Chapter 407
407 – Bigwigs
When Han Shuo obtained the information that he couldn’t enter the next level before becoming a sacred magus necromancer, he didn’t force matters and withdrew along his original path.
Numerous magical spells and practice methods had been imprinted on Han Shuo’s mind. However, if he wanted to succeed in practicing all of them, it wasn’t an easy thing to do. Hence, Han Shuo didn’t stay in the Cemetery of Death any longer and instead returned to his mansion in Ossen City through the teleportation array.
Having left Ossen City for a few days, Han Shuo sought out Steward Kallas once he returned to find out what has been happening in Ossen City.
King Uhtred has already made known his stance in the last few days. He had steeled his heart to help Lawrence ascend the throne. The entire Lancelot Empire was momentarily in shock, unable to understand why Uhtred made this decision.
When the Dark Mantle Organization, King Uhtred’s hand in the shadows, suddenly having closer relations with Lawrence, many already guessed that they were also leaning toward Lawrence. The Empire’s legendary figure sacred swordmaster Karel also no longer sat on the fence, finally announcing officially that he supported Lawrence to be the next king.
With King Uhtred’s help, Lawrence’s trusted aides gradually started to grasp power within the empire. His foster father and uncle Boris received important positions, becoming influential ministers within the empire. Everyone could make out Uhtred’s intentions.
In this period of time, the other princes and the powers under them visited the palace more often. Duke Ashburn and Prince Charles even visited the palace a few times a day, attempting to rely on their own abilities to change His Majesty’s decision.
There were also some stubborn conservative ministers who allied and petitioned Uhtred to change his mind. They believed that as an illegitimate child, Lawrence simply wasn’t fit for the honor of being at the apex of power in the Lancelot Empire. These people were old officials and their old-fashioned noble traditions caused them to be unable to accept the matter. They felt that this was blasphemy towards the royal family of the Lancelot Empire.
King Uther’s queen and his favored concubines had also joined the opposing side one after another in order to get an answer from him. In a short time, Ossen City descended into chaos. Yet at this time, Uhtred’s illness suddenly relapsed and he fell into a coma, even showing signs of being able to hold on.
“Okay then. I was just joking with you. I know that you are now a very busy person. Looking at you, I truly feel somewhat amazed. You saved my life the last time we met, but at that time, you were still an unknown. Who would have thought that in just a few years you have already become a formidable figure within the Empire? Awesome!” Old Hahn smiled with emotion.
As Old Hahn was talking, Lawrence had already brought Han Shuo to his side and pointed at the chair next to him, indicating for Han Shuo to sit. Only then did he introduce the strangers around him to Han Shuo. “Hehe, I won’t introduce these people as you already know them anyway. However, you are perhaps unfamiliar with these people, but in the future, we will all be on the same side. This is the current Lord of Valen City…”
Each time Lawrence introduced someone, Han Shuo would nod in respect. These people were either lord of their cities or either a Count or a Marquis. They all are top characters among the nobles. With Lawrence’s introduction, Han Shuo slowly understood the powers under his control.
Three Counts and two Marquis. They were all powerful figures within Ossen City and were all middle-aged. They were either in charge of a big Family, held key positions under King Uhtred or had military power. It seemed like only the people of their age would not stubbornly hold onto the idea that an illegitimate child could not obtain the throne.
As Lawrence introduced them, the nobles would nod amicably toward Han Shuo. Currently, Han Shuo had the authority over Brettel City and was favored by the king. His status as a Marquis was similar to their own status. In addition, they were now in the same faction. It would be odd if they were unfriendly toward Han Shuo!
When Lawrence finished the introductions, Han Shuo was more or less familiar with Lawrence’s current strength. These Marquises and Counts were people that held true power. In addition, he had the support of the Betteridge Family and the Dark Mantle. Furthermore, there were still a few experts that surpassed worldly powers that supported him. In this case, Lawrence truly possessed the means to oppose Eldest Prince Charles.
It seemed like that Uhtred’s swift and decisive actions had indeed brought about the greatest benefit to Lawrence. It caused Lawrence’s power to rise greatly while also convincing more nobles to support him, allowing Lawrence to possess the qualifications to go against Charles and vie for the throne.
After Lawrence introduced the nobles that Han Shuo were not familiar with, he paused for a while before continuing, “We were just discussing a few matters. Let me summarize them for you. Currently, we should use our forces to their maximum potential and let the talents under us acquire power while my father is still alive.
On the other hand, based on our current foundation, we still need to obtain stronger support in preparation for Charles and others’ desperate actions. The empire’s authority is basically in the hands of the nobles. Even though my royal father clearly supports me, if those nobles support Charles, they would still collaborate with Charles to resist me when my royal father dies. This matter is extremely hard to solve.
Ah. The most important issue is my identity. Those stubborn fellows clearly would not choose me but they hold too much power in their hands that without them making mistakes, my father has no means whatsoever to reduce the authority in their hands. This really is a headache-inducing problem.”
Han Shuo didn’t say a word after he sat down, only listening to Lawrence’s descriptions. When Lawrence finished talking, Han Shuo understood that the situation was not as ideal as he had imagined. It seemed like even though they had Uhtred’s support, Charles’ prior advantage was too huge. Lawrence would never be able to peacefully ascend the throne
“Your Highness, Duke Ashburn has an enormous influence within the empire. The bigwigs he has made friends with include the majority of nobles. With him supporting the eldest Prince, they would be extremely hard to deal with. Currently, His Majesty is able to suppress him but if he dies, Duke Ashburn would surely oppose with all his strength.The power in his hands is enough to alter the entire situation. This is really difficult to manage!” A Count named Talric said to Lawrence.
“That’s right. Once His Majesty meets his demise, no one can control Duke Ashburn. This is truly hard to handle!” Lawrence’s foster father, Eevee said while frowning.
“Hehe, you all neglected the person that just got to Ossen City. If Lawrence can obtain this person’s support, I think the situation would be totally different!” Old Hahn suddenly chuckled and said.
When they heard those words, everyone was moved but they sighed soon after. Boris replied, “That unreasonable madman is indeed no ordinary person but he doesn’t even listen to His Majesty’s orders. Who would be able to convince him?”
Lawrence was distracted for a moment, before looking fervently at Han Shuo. However, when he saw Emily and Phoebe, he hurriedly retracted his gaze.
Han Shuo realized simply from Lawrence’s expression that he knew of the relationship between Fanny and the madman Firenze. He cannot help but sigh inwardly. He knew that Lawrence definitely had a goal when Lawrence painstakingly made friends with himself. Lawrence had actually started to rope him in so long ago. It seems that of all the princes, Lawrence had planned the furthest ahead.