Grayson said, “His Majesty stated in his secret order that the Empire is on the verge of a catastrophic collapse, and he hopes we can lend a helping hand.”
“I suspect the other Dukes brought quite a few troops with them when they came to the Empire, just as I did.”
“Most importantly, I received intelligence that two Grand Swordsmen have also secretly arrived in the Empire.”
Ning Busan asked, “And?”
Grayson’s eyes grew deep. “I know His Majesty all too well; he is a man who harbors deep resentments and never forgets a grudge. You killed Prince William, and he will never let you live out your days in peace.”
“Setting aside whether this impending catastrophe facing the Empire is real or not, those two Grand Swordsmen are definitely coming for you.”
Ning Busan frowned.
He didn't entirely believe Grayson’s words, but since Grayson had mentioned two Grand Swordsmen, he still needed to prepare himself early.
Grayson took out a golden sphere and placed it on the table. “This is a Heavenly Light Sphere. If you crush it, it will send out a signal.”
“My army is stationed outside the Empire. If you need them, you can use this to mobilize my soldiers.”
Ning Busan raised an eyebrow. “Why are you helping me, Lord Duke?”
Grayson said calmly, “Because unlike those old-fashioned nobles, I highly approve of abolishing the hereditary peerage system.”
“When the incompetent hold power and the talented are buried, this country has no future in sight. Sooner or later, it will be destroyed by this hereditary system.”
Pausing, Grayson elegantly picked up his teacup and took another sip. “With all the Dukes gathered in the Empire, why doesn't the Lord Divine Envoy take this opportunity to hand down a divine oracle to abolish the hereditary succession system?”
Ning Busan felt that this world was truly bizarre.
Grayson was a Duke. Abolishing the hereditary succession system would bring him no benefits whatsoever, yet he had actually said such a thing?
However, Duke Grayson seemed incredibly sincere, and it didn't look like he was merely testing the waters.
Still unable to figure out Grayson’s angle, Ning Busan remained on guard. “Lord Duke, a divine oracle is not something I can simply declare on a whim.”
Grayson burst into laughter. “I've only just returned to the Empire, yet I've already heard many rumors about the Lord Divine Envoy.”
“They all say the Lord Divine Envoy is compassionate, exceptionally handsome, immensely talented, and incredibly wise. Seeing you now, the rumors indeed do not lie.”
Ning Busan merely offered a polite smile.
The more Grayson looked at him, the more pleased he became. He asked, “You are still so young, you must not be married yet, right?”
Ning Busan was startled at first, but then alarm bells started ringing in his mind.
Marriage?
Why ask this all of a sudden?
Could he be trying to win him over through a political marriage?
Ning Busan quickly said, “My career comes first. I am not considering marriage for the time being.”
Grayson’s tone carried a hint of testing. “It's a good thing for young people to have ambition, but starting a family and establishing a career are also major milestones in life.”
To completely extinguish Grayson’s ideas, Ning Busan said with a solemn expression, “As a Divine Envoy, it is only natural to maintain purity of mind and body. I have absolutely no plans to ever marry.”
Grayson had no response to that.
He said dryly, “That's good. That's very good.”
The two of them exchanged a few more pleasantries.
“It was a pleasure chatting with you today. I'm sure we'll meet often in the future.” Grayson stood up. “I shall take my leave now.”
Ning Busan also stood up. “Lord Grayson, let me see you out.”
Grayson waved his hand. “No need, no need. I live just two doors down from you.”
Ning Busan suddenly realized something. “What is your relationship with Novalia?”
“I am her grandfather. It seems she hasn't mentioned me to you at all.” Grayson snorted. “We haven't seen each other in so many years, she has probably forgotten all about this old man.”
Ning Busan let out a dry laugh. “She did, she did. It's my fault for having a bad memory and forgetting.”
Grayson said with a smile, “You certainly know how to cover for her.”
Ning Busan rubbed his nose.
“Alright, I'm off. No need to see me out,” Grayson said. “You can come find me anytime if you need anything.”
Ning Busan could only say, “Take care.”
Living so close, there really was no need to see him out.
No wonder Duke Grayson agreed to abolish the hereditary peerage system; it turned out Novalia was his granddaughter.
This made Ning Busan feel that the King was even more of an oddity.
Novalia was his daughter and the heir to the Empire. She was outstanding, hardworking, and her character was infinitely better than William’s.
Yet the King sided with the aristocratic class, loathing and harboring hatred toward her.
On the other hand, although Novalia’s grandfather was a Duke, he supported her ideas and gave her his full backing.
By comparison, the King was truly a piece of work.
But...
Why did Grayson ask if he was married?
...
On the other side, after leaving Ning Busan’s house, Grayson went to see Novalia.
“Grandfather, you went to see him?” Novalia asked with a smile. “I told you he's quite a nice person. What did you think of him?”
Grayson shook his head and sighed. “Novalia, why don't you find someone else to like?”
“He is extremely career-minded and intends to dedicate his entire life to the God of Light. If you like him, you'll probably end up heartbroken for the rest of your life.”
“Grandfather!” Three black lines popped up on Novalia’s forehead, and she said through gritted teeth, “What on earth are you talking about? How old is he even? I! Do! Not! Like! Him!”
Grayson said, “If you don't like him, why would you let him live right next door to you? If you don't like him, why would you mention him in every single letter you sent me? If you don't like him, why would you worry so much about his safety?”
“I view him as a like-minded friend.” Novalia felt a bit of a headache coming on. “Grandfather, please stop playing matchmaker.”
Grayson glared at her. “How can you call it playing matchmaker? Am I not just caring about your lifelong happiness?”
Novalia held her forehead in resignation.
She could really do with less of this kind of care!
...
The gates of the capital slowly closed in the twilight, the heavy iron portcullis letting out a deafening roar as it dropped.
On top of the city walls, the guards gripped their spears tightly, their vigilant gazes sweeping across the continuous military camps outside the city.
The light of torches flickered in the darkness, reflecting off rows of cold, gleaming armor.
The twelve Dukes had arrived in the Empire one after another with their armies. Now, the troops stationed outside the city stretched for dozens of miles, numbering far more than the soldiers inside the capital.
The commoners of the Empire had no idea what was happening, and panic quickly spread among them.
In truth, even the Dukes themselves did not know what was going on. What exactly did this impending catastrophe facing the Empire refer to?
Once all twelve Dukes had arrived in the Empire, the King summoned them.
To Ning Busan’s surprise, he was also among those invited.
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