The Antagonist: The World Ends Theory
Chapter 11 - The High Court

The Ranunculus palace. The leading nobles as well as their successors had already come. They waited in a room until the King and the Crown Prince arrived.

"Greetings to the King and Crown Prince Ranunculus."

All the occupants of the room lowered their heads in greeting as the two important people came. When the King and Prince sat down. Officials and their children also sat down.

"We're going to talk about the attack by Freesia."

The situation began to stiffen as the King said his first sentence.

Is correct. Freesia Kingdom.

A kingdom in the north with a large amount of weaponry. Therefore the King asked Agapanthus for help to fight Freesia later.

The reason they didn't ask Vinca or Hortensia for help was because these two regions didn't have good connections with them. In addition, the fact that they had once fought with swords was still quite imprinted and it was written in history.

Also, the truth about the previous King who had died. They are still looking into the cause of death that occurred in the region of Freesia.

Bodies can't testify, so the truth they never found.

"Incursions? What do you mean the fire in the southern forest?" Ask Grand Duke Harold.

King nodded.

About the fire, because the location is in the forest. Not many know about that. The distance is also very far from the settlement so that the smoke of the fire is not visible there.

Luckily one of the residents who was looking for wood saw this incident and reported it quickly so that the blackout occurred before the fire grew. Otherwise, it is certain that the fire will spread to the settlement and also the city center.

But they were still harmed because the forest burned a quarter of it. The forest was the source of life for the residents of Ranunculus. Fortunately, the problem is now well resolved.

"It seems they want to start a war sooner." Count Cheltics.

"Do we need to take action this time? It seems like lately they have become more aggressive to attack us. Did something happen?" Grand Duke Harold asked again.

At a glance, the King glanced at Duke Wayne who seemed to be still relaxed.

"Maybe." The King spoke briefly.

Indirectly the King insinuates someone. However, that person was still silent and continued to support his chin. It was as if today's meeting had nothing to do with the great tragedy that had ever happened.

The insinuation that did not reach it made the King sigh heavily.

He wanted to get Duke Wayne to return Freesia's weapons, so they could live in peace. But the King also knew that Freesia would ignite the war faster with their weapons.

Simalakam. Whatever the king does, it won't make this war end just like that.

"Duke Wayne, what's the matter with Freesia? It seems obvious that they were after your destruction earlier than the destruction of this Ranunculus." Said Grand Duke Harold.

"really. Could you have a personal problem with them?" Baron Llamante asked.

"If I say 'yes', will you all help me get this done?" Duke Wayne asked indifferently.

Hendrick next to him heard that, immediately a frown on his forehead. It was true that Freesia was so eyeing her father. But all this time, Hendrick did not know for sure what was the cause.

All consequences have a cause.

All causes will result.

The world is growing like a tree. Start from the roots, then grow stems and leaves. Then it will branch out, and it is on that branch that the flower will bloom. It ends with the birth of fruit in the flower.

In short, fruit cannot exist without the presence of roots as the reason it can exist.

Silence again surrounded the room.

Actually Duke Wayne wanted to take Clara and tell her the truth six years ago.

Is Clara still the old Clara? Why are they so different? I thought she was very different from Clara who was 'it'.

"My personal problems with Freesia, I alone will solve them. Whether it's with a white flag or not, you don't have to interfere."

The king regulated his breathing which began to be irregular. When he was still a prince, it was true that Duke Wayne was already in his current position.

His position as Duke has been too long, therefore some time away, Hendrick will replace him. Until that happens, he hopes Duke Wayne doesn't do more.

"Alright, we will take serious action if Freesia makes her move again. For the forest fire problem, today is the last discussion."

...****...

In the horse-drawn carriage. Hendrick stared hard at his father. But, Duke Wayne was still relaxed with the view of the sky that he saw outside.

"Dad, what kind of trouble do you have with the Northern Region?"

Duke Wayne took a quick glance and returned to look at the star-studded night sky. "Should you know? Didn't I tell you that this is Dad's problem."

"Why don't you want to say something? It's not like I'm an outsider meddling in Dad's business."

"You'll know later."

"Dad's always been like that, keeping everything alone. Dad's not someone who's gonna be able to hold all that, you know?"

A small laugh escaped Duke Wayne's lips. "Dad knows."

...****...

The Ranunculus Palace. After the meeting, Rovers and the King were still together in the room. They did not budge in the slightest after the nobles came out.

Rovers glanced at his father. "Dad, why was Dad staring at Duke Wayne back then? Does that 'something that happened' have anything to do with Uncle?"

The king chuckled, still long enough for him to abdicate and be replaced by this mere son of his puppet. But, he needed to learn even deeper about the meaning of life's struggles.

There are many people out there who commit crimes in order to get the welfare of the life they crave. The real example is Northern Territory, Freesia.

However, he also could not say that just yet, because it was not the time yet.

Conflict with the Northern Territory is not just a political game. There was something big behind it, which even the King himself had yet to get an answer about.

"Since the five regions of the Herbras continent stopped fighting and delivered peace missions, especially the Hortensia. Your grandfather once figured out something he shouldn't have to know."

Rovers was surprised. "Do you know why Grandpa died?"

Of course Rovers will ask, after all the death of his grandfather is not known the exact cause.

"Dad, this is just my thought. I thought that the cause of Grandpa's death was known to Uncle. Wasn't the last person with Grandpa Uncle?"

"That's what I've been thinking about all along. However, the old Duke looked silent. I also can't understand his mind. He's so close to us, but in fact he feels hard to reach by anyone."

"Maybe 'd Uncle cooperate with Freesia?"

The king shook his head. "That's impossible. Given that his head is the most targeted by Freesia. Impossible it's just a charade."

The King's gaze narrowed. "He's on our side. Just relax."

TB

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See you in the next chapter~