System vs Rebirth

Chapter 1425: Third Prince’s Choice

Unknown Palace.

The third prince had just read the report about the death of the second prince.

”Your Highness.” An old man bowed behind him.

”I have read the news. It looks like they’re doing it.” The third prince smirked.

”Yes, Your Highness. The western lords seem to be taking up their arms. His Majesty will definitely take advantage of this situation to send an army to the west to seize their power.

”By using that power, he can maintain a much more stable control over the kingdom.

”However, to defeat the western lords, he has to send the marshal. If he doesn’t, the expedition will result in failure.

”It’s not that he lacks force, but it’s because the arbiters have been controlled by Kevin Stargaze. After giving his position to his son, Kevin Stargaze fully focuses on the inquisition system.

”We don’t know how much he has prepared, but we should assume the arbiters won’t be useful. It means His Majesty doesn’t have anyone to rely on other than the marshal to take on this duty.

”That’s why this is a delicate time. If His Majesty sends the troops to the west, that means there are fewer soldiers to protect him in the royal palace. This is our opportunity to attack.”

The third prince agreed with this statement. However, he didn’t acknowledge it just yet. ”You missed one point. You didn’t take into account Marquis Ardagan.”

”!!!” The old man looked surprised. ”But Your Highness... Marquis Ardagan might not have the loyalty to the throne and has enough power to grab the throne for himself, but he’s not someone who will participate in this succession battle.

”I don’t think we have to worry about Marquis Ardagan. I believe he will be occupied by the northern lords. After all, the northern lords might have some idea of getting a piece of the kingdom.”

The third prince shook his head. ”Something is missing. Don’t you feel it? You should have gotten the report about his disciple going to the Marquis Stargaze’s territory. It looks like they’re gathering the northern lords there right now.

”If they planned to discuss something important, the marquis would have gone personally. Yet, his student was in charge of the discussion.

”It only meant two things. He had either a hidden intention or a hidden destination... or both.”

”Hidden intention?” The old man fell silent for a moment before coming to a realization. ”Don’t tell me... He’s going to stop us?”

”Isn’t that the only right thing to do? He has crushed the Supreme Devil Organization and forced them to retreat. The Tower Association had been weakened severely, especially after the loss of Light Lord and Fire Lord.

”The Demon Banner Army might not openly declare their alliance, but they are very close to him. That’s proven by how he managed to work together with them to crush the Supreme Devil Organization.

”In that case, the only thing that can threaten him is us. No. It’s the other way around. We’re the only target left in his eyes.

”Still, I don’t think the marquis has chosen anyone to have the throne. Unlike his father, who picked my side, he didn’t do that.

”If that’s the case, what will happen if we go to the capital city now? If he stops us, it will show that he has a candidate in mind. And he is so sure that this candidate can become a better ruler.

”On the other hand, if he doesn’t stop us, it means he has no intention of intervening.

”Of course, there’s also a chance that he’s planning to leave the throne empty. At the very least, he won’t have to worry about the threat on his back when dealing with the Supreme Devil Organization. After all, the people on his back will be busy with civil wars to get that throne.”

The old man was enlightened by his explanation. The situation had become clearer in his mind. He asked, ”In that case, will we still go to the capital city?”

”Of course. Even though the risk is high and there are so many variables, this is the perfect time for us to seize the throne. If we wait until the civil wars, it might end up forcing Marquis Ardagan to take action personally. After all, he doesn’t want this kingdom to collapse.

”That’s why no matter how high the risk is, we will have to go to the capital city and seize the throne now.

”Still, I feel like someone has been planning for this the whole time, and it’s not Marquis Ardagan. I can’t shake the feeling... It feels like the previous succession battle, but this time, the opponent is much tougher.

”It looks like we can’t do it in the old way. As much as I want to utilize my full power, we have to avoid the worst-case scenario.

”Marquis Ardagan might be trying to stop me. I can’t afford to be stopped. That’s why I want you to lead our people and head to the capital according to the original plan.”

”What about you, Your Highness?” The old man looked surprised.

The third prince squinted his eyes. ”I will use another channel to enter the capital city. I want you to be the bait. It will be good if Marquis Ardagan doesn’t try to stop us, but this is just in case.

”Anyway, I won’t be there to protect you, so make sure you retain most of our people and retreat if Marquis Ardagan is indeed involved. If not, regroup with me in the capital city.”

”I understand. Still, you have to be careful, Your Highness. The capital city still has the marshal.”

”I know. He might be strong because he has reached this stage for so long. However, I am not weaker than him. With my current strength, I can still kill him. But there’s no need to kill him, since he’s more useful when he’s alive.

”Also, monitor the movement of the Demon Banner Army. They have a very low chance to get entangled in this matter, but the chance is not zero after their cooperation with Marquis Ardagan not long ago. I will leave in two days.”

”Yes, Your Highness. I will prepare everything for you. I sincerely hope that I can call you ”Your Majesty” the next time we meet.” The old man lowered his head.