First Arc (King of Euphorion) – 56. Declaration of War
The bright morning sun shone above Luminus City. The city was quiet, many residents were still asleep or just laying themselves on the bed. Last night they had just been partying till late at night and this was the first day of the new year, usually, everyone considered it a holiday.
In contrast to the quiet state of Luminus City, White Moon Castle's main hall was filled with nobles, ministers and military leaders who had lined up neatly waiting for the king to arrive. Many of them looked tired or still yawned due to last night's party. Some of them grumbled since the court had never been held on the first day of the new year before, especially with a sudden notice like this.
The main hall's door opened.
"The king has arrived!" announced one of the guards.
People who had lined up bowed to Angel as he entered the main hall and walked to the throne. He sat on the throne and looked at the centre of the hall which was filled with people.
"Thank you for your presence. Today, I want to announce something important and discuss it."
Some of them exhaled tiredly, while others put on lazy expressions when they heard he wanted to discuss heavy things on the first day of the new year.
"I want to announce that Pearl Gate City was destroyed last night, " he declared.
Suddenly the people's lazy faces and sleepy eyes turned shocked, their drowsiness disappeared instantly. The atmosphere of the room turned tense.
One of them stepped forward to get out of his line and nodded slightly to ask permission to speak.
"Your Majesty, Euphorion is not in a war, how could Pearl Gate City be destroyed overnight?" he asked in confusion.
"I have already investigated it, they have spread poison in Pearl Gate City and killed everyone in it without exception. Now the poison is still in the city, I have asked Gale's troops to forbid anyone from approaching it."
The whole room exchanged glances with a confused expression. If the news had just arrived last night, the troops who were checking the city should be just left this morning. Even though he ordered the northern border troops who were closest to the city to check them, they should arrive at noon. It was still early in the morning, but how could he possibly be so sure of Pearl Gate City's condition?
"Your Majesty, isn't it better to investigate it more clearly and wait for the report after the troops checked Pearl Gate City?"
"I've checked it myself," he replied.
Again, his words confused the entire room, last night he was celebrating the new year with them. Why did he say he already checked it?
Another nobleman stepped forward to get out of his line and nodded slightly to ask permission to speak.
"Is this the rebel's doing?"
"No, this is an attack from another kingdom. Therefore I need your agreement to make a declaration of war, " he replied.
The entire room was shocked by his words, people quickly muttered to each other until their sound filled the room like an orchestra and their expressions turned worried instantly. If this attack was really from another kingdom, it meant Euphorion was in a state of war emergency. But if this was only a conclusion based on one report without checking it. It was a reckless decision to make a declaration of war. But on the other hand, they also knew he was not the kind of person who did something without apparent reason.
Duke Nicolin stepped forward to get out of his line and nodded slightly to ask permission to speak.
"Your Majesty, may we know which kingdom is attacking us?"
"Asteria and-"
Before he finished his sentence, Gaia broke into the main hall followed by Frost, Flare and Gale. He gave Angel a quick nod.
"Your Majesty, as you expected they are attacking our Northern Outpost."
He stood up from the throne.
"We must leave now."
Despite his words, strangely he remained still and did not move from there, but it was the four elemental spirits who walked toward him.
He turned his gaze to Chancellor Allan.
"Send more supplies to the Northern outpost. I will leave this court to you."
Then he turned his gaze back to the centre of the main hall.
"Whether you agree or not, this kingdom's fate is determined by this declaration of war. One more thing, keep it as a secret what you will see next. If anyone spreads it, I will behead him, " he said in an emphatic tone.
His hands emitted the dark aura that enveloped him and four elemental spirits. In an instant, they were swallowed by darkness and disappeared in front of everyone.
The whole room was gasped in surprise without daring to make a sound. This was the first time they saw someone teleporting in front of them and more than that he not only teleported himself but also brought four people at once. Teleport was one of the most difficult high-level spells and required high concentration. In ancient times, there were only a few people who mastered this skill. This skill was also very dangerous, if the user's concentration broke in the middle of the spell, he would arrive at his destination in pieces!
Teleport was considered the most dangerous of all other skills because it allowed its users to attack from within easily. This skill was also one of the reasons why all castles must be protected by a Magic Shield. That's why Angel hid it. A king with teleporting ability was nothing more than a big threat to other kingdoms.
Now they understood why he was so sure with Pearl Gate City's condition because he had checked it last night.
As soon as Chancellor Allan returned to his sense, he moved forward to the front of the main hall and turned to face the people in the middle of it.
"I will hold a vote for His Majesty's declaration of war, " he said breaking the silence.
The whole room exchanged glances in silence with one thought 'can anyone refuse His Majesty request now?'. From Angel's reaction, they were sure he had checked it clearly, if he came up with a declaration of war it meant that the situation was severe and unforgivable. After a while and no one said anything, finally, Duke Nicolin took a step forward to represent the others.
"There is no need, we will agree."
"Are there any objections?" asked Chancellor Allan, sweeping his eyes across the hall.
The others answered him by shaking their head.
"I'll make the statement now, " continued Chancellor Allan.