Chapter 1298 - 1294: Charles's Decision

"Your Highness, have you obtained what you desire?" Manfred gently asked. At this moment, the Hall of Freedom was the quietest place in all of Burstan, absolutely undisturbed by anyone.

As a Cabinet Elder of the Dark Cabinet, Prince Charles's ability to remain concealed was truly impeccable.

"I have obtained it. These are the statistics compiled by the Crows. I must say, their efficiency is astonishingly high. Money indeed allows these seemingly insignificant individuals to exhibit an extraordinary impact!" Prince Charles couldn't help but marvel.

"Why does Your Highness care so much about their opinions?" Manfred was somewhat puzzled, though he was accustomed to these matters since many of Prince Charles's actions were beyond his comprehension.

Regardless of what Prince Charles did, Manfred continued to offer unwavering support, even if the consequences were severe, he did so without hesitation.

Manfred could not comprehend the identity of a Cabinet Elder in the Dark Cabinet because once this identity was discovered, it was extremely dangerous, exposing oneself to so many death threats.

The Dark Cabinet had claimed too many lives over the years, leaving behind a sea of hatred that would ultimately fall upon the Cabinet Elder's head.

Although these deceased had little connection to His Majesty, Prince Charles, since he became a Cabinet Elder, every assassination by the Dark Cabinet targeted wicked individuals.

His Majesty, Prince Charles did not allow the Dark Cabinet to kill indiscriminately, and those notorious assassins within the cabinet met with various accidents, shaping the current state of the Dark Cabinet, a complete mystery with no one able to discern its operations.

The Dark Cabinet used to be straightforward; if the price was right, they would act on behalf of their patrons. Yet since His Majesty, Prince Charles quietly took control, the cabinet's style changed drastically, no longer accepting random orders. They began choosing clients, suddenly turning the Killer Organization into something noble and aloof.

The position of the Cabinet Elder in the Dark Cabinet had always been a mystery, even its core members struggled to understand how the position was inherited.

Originally, they thought the Cabinet Prime would naturally become the Cabinet Elder, yet history showed the Cabinet Prime forever remained in their position until they retired from the Dark Cabinet.

The position of the Cabinet Elder seemed to have descended mysteriously, a quiet presence occupying it for years, no wonder everyone believed the Elder was an aged person.

Prince Charles becoming the Cabinet Elder was another story; now, Charles was frowning at the populace's feedback.

These were collected opinions, each piece of information was freshly gathered at various taverns by the Crows, timely and brand new.

"Why does Your Highness care so much about the people's opinions?" Manfred asked again, as his previous soft question might not have been heard by Charles.

"Because they are the heavens," Charles replied. "Everything in the Empire is provided by these people. Without their tireless efforts, we wouldn't exist."

"Yes, Your Highness, but why would you announce martial law? Is it just to test their opinions?" As an elder, Manfred felt somewhat outdated, unable to understand the thoughts of modern people.

"In their perception, I wouldn't issue such orders, and Burstan wouldn't enter a state of martial law because it is free territory where nobody is restrained."

"That's how it is, but could doing so be counterproductive?" Manfred was always a bit concerned.

"No matter the outcome, it would be beneficial for me," Charles said, his brow gradually relaxing.

Many people were quite resentful of the martial law this time; they felt it was abnormal, thinking there was a major upheaval in the City Administrative Office, and some even believed the entire kingdom had undergone a change.

Indeed, in a free Burstan, people dared to say anything without fearing any power.

Charles couldn't help but nod: "They all sensed something amiss, and they all want to know what truly happened."

"Do you intend to make such a decision, Your Highness?" Manfred asked, feeling worried about Prince Charles's decision.

He could unconditionally support Prince Charles, just as he initially supported him becoming a Cabinet Elder in the Dark Cabinet, allowing Charles to freely soar.

But this time, he was unsure, feeling Prince Charles was playing a risky game no matter how he viewed it.

However, if he did not take such actions, he felt uneasy because he too, like the populace, sensed something amiss in the kingdom...

This aberration wasn't just a day or two, nor just a fleeting moment; it had persisted for quite a while.

Not only in the Kayne Empire, but other kingdoms were also undergoing upheavals, as if the whole Yowein Continent was in a peculiar transition.

What is truly happening in this world? It certainly requires thorough exploration.

The decisions His Majesty, Prince Charles made seemed very risky, as taking these actions signified that all Prince Charles painstakingly built would turn into bubbles!

"It's difficult to change what I've decided, Manfred," Charles said, handing the envelope he had finished reading to Manfred.

"I have no right to stop you, Your Highness. But I truly feel disgusted and regretful for all this; it is the result you've insisted on all these years."

"Persistence, it was for today's decision, Manfred; everything we've done is for the entirety of the Empire."

"Your Highness..." Manfred was at a loss for words, feeling regretful as everything would become transparent, exposing hidden matters to the world, and there would be no secrets left.

Things in the shadows losing their significance once exposed to the sunlight, those advantages would no longer exist, those mysteries would cease, and those achievements would vanish...

It's a sorrowful matter, but His Majesty, Prince Charles had decided so, and nobody could prevent this from happening.

Manfred sighed, remembering all the accomplishments of Prince Charles upon arriving in Burstan. No one here remembered Prince Charles's achievements; everyone misunderstood, and Charles's actions would infinitely expand this misunderstanding!

Is this something that His Majesty, Prince Charles truly doesn't care about!

Could misunderstandings really have no impact on him at all?

Manfred was uncertain, feeling troubled and unable to settle his mind these days.

"Don't worry, Manfred, everything will become better. Our existence is to ensure that the seeds under the sunlight grow stronger, the soil in the shadows won't lose value just because it's exposed to the light!"