Chapter 194: The Big Ask

Chapter 194: The Big Ask

“Pfft…” Rael nearly choked on his saliva as he looked at Zafira in shock.

He was the one who proposed that idea, and she was the one who said they’d gauge whether or not to ask this question.

It was also agreed they’d only do it near the end, yet here she was, doing exactly what she said she wouldn’t.

And that seemed to catch most of the rulers present off guard, including King Arthur himself.

“Zafira Sutekh… I believe you’re being too irrational to ask something of this magnitude right after supper,” Diederich, the ruler of Aztera, stated. “You’d discuss matters like these in total private, and not in front of us.”

“Foolish…” King Asolian Intros of Drivania chuckled.

He was a chubby middle-aged man who seemed ordinary in all aspects. But of course, he was only ordinary on the outside.

After all, that wasn’t really Asolian, but an Evangelist.

“If you want a death wish, you might as well wage war on the Holy Kingdom,” King Asolian added. “But I suppose usurping the throne doesn’t come with the necessary knowledge, now does it, Zafira Sutekh?”

Zafira’s brows twitched, but just as she was about to speak, Rael spoke up.

“It’s very impolite to speak rudely of someone’s wife right in front of them,” Rael commented as he stood up and slowly approached King Asolian.

Midway through, however, one of the paladins stepped forward and blocked him with a sword.

“Please remain seated. Conflicts are to be resolved through words, not actions,” the paladin said righteously.

“Oh no, I’m not here to start a fight.” Rael chuckled. “I’ve only come closer to ask when was the last time he wiped his own ass.”

“Insolence!” King Asolian shot up to his feet, his face red in anger. “Do you dare insult me in front of everyone present?”

“Insult? I’m merely returning the favor,” Rael replied flatly.

Just as King Asolian was about to lash out again, King Arthur stepped in.

“Enough! Both of you, return to your seats.”

Rael shot him a glance, then smirked at King Asolian before finally returning to his seat.

He had really hoped that would be enough to rile King Asolian up into exposing himself as an Evangelist. But clearly, after so many years of mimicry, the Evangelist had become the actual King Asolian.

As Rael arrived at his seat and sat down, he was met with Zafira’s sigh.

“You didn’t have to do that…” she whispered. “I don’t care about those stupid comments. All they do is show me the person didn’t do any research on me.”

“I can’t say I like when others speak ill of you,” Rael replied, glancing at King Asolian. “Also… there’s nothing we need from him. He’s just another ruler here, similar to the ruler of the Demonic Lands, Lilith.”

Both of them were people he didn’t need anything from.

On the outside, of course.

Rael had come up with a plan while he ate, and it would be an insanely huge risk.

Linlin mentioned there had been someone in Radiant Dawn who infiltrated the Evangelists. Now, what would happen if Rael forcefully replaced the current Evangelist in charge of ruling over Drivania with a spy?

I’d have Drivania as an ally, and if that spy is smart, then they’d be able to make the demons our allies too… Rael thought, putting a hand up to his mouth and hiding a grin.

With my influence in Yrgon, Ogarak, Aztera, Drivania, and the Demonic Lands, I’d easily be able to control the entire Holy Kingdom.

The plan was swirling, but since the idea was still in its baby phases, there was a lot to work out.

But… if everything went well… Rael would control the entire continent in less than 3 months.

And then… the prophesied calamity would never come to pass.

I’d make sure of it. Whatever it takes. I’d buy immortality, or future sight, Rael thought, clenching his trembling fists.

Yet in the midst of his thoughts, Zafira placed her hand over his. Then, with her chin, she pointed toward King Arthur, who was staring at Rael and her.

“Your proposal… I’m willing to consider it,” King Arthur stated. “But what good is it to me? What could you offer that would be of similar value to us, the Holy Kingdom?”

Zafira giggled softly and leaned into Rael’s ear, whispering a few confident words.

“Watch this.”

With that, she stood up and placed her hands on the table, glancing at King Arthur with a determined look.

“Celestara will vote with the Holy Kingdom at future continental summits, but only on neutral or beneficial issues,” Zafira stated. “I’m sure you know the prerequisite.”

King Arthur nodded with a sigh.

“Celestara must be recognized as an independent country,” King Arthur quoted. “This is usually done by a majority vote system between the rulers of all the countries or kingdoms present… excluding Velurei.”

“So like now,” Zafira pointed out, glancing around at each of the rulers.

“I might be a new queen, but by no means am I incompetent. I can carry my weight, and so can my husband, Rael. However, a few of you have been pressuring us relentlessly for the last few weeks because of an agreement between us and Yrgon. We didn’t mind it at first, but when we realized some of you were intentionally sabotaging the goods entering Celestara, it put a sour taste in our mouths.”

Her eyes narrowed. “All this hostility when we all live on the same continent… it’s despicable.”

Zafira turned back to King Arthur. “That’s why I’d like to formally request a vote. I want Celestara to be recognized as an independent country by the end of this meeting. That is my wish for today.”

Hmm… Rael brushed his nonexistent beard in wonder. This is not a bad idea.

As it stood, there were six countries. Seven if he included the elves of Velurei. But since they didn’t care about human matters, they were excluded.

By putting her offer out there of giving the Holy Kingdom a +1 vote to any decision, she brought the odds up to 50/50.

Yrgon is likely going to support us, and Ogarak will too. Aztera is going to tell me to fuck off, and so will Drivania. As for the Demonic Lands…? They’d probably accept with the condition of watching a succubus suck me dry.

So yep, it was a total 50/50, which all relied on whether or not the Holy Kingdom wanted to strengthen itself.

King Arthur stood in silence for a few moments before sitting back down in his seat. He gestured for Zafira to do the same, and she soon did.

“A ruler of any kind is allowed to request independence or sovereignty during a meeting between the rulers of all the countries or kingdoms present, excluding Velurei,” King Arthur quoted once again, and looked at each ruler present.

Each had mixed expressions. Amusement, excitement, intrigue. Malice, caution, envy.

King Arthur knocked on the round table twice and spoke the words everyone was eager to hear.

“All in favor of granting Celestara full recognition as an independent country with its own governance and borders under Queen Zafira Sutekh and King Rael Sutekh, raise your hands.”

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