Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 580: A Brief Demonstration

Chapter 580: A Brief Demonstration

"I can’t help but feel this calls for unrest, Your Majesty, King Oberon," spoke the War General Tobiath, addressing the king. "The veil confining the monsters to the Tamry forest keeps growing thin, and lately, there have been sightings of more monsters crossing through. We have managed to reclaim some of the villages they’ve laid siege to and pushed back their forces. However, there’s a palpable fear that there are breaches in the veil, allowing them to slip through, and the city of Astaria might be their next target."

Murmurs rippled through the hall as the ministers engaged in whispered discussions over the pressing issue. King Oberon presided over the court session, addressing the current insecurity plaguing the realm, particularly at the borders and the ongoing conflict with the monsters of the Tamry forest.

"Is that so?" King Oberon’s direct inquiry was directed at the Minister of Defense this time.

The Minister of Defense responded, "Managing border security is indeed a challenging task, but our greatest concern lies with the relentless threat posed by the monsters of the Tamry forest."

However, the Minister of Finance interjected with a sneer, "Why don’t you simply admit that you’re seeking more financial resources for your department, Alwyn?"

Alwyn, the Defense Minister, shot a glare at the Minister of Finance. "Not everything revolves around money, you uncouth swine, whose manners are as repulsive as a pig wallowing in its own filth!"

"What?!" Basil, the finance minister, went red in the face. "How dare you! You uncultured —!"

"That’s enough!" King Oberon’s voice thundered, cutting through the escalating tension with authoritative force. His command silenced the hall, every eye turning to him in obedience.

With a steely gaze, King Oberon watched the ministers, daring anyone to defy his order. Satisfied that his message was clear, he then exhaled a weary sigh, rubbing his temples where the onset of a headache loomed.

These were the moments when even King Oberon of Astaria wished he could shed his royal responsibilities and simply be a regular fae, free from the incessant bickering and squabbles of his ministers. Yet, fate had bestowed upon him this burden until his son, Valerie, could assume the throne.

Fixing his penetrating gaze on General Tobiath, King Oberon inquired, "Regarding these breaches you speak of, have any measures been taken to seal them?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," General Tobiath responded. "We have indeed sought the assistance of nearby friendly witch covens. They have been diligent in tracking and sealing the breaches in the veil. However, a troubling pattern has emerged. For every breach we close, another seems to open elsewhere. Furthermore, the journey to address these breaches has been perilous. Despite our best efforts, we have tragically lost two witches in attacks. No amount of gold or favors owed to them seems sufficient to compensate for their losses. The covens are tightly knit; the death of one is felt by all."

"Furthermore," he added, "I suspect the monsters of the Tamry forest have somehow found a means to weaken the veil. It would explain why our repairs are consistently undone. If not that, then it suggests the magic itself is waning, or worse yet, foul play is afoot. Someone, likely a high-ranking Fae, may be plotting to bring down the veil, with the royal family as their target."

A collective gasp of shock rippled through the crowd, this time tinged with fear. Even a furrow appeared on the King’s face. They all understood the dire implications if the veil were to fall and unleash those monsters upon the realm

"That is outrageous!" Basil, the finance minister, erupted, his voice laced with incredulity. "The veils have stood firm for centuries, long before some of us were even born. And now you’re suggesting that a high Fae seeks to bring them down? And what, they’re headed straight for the palace?" He scoffed, his tone dripping with derision. "It seems you’d be better suited to writing fiction than leading troops on the battlefield, General."

The General regarded the finance minister with a cool gaze. "Indeed," he replied calmly, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I have been considering retiring from the front lines, and I can’t think of a more suitable replacement than you. With your remarkable talent for managing the kingdom’s finances, surely you can devise a solution even amidst the chaos of battle. The front line would provide ample inspiration, wouldn’t you agree?" He flashed a sinister grin.

"Y—you!" Minister Basil pointed accusingly, his cheeks flushed with anger from the insult.

"The Finance Minister does raise a valid point," Cornelius, the Minister of Justice, interjected, his tone cutting. "The veil is not some fragile wall waiting to crumble. And it’s curious how these concerns never surfaced when Prince Aldric led our forces. It raises doubts about your competence. Perhaps we should consider demoting you and appointing the dark Fae prince as the new War General instead," he remarked with a snide tone.

Though Cornelius appeared to be

suggesting Aldric as a replacement for the General, it was also a subtle jab. None of them were naive enough to grant Aldric such authority over the kingdom’s military forces and national security. With such power, he could easily orchestrate a revolt and seize control of the realm. As far as they were concerned, Aldric remained nothing more than a loyal pawn in their game.

"If that’s the case, why don’t we send your own son instead?" The Defense Minister fired back, his tone dripping with venom as he sought vengeance for General Tobiath, who served under him. "I’ve heard he’s quite skilled in combat. Why hasn’t he been enlisted in the military when we need every able hand? Moreover, with his father being a High Fae and Minister, shouldn’t you be demonstrating patriotism to your kingdom?"

The exchange reignited the cacophony of voices in argument, each minister defending their position or retaliating against perceived slights.

Meanwhile, King Oberon remained silent, observing the chaos unfolding before him with a sense of disillusionment. They were all fools, squabbling amongst themselves while their kingdom faced imminent danger. It saddened him to think that these were the Faeries he had sacrificed everything for, hoping to build a strong and unified nation.

Before King Oberon could intervene, the massive doors to the courtroom swung open, drawing everyone’s attention to the unexpected interruption.

Andre entered, his expression grave, and strode to the center of the room, where he bowed deeply before the king. "May your reign be long, Your Majesty, King Oberon."

"You may rise," the king granted.

Andre straightened, meeting his father’s gaze with unwavering resolve.

"What brings you here, Royal Spymaster?" King Oberon inquired. "I do not recall extending an invitation to this gathering."

"I’m afraid, Your Majesty, that I come bearing urgent news," Andre replied solemnly. "In fact, I would like to invite the court to witness a brief demonstration."