Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 209: Secret Meeting

Chapter 209: Secret Meeting

While King Yuraon took much-needed rest, fueled by additional cups of herbal tea and a sprinkle of Aideen’s magic, Stanis stood guard next to the door of his room. Meanwhile, another secret meeting unfolded in the quiet confines of the castle’s reading room.

Tillian, Aideen, and Prince Leif convened under the cloak of night to address the urgent matter brought to light by the shocking news within the Crown Prince’s message.

The looming specter of inevitable war demanded swift action, with the North being just as crucial to the unfolding events as Geraldion itself.

"They’ve been preparing for this for quite some time," Tillian began in a hushed yet serious tone. "The Black Flame Guild detected unusual activity several months ago. My scouts observed the royal army recruiting mercenaries, while secret delegations from Anathaen continued to cross the border almost every week."

He crossed his strong arms in front of his chest, allowing his words to sink in as he mulled over the rest before continuing,

"Delaying my own attack seemed reasonable, so my preparations were not rushed. The reason being—once the war with Lafad started, I would have had an advantage because most of Geraldion’s resources would be directed towards fighting off Lafad. I didn’t expect it to escalate this quickly, though. And now that Princess Melania is dead, her brother Kassian will undoubtedly take immediate action. He might be young, but despite the rumors, he is no weakling."

Everyone was still reeling from the shock of how the royal family had used the innocent princess in their cruel game of politics. However, Yanad’s direct involvement and his attempt to warn the North as well clearly indicated one thing—despite being next in line for the Emperor’s crown, he didn’t want any part of it. He was seeking help while also providing clues for their next moves.

Aideen adjusted the red scarf around Taru’s neck and lightly patted him on the head. The sleeping baby dragon’s forehead sparkled as his snowflake reacted to the princess’ touch.

"Even though the Ruan family’s goal is to defeat Lafad’s army and unite its land with Geraldion to create an empire, if we join forces with Lafad and Davoor, we might stand a good chance at defeating even an army as powerful as Anathaen’s," Aideen proposed.

Leif nodded in agreement; his niece’s words held undeniable logic.

"Aideen is right," he concurred. "King Yuraon can justify his entry into the war by cultivating a friendly relationship with Lafad and supporting Kassian’s impending reign. Meanwhile, Your Grace, you have your own political motivations to oppose the royal family—not only seeking revenge but also striving to prevent Geraldion from falling under Anathaen’s control in the future. We all know that when Anathaen offers a helping hand, it often comes with strings attached. King Euris is no fool; he must be aware of that too."

Tillian pondered their words in silence.

It was no secret that Anathaen, as the sole empire on the entire continent, kept its ambitions discreet. However, just like with their initiative to engage each kingdom in the intricate web of political marriages, everyone knew that whenever there was a disturbance across the continent, it was most likely instigated by Anathaen.

By aiding Geraldion in their ambition to become an empire, the Emperor of Anathaen would inevitably wield influence over its politics, effectively ruling over two empires simultaneously. This would allow him to gradually expand his sway over the entire Central Continent, with ambitions extending even to the neutral lands beyond its borders.

He was not only greedy but also remarkably cunning.

And that was why he needed to be stopped while there still was a chance.

As Tillian remained immersed in his internal reflections, his wife turned to Leif once more, seeking clarification.

"And what of the North? Will Utar truly dispatch its army here in an attempt to reclaim this territory for my grandfather?"

Her uncle clasped his hands on top of his knees and emitted a long, thoughtful hum.

"His Majesty King Zelon would be a fool to overlook this opportunity. However..." He sighed and rubbed his temples, indicating the difficulty of his forthcoming words. "For His Grace, it presents a chance to deplete some of King Euris’ forces as well."

"What precisely do you propose?" Duke Valentine inquired coldly, disdain evident in his tone. He abhorred the notion of turning this land into a battleground.

Leif shrugged nonchalantly, his response was calm, "King Ruan anticipates our offensive. However, if he learns that instead of facing Lafad alone, he must contend with both Davoor and Duke Valentine, Euris will hesitate to dispatch Anathaen’s troops to defend the North. He will deploy a part of his own army."

Tillian’s reaction remained firm. "We won’t have sufficient time to evacuate all the inhabitants to Davoor. I refuse to see innocent lives become casualties of King Zelon’s hasty decisions."

The Utarian prince could only sigh; he detested dealing with the shortsightedness of the younger generation.

"There won’t be much action here, Your Grace. Well, perhaps a little."

"Uncle!" Aideen’s patience reached its limit. "Quit beating around the bush and just say what you mean!"

"I’ll persuade Father to abstain from this war," the man clarified. "But only those within this castle will be privy to this knowledge. Instead, we’ll fabricate the illusion of King Zelon’s imminent attack, and... We’ll let him know that Duke Valentine keeps a real dragon here."

"What?! Why would we disclose such information?" Tillian exclaimed, taken aback. Leif grinned knowingly. "I’m certain the young king will be eager to avenge the suffering of his beloved. Do you know what people believe about the dragon’s heart?"

"They believe it’s more potent than the Philosopher’s Stone..." Aideen added, "Valon! Valon will lead the army to the North because he’ll covet the dragon’s heart!"

Leif nodded in affirmation. "King Yuraon will remain here while his army fights alongside Lafad’s and Tillian’s forces. When Valon marches his army here, the young man can exact vengeance for the death of his beloved princess, while Aideen destroys his soldiers."

"Me? How?" The princess was taken aback by her uncle’s confidence. He pointed towards Taru and concluded, "With his help, of course."