King
Chapter 915 - 915 97 The New Era_2

915: Chapter 97: The New Era_2 915: Chapter 97: The New Era_2 Nominally, his son succeeded him, but in reality, both were Puppet Kings.

Only the Royal Palace and the Royal territory had the authority to issue orders, and even the control over the Royal territory was mediocre at best.

Whether it was intentional or not, just as Hudson greeted everyone, a voice outside the hall announced, “His Majesty the King has arrived.”

Important figures tend to make an entrance at the end, and Caesar IV had a very good grasp on that.

Unlike Hudson, whose arrival times were unpredictable, early or late.

Today’s arrival as the penultimate guest was a first.

Even if it was merely a coincidence, to the politically astute, it was impossible to avoid a political interpretation.

“Regarding the annihilation of the Church Fleet, the Human Alliance has decided to form an investigation team to probe the incident thoroughly.

As a member of the Alliance, the Kingdom must provide full cooperation.

Especially the nobles in coastal areas must ensure the safety of the investigation team.”

Upon hearing Caesar IV’s words, Hudson couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.

It seemed that their own king could no longer hold back and had to jump out for attention.

In the past, such topics would have been discussed first by ministers in the court, after listening to opinions from all sides, and then the king would make the decision.

For an insignificant meeting like this, Major Nobles from various regions naturally would not make a special trip.

Considering himself a Fief Noble, Hudson, even when in the Capital, rarely attended such meetings.

Of course, the main reason was that they didn’t invite him.

Nominally not to hinder military affairs, but in reality, it was because they didn’t want an additional voice of power.

Caesar IV’s decision to skip procedures was an issue between the King and the ministers at court, and Hudson, who was not concerned, let his mind wander.

No matter who conducted the investigation, the conclusion would only be — Ghost Ships were the culprits.

“Pirates” kicking someone when they’re down, what has that got to do with the Kingdom?

As soon as the Church Fleet entered the Kingdom’s waters, the Alpha Kingdom, representing them, sent over the Nautical Charts and took the opportunity to warn about the risks of the Misty Marine Region.

Had the Church officials heeded the advice and, like the previous Kingdom Fleet, stayed put at the entrance of the Misty Marine Region, waiting for the Ghost Ships to come out hunting, they would definitely not have been annihilated.

Seeing that there was no response from below, Caesar IV’s eyebrows slightly furrowed.

This was too much of a slight against his face as a king; in his father’s time, who would dare such insolence!

The thought of replacing those under him took root in Caesar IV’s heart at this moment.

It was rare on the Continent for a new king to endure several years without changing personnel.

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, Hudson would not have believed Caesar IV could hold back for so long.

If nothing unexpected happened, Caesar IV was expected to continue enduring.

Before the Continental war ended, any political disturbance was not allowed.

Even the King now had very limited power, which was being squeezed greatly.

Currently in the Kingdom, the most powerful apart from Hudson’s chief command was the Military Department.

The rest of the Kingdom’s departments were revolving around these two departments.

Stripped of military leadership, the power in Caesar IV’s hands was actually very limited.

This is still before the war has broken out; once the Kingdom enters a wartime state, the King’s presence will be even less significant.

“Since no one has any objections, let’s settle it at that!

Neither the East-West War Hammer Kingdom can be relied upon, and the Alien Coalition Army is about to invade the Moxi Duchy.

Marshal Hudson, how is the army’s preparation for the expedition coming along?”

Caesar IV asked with concern.

In recent days, the Queen had not stopped nagging in his ear about matters back home.

Although she did not directly request him to send troops, Caesar IV still understood the implications.

“Your Majesty, the army is currently in a phase of coordination.

Once the various units are familiar with each other, they can set out,”

When the army would move and the specifics of that movement were highly classified military secrets.

Until they were put into action, he would not disclose them.

Naturally, the King would not intentionally leak secrets, but one cannot guarantee that there are no blabbermouths around him.

If the news reached the ears of Different Races, and the enemy made targeted preparations, it could spell disaster.

As for the Moxi Duchy, he had already communicated with them.

Just the fact that Marshal Hudson would personally lead the troops was enough to shut them up.

How to fight and when to intervene was not for amateurs to dictate to professionals.

…

Atop the Holy Mountain, as Shelter VII watched intelligence reports converge in his hands, he was so infuriated he didn’t know how to comment.

The news of the “entire fleet’s annihilation” was confirmed, but the reality was somewhat different from what had been anticipated.

“Are you certain that the Alpha Kingdom’s navy has not suffered a significant setback recently?”

Shelter VII asked with concern.

Being ambushed by the enemy and wiped out was something he could barely accept.

But now, all evidence pointed to Ghost Ships.

If the news was true, then the root cause of the fleet’s annihilation lay with their own commanders—too foolish.

Shelter VII had many issues to consider; the Clergy’s severe issues with inbreeding had long become an open secret.

If the Navy was this corrupt internally, then what about the Army?

If those in high places were all fools, then the Clergy was in danger.

While nominally a top force, Shelter VII genuinely had no confidence in their real strength!

One only had to look at the launched war against the Dwarf Kingdom to see, despite having absolute advantage, they ended up in a protracted battle.