Don't Mess with That Dragon-Chapter 687 - 075: The King and the Queen

In the feudal wars of Central Earth, it is normal for wars between kingdoms to drag on the front line for a year or so without a definitive result.

Even if one side is strong and the other weak, it takes a considerable amount of effort to completely eradicate a country.

Because in a war between countries, to break the enemy's defense lines, one must capture heavily garrisoned enemy cities, dismantle their military strongholds, and annihilate their defending armies to complete an invasion and conquest.

However,

The defending side naturally possesses a strong advantage.

Using tactics like siege and assault, unless the besieging force has tenfold the strength and is willing to pay any price, otherwise, sieging a city relies heavily on cutting off supplies until the enemy forces within collapse internally.

This process usually takes several months or more.

In some key cities, the stockpiled resources are enough to last for years.

So,

When the news spread that the Dragon Nest Legion of the Blue Dragon Kingdom had swept through the southern region of the Frandi Duchy in just half a month, breaking all military defense lines, it instantly shattered the mental fortitude of the people in the Royal Capital.

Because,

Anyone with even a basic understanding of military matters would know this means,

The army of the Blue Dragon Kingdom outside the city holds overwhelming power against the Frandi Duchy!

Just as the rumors suggested, the defenses that the entire country had painstakingly built up in the south crumbled at the first contact with the Dragon Nest Legion's forces!

Only in this way could the southern resistance collapse entirely within half a month.

The news hadn't even made it through before the attack had reached the heart of the Frandi Duchy!

The entire Royal City was in a state of panic,

complete chaos.

Even King Frandy was unsure about whether the Royal City could be defended.

No one knew,

how the terrifying army outside managed the feat of sweeping through a country in half a month, but precisely because of this, the unknown was the most frighteningly existential threat!

For the past two days,

The densely packed army outside had continued to gather, seemingly taking a temporary rest without commencing an immediate siege.

King Frandy, making his last efforts, had stepped out of the Royal Palace for the first time in years, frequently appearing in the square to boost the morale of the citizens in the Royal City.

But how effective that was, only heaven knew.

If the rumors within the city were true, then the completely fallen Frandi Duchy was just an isolated island with only the Royal Capital standing, surrounded by foes on all sides; how could it possibly continue to hold?

Two days ago, the upper nobility had already sent diplomats secretly out of the Royal City, seeking reinforcements from other countries.

However,

Whether the reinforcements would come, or whether they would take advantage of the situation, was uncertain,

With the enemy at the walls, and given the terrifying military power of the Dragon Nest Legion, whether the Royal City of the Frandi Duchy could hold out was still questionable.

"Jennifer, you and Ansel must leave the Royal Palace, escape the Royal City through that tunnel. I will send my most loyal Knight Order to protect you..."

Within the Royal Palace,

King Frandy was preparing an escape route with Queen Jennifer.

"And you?"

Looking at her husband's anxious face, which hadn't eased for days, Queen Jennifer's face was filled with worry.

King Rufus of Frandi and Queen Jennifer were childhood sweethearts.

They were one of the rare noble couple alliances that blossomed into love, and after marriage, they remained affectionate towards each other. Among the many nations in Central Earth, King Rufus and Jennifer were considered a model couple.

Their marriage bore a son, Prince Ansel.

In fact, King Rufus of Frandi was regarded as enlightened; during his reign, he diligently managed state affairs, cherished his subjects, and promoted talents from humble backgrounds in an attempt to improve the citizens' lives.

However, since the founding of the Frandi Duchy centuries ago, the domestic nobility had intermarried almost to the point of forming a unified interest group, making the country nearly incurable, resistant to any change.

If it weren't for the existence of Extraordinary Power, which solidified resources and allowed the upper echelons to wield strong forces to suppress the lower classes, uprisings might have already erupted among the peasants suffering terrible oppression.

Faced with such a country, King Rufus was helpless.

Perhaps,

After he ascended the throne, he successfully took action against corrupt officials, bringing some necessary reforms.

But with limited vision, he could only do so much; there were many things that King Rufus had to compromise on with the great nobility.

"Jennifer, I am the King of Frandi. If I run away as well, who will protect my people?"

King Rufus placed his hands on the queen's shoulders, their eyes meeting,

and spoke solemnly.

"Rest assured, Frandi has existed for seven hundred years; it naturally has its significance. Your departure just makes me comfortable to arrange the coming matters. Those Beastmen wanting to destroy my country won't find it easy."

Silence,

A long moment of silence.

"Alright, Rufus, promise me you'll come back alive!"

King Rufus nodded deeply,

closely embracing his wife, giving her a deep kiss.

"I love you, Jennifer."

The two remained silent.

Moments later,

outside the hall,

a figure seemed somewhat anxious, pacing back and forth as shadows flickered at the door.

The queen knew,

there was likely an urgent matter seeking her husband.

"Go do what you must. We will take care of ourselves."

Rufus nodded,

striding out of the hall.

Suddenly,

the voice of Queen Jennifer came from behind,

"Rufus..."

His steps paused,

but he didn't look back.

Moments later,

"You must come back safely."

Rufus slightly turned his face, confidently nodded, quickly walked out of the hall, and disappeared.

...

Outside the hall,

Upon seeing the king emerge, a figure hurriedly approached.

"Your Majesty, they agreed to your request. However, they want you to go personally to negotiate."

The anxiety on King Rufus's face did not diminish, and looking at the distant dark sky, his worry intensified.

"Do they have any additional demands?"

"Your Majesty, they haven't mentioned any. It seems only negotiation in person would suffice."

King Rufus stood in silence.

After a moment,

"Prepare the carriage; take me to them."