Seeing the king deep in thought, Rupert Walter continued:
"Of course, Your Majesty, I suggest that this matter should not be rushed."
His tone was calm, yet carried a hint of seasoned caution: "Although granting the Loess Plain to Earl Hal Duke was for the sake of the greater good of the nation, Marquis Gleman has invested a great deal of troops and resources in that land. If we announce it directly without consulting his opinion, it may displease him."
He cast a steady gaze at Rodney XVIII: "Therefore, I suggest that we first consider this matter as an intention and tentatively communicate with the Marquis. For example, His Majesty could write a letter personally, expressing his recognition of Hal's military achievements, while also mentioning the future arrangements for the Loess Plains, and inquiring about the Marquis's opinion on this matter."
"In this way," Rupert said slowly, "we can ascertain the Marquis's attitude and leave room for subsequent arrangements. If he objects, we can appease him; if he acquiesces, then we can proceed smoothly."
Rodney nodded slightly after hearing this, his eyes showing a hint of approval.
"You're right," he said slowly. "Although Paul is loyal to the kingdom, if we don't explain to him the reasons for doing so, he will inevitably feel that the royal family doesn't trust him."
His tone hardened: "Then let's settle on that. I'll write to him personally later, using gentle language, but clearly stating our intentions."
He scanned the crowd, his gaze finally settling on Rupert: "I don't want Paul to misunderstand, but we also can't let the balance of power get out of control."
The hall fell silent. Several ministers nodded in agreement, while Rupert gave a slight bow with a smile on his face.
Just then, a thunderous cheer suddenly came from outside the palace, as if the entire palace was shaking.
"What's going on?" Rodney frowned and immediately ordered the captain of the guard, "Go and see what's happening outside."
A moment later, the head guard hurried back, his face showing some surprise:
"Your Majesty, it is Prince Yuriko! He has returned in triumph with the Knights of the Kingdom!"
These words immediately caused an uproar in the conference hall.
The guard described the scene in the capital: the streets were packed with people, cheers rose and fell, flags fluttered, ribbons danced, and people poured into the streets from all directions, just to catch a glimpse of the prince.
"It is said..." the captain of the guard continued to report, "that it was the prince's knights who were the first to storm into Storm's End and subdue a large number of orc prisoners."
"Oh?" Rodney raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with surprise.
Earl Merlin coughed softly and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I heard that the walls of Storm's End were breached by the New Army's engineers using gunpowder, and the suppressive fire before the attack almost demoralized the defenders inside. By the time the Knights of the Nation rushed in, there were not many defenders left who dared to resist."
Rodney listened without changing his expression, and simply nodded slightly, "Tell me the details."
With the explanation from the intelligence minister, the king quickly learned the truth: the Crystal Legion, composed of the Kingdom's new army and the Knights of the Nation, had been assigned by Paul to recapture Storm's End. When they entered the city, Harrison deliberately gave the credit to Yuriko to save face for the royal family.
But now, Yurico clearly wants to treat this "first merit" as his own trophy.
"Before the main force of the Knights returned, many advance members had already entered Crystal Radiance," the captain of the guard continued. "They posted notices all over the city, telling the story of the prince's heroic deeds, and even bards sang his name."
Rodney XVIII's trusted ministers were clearly dissatisfied with Prince Yuriko's unreliability and openly exposed his flaws to the king.
Rodney looked out the window, a complex smile appearing on his face.
He certainly knew his younger brother, Yurico, who was passionate, impulsive, and somewhat vain, with a thirst for glory.
"He's back," Rodney said softly, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "Then let him have his moment in the spotlight."
He turned to look at his ministers: "After all, he did win the battle."
The streets of Jingyao were already bustling with activity.
Sunlight streamed down the cobblestone streets, casting a golden glow. Prince Yuriko wore a heavy silver armor trimmed with gold, its breastplate adorned with exquisite royal emblems. A scarlet cloak draped over his shoulders fluttered gently in the breeze.
He rode atop a tall, majestic white horse, its mane neatly combed, and the saddle adorned with silver ornaments symbolizing glory. He moved slowly forward, a confident and satisfied smile on his face.
The streets were packed with people, men and women, young and old, all waving flags and bouquets excitedly. Children weaved through the crowd, pointing excitedly at the prince, while the elderly whispered among themselves, "Look, Prince Yuriko is back!"
"He was the first person to storm into Storm's End!" someone shouted.
"It was the prince who saved us!" another voice responded excitedly.
The crowd's enthusiasm almost set the street ablaze. Young girls, carrying flower baskets, cheered and showered Yuriko and his knights with blossoms. Petals drifted in the wind, landing on the prince's armor and his spirited face.
Yuriko stood tall with a smile on his lips. He would occasionally raise his hand to wave to the crowds on both sides, each movement graceful. His eyes shone with a light that was the light of being the center of attention, the light of a hero.
"They love me," he murmured to himself, a wider smile unconsciously spreading across his face. "They really do love me."
Behind him, the knights of the Guardian Knights, also dressed in full armor, marched in neat formation, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, as if they too were basking in the glory of this victory.
At the end of the street, the golden spires of the palace gleamed in the sunlight, as if awaiting the climax of this triumphant return.
As Yurico gazed at the palace that symbolized power and glory, an overwhelming surge of pride welled up within him. He had returned, bringing glory and victory.
The parade continued, with cheers rising and falling, and flowers and applause creating a sea of jubilation.
However, as the procession slowly advanced, a low commotion suddenly arose in the crowd.
At first, there were only a few whispers of surprise and doubt, but soon they turned into a chorus of suppressed exclamations.
What is that?
"They...they are not human!"
Behind the Knights of the Nation, a group of people slowly came into view.
Their steps were heavy, and although their armor was unkempt, it exuded a primal and rugged power. Most striking were their tall stature, thick limbs, prominent cheekbones, and beast-like eyes.
They're orcs!