Chapter 195: 194 Voices from all sides Chapter 195: 194 Voices from all sides “The course of the events was just as I’ve described.”
Not knowing how much time had passed, Beren concluded his narration.
“Afterward, as everyone knows, Shane took down the wanted culprits, Beddo, and Killian; most of the Old Demon Clan Faction’s forces were annihilated. Although the losses suffered by Lamijion were not dire, we cannot let the victims have perished in vain. I earnestly request His Majesty to make a judgment on this matter.”
In the end, Beren still spoke up for Lamijion.
However, this was understandable and permissible. No one would likely take issue with it.
“You’ve had a hard time, Mr. Beren,” Anxi nodded and said, “Rest assured, those who have made significant contributions will certainly not be overlooked. Lamijion has done very well this time. Though you were unsuccessful in bringing the mastermind, Killian, back to the Royal Capital, you ensured this malefactor did not survive. Additionally, you defeated Beddo and other inhumane members of the Old Demon Clan Faction; this is a great accomplishment. I will have someone arrange to reward these deeds accordingly.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Beren heaved a sigh of relief, apparently very satisfied with the outcome.
Leon and Alis also seemed pleased, indicating this result was within their acceptable range.
Only Vivian remained with a gentle smile, seemingly indifferent to the so-called merit and reward, which caught the curious glances of many nobles.
Not seeking fame and not greedy, merely quietly and modestly doing what she ought to do—Vivian was certainly charming in this respect.
“So, has everyone come to understand the specifics of the incident?” Anxi looked around again and said, “Clearly, the Adventurer Shane has made an absolutely significant contribution. What sort of reward do you think would be appropriate to give him?”
These words energized many.
Because, from this point, the main event was beginning.
“Your Highness Lord Yule, Lord Jiasinta, what are your perspectives on this?”
Anxi didn’t first look to the nobles but instead turned to the two important individuals who were sitting at the same level as himself.
The two were still looking at Shane until Anxi’s question prompted them to turn their attention.
Then, Yule was the first to speak.
“Without a doubt, this is a significant accomplishment,” Yule responded with a kindly and affable smile, “The Old Demon Clan Faction, led by Beddo, not only massacred countless innocents in the Royal Capital over these ten years but have also caused severe loss and sacrifice to our Temple. To have such heretics vanquished fills my heart with joy.”
“Indeed,” Jiasinta also spoke up, though his voice lacked Yule’s kindness and was somewhat flippant, “It’s deeply regrettable and painful to see traitors emerge from the Demon Clan, and of course, I greatly despise them, especially since some of them were once my subordinates. Due to my oversight, the reputation of the Dragon Demon Lord was tarnished. That a human talent like Shane has cleared such stains for us, I must offer the sincerest thanks on behalf of the Dragon Demon Palace. Therefore, I believe, the reward must be significant.”
“It should indeed be so,” Yule agreed, “He is a rare talent among our Human Race, with a promising future. I believe even the gods will pay special attention to Lord Shane. We must not neglect such a talent, Your Majesty.”
“That’s right,” Jiasinta’s lips curled up slightly, and then he continued to look at Shane with the same interested expression.
The representatives of the Temple and Demon Clan had nothing but praise for Shane.
Obviously, these two were on Shane’s side.
Apart from them, others also expressed their support for Shane.
“Just as His Highness and the Lord have said, I believe we must grant a substantial reward, Your Majesty,” spoke Migis.
The head of the Lazahad family had been present all along, watching Shane stand before the throne, his eyes filled with surprise and admiration.
Shane was an Adventurer and also a new acquaintance of his family, and as such, Migis had every reason to care for him, let alone that Shane had given Migis such an incredible surprise by revealing a glimpse of his strength. This naturally led Migis to hold Shane in high regard.
“I also think Lord Shane is a very impressive talent. Father, you can’t let someone risk their life and achieve such deeds without reward, can you?”
The noblewoman who bore some resemblance to Luoqi also spoke, her gaze also curious as she watched Shane.
Since she addressed Anxi as her father, her identity was quite apparent.
It was none other than the Mitra Kingdom’s First Princess, Luoqi’s sister—Liyadella Mitra.
“Luoqi, Aridia, what do you think?”
Anxi smiled on his face but didn’t decide immediately; instead, he turned towards Luoqi and Aridia.
“I have no objections.”
Aridia stated expressionlessly.
“Neither do I, naturally.”
Luoqi let out an even fainter smile, breathtakingly beautiful, sending a thrill through everyone present, but also reminding them for whom that smile was, filling their hearts with blockage.
As for Shane, he hadn’t opened his mouth from the beginning to the end, merely watching the entire process unfold as if it had nothing to do with him.
Then, at last, the voice of opposition appeared.
“Your Majesty, I believe it is premature to discuss rewards at this time.”
The atmosphere of the scene changed the moment that voice was heard.
Everyone’s gaze turned towards the source of the voice.
Shane looked over as well.
The next second, everyone saw a middle-aged man standing with his hands behind his back, clad in a military uniform, his posture rigid and his demeanor strikingly impressive.
“…Barry, my elder brother?”
Anxi narrowed his eyes.
Shane was somewhat puzzled.
He naturally did not know this man.
However, a quiet voice by his side provided Shane with an introduction.
“He is Duke Barry Sterling, related by blood to the Royal Family. Although a distant cousin, he is also a Descendant of the Brave. Not adept at fighting personally, he is exceedingly skilled on the battlefield, a politician and strategist with great means.”
Vivian had approached Shane at some point and spoke to him in a low voice.
“Duke Barry is notoriously ruthless and powerful, holding a high position within the Kingdom. Now that he has voiced an objection, many Nobles are likely to follow suit, and things are about to become somewhat troublesome.”
Just like Vivian had said, with Barry stepping forward, many Nobles instinctively gathered around him, as if they had found a pillar of support.
In such a situation, Anxi also furrowed his brows.
“Do you think such a man of merit should not be rewarded, brother?”
Anxi asked in a deep voice.
Yet Barry shook his head.
“You misunderstand me, Your Majesty. A person of merit must naturally be rewarded; there is no doubt about that,” Barry spoke calmly. “However, I believe there are too many suspicious elements in this affair. To determine now that the Adventurer Shane has made great contributions is far too reckless.”
“Oh?” Jiasinta became somewhat interested and said, “And what does Duke think?”
“I think, based on Beren Mura’s account, there are several doubts in this incident,” Barry replied coolly. “For example, for what reason did the Adventurer Shane come into contact with the Old Demon Clan Faction’s mastermind Laischa, which led to Killian’s appearance? Why would this Adventurer plot a plan to lure the majority of the Old Demon Clan Faction’s troops into an attack? Plus, the captured Killian seems to have encountered some issue because of him, ultimately betraying Beddo and being killed. There are too many dubious points that cannot be ignored.”
With a single statement, he plunged the crowd into another round of contemplation.