Chapter 557: The Tournament Battle
Given the current situation, excluding Pofalesi with its three votes, only Phrus and Bohemia remained, each with four votes.
However, according to the rules, this was undoubtedly a violation, as the competition had already concluded and there was no provision for changing votes at this stage.
Nevertheless, Phrus escalated the situation by threatening war, putting the King of Bohemia in a difficult position. He was unwilling to confront Phrus directly.
King Wolfgang of Bohemia, heeding the advice of his vassals and feeling somewhat humiliated, concluded that fighting a real war with Phrus over the mere title of Emperor was unnecessary.
Reluctantly, he accepted the proposal to settle the dispute with a knightly duel for the imperial crown.
Upon hearing this, the King of Pofalesi, Leipzig, burst into laughter. His initial plan to support Bohemia fell through.
Speaking to his surrounding officers, he remarked, "It seems it’s not the empire that has fallen, but Bohemia itself."
A 28-year-old officer, puzzled, responded, "Your Majesty, Bohemia’s reluctance to fight Phrus is not out of fear, but rather because they deem the title of Emperor insufficiently tempting. In my view, it is the empire that has crumbled, not Bohemia. Otherwise, why wouldn’t Bohemia covet the imperial crown?"
King Leipzig laughed heartily. "This is a rare opportunity, with the eyes of the entire continent upon us. To pass up a legitimate chance to march against Phrus is to squander a golden opportunity. Where else will such a chance arise in the future?"
"If Wolfgang refuses to fight today, soon everyone will know that Bohemia dares not wage war against Phrus. How could his allies then trust in Bohemia’s strength? That’s why I say, it seems like the empire has fallen, but in reality, it’s Bohemia that has collapsed."
The officers around him displayed expressions of sudden realization.