Volume 6 Chapter 56

Volume 6 + Chapter 56: Reaching The Pinnacle of Official Rank

Several days had passed since the dark elf race had led a great army to invade the Elven Capital’s palace.

For the elven race, this should have been a disaster.

At the critical moment, the elven grand general Kennedy stepped forward, made a decisive judgment, led his army into the Elven Capital, and drove back the evil dark elf army.

He steadied the falling sky and propped up the tottering edifice.

Unfortunately, amid this turmoil, the Elf King had passed away, and the entire nation mourned.

…

…

Elven Royal Palace.

The elven ministers gathered together at Kennedy’s command.

This day was an extremely important one. A kingdom cannot be without a ruler for even a single day. The new Elf King would ascend the throne.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Apu walked to the center of the great hall, produced a scroll, and read aloud.

“According to the final edict left by His Majesty the Elf King, Eve Augustus, as His Majesty’s sole direct blood relative and biological granddaughter, holds the exclusive right of inheritance to the elven royal family. Lady Eve shall become the new Elf King, and shall formally ascend the throne today.”

“However, considering Lady Eve is still too young and inexperienced, she requires assistance. General Kennedy of the elven race, who is unmatched in valor and possesses exceptional wisdom and knowledge, is the best choice.”

“Kennedy shall serve as Chancellor to assist Lady Eve in handling state affairs. Any future actions by Lady Eve require consultation with Kennedy and his consent before they can be executed.”

“All other ministers shall treat Kennedy with the same respect and deference as they would His Majesty the Elf King…”

As Apu read these words, he felt his conscience being tortured.

The elven ministers listening below were utterly bewildered, wondering if they had misheard.

Before Apu could finish reading, someone raised an objection.

“Wait a moment, Minister Apu! You must be mistaken!!”

An elven minister stepped forward and publicly voiced his doubt.

“How could His Majesty the Elf King appoint Kennedy as Chancellor? He is already a general!!”

Anyone with eyes could see that Kennedy now wielded absolute power, his substantive authority surpassing Eve’s.

Rather, he seemed more like the Elf King, having completely taken control of the nation’s future.

“This is His Majesty the Elf King’s final edict. What do you mean by questioning it?”

Kennedy stepped forward.

A longsword hung at his waist, this was his privilege. Having become Chancellor, he could enter the hall wearing his sword.

Before everyone’s eyes, the elven Chancellor drew his sword, pointed it at the minister who had just spoken, and roared.

“I am the hero who saved the elven race! His Majesty the Elf King, who witnessed all this, naturally entrusted his blood relative to my care. Only I can guide Lady Eve correctly. You slippery-tongued petty men, if you dare defy His Majesty’s will, I wouldn’t mind cutting off your heads right now!!”

“Y-you…!”

Staring at the cold, gleaming blade, the questioning elven minister turned ashen, trembled with fear, and dared not speak another word.

The guards throughout the Elven Royal Palace had already been replaced entirely with soldiers from Kennedy’s army.

Inside and outside the Elven Capital, Kennedy’s forces were everywhere.

Taking advantage of the pretext of eliminating the dark elves, Kennedy had led his army into the Elven Capital. After the fighting ended, he refused to withdraw.

Both the palace and the capital had already fallen into Kennedy’s hands.

All this had happened within just a few days,it was hard not to suspect that he had been plotting this for a long time.

Once, the officials had believed Kennedy to be the elven race’s most loyal subject… But now, it was clear he was nothing but an ambitious traitor to the kingdom!!

“Today is Lady Eve’s day of ascension. I don’t want to kill anyone. Now get lost!!” Kennedy cursed.

The terrified elven minister slunk away shamefacedly.

Seeing this, the others fell silent. The entire court was mute.

“Minister Apu, what are you standing there for? Continue.” Kennedy ordered, sheathing his sword.

“Y-yes…”

Apu could only keep reading.

Everyone felt as if they were imprisoned, enduring the so-called “final edict” until the end.

Then came Eve’s ascension ceremony.

Eve, now dressed in the attire of the Elf King, appeared before everyone and went through a hastily prepared ceremony arranged by Kennedy.

Under an atmosphere of intense oppression, Eve became the new Elf Queen and sat upon the throne.

“Your Majesty the Queen, won’t you say something to everyone?”

Kennedy stood at the position beside the throne, wearing his longsword, and asked with blustering swagger.

“…”

Eve kept her head lowered, looking deeply sorrowful, still unable to move past the death of the Elf King.

As if she cared nothing for anything else…

“Hmph. Truly useless.”

Kennedy sneered with disdain, speaking bluntly without any restraint.

Just as expected,a vase is just a vase. Utterly useless.

Still, this was fine. Such a useless waste was easier for him to control.

He had already formulated his next plan.

All the civilian officials who had ever impeached him would be purged entirely. He would eliminate those bastards and gradually replace them with his own people, making all civil and military officials obey him.

As for anyone else who dared resist, he would coerce Eve, march out in the name of the Elf Queen, and annihilate all opposition.

This would take some time, but that was fine. Once he had completely controlled the entire nation from top to bottom, he would force the ornamental vase on the throne to abdicate in his favor.

Then, he would become the rightful and legitimate Elf King.

“From today onward, Her Majesty the Queen will be under my protection. Any of you who wish to see Her Majesty must first obtain my permission!”

Kennedy announced to everyone.

“All of this is for Her Majesty’s safety. Any who disobey shall be executed without mercy!”

“…Yes.”

The elven ministers dared to be angry but not to speak.

…

…

“Hahaha!”

After leaving the Elven Royal Palace, Kennedy laughed heartily, feeling incomparably elated.

He had taken a gamble, and it had paid off.

Just as he thought,the Goddess of Fate had indeed taken her place by his side.

“Congratulations, General… oh no, congratulations, Lord Chancellor! Congratulations, Lord Chancellor!”

Kennedy’s subordinates immediately swarmed to offer their felicitations.

“Now you have reached the pinnacle of official rank! One man below the sovereign, and above ten thousand others!”

“Hmm.”

Kennedy did not deny it,after all, that was precisely the case.

“Lord Kennedy, now that you have attained this position, you must have an appropriate retinue when you go out. Otherwise, it would hardly be fitting.”

“Yes, that makes sense.”

Kennedy felt a spark of inspiration. An idea emerged in his mind.

“Have an open-top carriage built for me, more luxurious than that of the royal family! Every time I go out, I want everyone to see my heroic bearing!”

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