I, Folyago, am the most devoted lover in Runeterra.

Demacia is a powerful kingdom that upholds the rule of law, boasting a long-standing reputation for its military exploits.

They have always revered justice, honor, and responsibility, and are almost fanatically proud of their traditions and heritage.

However, despite upholding these noble principles, Demacia, with its stubbornness, has become increasingly isolated over the past few centuries, becoming synonymous with isolationism.

Unlike Noxus, Demacia's system is similar to that of medieval Europe.

The nobles not only held a high position in the kingdom and controlled the right to participate in politics and trade, but they also had their own fiefdoms.

In other words, the nobles of Demacia also bore the responsibilities of lords.

Theoretically speaking, the royal family, and the places that truly belong to the royal family, are only the capital of Demacia and the surrounding areas.

Except for Xiongdu, all other places were brought under the jurisdiction of the royal power.

............

Demacia, the capital.

Inside the royal palace, which was decorated entirely in pure white, a fierce argument was taking place.

Overall, it was less of an "argument" and more of a denunciation of a man by a group of nobles of all kinds.

Today, everyone here is discussing only one topic.

That is—how should we welcome back the prince who was captured by the enemy?

For months, Demacia has been unable to shake off the memory of their previous crushing defeat.

The casualties among the soldiers are not the main problem; the most important issue is...

The death of Grand Marshal Tiana and the capture of Prince Jarvan IV by 27.

The successive mishaps of key figures in the two kingdoms dealt a severe blow to the morale of the Kingdom of Demacia, both internally and externally.

..............

From that day on, Galen repeatedly volunteered for battle, pleading with King Jarvan III to allow him to regain his honor on the battlefield and rescue Jarvan IV.

But these requests seemed to sink without a trace, and no response came.

Garen could never forget that day, the resolute figure of Tiana as she left, even in the dead of night.

He was well aware that launching an attack at this time was impractical.

As long as that devilish black legion and that godlike white-haired man are there, he cannot tear apart the enemy's lines.

Charge into the Immortal Fortress to rescue Jarvan IV.

Garen's request would not be granted, a fact that even he himself was well aware of.

But if Garen wasn't allowed to do anything, he always felt it was a betrayal of Tiana and Jarvan IV.

Sometimes it's like that; the living need more courage than the dead.

Later, a transfer order commanded Garen to return to the capital immediately.

This order was tantamount to a direct declaration that the royal family no longer intended to send troops to the Eastern Front.

Or rather, the kingdom has already acquiesced to this outcome.

Jarvan IV's importance as the sole crown prince is undeniable, and Demacia must rescue him from the Empire, no matter the cost.

And the strategy of sending Garen back to Xiongdu, and not sending troops.

This undoubtedly indicates that the kingdom intends to adopt a "diplomatic strategy".

The so-called "diplomatic strategy" was undoubtedly to cede territory and pay reparations in exchange for the safe return of Jarvan IV.

Despite his immense resentment, Garen was powerless to change anything.

Finally, just like now, Garen stood on the main hall of the Xiongdu Royal Palace.

But now, the dead are truly dead.

And Garen, who is alive, must bear all the responsibilities that come with it.

For example—the verbal attacks and written criticisms from within the kingdom itself.

..........

"One battle consumed half of the kingdom's standing army."

"They lost all their territory in the Nokmourch Mountains."

"A marshal died and a prince was captured."

"Even the Fearless Vanguard suffered more than half its losses."

"That was a well-fought battle!"

A nobleman with a mustache mocked mercilessly, his eyes filled with contempt.

"I don't know who it was that defied all the opinions back then."

"They insist on declaring war on Noxus! 7! 6..? 3!!; 4, 8! 0: 1; 5?. 7.

"Now it's even better, if this happens a few more times."

"Let alone Prince Jarvan, everyone is going to visit the Immortal Fortress."

Another pot-bellied nobleman chimed in sarcastically.

These extremely mocking words reached Garen's ears, but Garen could only clench his fist tightly and swallow his anger.

He allowed the nobles in the room to mock him.

The wall fell and everyone pushed.

The crushing defeat on the battlefield, coupled with Tiana's sudden death, plunged the Crownguard family into an absolute predicament.

Even now, although the Crown Guard family still has several important members responsible for guarding various parts of the kingdom, they seem somewhat powerless to effectively manage the situation.

The young Garen ultimately lacked sufficient prestige to suppress these discordant voices within the kingdom.

In the past, the royal family would never have allowed such discordant voices to exist.

However, the situation for the royal family is also far from optimistic.

Garen looked toward the throne, where the old King Jarvan III sat alone.

The "Grand Steward," who used to be inseparable from the king, the always silent Ionian man, is no longer by Jarvan III's side.

Garen knew, of course, that the Demacian general was still seriously injured and had not yet recovered.

The defeat in the war clearly had an impact on the reputation of the royal family.

The discontent of the people and nobles needed an outlet.

The royal family naturally cannot allow these attacks to be focused on them, and at this time, someone needs to step forward and "draw the fire".

And this person can only be—Garen.

"enough!"

On the throne, Jarvan III suddenly shouted.

The authoritative voice, though not angry, directly silenced the murmuring nobles.

Even though the situation is not optimistic, it is not yet at a point where it is urgent.

At least the old King Jarvan III still held considerable prestige within the kingdom.

As long as he remains in power, the political situation in Demacia will remain stable.

Despite his venting, Jarvan III would not tolerate these nobles going too far with their words.

"I called you here today not to have you say these things!"

Jarvan III's majestic voice echoed in the pure white throne room.

King Jarvan III glanced around at his subjects, and none dared to meet the old king's imposing and soul-stirring gaze.

It's like a lion king surveying his territory.

"Tell me, who should be sent?"

Jarvan III spoke slowly again, his imposing gaze undiminished.

Upon hearing this, the ministers exchanged glances, but no one was willing to step forward and take on the task.

Rumors suggest that Jarvan III and IV have reached some kind of agreement with Darkwill, the Grand General of Noxus.

In exchange for certain price, Prince Jarvan IV was brought back.

At this moment, Jarvan III summoned everyone to discuss who should be sent to welcome back Prince Jarvan IV.

And without a doubt, everyone knows that this is definitely a tough job.

Not only would they face harassment and humiliation from the Noxians if they went there, but if something else happened, they would be thrust into the eye of the storm.

At this critical juncture, who dares to take the blame?

Moreover, this trip represents not only himself, but also the entire kingdom of Demacia.

The person going there cannot be of too low a status.

As a result, everyone's attention was focused on the several nobles.