Final Lord

Chapter 362 Next Plan

They don't even want the territory of the Principality of Bucks?
Charles stared at the king, somewhat shocked.

That's an incredibly arrogant statement. This is a duchy! Even during the height of the previous king's reign, he wouldn't dare say he didn't need this much territory.

Charles knew that the King was not an arrogant man; if he said that, he must have his reasons. So he looked expectantly at the King, waiting for him to give him an explanation.

"As for the reason..." Wang Bufu smiled mysteriously, "Listen to me."

……

Strange Mushroom King, Miracle Spring, Tree of Life, White Spirit Tree King

The four natural wonders struck him like four thunderbolts, leaving his mind in a brief blank.

A great departure from the world!

This simply subverted his cognition.

In his previous life, even at the height of Wang Bufu's power, when he ruled over a vast territory, he only possessed five natural wonders.

Now, in the early stages of establishing his territory, the king already possesses four wonders!
Charles felt a wave of dizziness; this far-fetched configuration forced him to reassess the situation.

The Duchy of the Stag, with only one unique unit? I don't think much of it, I really don't.

What a wonderful start! Let's cheer for the king!

Charles counted on his fingers and said, "There are only three wonders in the entire Eagle Kingdom: two in the Eagle Kingdom, one in the Stag Duchy, and none in the Rock Beach Duchy."

We already possess more wonders than any kingdom.

Wang Bufu smiled slightly, his fingertips lightly tapping the ice crystal teacup, producing a crisp sound.

"A kingdom?" He chuckled, his voice carrying an undeniable confidence. "A kingdom has never been our goal. Our journey must begin, at the very least, with an empire."

"Today we possess four natural wonders and two smaller worlds. This foundation is enough to allow us to develop steadily and surely."

Every risky choice is a helpless act by those who lack the strength.

"Come closer, little Charles." Wang Bufu beckoned to Charles, leaned forward slightly, and said with piercing eyes:
"Your plan is indeed brilliant. Starting an uprising in your name guarantees victory. Charles II is no match for us."

His tone shifted abruptly, becoming deep and somber:
"But all of this is predicated on—that external forces will not interfere."

Charles unconsciously held his breath, his amber eyes reflecting Wang Bufu's defiant face.

He was all too familiar with this scene; in his past life, he always acted this way whenever Wang Bufu tried to teach him a lesson.

"Your talent is renowned throughout the capital; the Crimson Flame Sword Saint could not possibly be unaware of it."

While the Bucks have a tradition of primogeniture, it is not an ironclad rule, and it is not uncommon for second sons to inherit the throne throughout history.

Your father, Charles I, was your grandfather's third child.

But the Crimson Flame Sword Saint still chose your brother over you. Do you know why?

“Your Majesty, I do not know,” Charles replied truthfully.

Wang Bufu laughed and said, "Because your brother Charlie's succession is the safest option for the Eagle Kingdom and the Dawn Empire."

His abilities didn't qualify him as a foolish ruler, but he certainly wasn't a wise one either; he was better at maintaining the status quo than advancing it. "Wang Bufu's voice was low and powerful," he continued, "and you, who rose to fame at a young age, hailed as the 'reincarnation of the founding stag king.' If someone like you were to ascend the throne, how many people would be filled with unease?"
The Principality of Bucks is currently in a turbulent and precarious situation. By ascending the throne, you are essentially sending an invitation to the Eagles and the Dawn to intervene in the Bucks' domestic affairs.

Charles's pupils contracted slightly, as if he had suddenly realized something.

"So that's how it is!" He suddenly sat up straight, his voice trembling slightly with sudden realization. "If I raise an army in rebellion, Eagle and Dawn will likely get involved."

If the Eagle and the Dawn intervene, even if we win, we will have to reveal all our cards. At that time…

“At that time,” Wang Bufu continued, his eyes gleaming with wisdom, “regardless of victory or defeat, we have already lost this game. Winning is losing, and losing is losing even more.”

He stood up, exuding an air of authority, his entire being like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath.

“But the pioneering nations are different,” Wang Bufu’s voice was firm and resolute. “We conquer lands of chaos, we eliminate enemies of order. Such a rise is a good thing for any power that upholds order.”

He turned around, his gaze fixed intently on the distance: "Not only will the Eagle and the Dawn be delighted, but the major orthodox churches will also lend their full support."

With the tide turning in my favor, I will naturally be invincible.

Charles gazed at the king's retreating figure, as if he could see a vast army marching in the direction he pointed.

"Your path," Wang Bufu turned back, a knowing smile playing on his lips, "is a dead end, a path where the whole world is your enemy; while my path, at least until our ultimate goal is revealed, is a path of life, blessed by the gods and aided by all people!"

Wang Bufu opened his arms as if embracing the whole world.

Sunlight streamed through the windowpanes, gilding him with a golden hue, making him appear like a deity descending to earth. Charles unconsciously knelt on one knee, his eyes filled with reverence and longing.

"king!"

Charles's voice trembled slightly with excitement, yet it carried an undeniable firmness.

"I see, I understand now! Please guide me on what to do next."

"Little Charles, listen to my command!" Wang's voice suddenly turned serious.

“Here!” Charles straightened his back almost instinctively, his body slamming against the table with a clear, resonant sound. He pounded his left chest heavily with his right fist, making a loud thud.

Wang Bufu stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes piercing:
"I want you to return to the capital as a prince and report on your mission accurately. Do everything in your power to secure the support of the Duchy of the Stag for our land reclamation and nation-building plan."

"Whether it's weaving a web amidst the clinking of glasses, making every noble our ally, or using eloquent rhetoric in court debates to pave the way for expansion with every decree, it's all possible."

"Remember, you are both a pawn on the chessboard and the player wielding the pieces. Ideally, you should make Charles II believe that supporting us was a wise decision of his own."

Charles's pupils contracted slightly, then flashed with a sharp, knowing light.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The reply was like a sword drawn from its sheath, swift and decisive without any hesitation.

Charles rose from the ground, his expensive shoes making a crisp sound on the tiled floor. His amber eyes were no longer clouded with confusion; instead, they held the sharp glint of a warrior.

"Your Majesty, I will make the arrangements immediately. I have some connections with the current governor of the Winter Empire, so this is a good opportunity to strengthen our relationship."

Wang Bufu nodded slightly, the setting sun outside the window gilding his silhouette. He suddenly reached out and pressed on Charles's shoulder, the force light but enough to make the young prince tremble.

“Remember, keep it secret.” Wang Bufu’s voice was low, each word as cold and hard as a tempered sword blade. “When you find the soufflé, don’t make any rash moves.”

(End of this chapter)