Chapter 739: Volume 21: The Dark Road - 18: Gloom After Gloom_2
Princess Renta turned slightly, her noble lineage evident in her poised yet indifferent demeanor; but to Philip, it seemed somewhat contemptible. At such a time, to display such airs before him seemed rather overconfident. Although Philip was not entirely certain of her specific intentions for this sudden visit, he thought it naive to believe that she could sway everything with the currently faint voice of the Central Kingdom.
"Oh, it is an honor for Homer that Your Highness has chosen to visit. If there is anything you need my assistance with, please speak freely. Duke Zellin has always had a good relationship with me, and if he responds to Your Highness’s request, I believe Homer should not be outdone," Philip said with eager courtesy, showing no signs of dissatisfaction with the kingdom.
"My father has not been well recently, and Prince Hoffman is now regent. Lord Tez and Lord Mathew both hope that the kingdom can end this political deadlock as soon as possible and return to the harmonious state of the past. All of these require the support of several elders of the kingdom. I am here to seek beneficial opportunities for both of us and for the entire kingdom," she said, her green eyes showing no emotion apart from focus and calmness as they steadfastly rested on Philip.
Philip felt a shock in his heart. Why hadn’t Zellin informed him of these matters beforehand? Was the other party bluffing, or was this a deliberate probing?
Philip lowered his eyelids slightly, avoiding her gaze. Her intentions seemed straightforward, and her message was clear: the king’s health had been poor, and it now seemed likely that Hoffman would take control. Although being regent did not guarantee becoming the next king, he would certainly have the initiative. Princess Renta was presumably here to garner support for her royal brother, partly to create a stable environment for Hoffman’s ascension and partly to focus on reshaping the kingdom’s internal situation after the coronation.
Hoffman was not a strong ruler. His outward toughness and inner fragility and greed had been seen through by both himself and Zellin. He and Zellin had discussed that it wouldn’t be a bad thing for Hoffman to become king. However, Philip felt reluctant because Tracy’s fall from grace at the royal court didn’t sit well with him. Despite Tracy’s disappointments, she was still his daughter, with the noble blood of the Philip family flowing in her veins. It was somewhat unbearable for her to become a plaything of the Royal Family and then leave in disgrace. Furthermore, there were many issues and details worth discussing regarding this matter, and making rash decisions was never in his character.
"Your Highness, the current situation of the kingdom does have external causes, but we both know the internal issues are more significant. As His Majesty the King grows older, his temperament has also greatly changed, becoming somewhat obstinate and self-willed, and he has appointed sycophants to his court. The policies and decrees he has issued have repeatedly hurt our feelings. We now find it difficult to receive even the slightest benevolence from the once-gracious Romanov family towards those of us who have made significant contributions to the kingdom. Instead of endless quarreling and confrontation, these have given the beastmen an opportunity to brazenly penetrate the heart of the kingdom. If the kingdom was still united, how could the beastmen be so audacious? All these require a thorough examination of many of the kingdom’s laws and policies. What do you say, Your Highness?"