An Extra's POV: My Three Fiancees Hate Me-Chapter 180: The Clans

"Come down from your high horse of morality, Robert. Even you must understand that the king is the most important part of a kingdom.

We may lie to ourselves that the people are the kingdom, but we all know that the Vermillion family is what really keeps the whole kingdom together.

It’s not a matter of care, it’s a matter of efficiency," Peter said. He leaned back into his chair as he spoke.

"Tsk," Robert clicked his tongue. He wanted to refute what Peter said so badly, but in reality, it was the truth.

"You all should calm down," William finally spoke. He looked up, one eye showing from underneath the hair on his face. "I believe the king has made a plan already, or am I wrong, Your Highness?" he asked.

"Sharp as always, William," the king replied. He smiled softly and spoke. "The situation may seem out of control, but it isn’t.

Firstly, I have already prepared to send out our men to battle the demonized in the small towns and villages. If we allow Sapphire to believe that they are stronger than us, they will take advantage of that, and it will get to their heads.

We can’t show weakness, and so we must crush every last one of their demonized. I spoke to the Council of Mages and the Senate about the plan this morning.

Their response was good. The Council of Mages has agreed to help by sending their best mages—mages in the fourth and fifth circle—to destroy the gates."

"Only fourth and fifth? Why is the Mage Council being so stingy with their men? They have mages that reach the seventh and sixth circle, and yet this is what they send when the king asks for their help?" Robert raged, balling his fist.

"Don’t speak without understanding, Robert," Tau said, pulling Robert’s attention. "As a member of the Mage Council, and one of their peak seven-circle mages, I understand the difficulty in releasing your best resources.

Even the head of the Mage Council, the Archmage, is only an early eighth-circle. So with that, you can already tell that seven- and six-circle mages are immensely valuable and can’t be given out anyhow," Ray said. He kept his calm expression as he spoke.

"I fail to see how sending your best men to aid the king could be a waste of resources on any level," William said casually.

Ray gritted his teeth. "Shut up. You know nothing about how the Council works," he shot at William.

"That’s enough. Do not blame the Council. They are one of the kingdom’s most important assets. My father was the one who gave them the liberty that they have now, so they can make their own decisions.

At least they didn’t turn their backs or refuse my request," the king said.

"Had they done that, we would have destroyed them and everything they stand for," Peter said, his eyes shining with a murderous light when he looked at Ray.

"The Council needs to be put back on a leash," Robert added.

Ray’s frown deepened when he heard those words. He lacked any good argument to actually protect the Council here. If he let this continue, the Council would return to being something governed by the kingdom.

"That’s an issue for later. For now, we have to continue with the more pressing issue," the king said. Ray heaved a sigh of relief in silence. Now he had more time to think and to plot. He would have to inform the head of the Mage Council though.

"The mages have agreed to destroy the gates, and also the Senate agreed to a plan that I proposed.

All knights will go out to battle, and as for the capital, it will be kept safe by the clans," the king said, and his words hit like electricity. The dukes were shocked.

"The clans? They agreed to help?" Robert asked.

"It took a lot, but yes, they agreed. As the king and the heir of the main family, I can order the clans, but they will only follow me if my plans are bringing good to the kingdom.

The moment it seems I’m no longer capable of running the kingdom through the war, representatives from each clan will come and they will form a new rulership, keeping me aside for as long as needed. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Their authority goes beyond what even the Senate can stop, and their words at that point are law which no one can break," the king explained.

"My king, you are putting your crown on the line here. This isn’t safe," Robert said.

"You don’t have to worry. There is also a countermeasure—something that is hidden deep in the laws—and if it goes bad, I’ll use that measure and make sure full power never goes to the clans.

They might be the hidden powerhouses of the kingdom, but the clans are conniving and plotting people. Their every move is a calculated setup.

Their end goal is the betterment of the kingdom, but the routes they use to get there are despicable," the king said.

"We understand. So what task do we take now?" Peter asked.

"Robert and you, Peter, will lead and direct all knights. You may also join the battle if you wish. William, you are on intelligence—guide us and ensure our victory.

As for you, Ray, lead the mages and also make up for the mages the Council refused to give us with your own hands.

For now, that’s all. I pray the goddess Lumis stays with you all, and the flame of Vermillion will never go down," the king said and got on his feet. Walking to the door, he walked out, and the woman followed behind, leaving the dukes inside the room.

After the king left, Robert got on his feet and walked to the door. Peter followed, and then Ray. Finally, William also got up, and they all left the room to carry out their part in the battle.