Chapter 420: Striking First!
The sequence of events had already been thrown into disarray by Damian’s interference. Each clan’s gift had originally been intended to serve as an introduction, with its representative stepping forward to present the offering before formally introducing themselves to their Prince. However, by casually waving aside the entire ceremony and acknowledging only a select few clans by name, Damian had made one thing abundantly clear.
He already knew who they were.
The courtroom remained deathly silent as countless eyes stayed fixed upon the throne, waiting to see what this unpredictable Prince would do next.
Duke Dabin slowly stepped out from the line of ministers, his enormous frame immediately drawing every gaze within the courtroom. Reaching the center of the hall, he respectfully cupped his fists before lowering his head toward the elevated throne.
"Your Majesty," he began in a deep, steady voice that echoed naturally throughout the vast courtroom. "On behalf of the Royal Court, allow me to once again welcome Your Majesty back to Velmora. Your awakening has brought great joy to this realm. Countless subjects have prayed for the day the throne would once again have its rightful master."
He paused briefly before continuing in the same measured tone.
"As this is Your Majesty’s first session since awakening, this humble servant shall only provide a brief overview of the current state of the realm. Detailed reports from every ministry have already been prepared and will be presented individually over the coming days, allowing Your Majesty sufficient time to understand each matter without unnecessary haste."
Damian gave a slight nod from the throne, silently signaling him to continue.
"The Imperial Treasury remains stable," Dabin reported. "The realm has maintained sufficient reserves to sustain military operations, public administration and emergency expenditures. While there are matters requiring future consideration, Your Majesty need not concern yourself with the treasury’s immediate stability."
He turned a page within the scroll resting inside his sleeve before continuing.
"Our borders likewise remain secure. No foreign Prince has successfully violated Velmora’s territory during Your Majesty’s absence. The frontier legions continue carrying out their duties as expected, and normal trade with neighboring realms remains uninterrupted."
A faint murmur of approval spread quietly among several officials before disappearing just as quickly.
"Within the capital itself, civil administration continues to function normally. Agricultural production remains consistent, commerce continues throughout the realm and the various ministries have maintained their respective responsibilities according to established law."
His voice remained completely neutral, revealing neither praise nor criticism.
"However..."
That single word immediately caused the atmosphere inside the courtroom to tighten.
"There remain several matters requiring Your Majesty’s personal attention."
"The Royal Court has accumulated petitions awaiting only Your Majesty’s judgment. Several administrative matters likewise require the authority of the throne before they may proceed further. Certain appointments have also remained deliberately unresolved pending Your Majesty’s return."
He neither looked toward any particular minister nor gave the slightest indication of what those matters were.
"Additionally, each ministry has prepared reports concerning affairs under their jurisdiction. Matters relating to the military, provincial administration, finance, intelligence, internal governance, public works and foreign relations shall each be presented separately before Your Majesty in the days ahead."
Dabin slowly lowered his hands before bowing once more.
"For today, this humble servant merely wishes to assure Your Majesty that while challenges undoubtedly await, the realm stands firm. There is no immediate crisis demanding hasty judgment. Your Majesty may review every matter carefully before deciding the future direction of Velmora."
Silence settled across the courtroom once more as Dabin completed his report.
"I have concluded my overview, Your Majesty."
Damian slowly leaned forward upon the throne, resting one arm against the fox tail carved beside him as his gaze swept across the gathered officials.
"There is one more matter."
The courtroom immediately fell silent as his eyes settled upon the owl headed minister standing calmly among the officials.
"Minister of War."
Amon stepped forward without hesitation before lowering himself respectfully.
"Your Majesty."
"This morning, an old citizen named Olaf petitioned me," Damian’s voice echoed steadily throughout the hall. "His only son has been drafted into the army. Explain."
Amon neither hesitated nor attempted to avoid the question.
"The young man was conscripted under the emergency military levy issued three years ago, Your Majesty."
Damian remained expressionless.
"For what purpose?"
Amon folded his hands within his sleeves before answering.
"A war."
Several lower ranked officials instinctively lowered their heads.
"The conflict is taking place within the Dark Realm. It is an unclaimed territory situated between several neighboring realms. The land is rich in infernal ores, rare herbs, ancient ruins, monster habitats and numerous strategic resources. Every surrounding Prince has dispatched armies in an effort to establish permanent footholds there."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Unfortunately, none have achieved complete control. The battlefield has therefore become a prolonged war of attrition. Our armies seize territory, lose it, and reclaim it. This cycle has continued for decades. Casualties have become substantial and, to maintain sufficient numbers upon the frontlines, military drafts have been conducted throughout the realm."
Amon lowered his head once more.
"That is the reason behind Olaf’s son’s conscription."
Damian slowly nodded as though satisfied with the explanation. It certainly placed everything into perspective.
But It still failed to answer the question that truly mattered.
"If casualties are so severe," Damian asked calmly, "why are poorly trained civilians being sent instead of experienced soldiers?"
A subtle ripple spread across the courtroom as several ministers exchanged uneasy glances. Nevertheless, Amon answered with the same unwavering composure.
"Because my legions never left the capital. My foremost responsibility during Your Majesty’s absence was the defense of the Violet Palace and the preservation of the throne. Every elite soldier under my command remained stationed here should another Prince seek to invade Velmora."
Before Damian could respond, another deep voice echoed across the chamber.
"This Grand Chancellor’s legions acted under the same principle."
Duke Dabin slowly stepped forward once more, his massive frame drawing every eye within the hall.
"My forty four legions likewise remained stationed throughout the capital. The realm could recover lost territory, recover lost wealth and even recover lost citizens. But should the capital have fallen while the throne remained empty, Velmora itself would have ceased to exist."
Several ministers quietly nodded. No one could deny the reasoning.
Damian remained silent, his fingers rhythmically tapping against the armrest of the throne.
Truly these two had constructed a convincing justification. Unfortunately for them, by doing so they had unknowingly walked straight into his trap.
His years as both a lawyer and a judge had taught him one simple lesson. The strongest argument often became the easiest one to dismantle.
"I’m back now. The throne no longer lacks its Prince."
His violet eyes slowly swept across both Amon and Duke Dabin.
"There is therefore no longer any justification for allowing ordinary citizens with barely enough training to survive a battlefield while your finest soldiers remain guarding a palace that already has its ruler."
He leaned slightly forward.
"Recall the conscripts. Replace them with your veteran legions."
Every minister instinctively looked toward Amon, fully expecting the Minister of War to answer immediately as he always did.
Instead they were met with silence.
For the very first time since court had begun Amon hesitated. Beside him even Duke Dabin remained completely silent.
Both men instantly understood the true implication hidden beneath Damian’s seemingly compassionate order.
If their veteran forces marched toward the Dark Realm, the overwhelming military presence they had cultivated within the capital throughout the past decade would march with them.
The balance of power inside Velmora would shift overnight.
Across the courtroom, the Ministers of Internal Affairs, Intelligence and Infernal Rites struggled to conceal the excitement surging within their hearts. Each of them immediately recognized the opportunity standing before them.
Should the Minister of War and the Grand Chancellor surrender their military dominance over the capital, their own influence would inevitably rise.
Amon finally raised his head.
"Your Majesty... such a decision concerns the security of the capital itself..."
Duke Dabin slowly nodded in agreement before immediately adding his own voice.
"The Minister of War speaks correctly. While Your Majesty’s return greatly strengthens this realm, the responsibility entrusted to our legions by your predecessor cannot simply be abandoned without careful deliberation."
He respectfully cupped his fists.
"Please reconsider."
Almost instantly, nearly half the ministers throughout the courtroom dropped to one knee before cupping their fists toward the throne.
"PLEASE RECONSIDER!"
"PLEASE RECONSIDER!"
"PLEASE RECONSIDER!"