Chapter 544: Setting Aside

As Xuelun's voice fell, intense discussions erupted once again in the banquet hall.

Some said that Xuelun should become the new monarch to lead the Auduin Kingdom forward, as that was what the law dictated;

however, others raised objections.

Now that they were facing powerful enemies like the Telixiya Kingdom and the alien races, someone strong should ascend the throne to create a great empire.

Although Count Yiben was strong, he was far inferior compared to Luoning.

Therefore, this group suggested that Blanche should succeed to the throne, with Luoning serving as the regent to lead the nobles in conquering the four corners of the world.

As the parties involved, neither Xuelun nor Blanche expressed their stance; neither was particularly interested in being monarch, but both were supportive of whether their respective men could serve as regent.

They left the choice to Yiben and Luoning, but neither of those two expressed a stance either.

Listening to the discussions around him, Yiben had visited many nobles in recent days to secure benefits for Xuelun, and also for himself.

In order to gain supporters, the Tolansi Family had paid a significant price.

In contrast, Luoning had not moved about, and even though Lulansi had acted on his behalf, it was said that no price had been paid.

Yiben doing this was not because he truly wanted to fight for the throne.

He maintained his previous attitude: as long as Luoning wanted to compete, he would yield, and use this to secure as many benefits as possible for the Tolansi Family.

In any case, since the competition was based on the Kingdom's laws, Luoning would not vent his anger on them.

The argument lasted for Along time, but gradually, a third voice emerged:

At this moment, with His Majesty having passed away not long ago and enemies lurking outside, the priority for the nobles of the Auduin Kingdom was to deal with the external enemies and internal chaos, rather than arguing back and forth here about who should succeed to the throne.

As soon as Luoning heard this, he knew this voice had been spread by Lulansi, who had let those supporting the Wushan Family bring it up at the noble assembly.

Yet this sentiment was soon met with questioning—without a monarch, who would unify different opinions? Without a supreme decision-maker, who would settle disputes?

After another period of time, the elderly Valjisi Duchy rubbed his brow and patted the table; the *bang, bang, bang* sound caused the chaotic noise to cease.

"It is no solution for everyone to keep arguing like this. Since we either support Xuelun or Blanche, I think we should let the two of them state their positions?"

As he spoke, he seemed to recall that the two relied on Yiben and Luoning, and added: "Or let Yiben and Luoning speak a few words on behalf of your ladies?"

Valjisi actually wanted to support Luoning, but Lulansi had not yet expressed his stance.

Coupled with Luoning's distinct stance during the trial of Jialete just now, he decided to hear what the two had to say first.

Xuelun nodded toward Yiben, and the latter stood up and bowed.

"Thank you all for your support of Xuelun. As His Majesty's eldest daughter, she is indeed the first in line to inherit the throne according to the law."

Yiben acknowledged this first, but then his tone shifted: "However, considering the future of the Kingdom, I feel that what some have said is also very reasonable. The Legendary-level Duke Luoning can lead us further."

He looked at Luoning as he spoke: "So, why don't we hear Luoning's opinion first?"

Yiben was extremely cautious in his treatment of Luoning; he could not afford to offend Luoning thoroughly like Jialete had.

His current approach, while kicking the ball to Luoning, was a helpless move born of his own inner conflict.

Luoning smiled slightly.

Yiben had both invoked the law to acknowledge Xuelun's legitimacy and provided Luoning with a way out, ensuring the latter had a graceful exit regardless of what he said.

But Luoning did not want to follow the other's lead.

"Thank you to the many who support Blanche and affirm me. However, neither Blanche nor I are interested in the throne of the Auduin Kingdom."

Once these words were spoken, many were immediately astonished.

Even Yiben was stunned. What did this mean? To say this in public—could it be that Luoning really wanted Xuelun to ascend the throne?

His heart could not help but thump wildly, and he thought to himself: "Could it be that I am really going to be the regent?"

Luoning took out a piece of paper and said slowly:

"When His Majesty Bruno enfeoffed me as the Conqueror Duke in Mist City, he once privately made a request to me: to lead the nobles of the Auduin Kingdom to trample Telixiya and establish a great empire belonging to Auduin."

"At the same time, in return, he allowed me to choose territory after taking Dragon City to establish my own kingdom. This is the contract I signed with His Majesty."

As he spoke, he handed the paper in his hand to Valjisi, who was beside him.

The latter was surprised, as this matter was a private affair between Luoning and Bruno, and outsiders were unaware of it.

Valjisi took it and began to read, nodding involuntarily: "This is indeed His Majesty's handwriting, and it even has both their names signed, fingerprints pressed, and the seal stamped!"

As he spoke, he passed the contract paper to Gushan, who was beside him, and then it was passed down in a series.

At this, the expressions of many became fascinating.

So Luoning was planning to go out and strike out on his own?

Yiben took the contract and looked at the familiar handwriting on it, feeling that the paper was somewhat prickly.

It was not difficult to see from this contract that Luoning wanted to become a king himself.

In other words, he was interested in the throne.

When Bruno was alive, the other party could follow Bruno's arrangements due to many factors.

But if Bruno were replaced by Xuelun, would the other party still follow orders?

Moreover, once the other party became king at that time, what would the relationship between his country and Auduin be?

In Yiben's view, Luoning would absolutely not settle for being a mere king, let alone hand over all the enemy territory he conquered to Xuelun.

Conflict between the two sides was entirely foreseeable.

By then, with the prestige of Luoning leading the nobles in battle, plus his strength, he and Xuelun would certainly not be able to contend with him.

Thoughts flashed through his mind like lightning, and he said solemnly:

"His Majesty's dying wish was to destroy the Telixiya Kingdom and establish a new empire on the Orland Continent."

"I think some nobles were right just now: before fulfilling His Majesty's dying wish, it is inappropriate for us to discuss here who should ascend the throne."

Luoning was somewhat surprised; he and Lulansi had originally prepared to lead the topic to this point, but he had not expected Yiben to beat him to it.

After saying this, Yiben passed the contract to the next person.

"I think we should inherit the late King's will and elect Luoning as the Commander of the nobles to first lead us to trample the Telixiya Kingdom and eradicate all enemies. Only then will we choose the most suitable person to succeed to the throne based on military merit, prestige, ability, and many other factors."

He paused, then changed his tone: "Perhaps at that time, it should be called 'Emperor' instead?"

Everyone could not help but feel surprised by Yiben's stance.

Military merit, prestige, ability—which of these three standards was not tailor-made for Luoning?

One might ask, who could compare to the Commander of the Noble Allied Forces, the number one powerhouse, in these regards?

Such a statement from Yiben was tantamount to directly withdrawing from the struggle for the throne, and withdrawing very gracefully at that.

Luoning could not help but hold the other party in higher regard.

That Yiben could resist the temptation of power in such a short time, while also being able to make a decision so quickly, showed that he was truly a person of substance.

If there had not been such a vast disparity in their strength, there likely would have been a fierce confrontation between the two. (End of chapter)