Chapter 10 – An Outbreak of Civil War (1)

“Let me suggest the same thing. Surrender. Everything will go back to the way it was if you die.”

“Oh? It seems like you brought some decent reinforcements from Arhan to be speaking to me so pompously. Did you bring the elites of the elites or something?”

The second prince’s eyes landed on the people standing in a line behind Lloyd.

For some reason, they all had hoods over their heads and their armor were quite unusual.

Long sword, bastard sword, claymore, long spear, etc. They were all carrying different types of weapons and were not unified.

“You can say that.”

“But what can I say, even if you brought the elites of the elites, they won’t be able to handle a force 10 times bigger than them.”

The second prince mockingly said, and at that moment, huge clouds of dust arose from his back.

Another force had just arrived.

“….They’re the mercenaries.”

Heinze spoke with a heavy tone behind Lloyd.

He had confirmed it by putting mana through his eyes and seeing the flag that was being carried by the arriving force.

However, they numbered more than 2,000 soldiers.

Just their force alone was more than the amount of people on Lloyd’s side.

Murmur murmur!

The soldiers were shaken by this sight.

It was already bad enough that they were heavily outnumbered, but with the addition of the mercenaries, the soldiers looked on with a somber look.

“You can tell just by seeing right? Let’s not needlessly sacrifice our soldiers. What sin have they committed? Even though they have their swords pointed at us right now, they are all people of the kingdom.”

The second prince continued to speak as he looked upon the agitated soldiers.

He was craftily taking advantage of the opponent’s atmosphere, while simultaneously boosting the morale of those on his side.

“Why would someone who cares so much about the people start a rebellion?”

“What do you mean rebellion. I just pulled down the person who wasn’t fit to take the spot as king. You’re not capable of leading the kingdom. The king is sick, so what the kingdom needs is me. I’m the only that can turn Paulstein into a powerhouse. That’s why even Marquis Madrane took my side.”

You’re so obstinate.”

“What’s important is skill. I’m able to prove it, while you’re not. That’s why this is the conclusion.”

The second prince spoke confidently as if he had already won the war.

“That’s right. I agree on that point since I’ve only shown my ugly side. However, it’s going to be different moving forward. I’m going to prove that and show it to everyone.”

“I’m sorry to say, but you won’t be getting that opportunity, since you’ll be dying here today.”

The second prince’s eyes were filled with killing intent.

They were eyes that wanted to see Lloyd dead without fail.

“I’m sure that would have been the case in the past. If it was the me before I changed.”

Even with the constant ridicule and disregard, Lloyd was calm.

He himself felt that his past self was ugly, and it was right to say that he wasn’t fit to be the Crown Prince.

However, that’s why he had changed.

“I don’t think it’s the time for you to be sentimental. Decide. Are you going to surrender and save the people, or sacrifice the people and die a horrible death? I personally choose to the latter for you. That way, you won’t die looking so pathetic.”

The second prince spoke as if this was the last time.

In fact, the winner and loser were already decided.

Although they had the disadvantage of having to fight a siege, their fighting force was more than 10 times larger than the enemy.

But there was one reason why he was still striking up a conversation with Lloyd.

He wanted to avoid as much damage as he could and didn’t want there to be needless bloodshed. That’s why he was trying to give his recommendations to Lloyd.

He even used money to employ the mercenaries to achieve this goal.

“Let me return that back to you.”

“Are you really planning on going all the way?”

“Shouldn’t we try it out first to see if it’ll be short or long?”

“Chet! Viscount Madrane.”

The second prince smacked his lips as he was unable to convince Lloyd even a little.

Although he had expected this outcome, he still wanted Lloyd to listen to his advice if possible.

That way, everyone would feel more comfortable.

However, Lloyd still chose the worst option.

“I will bring you his head.”

“Please.”

Viscount Madrane slowly walked out while making an expressionless face.

He was moving forward while looking straight at Lloyd who was standing on the city walls.

However, seeing this, no one ever dared to attack.

He was a Sword Master so even if the bows were ready to fire, none of the arrows were released.

“Please come out, sir Heinze. Shouldn’t we have a match to decide the final victor? Or were you unable to heal yourself yet?”

“I’m afraid my body is old now, so there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“Are you planning to run away?”

As he stared at Heinze standing behind Lloyd, Viscount Madrane made a sarcastic expression.

Although his words were courteous, the look in his eyes and his expression was completely different.

“There’s someone else who will be fighting you.”

“Someone else?”

Viscount Madrane furrowed his brows.

The whole kingdom knew he was a Sword Master, yet there was someone else who could contend against him?

That could only mean one thing.

Wooosh! Tap!

Having the same thoughts as Viscount Madrane, the second prince’s face also darkened.

At that moment, someone had landed on top of the castle walls.

Even with how tall the walls were, the person was easily able to jump onto it.

“This person will be fighting you.”

“…..Who is it?”