The goddesses attempted to gain my salvation.

The siege equipment is too cumbersome and will take some time to arrive.

Now, all four routes connecting the capital city of Canosa to the outside world have been completely blocked.

Everyone was waiting for siege equipment and subsequent supplies, surrounding the city without attacking.

At the same time, they were on guard against the movements of other families in the vicinity.

If any family attacks first, they will immediately swarm and crush the one who dares to be the first to act.

------

Inside the Lalan family's camp.

A man dressed in black armor knelt before the head of the Lalan family; he was the captain of the Ironthorn Guard.

"Lord Linton, the Ironthorn Guard, totaling 1,370 men, is now ready in Canosa City."

"Once Lord Linton's army arrives at the city gates, they will open the city gates immediately to welcome you in."

Nearly forty years old, the white-haired middle-aged Linton beckoned to the sentry beside him.

The sentry whispered in Linton's ear that the siege equipment would arrive by noon.

Upon receiving this news, Linton nodded slightly.

"That's right, I can tell you're a very reasonable person."

"The Lalan family needs someone as smart as you."

"After you have achieved your goal, you will continue to serve as the captain of the Ironthorn Guard. However, the person you will be loyal to and protect is me, Lalan Linton."

The man lowered his head even further, displaying a very humble attitude.

"As ordered."

"I just don't know when you will launch your attack, Lord Linton. The people of Canosa have long been tired of the Phoenix family's rule and have been waiting for you for a long time. They are waiting for your appearance to save them."

Of course, everything he said was a baseless lie.

The residents of Canosa were not interested in who would rule; they only hoped that the turmoil would end as soon as possible.

Then, they continue to strive and busy themselves with their lives.

After a moment's thought, Linton waved to the man, indicating that he should wait for his message.

He's not naive enough to trust a traitor.

The Ironthorn Guard is the bodyguard protecting the Phoenix family. Yet, in this time of national crisis, they are the first to choose betrayal.

Since he could betray the Phoenix family so easily, he could betray the Lalan family for profit in the future.

On the other hand, the man remained neither arrogant nor impatient when he did not get the answer he wanted.

After nodding slightly, he left the Lalan family's camp.

Then, riding a fast horse, he headed straight for the Yann family's camp.

Upon entering the tent, the man still knelt on the ground as usual, his head bowed.

Just like before, inside the Lalan family's camp.

"Respected Mr. Yann, the Ironthorn Guard has integrated the entire armed forces of Canosa City and is waiting for you to attack before opening the city gates for you."

That's right. He did choose betrayal.

However, he simultaneously chose to surrender to several nobles.

In this way, whoever seizes the throne first will have a bright future.

Wearing silver armor, Y'en paced back and forth in his tent. A scout quietly approached Y'en and whispered in his ear that the siege equipment would arrive at the front lines from friendly forces within half a day at the latest.

For these machines, Yann prepaid nearly two years' worth of taxes from the entire city of Anseth.

However, once he captures the capital, it will all be worth it.

"very good."

"Once I am elected the new king, I will bestow upon you unimaginable wealth and status. I will personally confer honors upon you, making you a hereditary noble."

The man's expression remained unchanged, revealing neither joy nor sorrow: "Mr. Ya'en, when will you choose to attack?"

Yaen glanced at the sky outside.

The sky was clear, with a gentle breeze.

"Just wait for my news."

Like Linton in Lalan, Yann did not completely trust this man either.

But it doesn't matter.

His purpose has been achieved.

The man left the tent once again, mounted his horse, and headed straight for the next camp.

------

Inside the palace.

Claire is strolling through the Gallery of Great Men.

She looked at the portraits of former Phoenix family members on the surrounding walls, her hand gently tracing across the vintage canvases.

As her fingertips touched the canvas, the legends behind those portraits flooded into Claire's heart.

Finally, Claire reached the end of the corridor.

There were two enormous portraits, one of Phoenix Hugh, the first king of the Phoenix family.

And the most famous battlefield princess, Phoenix Mia.

Unlike the heroic figure on the mural of the declaration of war, Mia in this painting looks more like a young girl experiencing her first love.

Her face still retained a touch of childishness, and her fair cheeks were flushed with a faint blush.

It's hard to imagine that such a beautiful princess could later wave a battle flag and lead the Duchy of Ferrante to resist foreign invasion.

Looking at their portraits, Claire was filled with mixed emotions.

Everything is ready.

We waited until noon to begin our operation.

But when the moment to act finally arrived, Claire felt a mix of emotions.

Especially when you see all that our ancestors did to protect this country and the throne.

"If they knew I made this decision... they would definitely be angry."

"but......"

After taking a deep breath, Claire became resolute.

"Everything is for a better tomorrow, for the peace of the Duchy of Ferrante, and for everyone who is fighting for that peace."

"I won't regret it."

"Right, Mia?"

At that moment, a clear and melodious voice came from above.

"Claire, everything is ready."

Go, go and step onto your stage.

It was Ryan's mentor's voice.

He is ready.

Claire answered softly, then turned and left.

As the footsteps faded into the corridor, Mia's portrait seemed to smile even more brightly.

Chapter 150 Phoenix Claire

The five puppets that Yvette awakened were far more capable than she had imagined.

Unlike the previous three test subjects, these five puppets can be considered true magicians.

They learned those complex magic formulas and basic theories after only reading them once.

In just three days, he mastered magic that typically requires years of dedicated study. Moreover, his control over magical power was unparalleled.

The female puppet, in particular, had the most terrifying learning efficiency.

However, there is ultimately limited learning that can be achieved by staying in a room and reading, and the final climax is about to begin.

Yvette decided to take them and the old King Berlein to the very center of the stage as the most important guests in this grand revenge drama.

"Rooney, what exactly has Victor decided?"

"If they still refuse, just kill them."

After uttering those words, Yvette, along with five puppets and Berlein, disappeared into the darkness.

Rooney, meanwhile, looked at Victor's perpetually bowed head and a smile played on his lips.

"Professor Victor, what have you decided?"

"Accept, or refuse?"

Victor slowly raised his head and looked at Rooney.

Then, he spoke.

------

Time was ticking away, second by second.

At this moment, the eyes of the entire continent are focused on the royal city of Canosa.

The same scene was playing in countless crystal balls.

The main cathedral of the Papacy of Bysma, the Crown Palace of the Kingdom of Gemarui, the Federal Hall of the Federation of Pennsylvania, and the Central Parliament of the Empire of Auguston.

Nobles from all over the world, adventurer guilds, the Grudal Merchant Guild, and even some assassin organizations are closely monitoring the situation here.