Genesis Code: The Genetic Awakening-Chapter 134: Meeting The King (1)

At the heart of the kingdom and the location of the recent ’terrorist’ attack, the people were very much aware of the current state of affairs.

The people were still recovering from the loss of their homes, businesses and loved ones. The Royal family spared no effort in opening the treasury to cater for all the expenses the people incurred.

Even then, many were still on the fence. With the current news of someone going around killing nobles, it made the people worried that another attack like what happened before would happen again.

Some argued it was the work of the rival kingdom. They appeared to start small, only to shift to destroying cities and affecting the lives of normal people.

Then, out of nowhere, and in less than two days after the Count’s passing, another word was going around. No one knew where the whispers originated from, but apparently, a lot of people were calling for the current king to step down.

People no longer felt safe under the rule of the king. He failed to protect the capital, the people, and couldn’t stop a rival nation from taking over their lands.

The king had grown too senile with age and couldn’t be allowed to make any more decisions for the kingdom. A killer was running around, killing the very nobles who aided him in the administration of the kingdom.

Yet, no word has been heard from the king. The bounty put on the head of the killers was done by the concerned nobles who cared for the well-being of the kingdom. While the character of some nobles was questionable, the king was worse.

The kingdom was falling apart faster than ever thought possible, and if nothing was done, this could probably be the end of everything.

Faster than the news of Caleb and his partner in crime, this piece of news reached all corners of the kingdom. It was a situation never seen before, leaving the king’s court in disbelief.

"This is outrageous...!"

One of the councilmen in the king’s court exclaimed in outrage. An emergency meeting was called in around late afternoon to address the rising storm that showed no signs of stopping.

However, the members of the king’s court couldn’t help but complain bitterly. These men and women were currently in the king’s council chamber, sitting around an extended oval table with the king at the head.

King Gray had his right hand supporting his chin, appearing as though he was listening to his advisors and officials. However, his gaze would occasionally shift to his right, where the sun was moving towards the west.

At the end of the chamber and close to the large double doors was the Royal Commander personally standing guard. He was part of the council but mostly kept quiet, only giving his input when asked.

"These people are an ungrateful bunch. They’ve forgotten everything His Majesty has done for them since he assumed the throne." Another added. "What baffles me is who began spreading this propaganda?"

’Who are these people kidding?’ King Gray scoffed internally. ’We all know the bastards behind this silly propaganda. Some of you might even be in on it. And I wouldn’t be shocked to receive petitions from the nobles by day’s end.’

What shocked him the most was how fast all this was happening. It was like they were waiting for the perfect trigger to propagate the word.

’And who knows, some could be receiving support from our enemies, making deals to sell out the kingdom itself.’ His mind went to the lost lands for a moment.

’Every messenger we sent to negotiate didn’t come back. Those fuckers are really asking for it.’ He clenched the arm of his chair tightly, a dangerous light flickering in his eyes.

"Your Majesty?"

Jefferson, the man to the immediate right of the king, called out, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Mm, what is it?"

The King asked, looking at his councilmen. They were done with their little complaint session and were ready to get to business.

"How do you wish to deal with this problem? The longer we wait, the worse the situation gets."

Worrying about who was behind this charade was a waste of time at the current moment. They needed to contain the spreading word as soon as possible before things got violent.

However, they also had to pay attention to how their response would stir public sentiment. If they passed a gag order, that would be seen as oppression at the current moment. Using force would backfire on them.

"Also, we have to do something about that troublesome figure." The councilman to the left of the king chipped in. "Dealing with him could improve the sentiment of the people, and also put the nobles at rest."

The king shifted his gaze over, glaring at the man until he looked away. They all heard what Caleb did for the Royal family and his role in defeating the demon generals.

Without him, the capital would have been in a far worse state, and the king and a lot of commanders wouldn’t be alive. They owed that fella a great debt.

At the same time, his actions were being used to undermine the king’s authority. It was clear this propaganda was a consequence of his recent actions. They couldn’t just ignore that.

King Gray closed his eye momentarily, a soft sigh escaping his bearded lips. His thoughts were racing as he came up with several ways to diffuse the current uproar.

"Issue this decree to the people. Let it be known across the land."

King Gray opened his eyes and stated, the air in the chambers swiftly growing still. The councilmen sat up and took serious expressions, the one in charge of writing down the king’s words waiting for him to continue.

"I will offer no excuses," King Gray continued.

However, he noticed Commander Lance retrieve his communication artefact, receiving some kind of word that briefly affected his stoic demeanour.

The commander looked over to him and gave a curt nod, passing a silent message to him. The king didn’t react, putting that observation aside and focusing on his court members.

"A king who hides behind excuses is no king at all. I failed to foresee the threat, and that failure has cost us dearly. For that, I owe you not just words, but action.

"That is why I have summoned an independent council of inquiry." His words subtly caused another change in the air. Ignoring the looks he received, he added.

"Not one bound by blood or loyalty to this court, but by duty to truth. They will investigate how this whole mess came about—not to place blame for vengeance, but to ensure it never happens again.

"All who had a hand in the chaos that ensued in the heart of our kingdom and the attack on our borders will be punished as the laws demand.

"I ask for your patience, not your silence. For your strength, not your anger. Together, we will rebuild what was broken—and if justice must come, let it come not from wrath, but from wisdom."

"M-my king..." One of the councilmen attempted to say something.

"That is my decree, councilman." The king cut him short. "Unless, of course, you think this goes against the wishes of the people."

"No, Your Majesty." The man lowered his gaze.

"Good." He stood up, and the others followed. "This meeting is over."

Without another word, he stormed out of the chamber, the Royal Commander quickly following behind him.