Chapter 126
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Chapter 126: Conspiracy in the Capital
Compared to the chaotic duchy, Belmar’s capital Hertonmar seemed detached from the battlefield.
If the well-established noble families and powerful lords resembled reefs amidst turbulent waves, Hertonmar appeared even more aloof – like a floating island suspended above the sea.
Though possessing minimal military forces with merely three thousand palace guards, the mere existence of the Nibelungen Dragon Sealing Array ensured its extraordinary neutral status.
The Tree of Life’s roots extended hundreds of kilometers, its magic veins permeating the entire duchy without possibility of severance. Thus, full activation of this formation would fundamentally impact all of Belmar.
However fiercely nobles struggled for power or courted mutual destruction, their conflicts required tangible stakes. Since activating the sealing array served no faction’s interests, none dared assault the capital despite prolonged warfare.
Occasional reckless attempts were swiftly crushed through silent cooperation between noble armies.
While the array deterred major factions, it meant nothing to commoners. Refugees kept flooding into the increasingly overcrowded capital since war began. Daily witnessed escalating disputes, clashes, and mob violence as public order deteriorated.
Worse still, disrupted trade routes caused worsening shortages of food and essentials.
"How long must this continue?" Celia Krumin sighed softly, leaning against the tree mansion’s railing.
The Dawn Garden elder gazed down at chaotic streets below, her fair features clouded with worry.
To outsiders, Dawn Garden seemed the safest faction in the duchy.
Their renowned neutrality, expertise in Tree of Life maintenance, and control of the Nibelungen Array deterred both Queen’s faction and Senator’s faction from confrontation.
Yet only Celia understood their true helplessness. Their apparent transcendence merely masked inability to act, forcing them to shelter beneath the Tree’s shadow.
Though Hamilton and Sais families showed surface courtesy, she couldn’t even aid destitute refugees now.
Does Dawn Garden exist merely to serve others?
Celia sighed inwardly, glancing helplessly at the sun-blocking canopy above.
At that moment, a gardener rushed over and bowed deeply. "Elder, an invitation from the palace."
"The palace? From Queen Skadi?" Surprise flickered in Celia’s eyes as she scanned the gilded letter.
A sincere smile soon bloomed. "If Queen Skadi wishes to aid war refugees, Dawn Garden must assist. This transcends neutrality – it’s our shared duty." She carefully stored the invitation. "Inform them we’ll attend her charity banquet."
Meanwhile in Hertonmar’s opulent palace, Domingo lounged on plush cushions sipping black tea, though he should’ve been with Golden Branch Legion.
"Dawn Garden clings to neutrality. That Celia rebuffs all overtures – even stood firm against Iron-Blood Duke. Will she really accept?" Queen Skadi fretted.
"Present righteous concern for commoners, and that softhearted fool will bite." Domingo smirked confidently. "Once inside our restricted palace, she’ll be clay in our hands."
As Scroll branch’s rising star, Domingo had planned meticulously since targeting Iron-Blood Duke.
The powerless puppet queen needed gradual power accumulation through precise schemes.
He’d studied Dawn Garden for years, identifying Celia as perfect entry point. Previous failures simply used wrong bait.
Proper pressure on this seemingly resolute elder would make Nibelungen Array his weapon. Whatever the civil war’s outcome, he’d secure an undefeated position.
Though reassured by her lover’s confidence, recent battle reports still made Skadi frown.
After the great fire in the Forest of Gran, the Sais family initially held the weaker position.
This pair schemed for decades to push the Iron-Blood Duke into critical condition, then used Midi to eliminate their strong rival Martin, the top expert in swordsmanship. This would force the Queen’s faction and Senator’s faction back into a stalemate, grinding each other down in the civil war.
Only when both great families weakened could the true Queen rise from fragile roots.
But now?
With genius commander Midi leading the Golden Branch Legion to consecutive victories at minimal cost.
With Fina, Queen of Magic, turning siege battles simple through Magic Beam bombardments – whether walls stood ten or twenty meters tall, whether ballistae shot one or two hundred meters, her kilometer-range attacks crushed all defenses.
These two made the Golden Branch Legion unstoppable.
Queen Skadi wondered if even Iron-Blood Duke Heidrich Hamilton himself could match such achievements.
Had her years of planning with Domingo unleashed two killing gods instead?
Noticing her troubled expression, Domingo soothed: "Don’t worry. Midi and Fina appear strong but lack solid foundations. They must overperform to control the Hamilton family’s seven branches and command the Legion."
"What do you mean?" The Queen knew little of military matters.
"They’re gambling!" Domingo spat. "Winning through luck, not skill."
Midi’s image stirred his anger and jealousy.
Martin (top swordsman) and Domingo (top strategist) were once the Hamilton family’s brightest youths. Yet people always ranked Martin higher, claiming he suited leadership while Domingo belonged in shadows – even when Domingo held higher levels.
So Domingo rigged the Battle for Honor, using outsider Midi to sever Martin’s arm and destroy his future. He’d expected to become the seven branches’ favorite, maybe even catch Fina’s eye – gaining family influence while feeding his vanity.
But Martin’s defeat left Midi shining brighter. Now Domingo sat forgotten. From Rose Mountain City to border castles, everyone praised Midi Asreks – this outsider, this lowly Count’s son without Hamilton blood!
He couldn’t tolerate Midi’s continued success. Midi’s Flowing Water County victory wasn’t strategy – just luck! As the true top strategist, Domingo would crush that luck himself.
"Skilled swimmers drown. Their crushing victories require risky gambles and targeting spells to blind foes. But such tricks fail against multiple enemies." Domingo’s gentle tone carried icy threat. "Time to unleash our destroyer cavalry."
