NOVEL NEXT Chapter 337- First Prince
"Wait, this situation also concerns you and the crown you serve".
The knight finally stopped and turned her beautiful, heroic face around.
And so, Reinahrdt told her about the plan and the attack of the demons that was going to happen on the day of the wedding.
"You are saying that the two armies of the forces of darkness are attacking, and the Aetherion is trying to suppress the information? Do you think the other kingdoms are just going to forgive them after encompassing us in such a dangerous situation?"
Erza glared, clearly furious. The simple, or rather the grand wedding at first, had turned into a bloody mess of plots and schemes. As this also involved the safety of the Kingdom of Nocturnium's King and Queen, it was natural for her to be enraged.
Reinahrdt continued. "While we are completely prepared for any situation, just in case something unforeseen happens, I want you to help us".
Just like how they underestimated the demons, they too underestimated the humans. Even without the Hell Marshal, there were still two more legendary heroes in the capital other than the Dark Knight.
"I see," Erza nodded and then gave her answer. "I refuse".
Well, he expected that. He came here knowing fully well she would give such an answer.
"We may be guardians of humanity, but we do not have any obligation to help each other. It was one thing if it was fighting against the demons, but aiding them in their plans is not something I want to dip my nose in, without orders from my crown"...
"Reinahrdt, you are far too beneficent; that is not chivalry. Chivalry is keeping one's word. It is Nocturnium's people who are counting on me to protect their king and queen. I owe them unwavering defense, not broken promises"...
"Borders exist because we cannot be everywhere at once. I protect what I swore to protect: my lands, my people, my crown. Chivalric codes demand loyalty to one's liege. Without a formal alliance, any aid I send betrays my sovereign's trust. Remember, our oath binds us to our kingdom and people first"...
"Aetherion is capable enough to solve its own problem. If they can't, then they should get on their knees and make a commission for aid from the other kingdoms."
Speaking what was in her mind, she left. Erza Crimsonstar, a world famous knight whose legendary feats were no small to his own.
In a way, she was the complete opposite of him. A disciplinarian who sticks to the rule and whose moral conduct while cannot be argued to be wrong was too rigid and inflexible.
The woman was clear with her words; do not expect any aid from her. She would only protect her own crown and people when the time came.
That said, Reinahrdt, who knew her on a personal level, knew that no matter how indifferent and cold this woman tried to act, she still had a soft side. When the time comes, she will help, although it was debatable how much effort she would put into it.
Having achieved his goal, Reinhardt returned to the mansion.
Days left before the wedding- one.
.
On this night, a huge event significant enough to shake the kingdom occurred. The bishop of the Temple of Thousand Stars was found dead along with many of their ranking members on the hallowed grounds of other institutions.
Additionally, it was unknown how, but someone spread the twisted doctrines of all the hallowed institutions and their inhumane acts to the people of Aetherion.
On that night, the capital; no, the entire kingdom of Aetherion began to burn. The knight orders of each of these hallowed grounds blatantly blamed one another, accusing each each of blasphemy, and before anyone knew it, things escalated to a point where there was no other way than to start a holy war.
It all escalated so quickly that before the crown of Aetherion could respond, a war was in the process was unfolding.
.
Early morning, meeting chamber, the king and Queen of Aetherion were in a heated argument with the royalty of other nations.
"Dammit, you involved us in this situation, too. If you knew that your state was in such a delicate situation, then you shouldn't have organized the wedding and invited us".
The royalty who was making a scene was from the Kingdom of Lunaris, one of the Seven Great Kingdoms, and the one leading in advancement in technology.
As if emboldened by his words, the other royalties also started raining down their frustration, adding to the chaos. At this moment, when the meeting chamber looked like a flea market, more devastating news came from the borders.
It appeared that the Eleventh and Twelfth armies of the Forces of Darkness had attacked. Their borders were in turmoil, and the knight orders placed there were asking for urgent reinforcement.
"Send any available knight order to the border right this instant. Also, where the hell is the Hell Marshal?" The King questioned.
"Sir Heinrich and his order are already on their way to assist the Warlock," the subordinate reported.
However, the situation was not so simple as the bad news did not stop coming. Another subordinate hurriedly walked into the chamber and reported the sightings of numerous demons all throughout the kingdom.
"What?!"
Everyone was shocked. Just what the hell was happening in Aetherion? How come that the eventful day when one of the greatest couples was about to be married, it turned into such a disaster?
"Quickly alert all the knight orders of the kingdom, this is an emergency, they are to answer the call to arms. Order them to defeat the demons and subdue the commotion".
"But Your Majesty, we sent every available knight orders towards the borders. Those that still remain belong to the Luminous Church and the other holy places. Currently, they are at war with each other".
"These people!!" During this period of emergency when they needed to work together and fight against the demons, what are these people doing fighting one another.