Alien world

Chapter 1851, Section 484: Eating the Statue

The third prince, standing nearby, also appeared to be listening attentively.

"What do you think?"

The emperor passed the buck back to the emperor.

"Because the Empire wants to cultivate a new power in the western Middle Kingdom?" Annan had some guesses, but still wanted to get the answer from the Emperor. "Or is it because of the potential of Free City?"

He joked, "It can't be because of our ancestors, can it?"

Annan and the third prince laughed, but the emperor and the minister stopped laughing. Then the third prince also stopped laughing, leaving only Annan's smile gradually stiffening.

"Really?"

The smile that had vanished from Annan's face reappeared on the Emperor's: "It's fake. The Ancestor likes you, and if she asked, there would be no resistance to you joining the alliance. But the Empire's real reason for choosing you is because you are qualified."

What qualifications?
Annan envisioned that the newly formed alliance would act according to their respective strengths: the Empire, being the strongest, would bear the pressure of the entire main battlefield. The Kingdom of Dimon, composed of veterans, would be responsible for the flanks, cooperating with the Empire's operations.

Liberty City has many friends and new tricks, making it a great place to use as a surprise weapon to bring unexpected surprises.

This also aligns with the positioning that Olmedo and his team discussed before their departure.

But the emperor's reply was: the position of Mud King has been vacant for too long, and various forces are eyeing it covetously. As one of the supreme kings, the empire has the right to withdraw and select a candidate.

Annan Reeves is qualified.

“Me? The King of Mud?” Annan pointed at himself, stunned.

"Aren't you good enough?" the emperor retorted.

Annan looked at the Minister of Military Affairs, who had a stern face and said nothing, seemingly not joking.

Annan said frankly, "Putting aside whether it works or not, if a poor boy is suddenly taken in and cared for by someone who is said to be the illegitimate son of a rich businessman, and then after a couple of days he is told that he is actually a prince and the future king, the poor boy will definitely not feel surprised, but will feel like he is dreaming."

For example, at this moment, Annan's mind was filled with unexpected events.

The Minister of Military Affairs said expressionlessly, "You're not dreaming about that poor kid with unparalleled talent."

The emperor nodded and said, "Strength is a condition for a supreme king, but it is not the only condition. Your potential proves that you are qualified."

Annan does not deny that Liberty City has always lacked only one thing: time.

If that's the case, then it makes sense why the alliance included Liberty City: to announce to the world that Liberty City is their chosen candidate.

"So the Orr Empire is suppressing me..." Annan thought of the Orr Empire ambassador who deliberately caused him trouble in the banquet hall yesterday.

“The Orr Empire also has a candidate,” the minister nodded.

The young emperor added, "They will never bow down, so they can only prevent you from rising to prominence."

"Can other Supreme Kings also choose their candidates?"

After receiving an affirmative answer, Annan muttered to himself, "So there are twelve candidates in total?"

It seems the visitors have ill intentions...

"No, it's thirteen," the emperor corrected.

Annan was puzzled: "Isn't the position of King of Mud already vacant...? There should only be fewer, not more, so how come there's one more?"
"The old king has chosen a new successor, but according to the rules set by the first kings, the other supreme kings have the right to select candidates to compete with the successor, and the final winner will be the new king."

The old king's successor was someone else; Annam was the newcomer.

In any case, this explains why a legendary warrior, a great mage, would take a snotty-nosed child on an adventure.

Having understood the true nature of the alliance, Annan's anxiety lessened considerably.

Now that the soldiers at the front are risking their lives, he can be much more at ease living a life of debauchery in the rear. After all, the soldiers at the front only need to follow orders, while Annan, who has been selected as a candidate, has many more things to consider.

After finishing discussing the trivial matters, the minister took out a parchment scroll from his pocket, opened it, and began reading the alliance's detailed rules.

In June of Saint Laurent Calendar 1004, the Empire, the Kingdom of Dimon, and the Free City signed the Golden Covenant: the three nations will form a military alliance, and their armies may travel and be stationed within the territory of their allies, but they shall not endanger the safety of their allies, interfere in the internal affairs of their allies, or fail to act in the event of an invasion of their allies.

The third prince pressed his lips tightly together, took a deep breath, and held back his tears. Finally... the kingdom's efforts and sacrifices had not been in vain.

For Annan, the only benefit of signing the Golden Pact was that with the Empire as his backer, he could freely provoke the Orr Empire.

Although he has always done this, there is no need to worry about soldiers of the Orr Empire getting lost in Gem Bay.

Next came things like command structure and job assignments—things Annam couldn't remember. But that was alright; the Empire would send envoys to Free City to make contact.

Annan has yet to mention the reward for hunting rats, which is what he truly cares about.

He wanted to interrupt the Minister of Military Affairs several times, but looking at the Emperor's young face and the Third Prince's pure face, he decided not to let the stench of money pollute the sanctity of the palace gardens surrounding the mountain, and decided to hold off for the time being.

Finally, after reading the alliance treaty, the Minister of Military Affairs looked at the two men: "Lord of Free City, Annan. Crown Prince of Dimon, Doyle. Do you have anything to add?"

"I will be the empire's sharpest blade, sweeping away the enemy!" The third prince uttered these words, which he had prepared long ago and which were likely taught to him by the old king.

The emperor and the third prince looked toward the last corner of the alliance.

While lamenting how wonderful it would be if the alliance were a devil's pact, Annan said without hesitation:
"Me too!"

……

In June of the Saint Laurent calendar, on a peaceful day, the Golden Contract, which has been the subject of much discussion, was signed in the gardens of the Palace of the Hill.

After the signing, the emperor invited Annam and the third prince to stay at the Huanshan Palace Garden for a few days.

The third prince readily agreed. After signing the golden contract and spending a few more days in the palace gardens surrounding the mountains, all the doubts and questions about him in the kingdom would vanish.

However, Annan declined, believing that the palace was too empty, that bad people would try to deceive him, and that he would have strange dreams; it was an ominous place.

The third prince suggested sending him away, and Annan readily accepted.

After bidding farewell, the young emperor also left the garden. Before the Minister of Military Affairs followed, he reminded Annan: "The Holy Council is expected to convene again soon, at which time His Majesty will give you a chance to speak."

This speech will not have a significant impact on the course of the war, but it will determine whether Annan will gain more support.

……

"Don't tell anyone."

On the way back, Anan coughed lightly.

"What did you say?" the third prince asked, feigning confusion.

Annan was pleased with his reaction: "You are an excellent king."

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment."

On the way out, the Third Prince and Annan discussed the distribution of mineral resources within the kingdom. Annan suggested that since the kingdom had withstood the ratmen and received support, the old agreements should be revised. For example, resources could be exchanged for mineral resources, and the Free City could be included in the reconstruction efforts.

Annam and the third prince only agreed on the overall direction; the details would be discussed by officials from both sides.

With Ruth and the Home Secretary by their side, they made their way back to the garden entrance.

As they passed an ancestral statue on the outskirts, the third prince suddenly asked, "Statue, do you still want to eat?"

(End of this chapter)