my pokemon player.

Looking at Ryan's relieved, even somewhat relieved expression, White sighed helplessly, then said with a wry smile:

“Three towns issued challenges at the same time, yet you are not nervous at all; on the contrary, you seem quite relaxed. So, in your eyes, those political affairs are far more troublesome than these three challenges.”

Ryan straightened his back, the feigned distress on his face instantly replaced by a confident expression. He spread his hands and said with a light laugh:

"Rather than saying I found the political situation difficult, I would say I didn't take these three challenges seriously."

“Young Master Ryan, I need to remind you, this is a declaration of war. We are about to face a joint attack from three towns.” White tried to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.

"Furthermore, they have received help from Lion's Nest City. The Vulture Knights have been circling our territory quite a bit these past few days, so you must not underestimate them!"

Ryan replied nonchalantly, "Uncle White, you misunderstand. I didn't underestimate the enemy. I just think these three challenges are useless. I wouldn't even want to use them as toilet paper."

"What era are we living in? They're still using the old aristocracy's methods. Before starting a war, they have to issue a fake declaration of war. Isn't that just to give them a suitable reason to start a war?"

"I don't even need to open it to know what's inside. It's nothing more than accusing me of seizing other nobles' territories, and accusing me of undermining noble unity and wantonly starting wars."

Finally, Ryan curled his lips into a mocking smile: "I can't be bothered to read these high-sounding words, but you can see if my guess is right."

"Alright, then I'll check it for you." White was still very curious about the contents of the challenge letter.

He opened one of the challenge letters and began to browse its contents.

Soon, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, because the contents of the challenge were similar to Ryan's guess.

White opened the other two challenges, and seeing the similar wording, he let out two sneers:
"Young Master, you are indeed a prophet. These three letters of challenge accuse you of launching wars at will and seizing the territories of innocent nobles."

"It also says that because you are a viscount personally appointed by His Majesty the King, they will not pursue your crimes. You only need to return the occupied towns to the original lord families."

"If you do not return the towns within three days, they will launch a war and take them back by force. I advise you not to be so stubborn."

White closed the three challenges, placed them on the table in front of Ryan, and said in an icy tone:
"Those three idiots who were used as pawns actually dared to threaten you; they're practically asking for death!"

Ryan, however, was not angry. He smirked and said, "You said it yourself, they're just knives. There's no need to get angry because of them."

"These three challenge letters were most likely written by Lion's Nest City. As the nominal rulers of the Southeast Province, they need to find a plausible reason to take action against the lords below them, otherwise it will cause panic and resistance from the other lords."

"Although this move is purely pointless, that's how it is among nobles. If they want to start a war, they have to claim a righteous cause."

"Since that's the case, then I'll deliberately defy their wishes and make them lose their righteous cause!"

He tapped the table with his hand and said, word by word, "I will fight the war! I will also claim the rights!"

"I will make Lion's Nest City not only lose this war, but also lose the reputation and face of the family!"

White immediately understood what Ryan meant: "You want to send them a challenge back, directly exposing their true thoughts?"

Ryan nodded slightly: "That's right. I not only want to expose Lion's Nest City's true intentions and instill fear in the other nobles, but I also want to claim the moral high ground."

"Don't forget, His Majesty the King has bestowed upon me not only the title of viscount, but also the title of Royal Knight, granting me the power to quell disobedience and rebellion."

"I want to see whether the other nobles will believe Marquis Cross, who secretly instigated a war, or me, the royal knight most trusted by His Majesty the King!"

White: "???"

No, when did you become His Majesty the King's most trusted royal knight? You've never even met His Majesty the King!
Seemingly sensing White's confusion, Lane calmly explained:
"I know what you're trying to say, but when you're out in the world, you have to define your own identity."

"As long as His Majesty the King doesn't personally refute me, then I am his most trusted royal knight!"

"Besides, I'm not just making this up. If His Majesty the King didn't trust me, how could he possibly grant me the power to quell a rebellion!"

With just a few words, White was almost convinced by Ryan. Could it be that His Majesty the King truly regarded Ryan as a loyal subject?

He must be blind. He underestimated Ryan's ambition.

"Alright, you don't need to overthink it. The reason His Majesty values ​​me so much is because his power has long been usurped, and he can only seek support from outside the capital."

“A minor nobleman like me, with potential but low social status, is the most suitable target for wooing and investment. Anyway, I’m just a casual move, so it doesn’t matter if I get swallowed up.”

"However, once someone grows up, this move could become a divine move, helping him to turn the tide. That's why I've always felt that His Majesty the King is not simple, unlike the incompetent people in the rumors."

"So young, yet so scheming. It's a good thing the former king left him with such a mess, otherwise we would be in real trouble."

Ryan stroked his chin as he spoke, his words revealing his admiration for the young king.

White smiled without saying a word, thinking to himself that his young master wasn't that old either, even younger than that king.

However, Ryan was far more capable than that young king. If their roles had been reversed, perhaps Ryan would have already reclaimed power and restored the royal family's rule over the Kingdom of Arad.

Thinking of this, a proud smile appeared on White's lips. His young master was the best!
Lane didn't notice the change in White's expression and continued to express his thoughts:
"Since His Majesty the King wants to rely on our strength in the future, it is normal for me to receive some payment in advance. It is just a title, and I am sure His Majesty the King will not mind."

"Therefore, I am His Majesty the King's most trusted royal knight, without a doubt. Marquis Cross's trouble with me is a disgrace to the royal family!"

"Although the royal family has almost completely lost face, it still holds some weight in the hearts of the minor nobles. I'm determined to claim the moral high ground in this war!"

"Uncle White, could you please write them a letter of challenge based on what I just said, and then use the trade channels of the Chamber of Commerce to spread this letter of challenge throughout the entire Southeast Province?"

"I want to use this war to draw the attention of all the nobles in the Southeast Province. I want them to see that the Flame Lion family is not invincible. I want to make Marquis Cross lose face and completely shake the foundation of his rule!"

Hearing Ryan's loud voice, White's face also showed excitement, and he immediately bowed and accepted the order:

"Yes, Your will will be known throughout the entire Southeast Province!"

Ryan nodded slightly: "Well, let's leave the matter of the challenge here. Actually, the so-called righteousness and legitimacy aren't that important." "In the hands of the strong, it is an invincible sword; in the hands of the weak, it is just a mosaic, only good for covering up shame."

"In the end, it still comes down to strength. If we lose this war, what good is it if we have the moral high ground? We will still be trampled underfoot and humiliated by the victors!"

Upon hearing this, White said with a determined look in his eyes, "We will not lose!"

"Oh?" Ryan said to White with interest, "Uncle White, do you have so much confidence in me? Didn't you just remind me not to underestimate my opponent?"

White shrugged and said casually, "That was just my duty as a subordinate, but I still firmly believe that we will ultimately win!"

Ryan, resting his chin on his hand, said calmly:
"That's true. It's not hard to tell from the fact that you didn't immediately hand over a declaration of war, but instead cared about my mindset that you also think we can't lose this war, otherwise you wouldn't be so relaxed."

White was stunned when he heard this.

He suddenly realized that he didn't seem to take the three challenges seriously, but was more worried about Ryan's condition, which was unusual for someone as cautious as him.

In the past, even if he could maintain a calm demeanor in front of Ryan when faced with the threat of an attack from the combined forces of three towns, his heart would have been filled with anxiety and urgency. He would have repeatedly considered the worst possible scenarios and worried about the survival of his territory.

This time, however, he didn't have that urgent feeling of being on the verge of disaster. Instead, like Ryan, he had an almost leisurely composure.

Clearly, deep down, he never truly viewed the impending war as a major crisis concerning life and death and the fate of his territory.

So the question is, why did I underestimate my opponent?

White pondered for only a moment, and the answer immediately came to mind—because of strength!
Previously, the territory consisted of only one town, Firefly Town. While it wasn't without strength, it was simply insufficient to protect the territory's safety.

The slightest misstep could lead to the annihilation of his territory and family, so he had to be cautious and careful in dealing with all friction and war.

Even after Ryan took over the territory and rose to power at an extremely rapid pace, he remained cautious because the territory had not yet developed to the point where it was free from any threats.

His mindset only gradually changed as his territory expanded, as the number of immortal and indestructible visitors from the divine realm increased, and as Pokémon comparable to gods arrived.

Whether it was the well-trained indigenous troops, the fearless visitors from the divine realm, or even the invincible Mewtwo, they all gave him unprecedented confidence.

Faced with the declaration of war from three towns that had once kept him up at night, he showed no panic, but instead remained remarkably calm.

This composure, backed by his strength, has quietly replaced his past anxieties without him even realizing it.

“I see.” White looked up at Ryan, who looked relaxed, and muttered to himself.

“Our territory is no longer what it used to be, and it’s time for me to change my mindset!”

Ryan didn't quite hear what White said, but he could guess what it was from his expression.

He raised his hand to summon the teapot, and poured himself a cup of black tea, enduring the resentful gaze of the beautiful but cold-hearted queen.

There was no other way; he couldn't very well have the beautiful and elegant queen make juice with her sweat on the spot. He still had some pride to maintain.

Ryan picked up his teacup, moistened his dry throat, and without asking what White had said, simply said leisurely:
"Do you understand?"

White smiled wryly and said, "I understand. I didn't adjust my mindset in time."

Ryan put down his teacup, shook his head, and said, "It's not your fault. Our territory has developed too fast."

"In fact, it's not just you; others haven't changed their mindset to some extent either, and still believe that we are the weaker party."

"Believe it or not, when they find out that Lion's Nest City is involved in this war, they may not say anything, but they will still feel worried."

"So I also want to use the victory in this war to completely change their mindset. We are not weaklings, but conquerors destined to end this chaotic era!"

“This war is just the beginning,” Ryan stood up, his gaze fixed on the window as if he could see the impending war and the distant future. “Next will be the Flame Lion Clan, then the Southeast Province, and the entire Kingdom of Arad!”

"I will use the victory in this war to announce our arrival and at the same time to toll the death knell for the old era!"

Having said that, he slammed his hand on the table and gave a stern order:

"Pass on my order: all towns within the territory must prepare for battle, especially the three towns on the front lines: Feather Town, Silverleaf Town, and Wetland Town. Daily patrols must be intensified, and there must be no slackening!"

Upon hearing this, White quickly pulled out a piece of paper he carried with him and scribbled down the orders given by Ryan.

Ryan then ordered: "Appoint Baron Williams of Feathertown as the wartime commander-in-chief, giving him full command of this war, and appoint Baron Karlov of Silverleaf Town as his deputy, to assist Baron Williams in the battle!"

Upon hearing this order, White couldn't help but show a surprised expression. He had thought that Ryan would still be in command of the war, but he didn't expect that he would hand over the command of the war to Baron Williams.

Ryan noticed White's surprise and frowned, saying, "What? You can't win without my command?"

White shook his head repeatedly: "No, no, no, I just don't understand why you don't want to command this war."

Ryan's brows relaxed slightly upon hearing this, and a playful smile appeared on his lips: "Do you want the truth or a lie?"

"Uh, can I choose to hear both versions?" White asked back with a smile.

“Of course, since you’re my uncle.” Ryan plopped back down in his chair.

"Let me tell you the truth for now. I think this is a war that is destined to be won, so there's no point in commanding it."

White nodded noncommittally, then pressed on, "And the truth?"

Ryan leaned back in his chair and answered casually:

"The truth is, I've fought so many battles, can't I enjoy myself a bit?" (End of Chapter)