No secret stayed hidden for long inside the royal palace. Even though Mermeon's retirement hadn't been officially announced, those paying attention quickly found out.
"Why would the new king allow this?" many questioned in disbelief.
Everyone knew the king relied on Mermeon to maintain stability. Without him, the young monarch couldn't control the clans and sects on his own.
"Maybe the new king wants to eliminate any opposition. After all, Mermeon is still part of the old regime. With him around, the king can't have full autonomy," someone speculated.
"Without Mermeon, I doubt he can even keep the throne, or his own life, let alone have a real reign," a sect master mocked.
"If that's the case, then this new king is really foolish. Not that we should be surprised, I mean, did you see that ridiculous coronation?" a cultivator laughed.
