"The Order Army is relatively scattered. Most of its forces are just keeping the peace in their dioceses, so they aren’t as concentrated as the other four major powers. Moreover, they currently show no clear allegiance," Ottis said.
Matthew imdiately interjected, "The Order Army protects, and only protects, God’s faithful and His divine authority."
Of course, everyone listened to Matthew’s words, but no one actually took them seriously.
"I’ve laid out the situation. My reasoning for believing Duke Balenzuo will attack the Tarrenno Duchy stems from their prior friction. Duke Tarrenno recently led his troops on a show of force in a Viscount’s Domain on the border, ant to deter Duke Balenzuo’s encroaching army. After a period of stalemate, they engaged in a minor skirmish—not a true conflict. Having gauged each other’s strength, both sides withdrew," Ottis said.
"However, with Duke Tarrenno’s unexpected death, and Duke Balenzuo’s army still mobilized, he’ll learn of this soon. News of such a public event is impossible to suppress."
"Duke Tarrenno’s vassals won’t necessarily obey your commands. For Balenzuo, this is a golden opportunity. I believe it’s highly likely he’ll return to launch a surprise attack on the Duchy’s lands," Ottis said.
Fang Zhen nodded slightly.
’Although Ottis hasn’t provided any substantial new intelligence, his analysis is sound. Given the current situation, it is indeed highly likely that Balenzuo will launch a surprise attack on the Tarrenno Duchy.’
’Besides considering the current powers within the Kingdom, Fang Zhen also had another angle to consider.’
’He still has the Demon Duke mission to complete, so he’s more focused on the other two Dukes.’
"What are Duke Balenzuo and Duke Sith like? Do they have any special qualities, or anything that makes them stand out from the ordinary?"
Fang Zhen asked.
Ottis thought for a mont before saying, "Duke Sith’s personality is actually quite transparent. He’s a stern man, extrely thodical and systematic in his actions. He also possesses imnse willpower and constantly strives to overco genuine, difficult challenges. It’s because of this approach that he governs his Duchy so effectively and has built such a powerful army."
"Duke Sith is widely acknowledged to be strong-willed and ticulous. He has an intense desire for power, but he also deeply values order."
"Aside from the fact that he defies the King, believing His Majesty is no longer fit to rule and wanting to take his place, his personal character is otherwise impeccable."
"As for Duke Balenzuo..." Here, Ottis trailed off, suddenly seeming at a loss for words.
"Speak freely. No one will hold it against you," Fang Zhen encouraged.
Hearing this, Ottis relaxed a little. "Duke Balenzuo is, well... quite a character."
"In his youth, despite his high birth, he was a notorious rake. There were rumors of his affairs with many beautiful noble ladies, and even the wives of nobles. It was even whispered that he maintained romantic relationships with a noble mother and her daughter simultaneously."
"Undeniably, Duke Balenzuo possesses a certain ineffable charm. Even ladies who normally appear quite prim and proper sotis find themselves unable to refuse his advances."
"And then... there are so less-than-reliable court rumors that I’m not sure I should repeat..." Ottis trailed off, hesitating once more.
He glanced at Fang Zhen, like a child seeking a parent’s permission.
What he saw was Fang Zhen giving him an encouraging look. The other five, anwhile, were all leaning in with expressions of rapt curiosity, eagerly waiting for Ottis to continue with the court gossip.
Even the expressions of the two clergy mbers, Matthew and Agatha, were brimming with anticipation.
"Go on," Fang Zhen said.
After getting the go-ahead, Ottis finally summoned his courage. He cleared his throat and said, "As everyone knows, Her Majesty the Queen is a daughter of the Balenzuo Clan, which makes her Duke Balenzuo’s sister."
"But... I’ve heard—and this is only a rumor, mind you—that even Her Majesty the Queen was drawn in by the charm of her own brother, Balenzuo, and that certain... immoral acts occurred. They say the reason His Majesty the King suffers from his persistent ntal maladies is that he once walked in on Her Majesty the Queen and Duke Balenzuo engaged in debauchery in the royal bedchamber... along with several male and female court servants. The shock supposedly caused his personality to change drastically, turning him into the man he is today."
"Ugh..."
"Tsk, tsk... So that explains it."
"No wonder."
Hearing this secret piece of court gossip, the listeners let out gasps of shock. Their expressions varied—so looked disgusted, others amazed, clicking their tongues—but they all seed to have gained a certain satisfaction from the story.
Fang Zhen shook his head.
’He’d always heard nobles were decadent, but this was sothing else entirely.’
’Poor Joseph the Thirteenth. Discovering sothing like that... it would be hard for anyone to bear.’
"How do you know all this? And if that really happened, how did Balenzuo and the Queen not face any consequences?" Finn couldn’t help but ask.
"My family has quite close ties to the Royal Family, so I’m privy to so secrets," Ottis said. "As for Duke Balenzuo, he fled the Royal Capital and returned to his domain the very night his actions were discovered. The King couldn’t punish the Queen, though. When he first ascended the throne, he had the full-throated support of the previous Duke Balenzuo, so there were many political factors at play. Besides, he and the Queen had a very good relationship before the incident; he couldn’t bring himself to be cruel."
"On top of that, the Queen’s mother is a noble from another country, and her family has a relationship of significant mutual interest with the King. His Majesty is also an incredibly proud man. He didn’t want the matter to beco public, to be turned into a laughingstock and lose his authority."
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