“I really can’t do it! Logan, the throne belongs to you!” Austin was growing anxious.
“Alright, that’s enough. We’ll talk about this later. With so much trouble we’re facing, our immediate priority is to resolve all these issues.” Dustin changed the subject.
“Logan, as long as you take charge and stabilize the situation, I will assist you wholeheartedly!” Austin said with utmost sincerity.
“I can’t show myself yet.”
Dustin shook his head and explained, ” Julius and his group are still unaware of my return, so they are not on high alert. I can react in time if they harbor any ill intentions.
“Not to mention, the remnants of the Dragon Guard are still lurking in the shadows. I need to find an opportunity to eliminate them all!”
“I see.”
Austin quickly grasped the situation and said, “I understand. I will act as the spokesperson of the monarchy while you unravel all the conspiracies.”
“Good, it’s settled then.” Dustin nodded.
“Oh, right. There’s this.” Austin suddenly took out a gold emblem and handed it to Dustin.
“This is my military badge. You’ll be able to command 800 of my death warriors with it. It should be of help during a crucial moment.”
Austin’s 800 death warriors were all the cream of the crop. Since the day he was born, his mother had trained them in secret, accumulating strength to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
Twenty years later, these warriors had grown into a formidable force.
“Alright. I’ll hold onto the badge for now and return it to you later.” Dustin accepted.
Even though he had Grace’s support, it was still not enough to deal with the remnants of the Dragon Guard. With Austin’s army, both sides were finally on a level playing field.
“Austin!” Suddenly, they heard someone shout from the door.
Eloise had returned, hastily rushing into the funeral hall. Dustin immediately put on his mask and stood to one side, pretending to be a guard.
He could be honest with Austin because he trusted him as a brother, but he still didn’t trust Eloise fully.
“Mom, didn’t I tell you to go and rest? Why are you back?” Austin was puzzled.
“There’s trouble outside!”
Eloise entered the funeral hall with a grave expression. “I just received news that half of the Eight Sovereigns have declared their independence and won’t obey orders from the monarchy from now on!
“They’ve also assembled their armies, preparing for a direct confrontation with the castle!”
“What? Declared independence? How dare they?” Austin’s expression darkened.
“They’ve initiated a rebellion right after Father’s passing. Do they really think we’re easy targets? Mom, fetch me the military insignia. I’m going to lead the troops to suppress them personally!”
If it were just a minor disturbance, he might have overlooked it. However, with the Four Sovereigns declaring independence, it amounted to an open rebellion. It was an intolerable act!
“Absolutely not!” Eloise quickly stopped him.
“The Four Sovereigns each control significant military forces. Once a war breaks out, it will inevitably result in a devastating loss of life!
“Moreover, the Black Dragon Army must secure the major fortresses. If internal strife occurs, the Western savages will seize the opportunity to invade!
“When that happens, the whole West Lucozia will be plunged into dire straits!
“Then what should we do? Are we just going to let them trample on us? Austin frowned.
“I’ve already sent envoys to negotiate. We’ll try to appease them as much as possible. After your father’s funeral, you will ascend to the throne immediately as the new Prince of West Lucozia.
“If those people have any sense, they will naturally surrender,” Eloise stated.
“Mom, I don’t think things are that simple.” Austin shook his head. Contemplating, he said, “It shouldn’t be a coincidence that the Four Sovereigns are rebelling simultaneously.
“There must be someone manipulating them behind the scenes. They’re obviously trying to force us to stand down!”
