"Yes, yes... I want the gold package for the maids. Huh? Costs 1,000 gold coins for a 2-month contract? Are you pertaining that this Grand Duke can't afford it?" Arceo's voice rose sharply which made the customer service behind the phone scared.
"N-no, Grand Duke. I'm just trying to make sure you want this package..."
Arceo smiled as he almost burst out laughing. "Okay, this gold package then?"
"No problem sir!"
In just a few moments, the Grand Duke almost used all his contacts.
Suddenly, a man with a metal red mask, blue trench coat, blue pants, gold necklace, and rings walked in front of Arceo. The man bowed in respect: "Father, the Council of Duke had been arranged and your presence is required. Grand Duke Mal wants to notify you that the King himself will attend."
'What does the king intend to do? I must notify the main body whatever the content of the Council of Duke has.'
Arceo looked at his son. Well, this body's son has a deadpan expression. "Okay..." Then he stood beside his son. "Shawn, did you perform well in the competition?" He asked in baritone
Shawn had a bitter expression. "4th place... The school's strongest student, the daughter of Marquis, and Extraordinary David are too strong for me."
"What rank is the strongest student in your University?"
"Noble..."
...
Capital of Zhao Kingdom.
In the utmost center, barricaded with a fifty-meter wall. A castle stood majestically inside. Statues of generations of kings could be seen just behind the gate of the fifty-meter walls.
The castle was made of stellar stones that could absorb the experience aura in the air to strengthen itself and also increase the experience aura density inside the castle.
Inside, there was a round table where eight people were talking.
"The demons had infiltrated the capital but we can't do anything to them. We can't afford to startle the snake."
"They're a lot more brazen now just because the King's father had chosen to retreat. Did they think that our kingdom is a pushover?!"
"Silence..." At the round table, a man in simple white clothes, yet a crown on his head, exuded an air of royalty.
His eyes were deep, his face sharp, and an aura of strong pressure surrounded him.
This man is none other than the current king of the Zhao Kingdom. A Beyonder expert.
"I don't know when exactly they would make their move. But there are also small skirmishes between our army and them...
"It's a battle of information. They infiltrated our ranks, but some of my men were keeping an eye on them. It's now a battle of information.
The other seven in the table had grim expressions. They are the king's confidants and advisors. Had the ability to influence the king's decision.
"My king, what is our next move now? It would be a disaster if the Abyss Ruler himself commands the army once the demons invade."
Another adviser in a red coat with long brown hair chimed. "No, if that really happens. Of course, there's no way the Supremes in this world and the former king Indra won't unite."
The king sighed helplessly; his previous majesty diminished. "Regarding that, I've already planned to talk in the Council of Dukes.
"I can't ignore the power and authority of those four.
"Why don't you reduce their power?" One of the advisors quietly asked.
The king became pensive and his lips creased to a weird smile. "That's unnecessary... Those four dukes check and balance each other. More so, Grand Duke Hal and the other one are on my side."
"Grand Duke Arceo was Neutral... These four dukes had a bunch of Saints serving them and could mobilize a team of Noble experts. This lineup is crucial for our battle against the demons. I can't tear my face with them at such a critical juncture."
The seven advisors of the king nodded one after another. Politics is nothing more than checks and balances.
The tension in the atmosphere gradually disappeared.
"Well, this meeting is dismissed. I need to talk with the Ancestor regarding the future and see if he could convince the Holy Father to take action."
...
The king walked past the room, leaving the advisors on their own. He removed the crown on top of his head and looked at the glistening blue and red gemstones in deep thought. Suddenly, the crown vanished as he stored it inside his storage space. "Being a king is just a thankless task. Do I want this throne or keep my freedom? This position is mere shackles that keep me in place. Fuck qi movement!"
An ugly expression appeared on the king's face, coupled with slow breathing and dilated eyes. His image was a sharp contrast when he was in the meeting room with his advisors.
In just a few minutes, he passed the royal kitchen. The smell of meat wafted in the air, and the sound of sizzling sounded. In the end, the king went past the busy maids who paid their respects as he passed by.
"I hope the Ancestor does something. Beyonders aren't the top fighters in the incoming war. Even with the addition of the qi movement, I won't really last against Ancestor-level experts."
The king arrived in the last visited corner of the palace. Suddenly, a green light flashed, silhouette transitioned to illusory... A few seconds later, he disappeared.
In another dimension, the king looked around, his eyes obedient, and his entire demeanor was respectful.
Around him, walls, ceilings, and the ground were made of transparent substances that constantly released bubbles. "Long live the Ancestor!" His voice echoed.
The silence shattered like a glass. The ground transparent substance parted, revealing a brown old coffin with a miniature apple design.
"Long live Ancestor!" The king's voice rose sharply.
As if to respond, the lid of the coffin creaked open. A hand first came out, then a figure stood up. He has a black ink star tattoo on his neck.
"Long live Ancestor!"
A loud thumping of heart, steadfast beats like an eruption of a volcano.
"What is it?" The figure in the coffin opened his eyes and contained the image of starry.