Everyone lowered their heads. No one dared to speak. Yuven looked at them coldly, his gaze filled with disappointment and exasperation. Even the generals had become submissive during Tigerus’ takeover. There was no courage to be seen anymore.
Yuven understood that further discussion would yield no results, so he said, “You are all free to go. Focus on your tasks and protect your designated areas. Any attempts to flee will be met with no mercy.”
“Understood!” The generals made their exit. Soon, Yuven was the only one left in the hall, a worried look on his face.
“Dad…”
Right then, Ivasha ran in. Behind her were Viola and the disciples of Emerald Cauldron Sect.
“Ivasha!” When Yuven saw his daughter, he quickly ran over to hug her. Yuven had been worried sick about Ivasha the entire time.
After conversing with Ivasha, Yuven turned to Viola and said, “Ms. Warwick, I will always remember the kindness of Emerald Cauldron Sect. If your sect ever requires my assistance, please understand that I will wholeheartedly do my utmost to help. However, Norwal City’s army is advancing, poised to besiege Imperial Beast City at any moment. I regret that I won’t be able to offer you a hospitable reception. I implore you to depart swiftly to avoid getting caught in the conflict.”
“King Yuven, I didn’t bring my men solely to accompany Princess Ivasha home. We came here with the intention of offering assistance wherever possible. If I were to stand idly by while Imperial Beast City faces an assault from another city, Jared would undoubtedly be displeased if he learned of my inaction,” Viola said.
Hearing that, Yuven smiled wryly. He understood what Viola meant. Since Viola was one of Jared’s women, Imperial Beast City was essentially one of Jared’s regiments.
Both Emerald Cauldron Sect and Imperial Beast City belonged to Jared. Therefore, what they needed to do now was become allies.
“Thank you, Ms. Warwick.” Yuven nodded.
“Mr. Samoll, take charge of Emerald Cauldron Sect’s disciples and commence the production of pills. When the battle commences, we anticipate a substantial number of casualties,” Viola ordered.
“Understood,” Ghaylen replied.
“Sigurd, Zebediah, take ten disciples each with you to patrol the city walls. If you find any casualties, administer treatment for them right away,” Viola continued.
“Understood!” the two men said. When Yuven saw how composed Viola was in issuing her commands, he felt a flicker of hope burn in his heart. With the addition of Emerald Cauldron Sect, they would certainly suffer fewer losses.
Right then, a few guards ran into the hall, all of them covered in blood and in a disheveled state. Upon spotting Yuven, they promptly got to their knees and reported, “Your Majesty, our five messenger teams were intercepted and slain. We’re the only survivors who managed to return.”
“What? How could this happen? I thought I told you to leave the area through the secret tunnels!” Yuven exclaimed.
“The people of Norwal City had already set up ambushes in the secret tunnels. They know the existence of the tunnels!” the guard explained.
Yuven grew enraged. “This must be the work of the traitorous Tigerus! It looks like King Lucian knows all the secrets of Imperial Beast City…”
“Dad, what’s going on?” Ivasha asked.
“I’ve dispatched my men outside the city in an attempt to communicate with the other kings and archons, apprising them of the situation here. If they realize the potential benefits, they may decide to send their armies to this location. This will deter King Lucian from any impulsive actions. If he persists in attempting to invade Imperial Beast City, he’ll incur substantial losses as well. Ultimately, those who remain uninvolved in the conflict will reap the greatest rewards. That was my intention: to compel King Lucian to withdraw. Little did I expect him to make preparations in advance for such a scenario…”
Yuven frowned, not knowing what to do anymore.
