Chapter 198: Ally And Reason
A round red sun had just risen over the horizon when the sound of bells suddenly rang out in Eldora City.
After three rounds of bell chimes, the gatekeepers in the city gradually opened the gates of each residential ward. People began appearing on the morning streets, and thin wisps of cooking smoke slowly floated into the sky.
Yesterday afternoon, Simon had stayed at the Golden State until the castle gates were about to close, and only then did Lady Isolde reluctantly let him leave.
In Eldora City, Carl had already prepared a temporary, elegant courtyard for Simon to stay in.
After seven days of tiring travel, he was already very exhausted. After returning last night, he slept straight through until now.
"My Lord, it’s time for breakfast. In a little while, you’ll probably be summoned to court."
After washing up, Joan brought in breakfast. It was made by the cooks who had come with him from his castle.
Because of his current status and the political situation in the Eldorian Empire, he had to be cautious while travelling. So for this stay in Eldora, he brought nearly half the staff from his castle to take care of his daily needs. With outsiders around, he always felt uneasy.
After eating breakfast, not long passed before an eunuch arrived. Simon changed into a purple round-collared robe for a vassal prince, wore a golden fish-shaped ornament at his waist, and put on a two-pearl headband. Then he followed the eunuch to the castle.
Outside the gate, Lancelot and Liam were already waiting for him.
When they saw Simon, the two bowed to him.
"How does it feel to stay in the Guard camp of the Imperial Guards?" Simon asked Lancelot with a smile.
This was Lancelot’s first time in Eldora, and also his first long trip away from home.
Before Lancelot could reply, Liam laughed and said. "My Lord doesn’t know? Last night, Lancelot kept his knife under his pillow the whole time. When I went to wake him this morning, I almost got slashed."
Lancelot snorted and said. "When you’re away from home, it’s always safer to be careful. I did that so I could jump up and protect Your Highness at any time."
"And yet you still slept like a rock."
The two started bickering again.
Simon gently shook his head, ignored them, and instead looked at the officials on Wall Avenue.
In the Eldorian Empire, most officials walked to court, so early in the morning, you would see them walking in groups, wearing their court robes and heading toward the castle.
As the three were walking, someone suddenly called out. "Liam."
Simon turned around and saw a man in a purple official robe walking toward them.
When Liam saw him, he excitedly called out. "Father." This man was Lancet.
Simon knew Lancet as well and said with a smile. "General Lancet, it’s been a while."
"Greetings, Your Highness." Lancet first greeted Simon. He had seen the three as soon as they came out, so he quickly walked over to say hello.
When Lancelot found out this was the famous Lancet, he looked excited. After Lancet greeted Simon, Lancelot said. "I am Lancelot. Greetings, Great General."
After exchanging greetings, Lancet smiled and said. "I’ve long heard about Captain Lancelot of Brambleford, brave and unmatched. Seeing you today, I can tell from your presence alone."
"General flatters me." Lancelot scratched his head with joy.
Liam complained. "Dad, why do you never say that about me?"
"Hmph, what’s there to say? Compared to Lancelot, you’re still far behind. In Brambleford, you should learn more from Lancelot." Lancet scolded seriously.
Hearing this, Lancelot looked even prouder and gave Liam a teasing glance.
After chatting briefly with Lancelot, Lancet walked alongside Simon as they headed to the castle.
"Your Highness, the great victory in Dunmere was truly inspiring. When His Majesty gives out rewards, Your Highness will surely be greatly honoured." Lancet said as they walked.
Lancet was also someone Simon planned to win over during this trip. Simon said directly. "I don’t really care about rewards, it’s just some gold and silver. I only hope that this trip to Eldora will be smooth and that I won’t be given a hard time."
Lancet smiled bitterly. "Your Highness is thinking too simply. With such a big achievement, how could anyone make trouble? If you outshine the other princes, a lot of people won’t be happy."
"So the General already has some ideas about what will happen in court today," Simon said with meaning.
"Your Highness left Eldora at thirteen, so you’re not very familiar with the political scene here. But after staying a while, you’ll understand. Still, Your Highness doesn’t need to worry. This time, His Majesty supports you. Just respond as needed in court and don’t bother giving face to those civil officials."
Simon nodded. "Thank you for the advice, General."
After this, Lancet looked around carefully, then whispered to Simon. "Your Highness, today’s court meeting won’t be about rewards, but about the weapon you used in Dunmere, the cannon!"
Simon’s expression shifted slightly. Ever since the battle in Dunmere started, he had known the cannon couldn’t be kept secret.
Although he hadn’t mentioned it in the news, judging by Lancet’s words, the officials in Eldora already clearly knew how powerful the cannon was in this war.
"News really does travel fast in Eldora. I didn’t expect them to find out about the cannon so quickly." Simno said calmly.
Lancet smiled and said. "Your Highness, Brambleford kept the cannon news tightly sealed, but Fern wouldn’t keep it secret from you. Now, in Cloverton, Fern is looking for excuses for the loss in Dunmere. The cannon is one of them. He says the cannon is unmatched in power, spits flames, sounds like thunder, and under its shells, cavalry and horses are smashed. It kills one person every ten steps, and no one survives for a thousand miles."
"Hahaha..."
Lancet’s serious tone suddenly made Simon burst into laughter.
Looking confused, Lancet asked. "Why is Your Highness laughing?"
Liam jumped in. "Father, think about it. Is that even possible? Killing one person every ten steps, no one left alive for a thousand miles. Fern is clearly exaggerating to shift blame. The cannon is actually similar to a fire tube, just with longer range."
"Really?" Lancet was surprised.
Right now, in Eldora’s political circles, the cannon was being described like some kind of divine weapon. Many generals were eagerly looking forward to it. A lot of people thought the victory in Dunmere was entirely because of the cannon, and that if they had it too, they could defeat the reavers just as easily.
"It is just as Liam said," Simon added. "Since the General said this, I’m guessing that in today’s court session, the officials will definitely ask me to hand over the cannon’s technology."
Lancet nodded. This wasn’t just the peace faction; many of the war faction thought the same.
The Eldorian Empire had been weak for decades. If the cannon could change their disadvantage against the reavers, of course, they wanted the technology.
After thinking for a moment, Simon asked. "Is that what the General wants too?"
Lancet replied. "No. I only hope the Imperial Guards can get the cannon. As for the other vassal princes, giving them the cannon would be like handing them a sword to threaten the royal family."
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