Throne of the North.

Chapter 703 Clash of the Chosen Ones (Thanks again to Mo Ke for the donation)
At the council of elders, the elders had no right to interrupt, the supporters of the elector clashed with each other, and the onlookers watched the spectacle with amusement.

Grand Duke Meyers understood what Grand Duke Rodrigo was saying; it was the other side's way of delaying Volvo.

They wanted Volvo back, but when Volvo returned, they had many reasons to postpone the emperor's funeral.

It's perfectly normal to discuss things for a month or two, right? It's also normal to prepare for half a year or more after the discussions are complete, right? And once the funeral is finished, it'll easily take several months to hold, right? After the funeral, all sorts of activities will naturally follow, right?
Once back in the capital, Volvo can forget about ever returning to the North.

Therefore, today, now, immediately, the date for the emperor's funeral must be determined.

"The funeral of the first Columbus Emperor was held in the first month after his death, while the funeral of the second Columbus Emperor was held in May, a season of birdsong and fragrant flowers. His death ended the war between nobles."

"The two funerals took place in the first and third months after the emperor's death, respectively."

Grand Duke Rodrigo pondered for a moment and said:

"Perhaps His Majesty's funeral can be held in March."

He wanted to talk for a while longer, but if it took too long, Volvo probably wouldn't return to the capital immediately.

Meyers did not agree with this timeframe, saying it was still too long.

“I think February is the best choice. His Majesty Columbus is not only the emperor of the empire, but also the great pope of light. And February is the time when the great god of light breaks through the cold winter and revives the earth.”

“Your Majesty the Emperor, Your Highness the Pope of Light, there is reason to hold the funeral in February.”

Raise a big banner and talk about righteousness.

If we shorten the time frame, let's say it's still February. Doesn't that take very little time?

"The funeral will take time to prepare."

This was said by Freud. The emperor's funeral started early and ended early. Wouldn't Volvo have to go back then?

“His Highness Volvo is very worried about the war in the North. If the war ends in defeat, no one will be able to take the blame.”

Grand Duke Meyers seized upon this reason, making it irrefutable.

However, Floyd was already prepared.

“I believe that Princess Hilde is able to make the North impregnable. If Princess Volvo is still worried, the nobles can send more troops to the North. After all, we also hope that the war in the North can be stabilized.”

Grand Duke Rodrigo revealed two pieces of information. One was a name, which left many nobles bewildered. Only a few older nobles were able to recall the name from their memories, and their expressions changed slightly.

Hilde Enrique.

The child of Lord Ras Enrique, the first blasphemer of the Empire.

As the saying goes, for nobles, the first priority is always the continuation of their bloodline. Without offspring, no matter how outstanding one is, they are not qualified to compete to become emperor.

When it comes to choosing a replacement for Volvo, qualifications are the most important factor, followed by ability. After all, everyone knows what methods Volvo used in its northern campaign.

The second piece of news the Grand Duke mentioned was that he would increase the stakes, providing more wealth and more troops for the war in the North, to ensure its success.

Grand Duke Meyers frowned, seemingly searching for a reason, and finally said helplessly:

“I hope you will keep your word. I think His Highness Volvo needs to see your sincerity before making a decision.”

Grand Duke Meyers was well aware that Volvo wanted to acquire a portion of the Northland War's achievements in advance—achievements that could not be concealed or downplayed. Therefore, the main objective of this council of elders was to get the noble supporters on Freud's side to contribute money as quickly as possible.

It now appears that they won.

With a smile on his face, Meyers openly stated:

"Is Princess Hilde still capable of commanding the war?"

Next up is the drooling part.

The Hilde Enrique they spoke of was Lord Rais's child, but Lord Rais was the first blasphemous royal elector of the empire over a hundred years ago.

His child is not young.

Moreover, people of that era did not possess many extraordinary powers, were not legends, and were often old and frail.

"Child" is how Hilde is described, but this child now... needs help even to walk.

He is qualified, but putting forward such a person as the temporary commander-in-chief of the North seems to indicate that all other options are exhausted.

"The commander of a war does not need to go to the battlefield personally."

"When Princess Hilde was young, she was the sword of the empire. She had the title of battlefield king and never lost a war."

"The orcs of the North cannot possibly breach the Empire's defenses by overcoming Princess Hilder's command."

"The Empire is powerful, and Grand Duke Meyers must recognize that."

"There's no doubt about that."

……

Twilight Province.

The news from the south reached Volvo immediately. He was somewhat disappointed; it wasn't the best outcome, but it was the result of compromise among all parties, a stroke of good luck amidst misfortune.

"At least, we have money now."

To block his escape route, Freud is doing his best to gather nobles to provide supplies for the war in the North, both to get him back as soon as possible and to help the newcomer Hilde establish herself, ensuring that Volvo has no chance to return to the North.

Once they've arrived, they're not leaving.

He went back, and he shouldn't come back.

"Therefore, I must achieve indelible accomplishments in the Twilight Province."

Volvo's eyes were full of ambition; he had never imagined that he was so close to becoming emperor.

"Twilight Keep..."

Volvo began mobilizing war supplies from several other provinces, determined to focus all his efforts on dealing with the orc army at Twilight Fortress.

"Your Highness, the supplies from the capital have been delivered."

"So fast?"

Volvo was also shocked by the news. If it hadn't been told by Krysers, he probably would have been furious.

He had only received the answer from the South for less than an hour when he was told that the supplies resulting from the political strife in the South had already appeared before him.
"They were prepared long ago."

Volvo gritted his teeth; Floyd had long been ready to take over his power in the Northern War.

"How was it delivered?"

"It's a magic circle."

"The power of spatial magic has directly opened a spatial gate, and a large amount of supplies have been delivered to Twilight Fortress. The Marquis and Earl Gardner are busy with it."

"In addition, Princess Hilde has also arrived in the North. The spatial passage seems to be very difficult for her. She vomited as soon as she landed."

"In addition... His Highness Freud also came; he personally delivered the items."

Volvo's eyes widened, his nostrils flared, and anger spread with each breath.

"Why is he here?!" "Is he here to personally witness my return to the capital?"

Volvo soon met Freud; the meeting of the two electors was a meeting of two completely opposite personalities.

Freud exuded aggression from head to toe, coupled with his legendary explosive power, creating an overwhelming sense of oppression. In contrast, Volvo's demeanor was more like that of a handsome nobleman, with an impeccable royal appearance and an aura of nobility that made countless people feel inferior.

Strong and handsome, the two electors represent two distinct forces within the emperor's inner circle, showcasing the unparalleled power of the Flor Empire to the world.

The two candidates for emperor were, to be honest, not young anymore, but when they met, they were no different from young and impetuous. Volvo snorted coldly.

"How did you get here? His Majesty did not grant you the authority to wage war in the North."

“I don’t have the right to participate in the war in the North, but as the chosen one of the Empire, I am also qualified to participate in the war in the North. Of course, His Majesty’s funeral is about to begin, and we will need to go back together then.”

Freud said that, according to the analysis given to him by the nobles, he did not need to get too involved along the way; he only needed to take Volvo back to the capital.

"I'll go back on my own."

“I know we’re just going the same way, and I’m also worried about your Volvo… my brother.”

Freud looked at Volvo; their ages were not apparent from their appearances, but within the royal family, there was a clear distinction between elders and juniors.

"What a pity, Volvo, if we were children of nobles, you would never be qualified to be my competitor."

Freud said condescendingly that the legendary superhuman power, even if it did not actively reveal itself, put immense pressure on Volvo.

The emperor's power can make him a legend, but that doesn't mean anything. True power comes from self-cultivation and hard work.

Freud's formidable legendary fighting prowess was always a source of pride for him.

"Hehe, you can become a nobleman instead of a member of the royal family."

Volvo sneered. After calming down from the pressure of the legend, he began to gain the upper hand, after all, Volvo was more adept at political struggles.

"You should be glad that you are the chosen one of the royal family, and not just an ordinary guy, otherwise you wouldn't even be able to get the title of Your Highness."

"However, you are just a little more muscular than those ordinary members of the royal family."

"You're using the imperial family's resources for such a boring thing? What, Freud, are you going to the North to test your fighting prowess against the Behemoth King?"

"Volvo, you don't need to say all this nonsense. Come back to the capital with me."

Floyd looked at Volvo and stopped arguing with him. If he could, he would rather beat up anyone who disagreed with him, just like when he was a child.

“I told you, I will go back by myself.”

Volvo is unhappy. Following Floyd all the way? Wouldn't he look like a prisoner being escorted back?

Never allowed.

Moreover, the war in the North is not over yet.

He looked at Hilde beside him, an old man with gray hair and crystal glasses, whose eyes were still showing signs of sleep. Damn it, this old thing was supposed to be his temporary commander-in-chief of the Northern Army?
It's an insult to Volvo's very existence.

Volvo laughed, his face full of respect.

“Your Highness Hilde, I have heard of your title since I was a child within the royal family. Your undefeated record in war is something that no one can envy.”

"What are your thoughts on the war against the Northern Orcs?"

Hilde yawned, and with the help of a maid, he managed to stand still. Even so, Hilde was already very tired.

"Ah? Your Highness, are you calling me?"

Hilde looked around, his eyesight failing, and only after the maid pointed him out did he look at Volvo.

"Elector, what an ancient title. Are you calling me?"

"Yes, Your Highness Hilde, what are your thoughts on the Northern War?"

Volvo asked loudly, but Twilight looked at Floyd with a mocking expression, "Is this the old guy you found?"
"The North?"

What is the North?

"Orcs?"

"Oh, orcs, those disgusting creatures, are they raiding our land again?"

"Let me think... I've got an idea, let's just throw money at it."

"Let the nobles form an army of knights, let the mages unleash their magic, and let our soldiers hold the fortress to the death. The orcs will run away on their own."

Hilde murmured, then couldn't resist grabbing the maid beside her, deriving pleasure from the latter's cries of pain, before asking:

"What else?"

"What else did he say to me before?"

"Give...give the soldiers money."

The maid spoke softly, her voice barely audible, but it was still heard by everyone present.

Volvo gave an angry snort and looked at Floyd.

"What kind of method is this? I've been using these methods in the North for almost a month, and now they've become this old man's?"

Volvo could no longer contain himself and yelled at Floyd. He only lost his temper when facing someone of equal status and a competitor.

"Volvo, you should calm down. Princess Hilde's method may be different from yours."

Freud was unperturbed; he found the war tactics used to steal Volvo somewhat shameful and simply pretended nothing had happened.

"In short, this is the decision of the Senate, and you should return to the capital."

"I can't leave yet."

Upon hearing this, Floyd's expression immediately became difficult to control.

"What do you mean, Volvo? You don't plan to attend His Majesty's funeral? What, have you forgotten whose child you are?"

Volvo responded with a cold, mocking laugh.

“Floyd, there’s absolutely no need for you to be in such a hurry. It won’t take me a day to get back to the capital from Twilight Province, but the war in the North could be crushed by the orcs in any day.”

"I will go back, after Twilight Keep is repaired."

"I don't want anyone, after I leave, to say that I, the Elector, failed to repair the fortresses, leading to the war's defeat."

"Build a fortress? You've been working on Twilight Fortress for so long and it's still not finished. You're telling me you want to repair the fortress?"

Floyd was incredulous; he believed Volvo was stalling for time.

"Don't worry, it will be soon. At most, Twilight Fortress will be completed in another week."

"You don't need to be in such a hurry. You will be satisfied in time, my dear brother."

Volvo said in a cold tone.

(End of this chapter)