Green Monster Epic

Chapter 356 William XVI

Og暦 13361, Month of Ice Melt. Apart from the Ice Country further south, which might still have snow, the rest of the Xilan Continent showed no signs of frost covering the land.

In many places, the heat was so intense that people couldn't bear to wear much clothing.

For example, here in Maple Town, the front line of the remnants of the Spring Country, after several demon slaughters, the peaceful atmosphere of the past was long gone, with ruins and rubble everywhere.

Amidst the ruins, squads of human soldiers, stripped to the waist and utterly unconcerned about their appearance, sought refuge in the shade.

The sun in the sky baked the metal armor until it was scorching hot, making the warriors inside grimace in pain at the slightest touch.

Those wearing leather armor fared slightly better, but the airtight leather trapped the sweat from the warriors' bodies, leaving them soaked and feeling like they were in a steamer.

"Listen up! That magic array that's just been set up in the town is important.

When you guys have nothing to do, stay away from it.

When we fight those demons in the future, we'll be counting on this magic array to save our lives!!

Got it??"

A human guard captain, dripping with sweat, didn't forget to strut and berate this group of ignorant fools, pointing to a tent in the town that was tightly surrounded by fences and cotton cloth, and loudly reminded them.

"This thing can save lives??

I say, if you give everyone a little more to eat, that'll save more lives than anything!!"

From the crowd, a lazy voice sounded, revealing a middle-aged human male with a stubbly beard and several scars on his face, his eyes full of disdain and arrogance.

"That's right!!"

"Who the hell has the energy to run around everywhere!!"

A group of people echoed from the shady corner, sarcastically teasing the guard captain.

Truth be told, the soldiers of the Spring Country were full of resentment.

Every day, they ate bland food, a few pieces of black bread, and a bowl of clear soup with a few vegetable leaves floating in it, which was their ration.

If everyone in the stronghold wasn't in the same boat, and there was no way to escape, who would be willing to endure this desperate situation day after day?

But now, half a month ago, a large number of materials, said to be very valuable, were brought in with great fanfare.

A mysterious mage directed a group of people on that open space, surrounding it tightly, and then mysteriously delayed some time inside, resulting in the scene today.

Now, no one in this besieged city is interested in those shiny things.

Even if they were stuffed in their pockets, everyone would find them a nuisance.

Without commercial trade, money is a burden to everyone.

As for those so-called precious materials, unless they are edible, no one would have the leisure to snoop.

In Mingxi City, William XVI stood on the high castle walls, gazing into the distance at this once prosperous city, which held his ideals and ambitions, but now resembled a ghostly place, filled with emaciated, skeletal refugees.

There were no ordinary families left.

The people, once proud of being residents of the royal city, were now eager to go outside the city, seeking to marry into the families of farmers they would never have glanced at before, just for the produce from a few acres of thin land.

Any place within the city that could be cultivated was planted with vegetables and grains, just to have one more bite to eat, which meant one more hope.

Even William XVI's beautiful garden had now become a paradise for vegetables and grains.

"Your Majesty, you've come to the city wall again, be careful not to give those demons an opportunity.

Even if you want to come, you should tell me first, and I'll accompany you!"

Master Angelo walked slowly.

In front of William XVI, he never used flying spells or the like to position himself higher than the other.

"I just wanted to take a few more glances at this city.

In the future, there will be no more opportunities to see this scene."

William XVI looked down at the human world, this place that had witnessed his growth, and would eventually be his burial ground.

"There will be opportunities, Your Majesty.

This old minister, even if I sacrifice this life, I will definitely be able to protect you, the Queen, and Prince Ya'an to safely break through the encirclement."

Angelo had dedicated his entire life to the truth of magic and this royal family, but he had not been able to leave behind any descendants.

Perhaps this was the price to pay for embarking on the path of a caster.

Compared to war-related professionals who temper their bodies, casters often need to meditate, allowing the invisible natural energy between heaven and earth to flow through their bodies, so they generally have difficulty leaving behind offspring.

Therefore, Angelo had long regarded the William royal family as the continuation of his bloodline, which was why he, as a legend, had always been loyal to the royal family.

"Then I must thank you, Teacher!!"

William XVI turned his head and gave Angelo a desolate smile, his old face even older than Angelo, the legendary mage who had lived for over a hundred years.

"Go back, Your Majesty, the wind is strong on the city wall and it's not safe."

Angelo casually cast a protective spell on William XVI, helping him block the remaining heat on the city wall, and said soothingly.

"Teacher, do you think my choice is right or wrong?"

Although William's old face had made up his mind, he still harbored reluctance and hesitation.

This was not just his own affair, but concerned the lives and futures of countless people, all depending on his decision.

"Your Majesty, this old minister has said that no matter what decision you make, I will support it."

Angelo contemptuously raised his head and looked at the starry sky.

"In this world, if someone borrows money and owes a debt, then there is nothing wrong with demanding it back.

Even if the other party is tyrannical and unreasonable, even if it means tearing up the agreement and asking for interest, I think it is appropriate."

"Moreover, I believe that if the citizens of our country knew everything, they would definitely agree with your choice and decision."

On the city wall, William XVI looked at the outline of the city with nostalgia.

He had decided that this would be the last time he would set foot on the city wall, because he was afraid that if he looked at this world a few more times, he would regret his decision.

"Let's go, this old bone, if I stand for a little longer, it'll creak and groan, alas!!"

A bit of crystal appeared on the ground, and then disappeared again after only a few breaths.

Time flew by in preparation for war.

King William knew that the decisive battle was coming, so he worked overtime, ordering people to set up 36 large magic arrays within a 50-mile radius of Mingxi City, integrating them with Mingxi City's original magic miasma, becoming a powerful miasma array.

For this reason, the William royal family had exhausted the various precious materials they had accumulated over thousands of years.

Anyway, these things could not be eaten or drunk, and if they could not defend the royal capital in the end, they would be given to those demons for nothing, so it was better to let them play a role and kill one more demon, which would be good.

When the 36 magic arrays were officially completed, the Spring Country also ushered in their first winter snow.

Without material supplies, and not daring to go outside the city alone to cut firewood, the people in the city could only dismantle the chairs and furniture in their houses, and then put them into the fireplace to burn as fuel for this winter.

A few winters ago, everyone still had some decent clothes, but now Mingxi City had been besieged for 4-5 years, and even the best cotton cloth could not withstand such frequent wear, and most of it had become tattered and lost its ability to keep warm.

The royal capital, which used to be like a ghost town, had recently become a bit more lively.

It was said that the generals stationed in various places had been summoned back to discuss the final battle with the demons with King William.

The matter of the decisive battle was not a fantasy.

The main generals on the front line could better understand the movements of the demon army recently.

The demon army's movements had been very frequent recently, and the other side's scouts and patrol teams had also increased a lot around the buffer zone between the two sides, and friction and fighting between them were happening all the time.

It was based on this frontline situation that when King William sent a letter saying that there was definite news that the Demon Lord would launch the final battle against Mingxi City after the beginning of winter, everyone expressed their agreement.

As for His Majesty the King asking the generals from all over to return to the royal capital to discuss the so-called decisive battle matters, in fact, for these generals, His Majesty the King only wanted to see everyone's determination.

What need is there for resolve? For years, we've been trapped in this isolated city, like a lonely island in a vast ocean. Anyone with any ability has already tried to escape the capital. And those with the ability who are willing to stay in this isolated city and keep fighting, who among us hasn't already prepared to die for our country?

Of course, this doesn't include legendary powerhouses like Duke Angelo. With their abilities, they can escape at any time.

They stay here partly because the Spring Country is their homeland, where they grew up and were nurtured. At the very least, they want to do their utmost for the Spring Country. Another reason is that they know that demons are ferocious and insane creatures. No matter where people run, if they don't completely wipe them out, they will eventually come knocking on their door.

"There's not much to offer today. As your king, I've had a harder time these past few years than you all!"

"Just these few dishes, please don't be disgusted. They were grown and raised by me personally in the Royal Palace garden!"

On the long dining table, there were only a few platters. The food on the platters was also pitifully scarce. The most lavish dish was just three roast chickens. The rest were either fried eggs or vegetable salad. The only thing that could be considered luxurious was probably the bottle of ten-year-old Royal red wine in the decanter.

"I called everyone here mainly to meet and chat with you all, and to thank you for your efforts these past few years. If it weren't for you guarding the front lines, I'm afraid we wouldn't have been able to survive for so many years."

"This old man knows that if I don't thank you all now, I probably won't have another chance!!"

"Thank you all!!"

As King William spoke, his eyes turned red. Then, in his noble body, he bowed deeply to the dozen or so generals and legendary figures present.

"Your Majesty!!"

"Your Majesty!!"

To say that William XVI was an unqualified ruler or a foolish monarch, probably no one present would agree. It's just that these times are difficult, and no one would have thought that what was originally a period of revival and prosperity would end up being ruined by the emergence of demons.

Not every emperor or monarch could be like William XVI, guarding a dead city for five years. With the wealth accumulated by the Spring Country's royal family, as long as William XVI was willing, he could take his queen and princes, under the protection of the legendary mage Anyelo, and escape the demons' encirclement, becoming a wealthy idler, only lacking a little power.

No emperor could do what William XVI did, eating simple meals every day, saving every penny, and sending most of the supplies to the front lines. And in order to support the front lines, the king and queen themselves started growing vegetables and raising chickens, just to save a mouthful of food and give the soldiers on the front lines a little more to eat.

Don't think today's banquet is not lavish, but the simple dishes you are eating were grown and raised by King William through hard work this year.

"My old body can't fight alongside you on the battlefield, but my heart will be with you. As long as you continue to fight and hold on, then I will not give up on our country!!"

"My country!!!"

"Your Majesty, we swear to live and die with the kingdom!!"

"Live and die together!!"

Several generals turned red-eyed and knelt on one knee in a knight's salute, drawing their long swords and holding them to their chests, solemnly making their vows.

Nearby, several legendary powerhouses were also somewhat moved. Although they had already prepared a way out, they would not easily retreat. At the very least, they hoped to do their part to help the Spring Country reach its final end.

"I'm here to offer you all a toast to express my gratitude!!"

King William was deeply moved. In this time of crisis, he was still comforted that these people were willing to follow him. He raised his head and drank the glass of red wine in the crystal cup in one gulp.

The other guests sitting on both sides also did not hesitate at this time, raising their glasses and looking at each other, drinking the fine wine in their glasses with heroism.

This was a farewell banquet. Everyone had long had a premonition about this final battle, but at least at this moment, no one thought of retreating, nor could they retreat. Although the banquet was simple, the king as the host was certainly noble, but at this time, everyone had fewer masks. They were all familiar comrades and partners, drinking and chatting happily with each other. They were much more relaxed, and when they were drunk, they had no etiquette, and their voices and tones were also a bit louder.

"Your Majesty, I've actually wanted to have a drink with you for a long time to thank you for your perseverance these past few years, otherwise..."

Anil Bozo was raising his glass, shaking the red wine in his glass towards King William with a rather loud tone, as if he wanted to say something, but after saying half a sentence, he simply fell down, and then a burst of snoring sounded.

"Hahaha, Anil's drinking capacity is really terrible!!"

The people around him laughed and joked, not surprised at all. This guy's drinking capacity has never been good, and he didn't expect to be the first to get drunk again today.

One by one, the generals fell to the ground. The openly supplied fine wine could be said to be everyone's last carnival. Several oak barrels were placed aside, all of which were the spoils of this banquet. Although the dishes were not lavish enough, having wine and friends was a great help for drinking.

The remaining eight legends had blurred eyes. Because of their status, even with King William accompanying them, they did not drink as much wine as the generals. After all, they did not have the generals' determination to die, so they would not think of dying happily after getting drunk.

"Ah, right, I forgot to tell you all that I have a friend here that I want to introduce to you."

King William, who was drunk but still very clear-headed, was holding a wine glass and looking at the messy long table. He suddenly remembered something important, and after patting the table, rhythmic footsteps came from the wooden floor, and then a middle-aged man with neatly combed hair, elegant and dignified demeanor, holding a wooden cane, slowly strode out.

"This is Mr. Wales, a guest who has come from afar, a partner who will help me realize my dream of revenge."

"…"

The word 'partner' made the eyes of several legends flicker, and they looked at this blond middle-aged man with a sense of scrutiny.

In the current situation of the Principality, there are very few people who can maintain an elegant and luxurious posture. Even legendary figures like them have more or less reduced their management of their image, only seeking to be neat and tidy. But the blond man in front of him was wearing a turban with bright feathers, and long, naturally curly blond hair extended from the brim of the hat, hanging down on his shoulders and behind him.

"Good evening, everyone. I am very happy to meet you all in His Majesty the King's palace."

The blond man, Wales, bowed slightly. When he raised his head, he had a bright smile on his face. Even when facing several legends, he did not have tension or pressure. His aura was mysterious and strange, which made the eyes of several legends become vigilant.

"I am introducing Mr. Wales to you all because he has proposed a plan to me, a plan that can avenge millions of my people."

"However, the execution of this plan requires the help of everyone present. I wonder if you are willing?"

King William's expression became even more clear-headed, and in the depths of his eyes, which were full of crow's feet and deep eye bags, there was still some madness looming.

"I want to hear Mr. Wales' plan before making a decision."

Duke Angelo's eyes were calm and cautious. He did not believe that a mere person, a so-called plan, could change the current situation.

"That's for sure, but whether you agree or not, this plan will actually be carried out, because I have already made a decision!!"

"In the name of the sixteenth king of the Spring Country!!!"

The magnificent and firm tone echoed in this somewhat empty palace. As King William's voice fell, the precise and solid magic array built in the palace over countless years shone with light, adding a bit of dreamy color to the dark kingdom.