291 FEARLESS AND CUNNING

"Our people don't need to witness this." 

Raigon was able to breathe through his raging emotions and diplomatically talk to Duke Andras. Though deep inside he knows that Duke Andras' men do not stand a chance against him and His Majesty's guards, he still hoped he could settle it with as little violence as possible for the sake of the sanity of the Terrans.

He then swiveled to face the guests who were dumbstruck, frozen to their feet.

"You can leave now." He spoke in a soft, yet commanding tone, enough for them to scurry on their feet and leave the outrageous scene.

However, Duke Andras did not even give them a chance.

"Oh, no you can't." Duke Andras crossed his arms and stood in a wide stance. His men started to form a line in front of the Castle Gates, blocking anyone who wanted to escape.

"Don't worry, my dear nephew. I also wanted this to be done in a civil way if possible. Let's include these people in our decision making. Those who wanted to be led by our physically disabled and emotionally weak king -"

He was not even content that he even added.

"And his equally incompetent son,"

Raigon grabbed the nearest chair beside him and crushed its headpiece into pieces as he pacified his raging wrath by pouring it on the pitiful chair. He has never experienced this kind of humiliation in his entire life!

"Those words are already foul and deserves capital punishment!" He growled, his eyes almost dimmed from his volatile fury that is boiling up inside him.

But Duke Andras acted like he didn't even hear him as he pressed on with his intended proposal. 

"Please remain standing. However, if you want to be assured of a more powerful and secure future, just walk over to my side. And the Crowned Prince will accept that their reign has ended and Terra does not trust them anymore."

Raigon was rooted on the spot as his eyes fell on the people around them. As much as he wanted to fight for the throne, how could he if the people don't want to be led by them anymore?

As he was thinking of what to do, a voice spoke out from the crowd which is indistinguishable to some, but not to him. 

"That is unfair, Duke Andras." 

Everyone swiveled to the woman who was audacious enough to voice out her thoughts in the midst of this chaotic scene.

"Zoe?" Raigon muttered to himself as she saw her walking confidently towards them. 

In her graceful strides, one would be oblivious of his surroundings as she was like an angel that came down from heaven to bring peace on earth. And at the same time exuding authority of a goddess who will bring down judgement upon the wicked. 

Raigon was about to stop her. But she continued on with her speech, with a poised and dignified look.

"You have mentioned your opponent's weak spot. But not yours. And you didn't mention the royal families' assets but you gave them promises. That will not be a fair decision, isn't it?"

Zoe faced the crowd and asked their opinion, unperturbed by Duke Andras' glare as well as the others who were with him. 

The guests nodded their heads as they murmured to each other. Duke Andras was also speechless as she has a point. He did not bother to correct her as he was a hundred percent certain that the Terrans are fed up with the current regime.

Meanwhile, Raigon's lips curved up slightly as he saw that side of Zoe again. 

'Fearless and cunning.' He admired her from within. He decided to relax a little but not too much that he would be caught unaware of Duke Andras' evil scheme.

"Let me do it for you then."

Zoe walked in a slow pace to a spot where she could be seen and heard by everyone present as everyone's eyes followed her.

"As I've heard, Duke Andras didn't mention that he was the reason why the King got a heart attack. But by the mercy and grace of the King and the Crowned Prince, he was just removed from his position when he should have been imprisoned."

The crowd's noise volume turned up as they were in commotion.

"Is that true?"

"Yes, I was there in that meeting when it happened."

Duke Andras gritted his teeth as he lifted his sword. "Stop! We have already come up to a decision!"

Raigon also lifted his sword and so did the royal guards that were with him.

"Not on my watch." He bellowed standing in front of Zoe, attempting to hurt anyone who would try to lift a finger to her.

"I thought you don't want any bloodshed and you want the throne by the vote of the majority, your Excellence?" 

A corner of Zoe's lips curved up in an amused smile, as one of her and gently pressed on Raigon's back, trying to lessen his violent tendency. Zoe knows how Raigon could transform from a disciplined and diplomatic man to a violent beast when it comes to her safety.

The crowd seemed pleased with Zoe's intervention as one also made his voice known.

"She is right, your Excellence. Let us hear both sides. And then we can decide."

Duke Andras froze for a few seconds and then drew down his sword. 

'If they are willing to choose, then that means they will not blindly choose Artair because of the words of this woman and consider his candidacy.' He thought to himself. 

"Very well. But let's just state facts. I didn't intend to cause a heart attack. It was the King's weak state that led his body to deteriorate quickly. It must be the punishment from heaven for his past sin that was not dealt with."

Raigon's muscle tensed up. But this time, Zoe is already beside him.

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The first method of estimating a ruler is what comes out of his mouth when under pressure.