Chapter 382: 16 Year Old Inglis and the New Semester (4)
In the Chiral Royal Capital, nestled within the grandeur of the royal castle's large conference room, influential lords from across the nation convened. Their assembly followed the jubilant celebrations marking the downfall of the Prisma. Now, the royal castle was abuzz with daily meetings, discussing the future course of action concerning Venefique and Alucard. It was fortuitous that these lords had already gathered in the capital for the prior festivities.
Liselotte was present, not as a mere attendant but as the protector of her father, the Duke of Althea. Although he had stepped down as Prime Minister, his influence remained immense, with a dominion that spanned the western coast of Charalia and included the city of Shealot. His personal knights, part of a chivalric order, were renowned for their prowess. Yet, on this day, Liselotte had insisted on being his guard. Since her mother's passing, the father-daughter duo had only each other, making their presence at the event more poignant—a familial bond reaffirmed.
The day's discussion centered on Venefique, their enigmatic neighbor to the east.
"Alucard has extended formal apologies through a messenger and even aided us in our conflict against Prisma. Yet what of Venefique? They've repeatedly invaded our lands, causing incalculable harm! Now they dare to strike at our royal heartland, without offering a single word of remorse! Furthermore, intelligence suggests it was they who unleashed the Prisma upon us!" The fervor in Duke Rigriff's voice was unmistakable, the new Prime Minister stepping into the role once held by Liselotte's father.
Prince Wayne's voice was a quiet contrast to the Prime Minister's fervor as he accepted his share of the responsibility. "However, Prime Minister Rigriff… it was us who transported the frozen Prisma to the border to begin with. It should have been clear that we would provoke them. We are not without fault, but the true fault lies with me, who devised the plan…"
King Charleas then sought to console his son, offering a balanced perspective on the events that unfolded. "The Prisma was spawning Magic Stone Beasts even while encased in ice, wreaking havoc. Your actions, though not without consequence, were necessary. Had the Prisma been directed towards Venefique rather than us, it could have presented an opportunity for a united front. Despite the less-than-ideal results, Inglis and her companions prevented our utter ruin. You're not to blame, Wayne."
"Father… I am sorry," the Prince murmured, his regret evident.
“I do not seek to cast blame upon His Highness Prince Wayne! Yet, the stark reality remains that many within my domain have suffered the loss of life and property due to the Prisma's invasion,” asserted Prime Minister Rigriff, his voice resonating with the weight of his words.
Prime Minister Rigriff's territory sprawled across the eastern reaches of Charalia, sharing its boundaries with the Venefique region. His dukedom, a vast expanse of land, stood as the largest in the east of the country, where the Prisma's destructive path had left an indelible mark.