Sylvester's brows twitched as the King was basically calling Xavia a whore. But he didn't react sharply as this was going to be the last day that the man would laugh. He knew that the King was only looking for an excuse to throw him out.
'I'm afraid if I told you who the key is, you'd shit your pants.'
But Sylvester also knew that he could not just let the man walk over him, as that would give the King a green light that he can be pushed around. "Your majesty, whoever it was, I must say—it was one majestic godly key to churn out someone as talented as me. I'm sure I'm the envy of many fathers and mothers."
Sylvester jibed back at the old King, reminding him his only most talented son was missing.
'Missing' was still the official status of Romel Riveria, as the body was never recovered. Not only the King, but the Holy Land was still looking for the boy as the case had gone in history as the most bizarre and serious unsolved mystery. How could a boy just disappear from a place no one could run from?
Sylvester could only imagine how much gold the King must have spent in search of him.
Old King Riveria immediately lost his temper. He didn't stand up, however, as even doing that required the help of his friend. "How dare you come into my house and disrespect me? For all you've done against my family, I should have you beheaded."
Sylvester didn't even bother with his threats and started to slowly open the metal box on the table. "Yes, you can do that, but are you sure you want it? I am not Sylvester Maximilian today, but the representative of the Holy Land."
"Makes no difference to me." King Riveria barked.
Sylvester shrugged and opened the metal box, and took out the preserved head of Duke Daemon. It prompted the King to shut up and back up a little, as the sight was gruesome, to say the least. The face appeared pale, and the eye sockets were empty.
"As per the deal, this is the head of Duke Daemon, the man who was behind the death of your daughter. He did it after being enchanted by a mad witch who is now nothing but ash. Now, call off the war."
The King was a tough nut to crack, as he retorted. "How do I ensure he's the real Duke? How do I ensure you are not playing schemes with me?"
Sylvester's shoulder fell in tiredness. He wanted to slap the man and end it, but he had to be patient as his mission was too sensitive. Everything needed to be perfect, or else, in the future, someone could point fingers at the Holy Land.
"About fifteen thousand men who participated in the army and dozens of higher clergy, as well as King Harold, can verify it. The man died a gruesome death—first losing his eyes and arms in battle with me, then his head to you. Congratulations, your majesty, you succeeded in what you always wanted. Gracia is weaker than ever before. Even one of their Grand Wizards got arrested by the Second Guardian of Light, also losing his arms." Sylvester gave more details about what happened, all in the hope of enticing the old rotten-tongued King.
'Good! I smell excitement, but doubt still lingers. He's emotionally broken and perfectly ripe for me.'
Sylvester took a folded, thin parchment from his gown's pocket and unfolded it on the table. It was the map of the northern part of the east of Sol Continent. It included the Riveria and Gracia Kingdom, along with the Holy Land.
"Not only that, but the Holy Land has tasked me to offer you a great deal that shall end the war between you and Gracia family once and for all. But… I can not speak of it to anyone but you." Sylvester laid down his small term.
'Please go! I don't want to take major risks in front of a Grand Wizard. He may catch my lies.'
He tried to play some mind games with the King. He knew that the King hated him and would never forgive him, most likely. But, he at least tried to divert the man's mind from the hate. Because to ensure his task succeeds, he needed the King to be excited and open.
Though, before the King, the Grand Wizard spoke in his hoarse plain voice, "What is this about?"
Sylvester gave a one-word answer that widened everyone's eyes. "Expansion."
Even Lady Aurora was shocked as Sylvester never told her about this plan. But, she didn't dare to say anything at the moment.
Immediately, the Grand Wizard stood up as he was confident that no man would be foolish enough to try anything there. He politely looked at Lady Aurora. "My lady, if you don't mind, will you give this old man company for a few minutes while they talk?"
Lady Aurora stood up quickly after getting a nod from Sylvester. The nod was pre-planned, however. So, she ensured that everyone saw it happen. The plan was to show that she was under Sylvester's command—declaring without words that Sylvester had a very high authority. Hence, what he said was likely the truth.
Soon, both Grand Wizards left, and Sylvester slid his chair closer to the table. He then put his finger on the part of the Gracia Kingdom north of the Gold River. "The Holy Land shall keep everything above the Gold River because that will solve our food security problem. Meanwhile, Riveria can keep the Duchy of Ironstone—the biggest money pit of Gracia Kingdom. You also get to keep the highly acclaimed Yggdrasil School of Magic. As for the Gracia treasures in the giant vaults under Green City. They will be divided in half."
The King sceptically looked at Sylvester. "This sounds like a fairy tale, boy. Don't take me for a fool. Since when did the Holy land become so just and kind?"
Sylvester took out a letter this time. This was the letter from the Shadow of Masan he obtained from the Witch. "Read this, and you will understand. Your majesty, you likely know that the entire Gracia Kingdom is in turmoil. Its northern region is devastated by the war, and now the South as well, because of a witch. This letter answers who was behind it all."
King Riveria read it carefully. Even though his eyesight had weakened, he read it by keeping the letter close to his face.
Thud!
As expected, King Riveria's arms fell on the table, and he cursed loudly. "God, those western fuckers! Masan was behind all of this? Has the Shadow of Masan involved himself? Then… Riveria must be… if not already, is being eaten by this cancer?"
Sylvester nodded and put the letter back in his pocket. "Indeed. It's not just Gracia and Riveria. I'm sure his eye is on the whole of Eastern Sol. Masan King likely wishes to become the Supreme overlord of the whole continent."
King Riveria seemed truly distraught by the news. After all, the Masan Empire was as threatening as the Holy Land. In fact, he feared Masan more as the Holy Land would never attack directly, while Masan could.
"Why did he talk about you in the letter? That Shadow of Masan?" the King asked interestedly.
'Good… The shroud of doubt is disappearing, and more hope is appearing. Finally, he's starting to believe in me.'
Sylvester replied confidently, "I met the man in Jartel County while he was disguised as the Prima. I was easily able to solve the mystery and unwind the conspiracy there. Shadow of Masan had spent years working on that plan, and I spoiled it in a month. He now sees me as a competitor of sorts, I believe."
'Good! He's feeling admiration now.'
The King's eyes softened, nearly turning watery as he started at Sylvester with a conflicted gaze. The emotions were as clear as day—Anger, sadness, admiration and hope combined. It was a strange mix but fit well with the King.
Then, finally, King Riveria asked Sylvester a question he always wanted to. "Young man… Please tell me truthfully. I ask you as a father, not King. What happened to my son? Did you kill him?"
________________________
700 GT = 1 Bonus chapter.
1 Super Gift = 1 Bonus chapter.
APE TOGETHER STRONG!
