Chapter 776: Rebellion (Part 2)

Federico brushed past the old priest and walked coldly toward the center of the hall, facing countless listeners.

"Or perhaps, does anyone else here, like the deputy chief priest, wish to force His Highness into making a promise to 'resign and take responsibility'?"

Facing his increasingly close and aggressive gaze, no small number of people in the council hall instinctively turned their heads away, avoiding his direct stare, much less answering.

"Is there anyone? Anyone?"

The scene was like a sharp blade cutting through thorns.

"Fedi..."

Fable hugged the Scripture, closed his eyes, and spoke in a trembling voice.

"Your Highness, your sword is very sharp. It must be put away properly, otherwise it will only increase bloodshed."

Yet this sword is not entirely mine either.

Thales sighed and was about to speak to ease things over, but Federico had no intention of stopping.

"Sir, you entered the palace for audience because your student was assassinated and you were furious, correct?"

Federico had his back to the deputy chief priest and sneered.

"Was Priest Chadwi's injury truly as serious as you all say? Otherwise, why has he been 'treated' by Sunset Temple until now without a sound? In fact, even I have begun to suspect..."

Federico narrowed his eyes, implying something.

"Was there truly nothing suspicious about that assassination? Was it truly not a show directed and performed by Sunset Temple itself, solely to drive away His Highness Thales so that you could take advantage of the emptiness, fight for power, and seize profit?"

The old priest's eyes abruptly opened.

"You..."

He turned around and pointed at Federico through gritted teeth.

"Federico."

Thales finally spoke, sternly interrupting.

"I believe in Deputy Chief Priest Fable's character and reputation, and I also believe in Sunset Temple's sacredness," the prince said solemnly. "I believe he is merely confused by concern, and there is no suspicion that he has colluded with the mastermind behind the curtain or is fishing in muddy waters."

Federico gave a light snort. He shot his teacher a sideways glance, then apologized and stepped back.

Perhaps because he was old, Fable took several deep breaths before he managed to steady his emotions.

"Fine technique, Fedi. You are becoming more and more skilled, and more and more dangerous."

He looked at his former student with a complicated expression.

"If this continues, even I will be branded a 'mastermind' who endangers Jade City."

The audience in the hall began a new round of discussion.

"Sir, perhaps you are not the mastermind... but if His Highness steps down and is driven away, with no one to mediate, no one to uphold justice," Federico said loudly, paying no attention to the discussions and wariness aimed at him, "will Jade City become better?"

The old priest snorted coldly.

"You mean that after His Highness leaves, no one will support you and help you inherit the ducal title, correct, Federico?"

Federico abruptly turned around.

"So, sir, what you actually want is for Zayen to return and reascend the ducal seat? Were you instructed by him, or did you reach an agreement?"

Federico looked at the deputy chief priest icily, the affection between teacher and student gone.

"Then you, and those who grew used to flaunting power and living in drunken dreams under Zayen's rule, can return to the good old days, correct? Just like your other disciples and followers, especially the one reported for improper conduct, who molested orphan girls at the House of Divine Grace?"

The hall was again in uproar.

This back-and-forth exchange of attacks was extremely fast, and every strike hit a vital point. Everyone in the hall frowned as they listened.

"Your cousin, Zayen Cavendill, came to this day entirely through his own fault, because he forgot his faith and spent years lost in ghostly methods!"

Deputy Chief Priest Fable was shaking with anger. He came before Federico and confronted him.

"Even if he went to hell for it and could never turn over again, it would be what he deserved. He would die with no pity owed!"

The old priest gritted his teeth, with not the slightest respect for the iris family in his words.

"As for you, Federico Cavendill, you are not much better. Just like your cousin, your soul has already been polluted by evil and fallen into the way of the Youngest Son..."

Federico sneered, entirely unconcerned.

"Is that all you can say, sir? Accuse me of an unclean soul and insincere faith? Why not say that I worship demons, act like a heretic, and deserve to be killed by everyone?"

"Fed! Deputy Chief Priest!"

Thales impatiently reminded them.

"Do not make this scene too ugly."

The prince's words made the two teacher and student, who had been arguing more and more fiercely, quiet for a while.

Federico and the old priest faced each other, one side cold and firm, the other heartbroken.

The whispers that had disappeared for a time now returned to the hall.

Fable closed his eyes. Only after several deep breaths did he slowly open them again.

"What I said before was too hasty and rash. I violated the taboo of the Youngest Son and nearly stepped onto the wrong path."

Unexpectedly, the deputy chief priest's expression dimmed, and he shook his head in disappointment, taking the lead in stepping back and apologizing.

"I ask Your Highness to forgive me."

"I already said," Thales's expression did not change, "only the Sunset Goddess is qualified to judge and forgive you."

The old priest laughed softly when he heard this. It seemed both mocking and relieved.

"But Your Highness, what Federico just said is not without reason."

Thales, who was thinking about how to end this, did not react at once. Even Federico froze.

"What?"

"Everyone, I believe you have also seen clearly: in this situation, we need His Highness."

Deputy Chief Priest Fable sighed and turned toward the public in the hall, his expression shifting from grief to firmness.

"Jade City needs Prince Thales. It needs him to preside over the greater situation, maintain order, and prevent this city from once again falling into the bitter consequences of the Cavendill family's internal disorder."

As soon as he said this, the audience at the meeting began discussing again.

Federico frowned deeply.

Fable raised his voice.

"Since His Highness has just laid bare his intentions and has no desire to cling to the seat or seize power, we might as well believe him. Believe that, in order to clean up Jade City and return it to order, he needs the power to serve as regent..."

Wait, what?

Believe him?

Believe the prince?

The deputy chief priest remained eloquent as ever, but for some reason, the stance of praise or blame in these words was vastly different from a moment ago, leaving everyone stunned.

"And we should also understand: in this dispute from which Jade City cannot extricate itself, His Highness Thales has already borne too much. If we still pour unnecessary blame upon him, question him, demand that he take responsibility for things too far away, or even force him to step down for a moment's satisfaction..."

Fable touched the Scripture in his arms and sighed.

"Then we would be troubling a good person's kindness because of evil people's wrongs. This is not fair, nor is it beneficial to Jade City's order and stability."

Everyone grew even more doubtful as they listened, looking at one another.

This old deputy chief priest, who not long ago had been speaking out for the common people of Jade City, protesting without regard for his own safety and forcing the prince to defend himself in embarrassment, was now...

Changing his tune and switching to the prince's side?

Or had he grown old and forgotten what he had just said and what position he had taken?

Even Thales was left dazed by what he heard and repeatedly looked toward Federico.

But the latter was also completely confused.

Count Lasia widened his eyes and said suspiciously, "Deputy Chief Priest, it is not that I disrespect you, but just now you were saying we should be wary..."

But the old priest paid him no attention. He only pressed forward and waved his arms toward the hall, especially toward the listeners seated in the middle and rear rows.

"Everyone! If His Highness is willing to shoulder the consequences, willing to guarantee Jade City and even the countless people of the South Bank, then what does Jade City, high or low, have to fear?"

Whispers rose in the hall.

"His Highness can stand forth for us, shield us from wind and rain without regard for criticism or reputation," the deputy chief priest sighed and turned to indicate Thales on the steps. "Then can we not stand forth for ourselves, and even for Prince Thales, and sacrifice once?"

The council hall immediately erupted again.

Only this time, the emotion dominating everyone was confusion and shock, not worry and righteous indignation.

Thales on the main seat also looked in astonishment at this old man who had suddenly turned to support him.

Had he truly misunderstood?

Was he actually here to curse him lightly in order to help him greatly?

Was this highly respected Deputy Chief Priest Fable truly sent by the kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department to serve as a stepping stone for royal power to take control of Jade City?

To clear obstacles and unify thinking for him?

But this method, this change from before to after, was far too... stiff.

Amid the whole hall's shock and doubt, only Mallos chewed over the old priest's words and frowned slightly.

"Since that is so, everyone, we cannot hide behind His Highness and let him fight alone and bear criticism!"

The old priest continued, only more impassioned.

Stand forth for Prince Thales, sacrifice and contribute... not let him fight alone...

The Watchman chewed over these words, his eyes moving.

Then was that not to...

"We should become His Highness's aid, clear thorns and brambles for him, rather than become obstacles and place burdens upon him..."

Fable raised his voice to encourage everyone.

"We should see him as our ally, our hope, and even our future leader, as the kingdom's heir, he should be that as well, in order to protect our own order and interests."

Aid... ally... protect our own order and interests...

Mallos understood something. His expression grew solemn, and he turned to look at Thales.

"However, at the same time, we must also be vigilant. Even if we believe in His Highness the prince's moral character, we must be wary of the hidden currents surging behind him, wary of the petty men and ambitious people gathered around him, and even of certain unseen hands fighting for power, wary that they may cover the prince's eyes..."

Under the hall's puzzled gazes, Fable took a deep breath and raised his arm in a cry.

"Therefore, everyone, I propose this: based on what His Highness just said, let us establish a written document here, write a contract, and jointly shoulder Jade City's future!"

His voice echoed through the hall, but was met only with confusion.

"What?"

Federico did not understand.

"What does that mean?"

The deputy chief priest walked toward the main steps and bowed and knelt to Thales in excitement, giving a formal salute, one even more respectful and standard than his first.

For this, he even temporarily put down the Sunset Scripture.

"I ask His Highness Thales, no, Regent Thales, to establish a covenant with all the citizens of Jade City."

The hall was quiet for a good while.

"A covenant?"

Thales sensed something and repeated suspiciously.

"Establish... what covenant?"

The aged deputy chief priest rose unsteadily, but his eyes were filled with excitement and hope.

"First..."

He looked around the council hall, took a deep breath, calmed his emotions, and slowly spoke in a solemn and peaceful tone.

"I ask Your Highness and us to list together the results of today's audience meeting.

"We will clearly write down the time limit, rights and responsibilities, scope, needs, and pending tasks required for your regency, including taboos that cannot be violated, unquestionable powers, and even possible consequences.

"Sunset Temple will countersign it and ensure its implementation. Everyone in Jade City, high and low, shall not comment idly, obstruct it, obey in public while defying in private, or act against it.

"In this way, Your Highness's regency and governance will have rules to rely on, written words to follow, and clauses to reference. No one will then be able to groundlessly accuse you of exceeding authority or failing in governance!"

When these words fell, Thales felt his brow twitch.

No.

Something was wrong.

The voice in his heart spoke urgently and gravely:

To turn the matters of the regency, including the scope of authority and responsibility, into written clauses...

Yes, in this way, no one will be able to accuse you of overstepping authority, but...

The voice in his heart became extremely vigilant:

Careful. He absolutely did not come to support you, Thales, and even less to serve as your stepping stone. On the contrary...

Countless discussions rose in the hall.

Many important figures seated in the front rows changed expression one after another.

"Second!"

But Deputy Chief Priest Fable continued, his articulation clear and his voice ringing loudly.

"I ask Your Highness to carry out your previous words and establish supervision and guarantees for the execution of the regency.

"For example, authorize the formation of a temporary committee or council, with nobles, bureaucrats, soldiers, merchants, business owners, and other knowledgeable people as members, and even invite foreign envoys to serve as observers and witnesses. For this, Sunset Temple is willing to provide guarantee.

"They will have the right to know, advise on, and even participate in Jade City's lawmaking, military transfers, financial and tax arrangements, and handling of crisis events. Naturally, when governance fails, they must also bear responsibility together until His Highness Thales completes the arbitration of the Cavendill case and resigns from the regency.

"In this way, we can avoid the citizens of Jade City living in fear of the unknown all day, making groundless guesses and malicious suspicions. We can also avoid forcing you, while you exhaust yourself over political affairs, to endure, as today, accusations from petty men and foolish people that you covet power or act as a tyrant!"

After the second point was finished, the council hall erupted in uproar.

Not good, not good.

Thales's face did not change and his body did not move, but the voice in his heart grew more urgent.

So all of this fellow's previous accusations and protests had a purpose. All of it was for this moment...

Supervision and guarantees... committee... council... what does he think this place is?

A national affairs conference?

Now, even the dullest and most dazed person in the council hall immediately reacted.

This deputy chief priest of Sunset Temple, he was trying to...

"Third!"

The aged deputy chief priest, who looked as if he might collapse at any moment, tremblingly raised a third finger, yet his voice shook the hall.

"I ask you to swear and promise, in the name of the second prince and even the Jadestar royal family, under the witness of the Sunset Goddess, to hand over authority and resign from the regency.

"Once the arbitration case concludes, regardless of the result, even if Zayen and Federico are both convicted, even if both lose their legal right of inheritance, even if the two fight to the death privately in the palace, even if the iris cannot find a successor for a time, even if some ambitious person suddenly jumps out and asks you to remain regent forever...

"Your Highness should remain unmoved, adhere to principle, keep your promise, and immediately hand over the regency. Jade City will then be governed temporarily by the aforementioned committee or council, which shall choose the most capable among the heroes of the South Bank to take charge of affairs and discuss this city's future, until power returns to a qualified member of the iris family.

"And you should firmly reject any officials from the royal capital who may come to take over and seize power, avoiding the troubles of the North and Western Desert, and also avoiding any danger that Your Highness may break faith, violate your word, and betray your promise!"

Deputy Chief Priest Fable fluently and excitedly finished these three points. Ignoring the uproar filling the hall, and not waiting for the people whose faces had greatly changed to react, he stepped forward on his own and spoke in a trembling voice.

"In this way, whether in Jade City high and low, inside or outside Emerald Palace, rights and responsibilities will be clear, examples plain, and no treacherous villains like those Federico mentioned will be able to obstruct from within, disturb people's hearts, or estrange high and low. It will also guarantee that His Highness Thales remains wise and open to all views, broad-minded and clear, and does not become muddled, closed off, lost, or led astray."

In the light shining in from the top windows on all sides, the old priest took a deep breath, as if the hall contained the sweetest and freshest air.

"This matter can also become a fine tale in the future, laying the foundation for Your Highness to be crowned supreme, rule the kingdom, and become a wise ruler of a generation."

The deputy chief priest finished speaking, and the echoes of his words still lingered in the hall.

The listeners whispered to one another, each with a different expression.

Many people had not even reacted yet.

He...

What had he just said?

What covenant...

What first, second, third...

What list, what supervision, what promise to hand over...

Upon the main seat, Thales looked in shock at the old man before him, and at the Sunset Scripture that had unknowingly fallen at the old man's feet.

This man before him...

"Absurd!"

Federico was the first to react. Still shocked, he instinctively refuted him.

"What covenant? The South Bank Territory is the kingdom's South Bank Territory, fiefed by the Jadestar royal family to the Cavendill family. And His Highness Thales is the kingdom's heir. How can he be forced to..."

"I object!"

Before Federico could finish speaking, Count Lasia stood up in anger.

"The regency over Jade City and even the South Bank Territory is such a major matter. How can it be handled like a game? Where do these rules come from? What meaning do they have? Utterly absurd! And inventing some council out of thin air? When the time comes, merely arguing in the council hall will..."

"I have not finished!"

Fable seemed to have expected this. He spread both arms and shouted again.

"If you can do this, Your Highness, if you truly can write the regency authority into a covenant... then during your regency, whenever you issue an order, so long as it falls within the covenant, follows the rules, and does not violate your previous words, even if there are minor mistakes, Sunset Temple, and every contracting party and witness in Jade City, shall support you with full strength and without objection!"

Fable abruptly turned around.

"At that time, if anyone still refuses to accept Your Highness's dignity, disrespects or even mocks Your Highness's regency..."

The deputy chief priest gritted his teeth, his stance forceful.

"Sunset Temple and even all of Jade City, high and low, shall serve as Your Highness's vanguard and punish these treacherous evils!"

"Absurd!"

Federico, whose mind had been shocked blank, instinctively refuted him again, but then realized those words were disrespectful to the prince and could only close his mouth.

But in the hall, no one cared anymore whether his words were proper or not.

Everyone stared blankly at the old priest and listened to him.

"Also, even, even one step further..."

Deputy Chief Priest Fable breathed rapidly and stared fixedly at the Duke of Star Lake on the main seat.

"If in the future His Majesty the king is dissatisfied with the result of Your Highness's trip to Jade City, if court ministers criticize the prince's regency, or if petty men inside and outside the court slander you, disrespect you, even to the point of speaking of your succession to the throne..."

At that moment, Thales and Federico's expressions changed together.

Even the eyes of the audience in the council hall became different.

"Then the entire South Bank Territory, Jade City high and low, including Sunset Temple and the church, having received Your Highness's great grace and gained the prince's protection, even if only for the sake of this regency covenant that was not long in duration yet remade Emerald..."

Fable gritted his teeth and stepped over the Sunset Scripture beneath his feet.

"We would rather risk our property, lives, and reputations than fail to speak with righteousness, sign a blood oath and submit a memorial, and preserve for the kingdom a wise monarch of a generation! Through a thousand hardships and ten thousand dangers, we will recognize only Your Highness's unshakable, divinely granted right and qualification as a son of Jadestar and the sole orthodox heir of the Kingdom of the Stars!"

An uproar shook the hall.

Federico's face turned ashen.

Under Thales's dumbstruck gaze, the deputy chief priest stepped forward, his eyes full of hope.

"If you need it, Your Highness, we can write this as the fourth point of the covenant and announce it to the entire kingdom!"

"My heavens, my heavens." Amid the whole hall's shock, Wya was likewise stunned and instinctively pressed his hand to his sword. "Is he trying to... to rebel?"

"Precisely the opposite."

Mallos looked at the reactions of different people throughout the hall, thoughtful.

"This is to prevent Jade City from... rebelling."

Many listeners grew restless.

"Of course, the specific rules and details can still be discussed and polished, but so long as the principle is accepted..."

The old priest's excited, fervent words drifted through the hall, carrying a hint of righteousness and disregard for himself.

"With this covenant established, each of us will contribute, everyone will act for the public good, each will endorse and guarantee their own fate, stand forth for their own interests, and dissolve the estrangement between us and Prince Thales. Acting according to the covenant, no matter what sort of problem arises, it can be solved; no matter what sort of difficulty appears, it can be crossed. Jade City will be peaceful and free of worry, His Highness the prince's road ahead will be free of concern, and the kingdom's fortune, from top to bottom, will not decline!"

Deputy Chief Priest Fable swept his gaze back and forth, his eyes incomparably ardent.

"Your Highness, everyone, what do you think?"

Public opinion throughout the hall burst into uproar, its sound covering the chamber.

Thales did not speak. He only gripped the armrests of his seat tightly.

But many people began discussing excitedly or anxiously.

"He said it so clearly and logically. He was obviously prepared long ago..."

"Just waiting for this moment to make this move?"

"It should be so! Now the petty people in Emerald Palace will not be able to make trouble..."

"This proposal is not bad. Write everything clearly in black and white, so we do not have to be terrified every day..."

"But where does this leave the Cavendill family?"

"Nowhere. When disaster rose inside the iris and an external enemy appeared at the gates, it was already finished."

"Too thorough! As expected of the deputy chief priest!"

"I heard that, among all the deputy chief priests in so many parishes back then, he had great hope of becoming Sunset high priest. If not because his family background could not compare to that female priest surnamed Arunde..."

"Did you notice? Every point he mentioned requires Sunset Temple's endorsement."

"He has stood out like this and shouldered the cost. It is only natural that the temple's status be elevated..."

"Sister, if this were you, could you endure it?"

"Hard to say... if weighing the pros and cons... tsk tsk..."

"You clap once, I clap once!"

"The prince cries so pitifully from now on!"

"Sister, the game is over!"

"Sister, why is it over again?"

"If he cannot afford to play, of course it is over."

"Uncle, tell me, that council or whatever, will it have the power to readjust the quotas for Eternal Oil fishing? Our whaling ships..."

"Father, do we have any hope of entering that council? How much money would we need? Who do we give it to?"

"Stop dreaming. We cannot enter..."

"But if we unite the major figures in the industry and recommend one or two people with reputation together, surely they can get in?"

"What does the fourth point he mentioned mean?"

"It means the prince helps us govern ourselves and protects our peace, and we contribute money and strength to push him onto the throne."

"Can that be useful?"

"The wealth and resources of the entire South Bank are enough to buy the other six territories of the kingdom. What do you think?"

"But the prince is already destined to become king, is he not?"

"Yes. Then is it possible that once he refuses, he will not be so destined anymore?"

"What do you mean?"

"He governs the wealthiest and most prosperous city in the kingdom, then governs it into collapse. Tell me, can this prince still become king?"

"This reminds me of the scene when the Sacred Covenant of the Stars was issued, and the wise king established the National Affairs Conference..."

"Shh! Be careful. How can the two be discussed in the same breath?"

"Exactly because of that, if what happens here reaches Renaissance Palace, reaches His Majesty's ears, especially the fourth point..."

"Damn. If the Central Territory's standing army, Arracca Murkh's Wrath Guard, mobilizes and rushes to Jade City, how long would it take?"

"If the Jade Legion holds the city, is there hope?"

"First, Jade City no longer has walls to hold. Second, this is not a question of whether it can be held. Jade City depends on trade and goods. Once troops move and unrest begins, roads are cut and travelers no longer come. It will be finished without even needing to fight..."

As the person standing highest in the council hall at this moment, Thales looked expressionlessly at the old priest before him, and felt the hall's restless reactions, whether fearful, tense, excited, or stirred.

The Hell's senses delivered the discussions and opinions of every party in the hall. Both their content and their attitude made his heart grow colder and colder.

Establish a covenant.

Succession to the throne...

Thales looked deeply at Fable.

He finally knew where that feeling of wrongness had come from.

He began to believe that this aged old man before him had not been instructed, coerced, used, or incited by the king, by the kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department, by Zayen or Federico, or even by anyone at all.

He had come of his own will.

Of course, one could also say he had come for Jade City.

He was different from Zayen, from Federico, from King Nuin, from Chapman Lampard, from King Kessel, and from every opponent Thales had encountered in the difficult and dangerous adventures of the first half of his life.

Thales closed his eyes, feeling the endless restlessness of the whole hall, and took a deep breath.

It had changed.

The voice in his heart considered carefully, then sighed with the tone of tasting fine wine:

In Jade City, perhaps from this moment on, no, perhaps not merely from this moment, but from long ago, beginning at some unknown point without anyone realizing it...

Some things...

Had already changed.