Chapter 403 Ultimatum
"Father……"
The dagger fell to the ground, and the originally entangled black and red aura had already retracted back to the blade.
Compared to the beginning, it has grown significantly.
Obviously, in a very short period of time, this power still eroded and assimilated a lot of blood.
But after it lost its target, it seemed to be 'playing dead'. The source of the fall of the King of Athens gathered all its aura, just like an ordinary weapon.
However, in the silent hall, Andrea, who had witnessed all this with her own eyes, obviously would not be deceived by its appearance.
She took a step forward and held the sword that was stuck on the ground. In an instant, countless knowledge came to her, but there was no confusion at all.
All the experience and wisdom of a human demigod over the past hundred years have been left here, and with it, a powerful force.
Although this is not as powerful as Theseus at his peak, it is enough to suppress Athens at this moment.
Although there is more than one demigod in the world, it is indeed difficult to find another one among the nobles of Athens.
"It's all about it——"
Biting her lip, perhaps because of the emotions in her heart aroused by this force, Andrea subconsciously held the sword with both hands.
The sword edge fell, as if she wanted to vent the sadness in her heart on the small dagger.
The sound of waving swords resounded in the hall, stirring up bursts of smoke and dust.
However, at the last moment of the fight between the two sides, Andrea's sword stopped.
"Huh - Andrea, you need to calm down."
"Even my father has not destroyed this power, so what if I destroy its carrier? This is a meaningless act and will bring even greater trouble..."
Take a deep breath and suppress the sadness in your heart.
Looking at the empty seats in front of her, Andrea took a step back.
"Now, I have more important things to do."
Theseus' death was just the beginning. Andrea knew that when she walked out of this door, there would be no time for her to collect her emotions, and greater challenges would come.
But like my father said...
"I've never killed anyone before."
"But today can also be the first time."
The palm of her hand holding the sword was a little sweaty, and Andrea slowly turned around.
Then she pushed open the door and walked into the starry night.
······
The main hall of the Palace of Athens was full of people.
Compared to when we first arrived, there are more than twice as many people here.
There was a lot of noise and discussion.
Since Andrea went to see Theseus for the last time, various speculations and news have continued to come from the outside world.
People from all over the place arrived one after another, even the earl who was stunned by her before was here.
This lord who once owned a city-state was obviously not an incompetent person. He just didn't expect that a princess who had always been kind would suddenly take action.
So even though his face looked a little ugly at the moment, he could still cheer up and wait for the king's summons.
At least until now, the extent of Theseus' injuries is still unknown. Even if there was news that he was seriously injured and dying, that was just a rumor after all.
No one dared to do anything until accurate news came out.
Tap tap tap——
There was another sound of footsteps, and almost every once in a while, someone would bring the latest news into the hall.
The last news was that the city-state of Eleusis claimed that Theseus had rebelled against the gods and acted in perverse ways, thus breaking away from Panathenaic rule and regaining the name of the kingdom.
Not long after, new messages were delivered.
"Everyone."
After chatting with the visitor for a while, an old man turned around and looked at the many dignitaries waiting for news.
He sighed slightly and said with a serious face: "According to the latest news, the situation may be more troublesome than we thought."
"Eleusis became independent, and the new king prayed to the goddess of agriculture and the queen of heaven in the temple, accusing his majesty of eighteen crimes."
"Disrespecting the gods, infringing on the divine king's rule over his own territory, supporting the sale of evil alchemy creations, and sheltering spellcasters who steal authority."
"Collusion with non-human species, massacre of civilians, restriction of speech, etc..."
"He claimed that Eleusis had been harmed by the tyrant, and now he could bear it no longer. He hoped that the Queen of Heaven would seek justice."
"Almost at the same time, the Kingdom of Argos far away under Mount Olympus recognized this, as did the Kingdom of Pylos and seventeen large and small city-states and kingdoms in the south of the mainland. However, they believed that the accusation against His Majesty There are some untruths, because the eighteen counts are far from sufficient to explain all the faults.”
"So, did they say what they were going to do?"
With every word he said, the atmosphere in the venue became heavier. Finally someone couldn't bear it anymore and chose to ask.
The old man who relayed the news just sighed again, and then said slowly: "Of course."
"With the help of the connection between gods and believers, it didn't take long for the final decision to be made."
"All the above-mentioned kingdoms, city-states, as well as numerous chambers of commerce and churches of the gods make a joint statement. They declare that His Majesty Theseus' actions not only endanger Athens, but will also endanger the stability of the entire human world."
"And Athens under your Majesty's rule is the source of all evil."
"So they asked His Majesty to abdicate and go to Olympia to be judged, just like Sisyphus once did, and accept the corresponding punishment; they also asked us to kill all spellcasters other than clergy in Athens, and sever ties with those outside the rule of the gods. regional trade.”
"The Athenian royal family should allow the city-states to restore self-control, abolish direct rule over various places, and restore the original system; compensate the Church of Poseidon for past trade on the sea, and establish a Poseidon Temple in the city."
"However, considering that all the guilt originated from His Majesty Theseus, the countries decided to forgive the followers and support Prince Demophon to inherit the throne of Athens. The world is guilty, and the king is guilty."
"All of the above, they asked Athens to accept it within three days. Only in this way can all the sins committed by His Majesty before be stopped."
Wow——
When the voice fell, there was an uproar in the field.
Before the news came, the dignitaries in the field might have various speculations, but when such content was confirmed, many things did not need to be considered anymore.
Theseus was either really seriously injured and dying, or he no longer had the fighting power he once had, otherwise the countries would never make such a harsh warning. Even if no one knew what happened in Eleusis, the result was already in front of them.
For a moment, some people were secretly happy, and some were silent. Some were angry, and some were helpless.
If Theseus really could no longer show the power that could rival the incarnations of the gods, then the will of the Athenian royal family would no longer be important.
Now, no matter what attitude they held, they only had to wait for the last piece of news, which was the church's idea.
Olympus had gods, but they were far away; but Athens also had gods, and they were close at hand.
But for some reason, even though it was so lively tonight, the church seemed to have not noticed it until now. So far, only Andrea, who came not long ago, was considered a member of the clergy.
So what did the church mean by this? Could it be that the gods had also given up Athens and acquiesced to this failure? This didn't seem strange.
After all, the life of the gods was eternal, and there were many prosperous and declining city-states in history. The gods sometimes intervened, and sometimes they didn't. If Athena chose to give in this time, it would be a normal choice...
Squeaky——
The hall was changing because of the old man's words, but the next moment, a sound of a door opening and closing came from the side and rear, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
That was the place leading to the back hall, and it was also the place where Theseus was after returning to Athens.
Eyes of expectation or fear could not help but gather over there. Could it be that His Majesty had a backup plan, and he had actually recovered from his injuries?
Or maybe he knew that the situation was over and had chosen to give up surrendering.
People's mood was very complicated, just like waiting for the results on the test paper. They expected something beyond their expectations, but they were also afraid of being far below their usual level.
However, soon, when Andrea's figure walked out of it, everyone was relieved in addition to being disappointed.
The best result is a good result for oneself, and the second is that there is no result yet.
So when Andrea walked out of the side door with a sword in hand, this was the scene she saw.
Suddenly tense and relaxed, the true emotions of most people could not help but show at this moment.
Those who despised her, supported her, were loyal, and rebellious, holding their long swords, she stood here and saw everything.
"So Mr. Morin."
Speaking calmly, Andrea's hands trembled a little, but her voice was very steady.
She looked at the old man who had spoken before, an old minister left over from the previous generation of the King of Athens.
"I heard what you said just now, but what if we choose to refuse?"
"Of course it will be war."
The old man did not speak, but the earl who had blocked the way before spoke.
Many people saw him being knocked unconscious by the princess before, and he was ridiculed by his old friends for it.
He was naturally angry, but the earl could not do anything. Until this moment, as an excellent warrior, he clearly noticed Andrea's trembling hands.
Why is she like this? That is self-evident. Theseus may really be in trouble, but she is still the priest of the goddess, and he cannot hurt her.
So the count just said with a fake smile: "Princess, I understand your anger."
"But war is not a game, and it is not as easy as you sneak attacking a loyal minister. Your Highness, as a clergyman, perhaps you should return to the temple and wait for the will of the goddess."
"When that time comes, we will all listen to you quietly."
"So what about now? If there is no will of the goddess, I will refuse now?"
She tried her best to calm herself down, but Andrea's hands seemed to be out of her control.
She could only maintain a calm tone and talk to the people in front of her.
"That's a pity, Your Highness, I'm afraid your words don't count."
The count smiled and said, and Andrea couldn't help but look at the crowd present.
Although some people supported her, the count was right. This kind of thing is not something a princess can solve.
Andrea understood that, as her father said at the end, in this world, only strength is power.
So she took a deep breath, not knowing whether she was asking others or herself, Andrea finally asked
"So Mr. Morin, and everyone present, in Athens, only the orders of the king and the gods can be executed..."
"Of course not."
Sighing slightly, the old minister who initially conveyed the message shook his head slightly.
"Your Highness, only a king like His Majesty Theseus and a god like His Majesty Athena can make the whole of Athens obey."
"Really?"
"Then I understand."
Holding her white fingers on the hilt of the sword, Andrea nodded gently.
"Father is right, and you are right too."
"Since this is the principle of this world, then from today on, let me be a king like my father."
Tear--
Lift the long sword and press it down slightly. Amid the shocked gazes in the audience, the light of Andrea's sword swung through the air.
Although it is not fast, it is very stable. Andrea gave the other party ample time to react, because she was not killing for the sake of killing, she was telling them that I could kill.
Take the first step, then the second, and the third.
Her sword shattered the Count's resistance and slashed across his neck. Vaguely, Andrea felt as if the sword had become a little stronger.
But she didn't stop, and raised her sword again.
Her palms no longer trembled, and she saw that the dignitaries present seemed to understand what she wanted to do.
Some people were retreating, some were furious and ready to take action, others were surprised, or looked happy.
But no matter what the reaction is, the damned person must die.
Andrea didn't care so much about the survival of Athens, but she didn't allow her father to suffer eternal infamy after his death.
…
The sky is getting brighter, and Ms. Ye's power has fallen.
The figure of the goddess of dawn dances on the horizon, bringing a little light.
At this moment, in the city of Athens not far from the palace, Ryan stepped into the city gate with a thought in his heart and looked far away.
In the past days, although he left Athens, it did not mean that he and Andrea had no contact.
On the contrary, because of the symbol he once gave to Andrea, the little princess communicated with him frequently.
The problems he didn't understand in life, the unhappy things, and listening to Ryan telling stories about the outside world... Ryan didn't hide anything and confessed to his identity as a 'devil's follower'.
Until not long ago, when she received the news that Theseus had returned from a serious injury, Andrea also immediately asked him for help, although Ryan had already known about it.
"The snake in the courtyard can actually save Theseus, but it's a bit troublesome. But I know he won't accept it without trying."
"After all, human nature is human nature, and evil thoughts are evil thoughts. I can do whatever I want, but if I let my evil thoughts save others, the price will be everything Theseus has.
"However, the reason why this king was able to reach this point is precisely because of his 'idea of great humanism'."
"Extreme emotion and unwavering belief. Without these, he would not be where he is today. Under such circumstances, how could he be willing to become the devil's puppet."
Shaking his head slightly, Ryan couldn't say he felt sorry for Theseus.
His death was not only caused by the gods, but also the result of his own choices. Demophon's backstab was not the result of something that happened overnight.
But no matter what, Ryan is still going to the Palace of Athens. After all, there, the scenes that were once prophesied are becoming reality step by step.
