Storm of Gods

Chapter 180 Prince Oliver

The Nather family is a major shareholder of the Heldan Daily, information that is not readily available to the general public, but it is no secret among the upper echelons. If it hadn't been reported, it would have been fine, and the matter would have been forgotten as the storm passed. However, the Hexbird Daily spread the news throughout Heldan in an instant, and the matter became a big deal.

Even the Nasser family, one of the pillars of the nation, was struggling to cope, because Anthony was currently imprisoned by the Undertaker, who dared not release him, and the council dared not make a ruling. They were at a stalemate, each wanting to wait until the matter of the internal organ demon had faded before taking action. Who would have thought that Bird News would flip the table so abruptly?

Moreover, it is rumored that the Herdan Daily only reports on small fry and has no impartiality whatsoever. But the Hexbird Newspaper is different. It is at the level of the Dao Yuan Continent and has no national restrictions. The inventors of the Hexbird Newspaper uphold the bottom line of fairness and justice in Dao Yuan.

The public was already skeptical that the previous culprits were the real killers, and when Anthony appeared, it reignited that suspicion. According to the law, Anthony should also be burned at the stake, but he was a nobleman, and not just any nobleman. The Nasser family was extremely powerful, and Anthony was a hero on the front lines who had distinguished himself in battle.

Huge controversy arose, with some saying Anthony was framed and others saying the Nasser family was the real culprit behind the internal organ demon. The public demanded the truth.

The district council dared not touch this matter. It could no longer be concealed and went directly to the king's desk. Of course, the council's reasons were also quite valid. According to the circumstances at the time, Antony was only committing a violent crime. Inserting his hand into the heart may have been unintentional. He was guilty, but whether it could be attributed to the case of the "internal demon" was controversial. Therefore, it was shelved and the night watchmen needed to provide more conclusive evidence.

Anthony, the murderer, said he was drunk at the time and felt like he had lost control. He believed that someone had put something in his drink, which led to the subsequent crimes. He claimed that he was framed and was also a victim. He said that this was persecution of a national hero and slander against the Nasser family, and that there was a conspiracy involved.

Who gave Hexbird News such audacity to report without verifying the facts?

The once peaceful upper echelons of Heldan have become lively. What appears to be a case surrounding Anthony and the competition between the Hexbird and the Heldan Daily is in reality a power struggle, and this is only the prelude.

Even though Li Xin didn't go to Hexbird News, he heard about it. Gossip spread even faster in the immigrant area, and soon they were even digging up what color Anthony Nasser's underwear was. This guy was indeed a representative of the elite in Heldan, a direct descendant of the Nasser family. After graduating from the Divine Knight Academy, he didn't waste his life like a spoiled brat. Instead, he went to the front line, repeatedly made meritorious contributions, and rose from centurion to chiliarch. After completing his training, he returned to Heldan, and he would definitely have a place in the Kingdom Knights in the future.

How could someone like that suddenly do such a thing?
Undoubtedly, this matter attracted everyone's attention, garnered nationwide attention, and even spread overseas due to the influence of Hextech Bird News.

The king's order was for the funeral procession to conduct a thorough investigation, and whoever was involved, the king would give the people a fair judgment.

This incident was not only discussed among the general public, but also caused even greater controversy within the Order of the Knights. The Academy of Divine Blessing was also disgraced because of Anthony's actions. For a knight, honor is more important than life. If it is true, does the Academy of Divine Blessing still deserve such a high status?
The royal court was brightly lit, and a cabinet meeting was being held under the king's supervision. Ministers, including Grand Secretary Vladimir, were present, and the debate over how to deal with Antony was very heated.

According to custom, unless it was treason, nobles, especially those with meritorious service, could pay a ransom to avoid punishment.

However, the reformists, led by Vladimir, believed that this case had gone beyond a routine matter and had affected the country. If not handled properly, it would shake the foundations of the kingdom.

Although the king highly values ​​Vladimir and the Tenrikyo school, and the Tenrikyo school has made contributions to its development in recent years, traditional forces still hold the upper hand in the cabinet, especially when it comes to tradition.

Princes Hawke and Aklis were also present, as were the dukes, including Sid and Tia. Dealing with one Anthony was nothing to many families, but it was a signal. Ever since the introduction of Hextech, they had sensed that the king intended to reform the old system, which had already affected the interests of many people.

But the Anthony case was different; once a precedent was set, the personal safety of nobles could not be guaranteed!

On this point, they were completely united. The richness of Montcarette and the blessings of the gods forged a thousand-year-old dynasty, as well as a thousand-year-old family, which was deeply intertwined and had a huge impact.

In terms of verbal sparring, the cabinet members, all of whom have been trained as members of parliament, are definitely experts. Vladimir's Grand Secretaries are no pushovers either. The two sides argued until their faces turned red. In the past, Vladimir would always lead the shouting, but now he seems to have calmed down. He still looks like an ordinary person, but power is status. He is different from before. Even when other cabinet members are arguing, they try not to directly confront this five-star Grand Secretary.

The actual work of the School of Heavenly Principles is currently being handled by James, a four-star Grand Secretary. Vladimir has been ignoring worldly matters lately, so his appearance today is quite strange.

King Aura, seated on his throne, had a serious expression that revealed no particular inclination.

"The Hexbird News dares to spout nonsense without any evidence; it should be shut down. There's a high chance that the Li Dragon is behind this!"

The controversy actually stems from the reporting by Hexbird.

James laughed angrily, "The Bird Report is merely reporting the facts, describing Anthony's crime. Banning the Bird Report would be a disgrace to the entire Dao Yuan Continent! Have you considered His Majesty the King's reputation and prestige?!" King Aura XVIII is renowned throughout the Dao Yuan Continent for his impartiality and enjoys a high reputation in various countries. If he were to bury his head in the sand over this matter, what would become of him once the Hex Bird Report reports on it in other countries?

"To allow His Majesty's dignity to be tarnished because of a criminal, Earl Lasse, you really dare to think of such a thing!"

"That's not what I meant, I meant..."

"What did you say? This is your true intention: to protect a criminal. Whether he is a demon in the internal organs still needs to be investigated, but isn't it true that he raped and murdered an innocent woman while drunk?"

“Even so, we can’t burn a nobleman or a knight alive. That’s against the rules, and if it starts, it will cause turmoil in the country,” Duke Tia said calmly. “This is the foundation of Montaletta’s millennia-long history.”

“Duke Tia, the foundation of the kingdom lies with the king and the people, not with you,” James said.

“Grand Maester James, these are words that strike at the heart. The ancestors and descendants of the Tia family have defended the kingdom with blood and loyalty, step by step, to get to where they are today. They are not like you, who only rely on words.” Duke Tia said calmly. “Since ancient times, treacherous people have only spoken sweet words, but they have never taken any action.”

James was furious, but Vladimir still showed no intention of intervening.

King Aura looked at Duke Nasser, who had a solemn expression, and asked, "Duke Nasser, Anthony is your child. What do you think is the appropriate course of action?"

Duke Nasser stepped forward, bowed, and said, “Your Majesty, although Anthony has some minor merits, he has caused you trouble. I suggest that his title be stripped, compensation be given to the victim’s family, and that he be sent back to the front lines to start as a lowly soldier and atone for his crimes.”

The nobles all nodded in agreement. This was already a huge concession. In the past, they would only pay a fine, but now, they would lose their promising future and have to go back to the hardship of the front lines. Duke Nasser had made a great sacrifice this time. The reason for this was for Didia Arthur, Anthony's brother and one of the most promising young men in the kingdom. If he went against the king, Didia would definitely be removed from the list of potential sons-in-law.

The Kingdom of Aura showed no particular reaction. "Grand Scholar Vladimir, what do you think of Duke Nasser's suggestion?"

Amidst the clamor, Vladimir, who seemed to be on the verge of sleep, opened his drowsy eyes. "Your Majesty, all the ministers are acting in the best interests of the kingdom, and their suggestions are all good. However, we have overlooked one thing. Since the Hexbird newspaper has already reported on this case, it has risen to the level of the nation. Shouldn't we investigate the case thoroughly before making a decision? Hasty action will only damage Your Majesty's reputation for impartiality."

King Aura nodded. "The case was handled by the Undertaker, so let the Undertaker investigate it thoroughly. As it involves hidden forces, Aklis, you are in charge. Ensure the investigation is fair and impartial."

Aklis was taken aback and immediately frowned. What kind of mess was this? Why wasn't his older brother allowed to go? But seeing his father's serious look, he immediately backed down.

No one dared to question it. This second prince had returned from the holy land. Although his behavior was highly problematic, it was only natural that he would take charge of this matter.

After the cabinet ministers left the palace, a battle of wits and courage was inevitable surrounding Antony.

Duke Nasser arrived by carriage at a magnificent manor in the Blessed District. This place was second only to the royal palace, and was mostly inhabited by royalty and nobility. Every inch of land was precious, and it was a symbol of status. Nobles from other places also needed to own property here to demonstrate their status. However, there was a largest area here that belonged to one person. The scale of the manor was no less than that of the royal palace.

Olivier Aura, the current king's elder brother, is said to be the rightful heir to the throne. This was the consensus among ministers and the public. However, one day the old king changed the heir to the throne to the current king, Aura. It was expected that there would be conflict, but the eldest prince, Olivier, conceded. Even so, the king's ascension to the throne caused controversy for a period of time. Although King Aura's rule is now more and more stable, Prince Olivier's influence among the nobles and the army is still considerable, and he still enjoys extraordinary privileges, such as the six-horse carriage that is only available to royalty.

Unlike King Aura's efforts to reform, Prince Oliver was a staunch traditionalist who upheld everything ancient Heldan had to do. He had only one daughter, Princess Amosa, who always believed that her uncle must have used some means to seize the throne, otherwise she was the rightful princess.

This is why Estella is targeted at every turn in the Court Academy.

Duke Nasser's carriage entered the Prince's estate without hindrance. Prince Oliver was also a member of the cabinet, but he rarely appeared, spending most of his time at his estate under the pretext of recuperating from illness. Although he did not concern himself with political affairs, he would help anyone who came to him with difficulties. He was also charitable to ordinary people and had earned the reputation of a great wise king over the years. Sometimes, the nobles would feel a little regretful, thinking that their lives would be more comfortable if Prince Oliver had succeeded to the throne.

Not long after Duke Nasser's carriage entered, another four-horse carriage drove into Blessed Manor...

(End of this chapter)