Chapter 223: Intimidation of the Imperial Power

Queen Sophia knew this person, but she'd heard Thelma speak highly of her. Even Rosemary liked her very much, and Aveline had mentioned her several times. Could this person be a scourge?

Sophia smiled and said tactfully, “Don’t worry, my King. Would the Queen Mother harm the Eryndral Empire? Perhaps Isolde truly possesses extraordinary abilities.”

Sophia’s voice was gentle and soothing. The King always enjoyed listening to her. Her gentle voice brought him indescribable peace.

However, he was extremely frustrated by today's news. He wasn't a king who favored using troops. Years of war had forced him to prioritize defense over attack. He always believed there were many paths to peace.

Isolde's words in the Flying Phoenix Palace that day had been shocking. It was as if she'd witnessed those scenes firsthand. The impact of her statement was profoundly unsettling.

Yet, having calmed down and reflected, the King found it ridiculous, even bewildering.

Perhaps Isolde had long known Thelma's personality; Thelma was most susceptible to strange beliefs. What was her motive?

“I don’t want to use troops against Zloimond,” the King said, frowning.

Sophia, slightly surprised, replied, “My King, do you not believe Kamari harbors ambitions?”

The King shook his head. “No, he must be ambitious. He must also want to rebel, but I think we can wait a little longer.”

Sophia said softly, “My King, do you think you will be criticized for your perceived incompetence?”

The King sighed softly, remaining silent. “Perhaps Mother thinks I'm not bold enough. I know Kamari’s ambition, and his military strength is growing rapidly, but Oliver already destroyed his armory. That lesson should suffice. What's the purpose of sending Isolde now? Moreover, she brought only 3,000 men. Even if we gave the Marquis 3,000 men, they couldn't defeat Kamari. I feel these soldiers will be needlessly sacrificed. I value talent, cherish it, and my heart aches.”

“Since Max has already gone to fight, why don't we see what happens first?” Sophia smoothed the wrinkles from her forehead.

The King's brow remained furrowed, a thin layer of anger visible. That night, he visited Flying Phoenix Hall to pay his respects to Thelma.

He was a dutiful son, visiting Thelma daily and Rosalind every other day. His filial piety adhered to the ancestral principle of benevolent and filial rule.

The King came to Flying Phoenix Hall tonight and sat down to drink coffee and chat with Thelma. Thelma was roughly the King's age, yet appeared much younger. However, a regal majesty lingered in her eyes; her every movement and gaze hinted at past boldness and decisiveness. It was an almost heavenly aura, one no one dared look at directly. Even now, she exerted an invisible pressure upon him.

Fortunately, they were mother and son, close. The King knew Thelma had wielded power for him and the Eryndral Empire for years and would never relinquish it willingly.

The King was somewhat depressed that night, despite his attempts to appear cheerful.

Thelma ordered coffee for the King. “You've been poring over memorials, weary day and night. Drink more coffee.”

The King looked up, startled. “Mother, do you have ulterior motives? Are you reprimanding me for poor judgment, for being confused?”

Thelma slowly frowned. “You have many worries now.”

Judith brought the coffee. “Your Majesty, Queen Thelma heard from Elbert that your eyes haven’t been feeling well, so she specially asked for this.”

The King’s face reddened. He knew he was being overly sensitive, quickly standing and thanking her. “Thank you for your concern, Mother.”

Thelma asked, “Do you blame me for sending Isolde to lead the army?”

“No, I don’t!” The King’s expression grew cold.

Thelma seemed displeased. “What do you mean ‘dare’ or ‘not’? You are the King. If you think my decision is wrong, say so. Don't keep it bottled up; a lack of communication breeds suspicion. I don't want things to turn out that way.”

The King hesitated. “Did Sophia come?”

“Sophia has naturally been here, but she’s yours. As long as you disapprove, she won’t say anything to me. What you’re thinking is etched on your face,” Thelma replied.

The King was silent, pondering his response.

Thelma continued, “What Isolde said that day likely frightened you, so you didn’t object when I sent her to battle. First, you didn’t want to oppose my wishes. Second, you knew in your heart Kamari intended to rebel.”

The King nodded silently. “Yes!”

“So, you're uncomfortable because I sent Isolde to battle with only 3,000 men?” Thelma asked.

The King said, “I know Mother believes in Isolde; she must possess extraordinary qualities. However, no matter how capable she is, fighting Kamari with 3,000 men is akin to throwing an egg at a rock. I don't understand why you want to reorganize her troops, given your desire to fight Kamari.”

Thelma looked at the King and said firmly, “Trust me, Isolde is the best candidate.”

The King was suspicious. “Why? What’s so special about her?”

Thelma said firmly, “Just wait. In the future, Isolde will become a bulwark for the Eryndral Empire. Barbarians on all sides will fear to attack easily because of her reputation.”

The King desperately wanted to believe Thelma, but her words were absurd. How could a woman become the border of a large country? How could she make barbarians tremble in fear? Even when Garrett guarded the border, barbarians still tried to attack.

Hearing Thelma's praise, the King felt even more uneasy. He sensed deception, even believing Thelma had been misled. Wasn't her death-defying advice that day also a threat to the imperial power?

The King had made up his mind. If the two armies clashed and Isolde lost in the first engagement, regardless of life or death, he would recall her and execute her according to her military oath. He couldn't allow her to continue her reckless behavior. She could persuade him and his mother with such nonsense; just the thought was dangerous.

Thelma watched him, as if seeing through his thoughts. Then she frowned and sighed almost inaudibly.