[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-reborn-king":3,"chapter-the-reborn-king-the-reborn-king-chapter-138":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Reborn King",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1100758,1437,"Chapter 138: The Kings Baquet","the-reborn-king-chapter-138",138,"\u003Cp>\"What have you done?\" Saladin walked into Mother’s room without knocking. The woman looked at him in annoyance, but she had expected this to come about. She smiled offering a seat and pouring him some tea. Saladin stood still, glaring at her for a couple of seconds, but took a couple of deep breaths taking a seat. If she didn’t give an answer he wanted he was willing to abandon her cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aseel, who heard the loud entrance came in with his hand on his saber. Seeing Saladin he watched him with cold eyes. \"Saladin.\" Mother spoke in a soft voice. \"I know you’re mad for being left out of the loop regarding this but it was necessary. I know you are loyal, but not everyone who is with us can be trusted as you can.\" Mother started off trying to think of a lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me now. Why you did this.\" Saladin didn’t budge under her flattery and Mother could only sigh, taking a sip of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To create unrest.\" She looked towards Aseel who still had his hand on the hilt of his saber and touched it calming it. His eyes changed instantly, going warm. \"The Empress’s arrival has changed the dynamic of the city. People are more likely to toe the line with her here. We can’t have that. Through this, we force their hand to enact Martial Law.\" Mother lied easily. She wanted Aseel to kill the man he deemed dangerous, not expecting him to fail. She trained him from birth to be her protector and soldier. It was unforeseen but she got an unexpected result from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With martial law, people will become restless and eventually see that we are right. That the Empire wishes to take away their liberties and control their every move. A few speeches and subtle influencing to reinforce this and soon the people will rally behind us in mass.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t mind showing her more cruel side to Saladin. The man was a soldier. He knew cruelty. She also needed someone like him to be in the loop of her more heavy-handed ways. Whilst she loved Gregor and valued him greatly, he was someone too pure to know of this side of her. She wanted him to see her as a kind woman. She wanted his soul to remain clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saladin remained staring at her with hard eyes but eventually looked away with a deep exhale. \"I understand. But you have seriously made things harder with this. My men can’t move as freely and now weapons are banned from being carried in public.\" He shook his head. \"Next time. You tell me when you want to do something like this. I can provide loyal men to help with it, but no more secrets when dealing with the Empress or we walk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saladin gave his ultimatum and although Mother didn’t like it she nodded. She needed him and although he believed in her vision, she could see that he was not willing to take risks if she wasn’t going to keep him in the loop. Whilst she didn’t like it she also valued it. She couldn’t have blind followers and needed a man like him who she could let in on everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m sorry.\" Mother bowed her head slightly and apologized. Saladin looked at her and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as we have an understanding. Now about what you wanted.\" He moved on the conversation quickly. \"The books have been planted. We couldn’t get all with your actions but we got most. Martial Law will have the nobles watched heavily now and it shouldn’t be strange if the Empire finds a couple of them soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mother clapped her hands together and smiled. \"Wonderful.\" She could already imagine the Empire making a spectacle of them. \"Can you do another thing for me?\" Mother asked in a tone lacking commanding authority. \"Look into one of those three. They have gone missing.\" Saladin nodded and before he could stand Mother spoke again. \"Also. Look into an old man. A noble. He must have arrived with the Empress. Aseel here said he is dangerous. More than anyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saladin looked at her for a second and nodded. Getting up his mind was in thought about old men who were dangerous within the Empire. Having been with Aseel for a couple of days previously, he knew the man’s sense of danger and understood that the man must have been dangerous if he said so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind instantly thought of the Old Snake of the Emipre but he wasn’t sure yet. He was a rumor for people like him, and although he didn’t doubt someone like him worked for Alfred, he was more of a myth for anyone outside of the nobility. He didn’t even know his name, only the nickname.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Horace walked into a grand hall of the Commonwealth Palace alongside Oskar. The man looked around and marveled at it. Although he felt Alfred’s was nicer, the architecture was amazing here. Whilst doing this he made sure however to find quick escape routes if the worst was to come. He was very deep in enemy territory and couldn’t bring a weapon with him. A tiny bit of poison was in his pocket in case he couldn’t escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oskar watched him and smiled, thinking he was taken aback but its gradure, having come from a small family. \"Amazing isn’t it,\" Oskar said, and Horcae nodded. \"It’s very unlikely someone of your rank could come here Jedrick, but Snowid needs to talk to all the nobles today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do wonder what he will say. But I guess we all have an idea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With so much unrest, it would be strange if he didn’t say anything. Still, Snowid is an intense man, even from a distance, so be careful.\" Horace heard his words and gave a small nod. He couldn’t understand Oskar’s thoughts lately. Did the man still think he worked for Snowid or not? He had been more open with his criticisms but never too much. Was he confident he could say things now or was everything that was happening letting him be so open? He knew Oskar wouldn’t do that without his family’s approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now entering the heir to Laska. Oskar Laska.\" A servant called out as the two entered. He knew his identity wasn’t worthy of his name being called and was thankful. His father had warned him to not attract Konrad’s attention and if his name was called it meant that he would be straight in his sights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oskar walked in and saw his uncle. \"Excuse me Jedrick, I must go talk to someone.\" Oskar quickly scurried off. Grabbing a drink Horace looked around. He saw the man he wanted to approach so walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Marquees Marszalek.\" Horace walked over flashing a polite smile and giving a light bow. The marquees looked at him with a smile that quickly fell, his eyes going cold. He looked to find Oskar by his side and not seeing it smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What was it again? Count Kos. Forgive me. I don’t remember your name.\" Horace internally scoffed. The man definitely remembered him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mikos your grace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right. How silly of me.\" He playfully laughed it off. \"I see you don’t have your guardian with you.\" The nobles with the Marquees chuckled at his words and Horace could only laugh slightly in with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My friend had to speak with someone so I thought I should come over and pay my respects to your great self. After all, a man of such integrity who supplies our armies is no one to scoff at.\" Horace turned to the other nobles. \"When we hold weapons of the Marszalek on the border, it’s almost like they fight with us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words got chuckles from the others who quickly tried to suppress them. The Marquees gave a hard look at them but quickly brushed it off. \"I am hardly deserving of such praise from a man who diligently defends us from the Empire. No matter how small their family is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you. I wouldn’t know what we would do without you helping us so faithfully. I wonder if those pirates are scared when they see your family’s fine weapons. Or do you think they are terrified of our soldiers?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquees grabbed Horace’s firm but thin arm playfully, squeezing it. \"I’m sure they tremble when you approach.\" Another round of light laughs went around. \"Tell me, Mikos. Why have you approached me.\" The Marquees asked with a serious tone and Horace smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For one reason. But it shouldn’t be said here.\" He looked at the others. The Marquees gave a glance at them before looking at Horace. He weighed up whether Horace was worth the effort, but knowing his connection to Oskar he assumed it had something to do with him. he didn’t believe that the two were friends, instead Horace being his lackey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excuse me, gentleman.\" Horace led the Marquees to a secluded area away from the eyes of others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle.\" Oskar gave a slight bow and Aleksander turned to him. \"What is it you wished to tell me.\" With one look from Aleksander the others with him tactfully walked off, leaving the two alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I looked into your friend.\" Osakr nodded, paying full attention. \"A Jedrcik Mikos exists. Thirty years old. A man with no political ambition. Lathargic and boring.\" Aleksander started listing off qualities that didn’t apply to the Jedrick Oskar knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That doesn’t make sense at all. That man is too acute and savvy.\" Oskar said getting a nod from his uncle. \"Is he one of Konrad’s men?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Likely but unconfirmed. Everything he told you about the family is true and it’s a perfect disguise. But he isn’t who he claims to be. Be wary of him and do not say anything that could give away anything. He is dangerous and approached you for a reason.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aleksander said with a deadly serious voice and Oskar agreed. \"I’ve made sure to keep what I think to a minimum until recently. I needed him to be off guard so sprinkled a few empty words that all the nobles have echoed recently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s fine. Finding out if he is one of Konrad’s men is impossible without drastic measures. So try and find it subtly.\" He paused and thought of a way to help Oskar. He knew Konrad better than his nephew. He knew how his people acted. \"Did he ever carry weapons on him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, but hidden. Nothing for battle, but he had them. I could only tell after our third meeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A hallmark of one of his men.\" He took a deep breath, trying to think. \"See if he carries poison. Konrad hides behind that smile of his, but he is the most ruthless man in the Commonwealth. If his men can’t get away then they must be silenced. Try and probe him for information. Anything that will go against his narrative.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s harder than finding poison uncle. He can lead conversations any way he wants and always worms his way out of difficult talks.\" Oskar paused. \"You should try. I know you’re better than me at these things. We can make it natural. Approach me later. In the meantime, I will try and find what you want.\" Aleksander paused for a minute but eventually agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay. I will wait for after the King’s speech. It should give you time.\" Oskar smiled and the two moved on the conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\" Outside on a small terrace, the Marquees bluntly asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know you already know how my relationship with the Laska’s is already,\" Horace said in a subservient tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha.\" With a small scoff, the Marquees shook his head. \"It’s obvious. As if someone so low could be close to such a great family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then this makes things easier. His Grace has left his son in charge of... how should I put it? Keeping tabs on the nobility during our moves against the Empire.\" His words shocked the Marquees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You must be trusted if you know about that.\" Horace nodded.’It’s confirmed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The thing is, with the pirate invasion, he wishes to know if the weapon shipments to the rebellion will slow. Under the king’s order of course. As you know this isn’t something he can openly ask you in case the wrong ears here.\" Marquees gave an understanding look and sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Horace felt good seeing this. The Laska family was known to be one of Snowid’s most loyal houses, willingly giving them a place on the council. It wasn’t strange for them to be heavily involved in supporting the Empire rebellion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Duke was right to have you talk about this instead. Word spreads quickly whenever two great houses talk in public. The King is adamant on keeping the shipments flowing but he can’t push off the conflict on the coast. He wishes to use another family to help ease this burden.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So the Duke’s investments are safe.\" It was a bluff he hoped would work. Knowing if the Laska’s are involved would give him a scope of how big the operation was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For now yes.\" The Marquees didn’t hesitate. \"But in the future, I can’t say. The King is losing support right now. His hand may be forced.\" Horace nodded having what he needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Your Grace.\" Horace gave a bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquees smiled seeing this. \"There is one thing.\" In a quick action, he grabbed Horace by the throat pinning him to the wall. He was a strong man despite never needing to go to war. \"If you weren’t the Duke’s pet, I would have skinned you already. Watch your word going forward. Next time, it won’t be a threat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Horace nodded and only then was his throat released. \"Forgive me. I meant no harm by them.\" He touched his neck and gave a deep bow. With a scoff, the doors opened and Horace was alone. He struggled to hide his smile knowing he got everything he needed. Now it was time to sow discord.\u003C\u002Fp>",2347,"2026-06-03T11:17:48.774Z","2026-06-03T11:17:51.400Z",1,"novelbin.me","368afdd3b7d99f5243c1078e83e7a2c4e58dae6178d5043da388697024552fc0","the-reborn-king-chapter-139","the-reborn-king-chapter-137",487,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-reborn-king-cover.jpg"]