Chapter 543: Morgan Axel Returns to Strasbourg

To be thorough, Charlot Mecklenburg meticulously selected the labyrinth guards before interrogating Magion once more. To his astonishment, he uncovered a shocking revelation: Morgan Axel had returned to Strasbourg and was set to ascend the throne in a few days. Furthermore, the crown prince intended to issue an imperial edict across the Fars Empire, calling for the subjugation of all disloyal factions.

This news left Charlot in a state of shock for several minutes before he could regain his composure.

Charlot had assumed Morgan had long departed for the New Continent. Never would he have guessed that this crown prince could execute such a masterful move.

The sudden reappearance of a former crown prince rallying a group of "loyal old retainers" was not unheard of. Similar events had occurred frequently in the great nations of the East. Some dynasties had seen this phenomenon repeat multiple times, with even former emperors emerging from obscurity to orchestrate such intrigues. History is rife with cunning statesmen who lay low, feigning foolishness to rise again—such as the famous King Goujian of ancient Yue.

Morgan Axel was indisputably the legitimate first heir of the Fars Empire.

There were various reasons for his initial abdication, including the possibility that he deemed the Earl of Bretagne too powerful to confront. Thus, he concealed his ambitions, pretending to have no interest in power to bide his time for a resurgence.

Once the news of Morgan Axel’s "coronation" spread throughout the Fars Empire, many would undoubtedly defect to his side, pledging loyalty to the legitimate emperor of the Axel dynasty. Even individuals Charlot heavily relied on, such as Cresto, the former leader of the Royal Knights; Aspuros, the first vice leader; and Regulus, the second vice leader, might return to Morgan’s fold.

Morgan's strategy could potentially enable him to reclaim the Fars Empire without bloodshed.

Faced with the tide of "inevitable legitimacy," even the Earl of Bretagne could be forced to relinquish the throne and confess his guilt. Refusing to yield would only undermine the old earl’s legitimacy.

As a staunch supporter of the Bretagne faction, Charlot found such a scenario utterly unacceptable. He knew this issue had to be swiftly addressed.

Clair Bretagne and Ebner Soumet were even more alarmed upon hearing the news than Charlot himself. Together, they implored, "Your Grace, you must act decisively and prevent this from happening at all costs."

Both were unwavering supporters of the Bretagne family. Clair, a member of the family, and Ebner, who had proven his loyalty by personally executing Princess Redmir Axel’s wife, were deeply invested in opposing the restoration of the old dynasty. Although Redmir had rebelled and killed the old emperor, the Axel family name remained intact. Like Charlot, they were resolute in their opposition to a resurgence of the Axel dynasty.

Magion hadn’t anticipated that this revelation would come as a "big secret" to the others. Although he momentarily regretted divulging it, he rationalized that "it wasn’t just me who knew this information. Besides, Morgan’s coronation will be public knowledge in a few days. Even if the secret leaked, it wouldn’t matter."

Comforting himself with this thought, he proceeded to recount all he knew about the situation in Strasbourg, as if pouring coffee beans into a grinder.

The Axel family’s foundation was formidable. Within Strasbourg, the rebellious Axel faction now boasted eleven Saint ranks, over sixty extraordinary individuals, and at least fifty noble families who had returned their allegiance to the former royal house.

With the newly established Bretagne dynasty barely securing its foothold, its most loyal knights were stationed at the frontlines with the emperor. Strasbourg lacked any significant resistance.

Currently, Strasbourg was an impregnable bastion where nearly everyone cheered for the restoration of the legitimate royal dynasty.

The rebellion in Strasbourg was led by three key figures: Morgan Axel, the former imperial chancellor Wood Brandon, and Asturias Axel, who was once the most powerful warrior of the Axel family. Having sustained severe injuries during the siege of Zimourman Axel Robin, Asturias had spent years recovering. Not only had he fully healed, but he had also ascended to the twenty-third rank, becoming the newly reestablished Royal Knights' commander.

Of the five royal family members involved in the attack on Zimourman, two had succumbed to their injuries, one was bedridden, and the last, Prince Alfrey Axel, had already escaped Strasbourg to seek refuge with the Earl of Bretagne.

Yes, Prince Alfrey Axel was indeed an intriguing figure...

After thoroughly questioning Magion about the state of Strasbourg, Charlot instructed his men to escort Magion away. He was to be treated with utmost hospitality, including the rare gift of two Wriggling Demons.

Charlot then convened a meeting with those he had summoned.

Clair Bretagne and Ebner Soumet advocated for a swift strike on Strasbourg, while Grandma Saint Karen wore a heavy expression and proposed first reporting the matter to the Earl of Bretagne.

Andreas, on the other hand, was brimming with excitement. He was indifferent to the fate of the Fars Empire. As a vassal of Duke Mecklenburg, Andreas belonged to a duchy with significant autonomy. Whether the empire returned to Axel’s control or not would hardly affect Charlot Mecklenburg’s standing. Moreover...

Andreas had a reliable fallback.

His father, Viscount Constantine, was the Earl of Byron. That position was even more prestigious than their standing during the Black Phoenix Dynasty. Andreas could always return home to inherit his estate.

Princess Annie was the most distraught. As a kind-hearted young lady, she found herself in turmoil, unable to reconcile her familial ties with Morgan Axel, who was her uncle. She didn’t know what to do.

Charlot raised his hands, signaling that he was about to speak. Turning to Grandma Saint Karen, he said, "You will take Princess Annie and immediately seek an audience with the Earl of Bretagne. Leave at once, and exercise the utmost caution on your journey. However, this matter is of critical importance. Please do not speak of it to anyone other than His Majesty."

Relieved, Saint Karen replied, "I will leave immediately."

Charlot then addressed Princess Annie. "Dearest Annie, I need your unconditional support and trust. Please depart with Saint Karen at once. The sooner you appear at His Majesty’s side, the greater our advantage."

Though overwhelmed, Annie obediently stood and said, "I’ll leave right away with Saint Karen."

After bidding them farewell, Charlot turned to the remaining three and declared, "We cannot launch a surprise attack on Strasbourg. The city alone boasts eleven Saint ranks from the Axel family, including Asturias Axel and the nobles who’ve returned to their fold."

He continued gravely, "Attacking Strasbourg would be tantamount to smashing eggs against a rock. However, we cannot sit idly by. Should Morgan announce his return to the Old Continent, His Majesty will face an untenable position."

"We four will infiltrate Strasbourg and assassinate Morgan. He must not live to see the dawn of the next day. Moreover, we will place the blame squarely on Wood Brandon. I will ensure that everyone believes it was Wood Brandon, the imperial chancellor, who killed Crown Prince Morgan."

The rebels' greatest strength lay in Morgan Axel. Ironically, their greatest weakness also lay in him.

For the former crown prince was not a Saint rank.

This was their most glaring vulnerability.

Even if Charlot lacked political acumen, he understood he had no other choice.

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