Chapter 1753: The King Announces His Abdication
This morning’s emergency meeting, everyone holding important positions in the Lorelei royal family received a notification to attend.
For a while, everyone was dressed formally, discussing in whispers.
"Is it true that the King is no longer able to rule and wants to completely hand over power to Prince Louis?"
"Probably, what else could be so urgent?"
"But I heard a rumor last night that the King’s illness is related to Eden, that Eden has been poisoning the King for a long time."
"My god, that must be a rumor, right?"
"..."
The King of Lorelei holds real power in managing the country, with military power in his hand as well.
Bertie is a successful politician; he is exceedingly wise, maintains friendly relations with neighboring countries, and is adept at learning and thinking. He used to work at least 17 hours a day, always mindful of his people.
Many people already knew the reason for this emergency internal meeting, while some remained uninformed, not witnessing the significant moments last night.
The meeting hall was very large, about hundreds of square meters, particularly spacious and extremely luxurious, only used for especially solemn major meetings in Lorelei.
So as soon as they entered the main door, everyone felt a different atmosphere, recognizing the importance of today’s meeting.
By eight o’clock, everyone had already arrived early, the massive crystal chandelier emitting radiant light that illuminated every corner of the meeting hall.
King Bertie sat at the primary position, accompanied by two loyal chief commanders.
The officials and ministers sat by the long table, Justin Kingston and Mrs. Kingston were also invited, sitting in the comfortable sofas at the back, listening in, after all, they were not members of the royal family.
Jocelyn sat beside Ian Shelby, also invited to attend.
The two Princes sat across the table on either side, closest to their father.
Princess Catherine and Julie were also present.
Seeing the King, many people knew the truth, while some were curious – the King didn’t appear to be gravely ill at all, it was really strange.
The King spoke calmly, conveying the events of last night in the simplest words, also openly admitting the state of his health, directly identifying Eden as the culprit.
The revelation of Eden poisoning the King for five years left everyone extremely shocked!
"Eden is guilty of heinous crimes, to be dealt with according to the law; no one shall plead for mercy, execution to occur within a week." The King’s voice was as cold as ice, his words resolute, carrying a warning to others as well.
"General Lee." The King turned slightly and spoke again.
"At your command, Your Majesty." General Lee stood up and bowed respectfully.
"You are charged with purging all of Eden’s influences within the royal family," the King ordered. "No matter who they are, I will not allow the royal family to be in disarray, remove them all."
"Yes!" General Lee responded with vigor.
"Although my health is recovering, my decision to abdicate is firm; Lorelei will be handed over to Prince Louis. I have chosen an auspicious day, the succession ceremony will be completed next Friday, the 28th," the King announced.
Ian Shelby turned his gaze to his father, his features profound, lips lightly pursed, heart skipping a beat.
Next, the meeting room was filled with applause.
All eyes turned to Ian Shelby, with smiles, seemingly showing approval towards him.
The King had just introduced him as an excellent pharmacist, a genius doctor always concerned about the people, developing many special medicines, a person with great love.
With the situation as it is, the applause continued; he couldn’t publicly rebut his father, couldn’t ask his father to reconsider, but Ian Shelby truly didn’t wish to be King.
He saw Princess Catherine and Julie also applauding, showing approving looks towards him.
Ian Shelby stood up, his demeanor elegant and noble, despite the complex emotions within him, he slightly bowed to everyone, showing gratitude for their affection.