Chapter 002: War

The butler nodded and quickly ordered a carriage to be brought. Four snow-white horses without a single speck of color pulled the luxurious carriage, catching everyone's eye.

A demon disguised as a coachman drove the carriage for Wang Bo himself.

Wang Bo changed into the duke's elaborate uniform, wore a decorative rapier at his waist, and stepped into the carriage with a vigorous stride, his black leather boots clicking.

Led by the envoy sent by the king, he left his castle and headed for the palace.

The carriage traveled all the way and soon arrived at the royal palace.

Although the country where Wang Bo lived was just a small nation on this continent, the palace was still quite magnificent.

After all, the palace was the face of a country. If it were too shabby, it would easily be looked down upon. Therefore, whether to showcase national strength or for the sake of prestige, the palace had to be splendid and imposing.

Wang Bo entered the palace grounds, parked the carriage in front of the palace, and alighted. He then climbed the steps, ascending several hundred before reaching the main gate.

Several palace guards, seeing Wang Bo, quickly pushed open the palace doors.

Wang Bo crossed the palace hall and, led by the envoy, arrived at the king's study.

As soon as Wang Bo entered, he saw an elderly man sitting behind a mahogany desk.

The old man wore splendid clothes and a crown. Half of his golden hair had turned white, making him appear very aged.

But in the duke's memory, this king was only in his fifties. Years of relentless work and immense effort devoted to governing the country had made the fifty-something king look like a man in his seventies.

Wang Bo could clearly sense that the king's vitality was steadily ebbing away.

He was nearing his end.

At most, within three years, or perhaps a year or so, he would meet his death.

"You're here, Srant."

Seeing Wang Bo, the king rose, walked around the desk, smiled, and opened his arms to embrace Wang Bo.

By the way, the duke Wang Bo had replaced was named Srant, and the king was named Derek.

Following the etiquette in the duke's memory, Wang Bo bowed and said calmly, "Your Majesty, may I ask what important matter you have summoned me for?"

The king nodded, his expression grave. "Srant, we are in trouble."

"Trouble? What kind of trouble?" Wang Bo asked, puzzled.

"War!" The king said gloomily. "The two neighboring countries have started a war again, and we are likely to be dragged into it."

They were merely a small country surrounded by great powers. Whenever a war broke out, the warring nations liked to fight on their territory, causing them to suffer greatly from the wars.

The king was also helpless.

To ensure his people lived a happy life, he had racked his brains and dared not slack off in the slightest. Yet whenever war came, it always brought suffering to his country.

All the work he had done for this country, even many of the decrees he had issued, would be destroyed overnight because of war.

Thus, the king hated war more than anyone.

Wang Bo said with sudden understanding, "I see, Your Majesty. Since war is upon us, what we need to do is to evacuate the civilians as soon as possible."

This country had experienced war more than once, so they had ample experience: before war broke out, move the people to safe places.

As for how the two countries would fight afterward, they couldn't care less.

After all, they were just a small nation, powerless to stop the war. Once the two countries finished fighting, the king would send the evacuated people back to continue their lives.

"Yes, I want to entrust this task to you, Srant. I believe you won't let me down." The king gazed at Wang Bo, his eyes full of trust.

At least in his memory, this duke of his had never let him down.

Wang Bo nodded and said calmly, "Of course, Your Majesty."

Seeing Wang Bo agree so readily, the king nodded with relief. "You're a good man, Srant. I have always trusted you. But you'd better set off immediately, because according to the intelligence I've received, war is imminent."

Wang Bo nodded slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will depart tonight."

After taking leave of the king, Wang Bo turned and left the study, crossed the palace, and descended the steps. Just as he was about to board the carriage and leave the palace, a voice called out to him.

"Duke."

Wang Bo stopped and turned around. A young, handsome man with a sword at his waist slowly approached.

A big man followed beside him.

"Prince Keith."

Wang Bo recognized at once that this spirited young man was the king's son, the prince of the country, the first in line to the throne—indeed, the only heir.

After all, the king had only one son. As for the big man beside him, he was the captain of the palace guard.

All the guards in the palace were under his command.

In the duke's memory, this captain was quite skilled, wielding a fine Western sword technique. His fencing, in particular, embodied speed, precision, and ruthlessness, and he was also Prince Keith's fencing instructor.

"Good afternoon, Duke." Prince Keith walked over quickly, his hair wet and his breathing a little rapid, clearly having just engaged in vigorous exercise.

He must have just had an intense sparring session with his captain, which was why he was drenched in sweat.

"Good afternoon, Prince Keith." Wang Bo said calmly. "Is there something you need from me?"

"Did the Duke come to the palace today because of my father's summons?" Prince Keith asked.

"Indeed."

"Is it because of the war?"

"Yes."

"So the Duke is now going to evacuate the civilians?"

"Exactly, Your Highness." Wang Bo nodded. He was not surprised that the prince knew about this, since the old king was nearing his end and the young prince had grown up.

The prince had been involved in many state affairs, a necessary experience for an heir to the throne.

"Then may I accompany the Duke? As a prince, I very much wish to help my people." Prince Keith finally stated his purpose.

Wang Bo replied without hesitation, "You should ask His Majesty about this, Prince. If His Majesty agrees, I will certainly have no objection, Prince."

Hearing Wang Bo's affirmation, Prince Keith broke into a cheerful smile. "That's wonderful! I'll go ask my father now. When does the Duke plan to set out?"

"Tonight." Wang Bo replied.

"So soon?" Prince Keith was startled and quickly said, "I'll go see my father right away."

With that, he hurried off with the captain.