Chapter 511: The Struggle Between the Princes

The facts proved Shengzai’s guess correct: after Re Buen and Zanak returned to sort out numerous matters, they were stunned to discover that Lana had set them up with many traps.

With Shengzai’s warning, Zanak had already eliminated many dangers; as for Barbro’s side, he could only leave his elder brother to fend for himself.

“My sister is far more terrifying and dangerous than I imagined—just to make Shengzai, whom she favors, king, she shows no mercy even against her own elder brothers…”

Because of this incident, Zanak’s relationship with Shengzai improved considerably, and Zanak gained deeper insight into his sister’s madness and darkness.

Now, back to the present, Zanak stared at the old king—was his obstruction of Barbro leading troops to rescue Gajef truly just to prevent him from gaining glory?

That was only one aspect; the other was Zanak’s fear that once Barbro set out, he would never return.

Shengzai certainly wouldn’t act against Barbro, but their beloved sister Lana? That was another matter…

Although Zanak competed with Barbro for the throne, he had not sunk to the cruelty of fratricide; moreover, he was confident that, with Shengzai not vying for the throne, he could easily outmatch his mediocre elder brother.

Zanak had originally acted out of good intentions, yet now he received no gratitude from Prince Barbro—on the contrary, the crown prince believed Zanak feared his glory and, even at the cost of favoring Shengzai, refused to let him go.

Just as Prince Barbro was about to speak again, a guard rushed in urgently and reported that Commander Gajef had returned.

Hearing Gajef had returned safely, the old king was overjoyed and immediately ordered him brought to the grand hall.

When the royal ministers saw Gajef, battered and bloodied, arrive at the palace with Nigen, captain of the Sunlight Scripture, and heard his full account of events, they all froze in shock.

“So this entire affair was a plot by the Church State—they disguised themselves as Imperial soldiers solely to kill you, then frame the Empire to provoke war between the two nations.”

“And your safe return was entirely because Shengzai anticipated the danger and hired powerful adventurers to assist you?”

Hearing Gajef’s account of the peril, the old king let out a deep breath of relief.

Shengzai truly is the pride of our royal family! His two worthless elder brothers were just moments ago fighting desperately before him for glory and recognition.

Yet Shengzai, who never showed up, neither competed nor claimed credit—he had already resolved everything while they were tearing each other apart.

Had Shengzai not intervened, and had Gajef truly been killed by the Church State, King Labossa III could easily foresee how direly their kingdom would be placed.

First, Gajef is our Ri Ye Sitijie Kingdom’s “strongest warrior”—his death would be a massive blow to the kingdom.

Moreover, our kingdom has long been at war with the Empire; if it became known that our warrior chief died at the Empire’s hands, we would never let it pass.

In the end, our kingdom and the Empire, exhausted by war, would only benefit the Church State, allowing it to solidify its dominance over humanity.

“Your Majesty, I believe we must demand an explanation from the Church State; otherwise, they will grow ever more reckless.”

“Your Majesty, I think directly confronting the Siren Church State is unwise.”

After all, the Siren Church State remains the most powerful nation on the continent; its elite force, the Six Color Scripture, is said to include numerous heroes.”

If we truly provoke them, with our kingdom’s current strength, we fear…

After Gajef’s return, the focus of the ministers’ and nobles’ discussions shifted.

Since the Siren Church State was founded by the legendary “Six Gods,” its foundation is astonishing, and for centuries it has maintained leadership over humanity.

Though the kingdom’s people were furious at being manipulated, many nobles feared that if they pushed the Church State too far, it might label them heretics and eradicate them.

Our kingdom’s power has indeed grown steadily, but how many heroes do we have in total?

Warrior Chief Gajef is one, Third Prince Shengzai is another, and the Steel-Rank adventurers the Crimson Rose and her team count as well—barely enough to fill two hands.

But the Siren Church State? They say even their “Black Scripture” consists entirely of heroes, with beings like “Divine Children” and “Semi-Gods”—what can our kingdom possibly do against them?

As the hawkish and cautious factions argued fiercely, Gajef, kneeling on one knee, hesitated briefly, then spoke: “Your Majesty, perhaps this matter should be entrusted to Third Prince Shengzai?”

As King Labossa III’s most loyal guardian, Gajef had always strictly upheld his principles, never interfering in politics, only responsible for the king’s personal protection.

Yet this time, he had uncommonly offered his opinion, surprising Labossa III greatly.

Yet considering Gajef might be repaying a debt, and recognizing that Shengzai’s ability and talent far surpassed his other two foolish sons, Labossa III paused, then nodded in agreement.

After the imperial council ended, Barbro left with a sour expression, feeling his father now favored Shengzai more than ever because of this incident.

His rightful throne now seemed even more precarious.

Second Prince Zanak’s expression was also grim, for he had intended to claim the negotiation with the Church State—it was precisely his strength.

“Why did you stop me just now? Securing the negotiation with the Church State would have greatly benefited me, wouldn’t it?”

In response to Zanak’s accusation, Lord Re Buen shook his head: “Your Highness, believe me, negotiating with the Church State is no easy task.”

Ask for too little, and the nobles will be dissatisfied; ask for too much, and you’ll offend the Church State, only to be later sacrificed as a scapegoat.”

Third Prince Shengzai is best suited for this task—he has no interest in the throne and never gives the nobles any face.”

Moreover, the Sunlight Scripture members are effectively Shengzai’s prisoners; no matter how he deals with them, no one dares complain.”

Your Highness need only focus on dealing with Prince Barbro—indeed, you need not even act much; the throne will eventually be yours.”

As he spoke, Lord Re Buen added silently to himself: “Of course, assuming Third Prince Shengzai truly has no interest in the throne.”

(End of Chapter)