I Have a Dice Left by a God

Chapter 559 151: Captain George

Simmons submitted a request to King Ola the Nineteenth to seek the Wish Book for His Majesty in the Netherworld Sea, and was granted an audience with Ola the Nineteenth.Upon arrival at the Royal Palace, Holman was also present. The two were quite familiar with each other from being in the same Knight Order. Since the last tournament, although they kept their distance, the atmosphere between them had always been cordial.

Simmons performed the knightly salute towards Hokele. When this new king ascended the throne, he rewarded merits, among which the George Family was one of the biggest beneficiaries. Although Simmons was close to Achilles, Hokele's investigation revealed Simmons and the George Family were firm conservatives who supported Royal Authority, so Ola the Nineteenth wanted to bring Simmons close.

The Tia Clan is the backbone of the Kingdom, even the King has to rely on them. Holman is prudent and has inherited the traditions of the Tia Clan, and is certainly going to be heavily utilized. Of course, a king must balance and support another faction as well.

He knows that having just ascended the throne, he needs to methodically sort out relations and firmly hold power in his hands. The king's power isn't decided by a crown, but by people.

Among the nobles, fair-weather friends aren't useful. The Zheng Family has already fallen, Hokele needs to support a new force, and the long-suppressed George Family is evidently the best choice.

This too was a legacy left by his father for him, entrusting him with this favor.

During this period, Hokele had also been observing Simmons to see if he's capable of being shaped. The results were more outstanding than expected; while everyone else was befuddled, Simmons was the only one clear-headed. Hokele needs people who are not only loyal but also talented; among the younger generation in Hedan, only Simmons can rival Holman. Neither of them is enamored with women.

Upon seeing Simmons' intention to seek the Wish Book for him, a plan immediately came to mind, but merely relying on Simmons wouldn't suffice.

"Simmons, no need for formalities. Share your plan, and let Holman hear it too." Ola the Nineteenth smiled, signaling Simmons he could speak while seated.

The attendant immediately brought a chair for Simmons.

Simmons expressed gratitude, "Your Majesty, I have heard the Wish Book has emerged. Such a Divine Artifact should not fall into foreign hands. Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, and the appearance of the Wish Book is no coincidence; it is an auspicious sign, there's divine will at play."

Upon hearing this, Hokele slightly smiled, feeling pleased. The sudden demise of his father and the upheaval at the Golden Tree cast a shadow over his accession; it was also a sore spot for him. Simmons' words, despite seeming like flattery, were excellently phrased.

Moreover, once the Wish Book is in hand, the threat from the Black Meteor Empire will be mitigated. He wasn't indeed forced to sell his sister; it's a consideration a king must ponder.

Holman maintained a poker face. Ola the Nineteenth smiled slightly, "Holman, what do you think?"

Holman stood up and bowed, "Your Majesty, such a divine object should belong to Your Majesty."

"You both are commendable. Recently, the national treasury was robbed, causing significant losses. Holman proposed to form a fleet to engage in commerce with the Mosel Archipelago, which will pass by the Netherworld Sea during the journey. I now appoint Holman as the Victory Knight, the fleet's governor, and Simmons as the Sea-Faring Knight, the deputy governor in charge of seeking the Wish Book." Hokele declared.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Holman and Simmons kneeled down on one knee.

Ola the Nineteenth approached Holman and lifted him, "Make Mosel compliant; this is your first time leading troops, and it's naval warfare. But I have complete confidence in you and hope for your swift triumph."

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will not tarnish the glory of the Tia Clan." Holman replied solemnly.

Ola the Nineteenth patted Holman's shoulder and came to Simmons' side, "Among the young generation, I have utmost faith in you two. Go and bring back the Wish Book for me."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Both of you may choose your deputies and attendants at will. For the fleet funds this time, both you and Simmons must draft a plan and fully manage the organization and coordination."

"Yes, Your Majesty, this journey will surely result in triumph."

Ola the Nineteenth nodded, not placing trust in empty promises from others, but Holman and Simmons' commitment was indisputable. Both being pure knights with patriotic hearts, they were candidates for son-in-law.

Duke Tia hinted at this, yet Ola the Nineteenth hadn't made an explicit stance. Estella would be a great bait; he wouldn't easily let it out, intending to stimulate their potential a bit.

This expedition held significant importance. The Mosel Archipelago is Moncalleta's maritime rear area, its private land, hosting the Mosel Kingdom and some small states. The abundant resources needed by Moncalleta also serve as a mercenary source.

The new king's accession requires a show of force and an increase in the treasury.

Initially, it was contemplated to appoint Simmons as the governor, but neither his qualifications nor capabilities sufficed, especially since most of the fleet's startup funds needed to be raised independently.

Simmons and Holman left the Royal Palace together.

"You've been slacking off a bit in your training lately." Holman remarked.

The two are now captains of the Imperial Guard, also the youngest ones. Holman is a reticent individual who, due to his distinguished status, is not close to others, but surprisingly can chat a few lines with Simmons.

Simmons understood Holman's style, "I've been working very hard; we are not the same."

Holman nodded, "The power within you needs battle to be fully digested; don't squander it."

Only then did Simmons realize why Holman kept urging his training. He originally thought Holman was trying to prove he was the strongest of the younger generation, but it was to help him digest Dragon Power.

"How are you planning to conduct this visit?" Simmons inquired.

"His Majesty is of great prowess. We are certainly going all out. According to past practices, part of the visiting funds will come from the treasury, and the rest we need to raise ourselves. For the proportion, I'll provide seventy percent, leaving the remaining thirty to you." Holman declared, clearly not an impulsive decision.

Self-raised funds are gathered by the governor and deputy governor through family connections, also an investment. Such a grand fleet visit surely won't return empty-handed. The actual task of this visit is undertaken by Holman, whereas Simmons' search for the Wish Book offers little profit for investors.

The Tia Clan is indeed quite sincere.

Simmons nodded in agreement, "Let's proceed with that plan."

This also provides the George Family an opportunity to reconnect with old allies; investment is a binding of interests.

"The Wish Book is quite hard to find."

After speaking, Holman left.

Simmons was aware of its difficulty. He hadn't planned to genuinely look for it; even if found, what could he do against numerous fearless Hidden Power forces with his skills?

His main target was to find the Dragon Mother and, in the meantime, gather information about the Wish Book. Brother Li wants to know, if he can't, someone else can; this might also be a chance for the Round Table Conference to gain fame.

The news of Holman and Simmons set to "visit" the Mosel Archipelago soon spread, exciting those with power and influence throughout Hedan. Every fleet visit is an opportunity; if successful, it brings enormous wealth.

The Hex Bird Report and Hedan Daily covered the news. Hedan's nobility are knowledgeable in the art of opportunism; whether through the governor or deputy governor, connecting with either will earn a windfall.

The Black Meteor Empire rules the land battlefield, whereas Moncalleta Kingdom has long been the sea realm's hegemony.

Holman and Simmons will be the rising stars of the Dao Yuan Continent, indicating Ola the Nineteenth's start of leveraging the younger generation.

Future Purple and Gold Duke, Libra, Son of the Eagle, Sea-Faring Knight, Dragon Knight, deputy governor of the Western Sea Fleet, Lord Simmons George, was sitting in the carriage, grinning foolishly—he was finally able to leave Hedan to seek the Dragon Mother.