The Herb King

The next day, the leaders of the noble households and merchant families came to the imperial palace as per the emperor's summons. Any of these individuals could summon the rain and cloud in Lion City and they were now gathered before the emperor.

Emperor Ragnar was seated on his throne as he scanned the leaders of the various households. "Is everyone here?" He whispered to Prince Calvin who was near him.

"Everyone is here except the Lassiter Household." Prince Calvin answered.

Suddenly, the door of the throne room sprang open, followed by the announcement of the servant. "Aethelwolf Lassiter of the Lassiter Household has arrived!"

Everyone turned their gazes to the entrance and stared at the black-haired man walking with confident strides. He was wearing a custom-made black suit that appeared uniquely different from what everyone was wearing. His dashing figure overshadowed the people inside the room.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. I apologize for coming late." Aethelwolf greeted the emperor and gave him a respectful salute.

Emperor Ragnar smiled upon seeing this. "It's fine. You are just right on time, Aethelwolf." He said. "Now, let's begin!"

The emperor gestured for everyone to take their seats. He then looked at Prince Calvin and nodded his head.

After getting the emperor's signal, Prince Calvin walked in front and faced everyone. He cleared his throat and reported what he had told the emperor, including his speculations about the identity of the Northern Viper Group.

"I sent someone to the Ford Empire to observe their military movements and he said that the Ford Empire is gathering a huge army outside their borders. Their approximate number is around two hundred thousand soldiers!"

After he said everything, everyone's faces turned grave.

"Two hundred thousand soldiers?! That's about two-thirds of their entire military strength!"

"We should increase the military personnel in our borders!"

Aethelwolf looked at the crowd with a calm expression. He could tell that everyone was in panic mode.

"We are hoping that everyone here will send half of their forces to help the army in repelling the invaders. Gather them at the main entrance of Lion City. Our army will be stationed there." Prince Calvin said.

The leaders of the various households furrowed their eyebrows when they heard this. They would be greatly weakened if they sent out half of their forces so they felt a bit reluctant to do it. However, they knew that this was a national crisis and it was imperative for them to give their support. If they failed to comply with this order, the imperial family might even strip them of their noble status and sentence them guilty of treason. It was a sensitive time and no one wanted to make a mistake.

Suddenly, someone raised his hand and said. "The Lassiter Household will send one Level 4 Esper and two thousand Espers to join the main army. We will also send fifty thousand Recovery Pellets to help the men who will be injured in the war. Other than that, we will offer monetary support to buy the necessary equipment that would be used in the war."

Everyone was shocked by this. He was actually willing to send a Level 4 Esper and an army of two thousand Espers to the main army! Not to mention the other things he was willing to offer to the army!

Emperor Ragnar smiled as he looked at Aethelwolf.

"The Reynolds Household is willing to send one thousand Espers and I will personally lead them in war!" Harold Reynolds announced in a loud voice which immediately attracted everyone's attention.

Soon, many others followed suit and they all decided to offer their support. Not long later, everyone in the throne room has already expressed their full support.

"Great! Thank you so much for your cooperation!" Prince Calvin couldn't stop himself from smiling. The elite forces of these noble households and merchant families were not any weaker than the Black Lion Army. With their help, they would gain a huge number of fierce warriors!

Emperor Ragnar stood up and clapped his hands as he said with a smile. "I appreciate your support, everyone. I promise that once everything is over, all the people gathered here will be rewarded handsomely."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The emperor dismissed them soon after.

"Sir Aethelwolf, please wait!"

Aethelwolf stopped in his tracks and looked at the second prince in confusion. "Is there anything you need, Your Highness?"

"His Majesty wants to speak with you privately. Please follow me to his study." Prince Calvin said.

Aethelwolf nodded his head and followed the second prince.

When they arrived in the study, Aethelwolf saw that the emperor was already there sitting calmly. There was an empty chair in front of him.

"You're here. Take your seat first." The emperor said.

Prince Calvin didn't say anything and just quietly left the room.

Aethelwolf took his seat and glanced at the emperor. He wondered what this guy wanted from him.

"Thanks to you, those stubborn family heads offered their support much sooner." Emperor Ragnar chuckled.

Hearing this, Aethelwolf merely smiled.

"How is the academy? Is it fun being the headmaster?" The emperor stared at him with a grin.

Aethelwolf's lips twitched, but he still answered with a smile. "The academy has started its classes and I heard that Your Majesty also sent the crown prince to enroll in the Alchemy Department. I went over his test results and all I can say is that he is a brilliant young man."

"Is that so? He might be talented, but he is nothing compared to your daughter. I heard that she is already a Level 3 Esper. It was said that she broke the testing apparatus when her strength was tested. What was her name again?" Emperor Ragnar said while handing him a cup of tea.

Aethelwolf took the cup of tea. "Olivia. Olivia Lassiter. She is a lovely girl, but sometimes she is a bit unruly." He chuckled as he said those words.

Emperor Ragnar was curious about this adopted daughter of Aethelwolf, but he refrained from asking too much. He wondered who the young child truly was.