I Pioneered Scientific Magic

Chapter 273: Would You Dare Swear in Front of the Great Lord?

"I've already sent word to notify His Eminence, the Archbishop..."

Facing King Bazeel's inquiry, Nord spoke in a deep tone. Along with him, there were two priests who had returned in haste.

Due to the urgency of the situation, they split into two teams directly. Their goal was to report the news as quickly as possible and discuss a solution jointly between the church and the kingdom.

"Furthermore, I suspect a powerful wizard's involvement, perhaps even orchestrating this rebellion of the mine slaves, attempting to overturn the entire kingdom!" Nord added.

Because of the terrifying rain of fire that covered the entire area, it could possibly be a Five-Ring Magic - the Meteor Shower. Yet, even he hadn't seen such a thing before, so he couldn't be entirely certain.

The nobles present were already completely engulfed in panic and fear. Some even suggested seeking aid from the empire, as their own power alone was insufficient to handle this uprising. Amidst these intermittent voices, King Bazeel hesitated.

The Kingdom of Hadlar, though a vassal of the empire, still retained a significant level of autonomy due to historical reasons. Should he decide to seek aid from the empire, it would undoubtedly provide an opportunity for them to establish a military presence within the kingdom. This would render futile all the efforts he had made throughout his life to solidify his reign.

Equally averse to imperial interference was Hatar. After all, the survival of these mine slaves was directly related to the position of the heir to the throne. Despite Harold, one of the competing heirs, having lost a significant portion of his power, this matter still held great significance!

Thinking along these lines, Hatar quickly stood up and spoke loudly, "Father, I believe there's no need to seek aid from the empire. Things haven't worsened to that extent yet!"

"Certainly, Count Clerman was caught off guard this time. Coupled with mediocre abilities, it led to the loss of the kingdom's elite forces. I am willing to lead the army myself, along with His Eminence, Archbishop Elok, to resolve this rebellion of the mine slaves!" Hatar proclaimed firmly.

Hatar's words surprised everyone in the hall.

Nord and the knights had already explained the situation clearly. Count Clerman hadn't fallen into a trap but had been almost completely defeated by the rebel army in a near-victorious manner.

Fifteen thousand soldiers were completely wiped out, and even the Duke hadn't managed to escape.

This meant the enemy's terror far exceeded their imaginations. It was a literal death trap, yet Hatar seemed eager to dive right into it...

Some clever minds quickly reconsidered. Just a fortnight ago, when they had discussed suppressing these mine slaves, Hatar had been dragging his feet and hesitating to act. Now, his sudden enthusiasm seemed highly abnormal.

"Wait a moment, Your Highness Hatar. When Bishop Nord reported earlier, you didn't seem all that surprised," a court minister suddenly asked coldly.

Harold also immediately caught on. In an instant, he remembered the mocking look Nord had cast his way when they first met. A chill ran up his spine, mingled with anger.

"Hatar... it's you. It must be you who conspired with the cultists of those dark gods, plotting this rebellion of the mine slaves to propel yourself onto the throne!" Harold roared furiously, then turned to look at King Bazeel on the throne.

"Father, the spies I dispatched to monitor Hatar reported frequent visits of a group of unidentified individuals wearing strange attire to his mansion. They're most likely those cultists of the dark gods!" Harold stated vehemently.

Hatar's expression remained unchanged as he sneered and retorted, "Stop your baseless fantasies and suspicions, Harold! Why don't you mention the fact that the entire kingdom has been occupied by the followers of the dark gods?"

"The matter of subduing the mine slaves concerns the heir to the throne, but you didn't seem eager earlier," Harold countered with a cold laugh, bluntly retaliating.

"I am not as impulsive as you, Harold. A few days ago, I had some differences with Duke Vixi regarding the issue of subduing those mine slaves, so I delayed for some time and had to send Count Gade ahead to gather information," Hatar said leisurely, pausing before continuing with a sigh.

"As for now, Count Gade might have already been killed by those insurgents!"

"Would you dare swear in front of the great Lord that the rebellion of the mine slaves and the appearance of those wizards within the Duke's domain have no connection to you?" Harold fiercely demanded, knowing full well that Hatar was lying.

Everyone in the hall looked at Hatar with skeptical eyes. After all, the nobles who were supposed to suppress the mine slaves were loyal followers of Harold. If they were to die, Hatar would be the one most benefitting from it!

Under the scrutiny of everyone, cold sweat broke out on Hatar's forehead. Swearing in the name of the true god wasn't a mere joke.

But he was even more aware that once this matter was exposed, the severe judgment of King Bazeel and the church awaited him.

"Of course... I dare swear by the great Lord!" Hatar forcefully asserted.

"I am just like every one of you, hearing about the Earl Joyce mentioning the mine slaves only half a month ago. Before that, I was completely unaware. Otherwise, let me perish under the Lord's endless hellfire as punishment!" Hatar's voice was resolute, without a hint of wavering. After all, he wasn't lying; half a month ago, he knew nothing about this, all orchestrated by Master Anthony.

Then, without waiting for Harold to continue his interrogation, Hatar proudly declared, "Father, please grant me permission to lead the troops personally and completely exterminate these rebel armies and followers of the dark gods who are wreaking havoc in the kingdom!"

"I will discuss this matter with His Eminence, Archbishop Elok, and then make a decision," the words of King Bazeel turned much colder, followed by an announcement that the meeting was adjourned. He hastily left the palace with a few guards, Bishop Nord, heading towards the church.

Hatar stood perplexed in place. He couldn't fathom why his father had rejected his proposal. Was there someone more suitable than him?

What made Hatar even more anxious was the increasingly unfamiliar attitude of King Bazeel. He couldn't fathom it.

When Rikman had assembled the army outside the capital, he had heard from a bribed attendant that King Bazeel, furious, had smashed his favorite vase.

Hatar understood his father's reaction very well. Not only did his brother gain the support of nearly half the nobles in the kingdom, but he also had the church's assistance, making him even more powerful than the kingdom itself!

While this battle had caused considerable losses to the kingdom, it might not have been an entirely bad thing. At least, it rid the kingdom of some instability...

But now, King Bazeel's response left Hatar utterly bewildered.

There might be one person who could answer his questions...

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