Chapter 1355
Adrian had brought a cannon, though it remained outside the city for now. It couldn't be transported immediately. This cannon, an improvement on Nerathia's red cannon, was the same one that had destroyed Everett's courtyard.
In a few days, nearly all the martial factions invited to Adrian's birthday banquet would arrive, each disguised. Knowing martial artists would face scrutiny at the city gates, they planned complete transformations.
Adrian had strategically positioned Coldmoon Guild members to watch the Capital Guard headquarters and Hell Monarch Estate in shifts. Coldmoon Guild rarely operated within the martial world, seldom visiting the capital. Nicholas's men were unlikely to recognize them, making them ideal for Carissa's protection without raising suspicion.
Adrian believed Nicholas would target Carissa. His predictions, though occasionally inaccurate, were generally sound.
At the Glimmering Tower, Adrian hosted a banquet. Serious discussions would occur privately.
"We will focus solely on my apprentice's safety," he announced. "What follows will unfold as it may."
He knew the martial world showed little interest in royal affairs. He shared that reluctance, but his restless apprentice left him no choice.
Carissa remained unaware of her mentor's protection. She moved daily between the Hell Monarch Estate and the Capital Guard, occasionally visiting the palace.
The crown prince issue continued to roil the court. Salvador had punished several individuals, even reprimanding the Quinton family. Yet, the matter persisted.
This critical juncture distracted Salvador and the court ministers, particularly as some ministers, influenced by the situation, stressed the kingdom's succession. A few even advocated for Connor as crown prince.
Davis, frantic, stormed into the Capital Guard headquarters, shouting at Carissa, "The kingdom's succession is important, but isn't the current crisis more pressing?!"
Carissa, calm, replied, "We've discussed it endlessly without resolution. Let them argue. Let them shout. We must remain resolute."
Davis sighed. "I worry. His Majesty's health is poor. If he names Connor, whispers of incompetence and arrogance will follow. Our enemies will claim senility, giving them cause to act."
"His Majesty won't name a crown prince now," Carissa stated. "His health is failing; such a hasty decision would be tantamount to… I won't utter treasonous words. Don't worry, Mr. Lloyd."
Davis, a man of action, vented his frustrations then headed to the armory to oversee progress.
Isaac lived and worked at the Ministry of Defense. He often claimed ignorance, yet always seemed to know what to do.
Recent afternoons brought torrential downpours and rising floodwaters. The riverworks project neared completion. The reservoir was finished; the foundation dam's final stretch was almost done.
This section was critical, having suffered significant damage. The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Waterworks Department agreed it could breach under pressure if water levels rose further.
Edwin had initially planned repairs, but the extensive damage necessitated a complete overhaul.
The project neared completion, but the rain hampered progress, and workers grew restless. Cameron spent days calming them, reporting to Edwin.
Edwin visited, umbrella in hand, assuring the workers of completion within ten days. A quick finish meant an earlier return home.
The workforce included conscripted laborers and hired hands, the latter being the most troublesome—though instigators worked behind the scenes.
Cameron's efforts had fostered resentment toward the court amongst the conscripted laborers.
Edwin's presence failed to ease tension. Someone had informed the workers that the court would send someone to offer empty words, merely to push them to work through the rain. Thus, Edwin's visit fueled, rather than calmed, their anger.