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Chapter 194: Warmongering Wind of Khalodian (2)

“You want to call for war?”

“Yes. They will keep asking us for more if we agree to their request now. We helped them survive but they still keep asking for more. This will not stop unless we refuse.”

“But…”

“The king promised! He is exaggerating!”

“My lord, we are Torians. We are not foreigners!”

The advisors shouted, but Joonbum coldly glared at them and stamped his sword on the ground, creating a loud clanging sound.

“Who among you are foolish enough to trust the noble’s promises? The king and emperors lie all they want. If you choose to do so, then you will need to do it with your lives.”

Everyone became silent at Joonbum’s words, but Brant was happy to hear Joonbum’s reply and asked, “If we are to start a war, we need to first clean up our house. Are the problems in the city resolved?”

Joonbum turned back to the count.

“Yes. There are some small issues left, but it’s been cleared.”

“I see.”

Brant then stood up from his seat.

“Joonbum, come up.”

The count raised his voice as he walked out from the table. Joonbum followed.

“I appoint Joonbum Christos as the Commander of the Khalodian forces for the upcoming war. Bring us victory.”

“Yes, milord.”

Joonbum answered valiantly as his knights and the count’s advisors watched, each trembling from different feelings.

-War has been declared! Gather the troops!-

Messengers were sent out to every part of the land. It was time for another war.

*

“Your Majesty, they have refused to pay the increased tax rate and declared that they will not agree to absurd taxation.”

A soft voice filled the large, lavish hall. In contrast, the words themselves made everyone turn furious.

“Refuse? How dare…”

“This is outrageous! We have given him the title of a marquis and he returns it like that?”

“This countryside imbecile doesn’t know his place!”

“Ugh, I knew it when we were pushing it too much.”

Different opinions were heard throughout the room when the nobles began commenting about the response from Khalodian. They seemed to be bothered by the fact that they were being helped by some countryside noble and was now rejected.

‘Fools, they don’t know who has the upper hand,’ Baron Jenobi thought as he watched the nobles argue. He was recently very impressed by the change within Khalodian land. The economy now circled around the land as its food and various goods were considered the most valuable among the continents. Their population also increased to a greater number. The unique culture there created by various mixed cultures was famous and had become a trend among the people.

‘They are trying to meddle at this point… such foolishness.’

Baron Jenobi watched Marquis Atua with disgust.

“It’s always him.”

“He was so clever and valiant when he was young…”

“He’s just a stubborn old man now.”

“That’s what old age does to you.”

The fellow nobles around him commented as Marquis Atua angrily shouted amongst the other nobles. Jenobi observed him, Atua was now shouting again to the king.

“Your Majesty! This land is yours! Brant Khalodian is just watching over the land that you appointed for him to keep watch! Look at him now, trying to feed his own greed! We shall not allow him the rank of a marquis! You should take away his title and warn him for his insolence! You must show that imbecile who you are, my king!”

The king seemed to be very pleased as he heard Marquis Atua speaking on his behalf. It made the opposing factions of nobles from the king frown in disgust.

‘We wanted to increase the tax rate also. It won’t end well for us.’

Baron Jenobi’s expression turned grim as he saw where this was going. The nobles from the king’s faction were sure to blame the situation against them.

‘I expected a negotiation… Do they want war?’ he thought as he watched. Baron Tootliss who was next to him spoke quietly to him, “Hey, it’s war. They want the land even it means war. Fools… they think the empire will just stand and watch?”

“I can’t believe they were once valiant knights and heroes of the kingdom.”

Baron Veros agreed. They were both young nobles from the neutral noble faction. They looked at Marquis Atua as they continued, “Age does a lot of things to you. He’s blinded by greed.”

“Yes, I can’t believe it.”

Marquis Atua was no longer the valiant and clever man that had led the kingdom to glory.

“Your Majesty! You must punish the insolent man!”

“We should take up arms and show him who he made enemies with!”

The other nobles from Marquis Atua’s faction began shouting. The king answered, “Call up the army! Prepare to depart! We will bring Brant Khalodian back and punish him for treason!”

*

-WAR HAS BEGUN!-

The message spread quickly through Khalodian lands. All the castles began preparing themselves for the upcoming war and soldiers were readied.

“Am I a warmonger? How come every place I go to starts a war?!”

Refugees moaned and sighed at the news of war. People in saloons were also busy talking amongst themselves about the war.

“Huh? Where is it going to be this time?”

“Haven’t you heard? It’s going to be here! They’re coming here!”

“Huh? Didn’t we fight against the empire not long ago? Who else can it be? Is it the empire again?”

“NO! It’s the king!”

“King? Not the emperor? HAH! What kind of king wants to invade where the emperor couldn’t? Who is that?”

“You don’t understand. It’s the Torian king! He increased taxes on the land so much that our lord refused to comply! This is crazy. I think they set it up so that we will refuse!”

The rumors of war began spreading quickly among the people.