Chapter 270: The Church Moves, Prince Hunter Plots
In a certain location heading toward Brawlmanica's borders, waves of experts leapt from magical vehicles of various sizes and magical aircraft throughout the skies. Many of them wore dark clergy outfits, sinister auras pervading their presence. This wave of individuals was none other than the Night's Light Devouring Church.
Toward the back of the group, one individual stood out among their ranks with flashy clergy-like attire. They emitted a serious yet oppressive aura. Around that person were two other individuals with slightly weaker, yet still mighty, auras. Among them were one Middle Stage Mortal Lord and two Early Stage Mortal Lords.
"How amusing. The current state of this country is truly pitiful. Regardless, we will subjugate Zoro Tatsumaki and his followers by the will of our devil god." The Middle Stage Mortal Lord said with a piercing gaze. The two beside him nodded with zealous expressions.
A short distance ahead of them was a small army with their appearances hidden beneath thin cloth. Their affiliation was difficult to discern. They watched the Night's Light Devouring Church experts with clear wariness as they drew near.
At the head of the Night's Light Devouring Church force stood a Golden Lord expert with a sharp expression. He halted once they came within fifty feet of the army before him. Behind him, the rest of the Church's experts also stopped in unison.
"You are the ones acting as escorts for the plan?" the man asked coldly, his voice carrying across the distance.
"Yes, sir. Our superiors have instructed us to assist you in any way we can, so long as it does not directly conflict with our interests or expose our affiliation." A man from the secretive army stepped forward and bowed slightly. His true aura was difficult to read, though it was clear he was no weakling.
The Golden Lord from the Church gave a small nod before gesturing forward.
With that, the Night's Light Devouring Church force began to move once more, advancing slowly as the operation officially commenced.
…
In a special battle tent, a soldier wearing Brawlmanica's royal knight attire knelt before the young man in front of him with a grim expression.
"Speak." The young man commanded. It was none other than Prince Hunter.
The soldier took a deep breath as he delivered his report. "As expected, traitors within Brawlmanica had the gall to invite the Night's Light Devouring Church back into our country. They are likely planning to deal with anyone related to the White Star Radiance sect for the sake of capturing Daoist Black Devil Blades."
"Disgusting. These people are truly tired of living! They still dare to target Vice Sectmaster Zoro? Ridiculous!" A cold voice cut in. It was none other than Princess Helga Helmsley, who had secretly arrived in Brawlmanica along with Seralily some time ago.
Prince Hunter smiled as he shook his head in mild amusement. "The White Star Radiance sect has aided me greatly, and I am sincerely grateful for that. Thanks to Lady Erica, even the usually distant and hands-off Soloman clan was forced to act on my behalf. If Elton himself were to appear… well, it's fine. It's about time to accelerate the process, end this mess, and secure the crown as Brawlmanica's king."
"Yes, sir." The kneeling man replied firmly before standing and taking his leave.
Princess Helga remained silent for a moment, her expression thoughtful, before she spoke again. "Royal Uncle, the current state of our Helmsley clan feels… unstable."
"Honestly, I'm surprised by this turn of events as well," Hunter replied calmly. "Jerome has completely flipped the clan on its head. While he's moving like a temporary third party, several of his actions suggest otherwise."
"Yes. It seems he's trying to bind at least part of the Helmsley clan to the White Star Radiance sect beyond just the two of us. Apparently, he even used Jacob and Jerikah as pieces because of the former's admiration for Lord Elton and the others. I can't entirely blame him," Helga said, her eyes sparkling slightly.
Hunter listened before responding. "Putting that aside, I have a favor to ask of you. Or rather, something I will be better positioned to pursue once I establish myself as king, with the White Star Radiance's support."
"Hm? What is it, Royal Uncle?" Helga asked curiously.
"This concerns my marriage, and the future power structure of our kingdom," Hunter said evenly.
"...Huh?! M-Marriage?! Ahem. Ah yes, Royal Uncle, that is certainly… important. Perhaps if grandfather were still alive, things regarding your current situation would be very different," Helga blurted out before hastily regaining her composure.
"Right. The truth is, I already had a fiancée arranged long ago," Hunter continued. "She comes from a marquis noble house in the neighboring Garffle Country. That place is smaller than Brawlmanica, but far more complex and riddled with issues. The Iron Fang sect, which resides there, cares little for the country itself and was once a rising power before its growth was curbed by constant conflict. My fiancée joined that sect roughly a year after I entered the Bright Blade subsect."
He paused briefly before continuing. "From what I've learned, she was meant to become a political tool against me after my father's passing. I cannot violate the contract established by my parents and her family. That said, I have already set my sights on another woman whom I wish to make my queen before that fiancée inevitably appears."
Helga stood silently, absorbing the revelation. After a moment, her eyes widened. "I see… wait. You already have someone in mind?! Oh, do tell, Royal Uncle. Don't worry, I'll do my best to help you with this. Hehehe, you can count on me."
Hunter looked at her with appreciation before calmly speaking a single name, leaving her momentarily stunned. "I intend to propose marriage to Ivorileaf Crimsonroot of the Fanged Elf Royal Family."
"...Who? Wait, Ivorileaf? Ah, how do you even know her? I barely remember her myself. She's a princess from another branch of the fanged elf royal family, separate from Princess Shayleaf's and Princess Amberleaf's lines. Ehh? Have you fallen for elven beauty too, Royal Uncle?" Helga asked, suspicion creeping into her expression.
"I've interacted with her before," Hunter replied evenly. "She joined the Bright Brilliant Blade sect years ago with the group of fanged elves and appeared during the Stone forest war on several occasions. We've maintained contact in various ways, though not frequently. As for my preferences, I am a normal man regardless of how others perceive me. This choice isn't driven purely by love, but by forging ties with a powerful family outside Brawlmanica. Still, trust and affection are important factors."
Helga stared at him, utterly stunned. "W-Wow… No, that actually makes sense, but my mind is struggling to keep up. Princess Ivorileaf's presence is so faint… No, maybe it's just that everyone around her is overwhelmingly exceptional. In any case, tell me what needs to be done, Royal Uncle."
"Of course, my dear niece," Prince Hunter replied, a sharp glint briefly flashing in his eyes.