I will be crowned king

In the banquet hall, as time passed, the palace attendants lit candles and oil lamps one by one. The knights and nobles around the columns and long tables looked more and more solemn, and the sparse conversations gradually decreased.

According to the imperial tradition, the process of "Emperor Election" is actually quite long: starting from the incumbent emperor's announcement of abdication or death, the successor must immediately contact the princes and nobles of the major duchies, not to mention letters and visits, and various parties and banquets are indispensable.

On average, each coronation of a new emperor usually means at least two to three months, involving social activities in most of the empire and even neighboring countries; this is the situation after the Herid royal family almost monopolized the throne.

If this is replaced with the earliest version, the candidate will even have to travel all over the cities and states in the country to win the recognition of everyone and reproduce the grand occasion of the dragon knight Herid "cheerful and crowned as emperor".

No matter how smooth the process is, it will take at least a year.

Obviously, the princes and nobles in the banquet hall cannot accept such red tape - let alone a year, their only consensus is that there must be a result tonight!

And this breaking of the rules also brings many problems: usually when the ceremony reaches the last step of "electing the emperor", everyone has already tacitly agreed that slogans and votes are basically just formalities, and there is no possibility of reversal at this time.

Since there is no experience, it is naturally impossible to have any preparation; everyone's expression is nervous and helpless, even the nobles who are most familiar with court etiquette and imperial traditions are not sure how to deal with the current situation.

The only option left for everyone seemed to be...

"By order of His Majesty Joseph Hered!"

The loud voice of the master of ceremonies, Arthur Hered, brought everyone's thoughts back to the throne: "Although Your Majesty is also among the candidates for this imperial election, he will not participate in the discussion of the candidates."

"That is to say, no matter what happens, Your Majesty will not make any comments in this election." Arthur took a deep breath, and his eyes were obviously a little nervous when he looked at the steps below:

"Knights of the empire can nominate your favorite candidates. No matter what the result is, His Majesty Joseph Hered firmly believes that the empire will stand firm and will eventually fulfill its ambitions."

"From the icy and savage land to the rich and warm southern harbor, the world of order will enjoy peace under the golden iris flag!"

The powerful words echoed under the columns and domes, and also left a solemn shadow on everyone's faces.

Taking advantage of Arthur's opening, Anson also looked at Joseph Hered on the throne; the emperor was still sitting upright, and his not-too-friendly eyes seemed to reveal a bit of sharpness and arrogance.

That expression seemed to say: The throne belongs to me, why do I need to argue with you traitors?

"He is really cunning."

Grand Duke Levent, who was stunned for a moment, couldn't help but sneer, walked to Anson's side and whispered: "Yes, no matter how you argue, you can't change the fact that he is a failed emperor, otherwise why are you and I here?"

"Since there is no chance, it is better to retreat, so that even if you fail, you can at least keep a trace of dignity - as for what dignity is useful, of course it is a spiritual victory when you are carrying someone on your back, hehe!"

His harsh voice obviously did not intend to carry anyone on his back, and the surrounding southern knights showed a gloating smile, causing the princes in the north and the east to frown and look at your face.

Joseph Hered on the throne did not avoid everyone's gaze, and even glanced provocatively at Anson and Grand Duke Levent.

The surrounding southern knights also turned their heads, with excitement and hope in their eyes, expecting Grand Duke Levent to put a dent in the emperor's arrogance.

But before Grand Duke Levent could express his opinion, someone took the lead.

"Since Your Majesty is not going to speak, please forgive me for being rude."

In the crowd to the right of the throne, Grand Duke Bernard of Edland walked out slowly, with a calm face showing a bit of solemnity: "Although it is sudden, it is related to the fate and future of the empire and even the entire ordered world, and it must be carried out anyway."

"In the name of the Sea Knights, the Bernard family of Edland is willing to work with you to contribute to the unity of the empire!"

Grand Duke Bernard's expression was very serious, and his words and tone were quite sincere. The princes and knights present all expressed admiration, and even many of the Hareland Knights showed respect.

This is also natural...Anson raised his eyebrows. After all, the northern nobles have been planning to overthrow the Herid royal family for several years, and the emperor's humiliating defeat at the Long Halberd River has long been the hottest topic in the palace.

If the Herid family had not occupied the throne for a hundred years and had a deep foundation, it would be hard to imagine how the highly respected, young and strong Archduke Bernard, who had countless friends inside and outside the empire, could lose?

"Since the 99th year of the Saint Calendar, Clovis, the Land, Iser, the Three Kingdoms of the North Sea, and of course the colonies that have now become independent in the north and call themselves the "Free Confederation", the world of order has been turbulent, and the cost of war has deeply hurt all of us." Archduke Bernard continued his speech:

"I'm not saying this to emphasize hatred, nor am I going to argue here about who is right or wrong; but no matter who benefits from it, one thing is for sure, allowing this war to continue any longer does not do any good to any of us."

"The empire...and even the entire world of order are facing a choice! It is to carry out iron and blood to the end, plow the iron plow of war over all the land, continue to destroy hundreds of cities and villages, and cause tens of thousands of deaths. Unmeasurable barrenness, pestilence and famine?”

"Or should we sheath our swords and temporarily shake hands with our annoying neighbors?" Archduke Bernard said slowly:

"If it's the latter, no matter who your final choice is, in the name of the Sea Knights, the Bernard family will do their best to contribute to peace; even I myself will be no exception."

"If I need to send troops, I will personally lead the fleet to quell the civil war in the three countries of the North Sea. If I want to make a promise, I can also mortgage my family and even my own life, take my relatives as hostages, and make peace with Clovis and Hantu's friends. ”

"If you still have to show your sincerity..." Archduke Bernard slowly looked back, and his sword-like eyes shot at Anson Bach in the crowd:

"Go to the north in person and express my sincere apology to the Free Confederacy on behalf of the Empire. I beg them to forgive the Empire for all its previous unfair and arrogant actions. It is okay to ask for their magnanimity..."

The words fell heavily, making Ansen couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.

Well, this is for myself.

A huge debate broke out in the banquet hall, with the Southern knights rolling their eyes and the Northern nobles admiring in equal measure.

"Same goes for the Roland family!"

As if he thought that Archduke Bernard, who was the center of attention at the moment, was not extreme enough, Archduke Roland, who had gray eyebrows and beard on the side, also stood up and continued to add to the current atmosphere:

"The war has caused too much damage to the empire. It's time for peace to come to the land of the world of order!"

Before he finished speaking, the sound in the banquet hall became louder and louder, with cheers and quarrels happening one after another. Anson didn't even need to concentrate to hear those red-faced shouts and fierce approval.

The current empire is a union of extreme contradictions. The war that has lasted for several years without any reward has caused heavy losses to many people. In addition, the emperor himself has lost face in the Halberd River. No matter how high the enthusiasm for war was before, at this moment It's almost all gone.

But obviously, there cannot be only one idea for a result: pain and humiliation will also inspire more hatred. Losing the war can only and must be because of human incompetence. The losses suffered will eventually make the enemy and The traitor pays ten times or even a hundred times the price!

But the two grand dukes' statements in turn carried considerable weight; soon, the cheers and approval gradually overcame the boos of opposition, and the faces of the "besieged" southern knights began to look bad.

But at this moment, Archduke Bernard raised his hand to stop the supporters who were planning to "pursue the victory".

"It's not that I can't understand your lords' inner dissatisfaction. Please don't forget that I am also a knight." Archduke Bernard's calm words sounded again:

"In the same way, I'm not asking you to put down your hatred. That's impossible - just like our enemies can't forget what we've done to them; the stories of our families and legendary knights go back a long way, and these stories have shaped us. , regardless of honor or shame."

"As I still remember to this day, the ancient François family once ruled the land thousands of years ago, and had interactions with the descendants of the Sea Knights."

When the conversation changed, Archduke Bernard suddenly glanced at Crown Prince Hantu, who was still talking to Count Schlieffen: "Am I right, Your Highness Leon Francois?"

"Of course! There were important ministers with the surname of 'Bernard' under the ancient Hantu royal family. Any descendant of the Francois family will remember it, just like we will not forget that when Hantu was reunited, the empire once Clindia Port, what the Summit Tower did.”

At this point, little Leon, who was neither humble nor arrogant, suddenly paused and showed a very embarrassed look.

But soon he took a deep breath and said in a deep voice as if he had gathered enough courage: "But if the peace of the past can be restored, Hantu is willing to temporarily put aside his hatred and join hands with the empire to create prosperity again!"

Seeing his tangled look, Count Schlieffen next to him couldn't help but sigh.

He must know why His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Hantu is so entangled. Of course, it is because he is worried that if he expresses his stance, he may ruin Anson Bach's plan - although he does not know, or no one knows what Anson's plan is. .

Even so, he still bravely expressed his true thoughts, and even hoped that doing so would bring a glimmer of hope for peace to the world of order.

What a pity... Count Schlieffen sighed again. Except for little Leon, no one in the entire banquet hall was as simple as him. There were only careerists and deeply hidden careerists.

"...Thank you for your upright words, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Archduke Bernard nodded slightly to show respect. The sudden pause in his words showed that he was also surprised. He did not expect that little Leon was so sincere, which somewhat ruined his rhythm:

"If everything goes well, I would also like to go to Jinshi City in person to express my most sincere thanks to the François royal family."

"Yes, yes, you should be grateful, if everything goes well - but is it possible?"

While applauding, Grand Duke Levent walked out with a sneer: "Apologize to the Land? As an Edlan, you have no pressure to apologize to the Land. Anyway, even if there is another war between the Land and the Empire, it is us, the southern knights, who will charge in the front!"

As soon as these words came out, the surrounding southern knights immediately raised their heads and chests, and the resentment that had just been suppressed was immediately cleared.

Are these guys some kind of canine creatures? They change so quickly, and everything they think in their hearts is shown on their faces... Carl Bain in the crowd couldn't help but complain in his heart.

"It's meaningless for me to argue with you. Just like what I said at the beginning, I'm not asking you to let go of your hatred."

Faced with the undisguised provocation, Grand Duke Bernard remained calm and unhurried: "But even you should agree that we should work together now, unite all those who can be united, and create peace for an orderly world, right?"

"No, no, no, what you said is too righteous, my dear Bernard." Grand Duke Levent sneered, with a little irony in his smile:

"Anyone can talk about big principles, but that's useless, because only one person can sit on the emperor's chair, this is a fact; what we are going to do tonight is not to let go of hatred and say nice words, but to elect the only emperor, this is also a fact."

"So if you really plan to continue to say your nice words, okay, I have no objection; but before that, please tell us all, do you plan to compete for this position, huh?!"

At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Grand Duke Bernard again.

He was forced into a corner with no way out, but Anson still saw a hint of anger that he tried to hide:

"Of course I... have this plan."

As soon as he said this, the faces of many northern nobles suddenly dimmed; as if they saw a bright and shining lamp, but it turned out to be just a reflective glass ball.

"Very good, very good, very good!"

Grand Duke Levent nodded, looked at the emperor on the throne, and then looked at Grand Duke Roland with a livid face, spread his arms, sneered and announced to everyone:

"Then throw away all the red tape, let us fight and grab!"