God Church, and establish the Sea God Temple in the city.”
“However, considering all crimes originated from His Majesty Theseus, countries decided to pardon followers and supported Prince Demophon in inheriting the throne of Athens. When there is guilt in the world, the guilt lies with the King.”
“All of the above demands for Athens to accept within three days, only then can the sins previously committed by His Majesty be ceased.”
Wow–
As the words fell, the room was in an uproar.
Before the news arrived, the nobles in the room might have had all sorts of guesses, but once such content was confirmed, suddenly many things no longer needed consideration.
Theseus was either truly critically injured or lost all his past combat prowess, otherwise, the countries wouldn't issue such stern warnings. Even if no one knew what happened in Eryxis, the result was already before them.
In an instant, some people secretly rejoiced, some remained silent. Some felt angry, and others helpless.
If Theseus could no longer show power rivaling the incarnations of All Gods, then the will of the Royal Family of Athens was already insignificant.
Now, with whichever attitude they held, they only needed to wait for the final piece of news, which was the stance of the church.
Olympus had deities, but they were far away; yet Athens also had gods, and they were close at hand.
But for some reason, though tonight was so lively, the church remained unnoticed until now. So far, only Andrea, who arrived recently, could be considered a member of the priesthood.
So, what did this mean for the church, did they possibly give up on Athens, implicitly acknowledging this defeat? That wouldn't be surprising.
After all, the life of gods is eternal, and history is not short of city-states that rise and fall. Sometimes gods intervene, sometimes they don't. If Athena chose to retreat this time, it was also a normal choice…
Creak–
The great hall buzzed with the elder's words, when suddenly, the sound of doors opening and closing from the rear side drew everyone's attention.
That was the way to the back hall, where Theseus resided upon returning to Athens.
Eyes filled with either expectation or fear converged, could it be that His Majesty had a backup plan, that he had actually recovered?
Or did he realize the situation was lost and chose to surrender?
People's feelings were complicated, like waiting for test scores, they hoped for unexpected outcomes yet feared below-average results.
Soon, when Andrea emerged from there, people simultaneously felt both disappointment and relief.
The best outcome was what favored oneself, next was one that held no immediate result.
Thus, when Andrea holding a sword emerged through the side door, this was the scene she saw.
Suddenly tense and then relaxed, most people's true emotions inadvertently showed at that moment.
Those who scorned her, supported her, loyal ones, rebellious ones, gripping the long sword, she stood there seeing it all.
“So, Mr. Morin.”
Speaking plainly, Andrea's hand trembled slightly, yet her voice remained very steady.
She looked at the old man who had spoken earlier, an elder retained since the previous King of Athens's time.
“I heard everything you just said. But if we choose to refuse, then what?”
“Then it means war, of course.”
The old man didn't speak; it was the Earl who'd previously blocked the road who responded.
That incident of being knocked unconscious by the princess had been witnessed by many and earned his friends' ridicule.
Naturally, he was angry, but the Earl couldn't do much. At this moment, as a skilled war professional, he clearly noticed Andrea's trembling hand.
Why was she like this? It was obvious. Theseus may truly be incapacitated, but she was still a priest of the Goddess, and he couldn't harm her.
So the Earl just gave a half-hearted smile and said, “Princess, I understand your anger.”
“But war is not child's play, nor is it as simple as ambushing a loyal subject. Your Highness, as a Godhood Practitioner, perhaps you should return to The Temple and await the will of the Goddess.”
“When that time comes, we will all quietly listen to you.”
“And what about now? If without the Goddess's will, I choose to refuse now?”
Trying her best to stay calm, Andrea's hand seemed beyond her control.
She could only maintain a level tone as she conversed with the people in front of her.
“Then how unfortunate, Your Highness, your words wouldn't count.”
The Earl smiled as he spoke, Andrea's gaze drifted to the people present.
Even though some supported her, the Earl was right, such matters were not something a princess could resolve alone.
Andrea understood, just as her father finally said, in this world, only power was the ultimate authority.
So taking a deep breath, not sure if she was asking others or herself, Andrea finally asked.
“So, Mr. Morin, and everyone present, in Athens, are only the orders of the King and the Gods executed…”
“Of course not.”
Sighing slightly, the elder who initially relayed the news gently shook his head.
“Your Highness, it's only kings like His Majesty Theseus, and gods like Lady Athena, who can command the entire Athens.”
“Is that so?”
“Then I understand.”
White fingers gripped the sword hilt, Andrea gently nodded her head.
“Father was right, you're right, too.”
“If that's the logic of this world, then from today onward, let me be a King like my father.”
Ripping–
Raising the sword, pressing down slightly. Amidst the stunned gazes in the room, Andrea's swinging sword cut across the air.
Although not fast, it was steady. Andrea gave the opponent enough time to react, because she wasn't killing for the sake of killing, she was informing them, I am capable of killing.
Taking the first step, then the second, and third.
Her sword shattered the Earl's resistance, slicing across his neck. In those moments, Andrea felt the sword seemed slightly stronger.
However, she didn't stop, but instead raised her sword again.
Her hands no longer trembling, she saw the nobles present seemed to understand what she intended to do.
Some retreated, others in fury prepared to act, while some were puzzled, or showed pleased expressions.
But regardless of the reaction, the guilty must die.
Andrea didn't care much about Athens' existence, but she couldn't allow carrying eternal infamy after her father's death.
The sky was nearing dawn, the Night Lady's power already descending.
The figure of the Dawn Goddess danced on the horizon, bringing some light.
At this moment, not far from the Royal Palace in the City of Athens, Laine, entering through the city gates, was stirred, looking from afar.
Though he had left Athens in the past, it didn't mean he had no contact with Andrea.
On the contrary, because of a symbol he'd given Andrea, the little princess had frequently communicated with him.
Problems in life she didn't understand, things that displeased her, and hearing Laine tell stories from the outside world… Laine hadn't hidden it, openly admitting his 'demonic believer' identity.
Until recently, upon receiving the news of Theseus's grave injury, Andrea likewise sought his help immediately, though Laine was already aware of it.
“The Midgard Serpent could actually save Theseus, but it's a bit troublesome. Yet without even attempting, I know he wouldn't accept it.”
“After all, human nature is human nature, malice is malice, I do as I please, but to have malice save a life means paying the price of everything for Theseus.”
“Yet it's precisely this 'Greater Humanity Ideology' that allowed the King to reach this point.”
“Extreme emotions, unwavering beliefs, if not for these, he couldn't have come this far. In such circumstances, how could he possibly become a puppet of demons?”
Shaking his head slightly, for Theseus, Laine felt neither regret nor otherwise.
His death was wrought by All Gods, and his choice caused it; Demophon's betrayal wasn't a result overnight.
But in any case, Laine still needed to go to the Royal Palace of Athens. After all, what the Prophecy had once revealed was gradually becoming real.
Chapter end
Report
|
Donate
Oh o, this user has not set a donation button.
|