Mated To The Cruel Prince novel Chapter 580

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Chapter 580: A Brief Demonstration

"I can’t help but feel this calls for unrest, Your Majesty, King Oberon," spoke the War General Tobiath, addressing the king. "The veil confining the monsters to the Tamry forest keeps growing thin, and lately, there have been sightings of more monsters crossing through. We have managed to reclaim some of the villages they’ve laid siege to and pushed back their forces. However, there’s a palpable fear that there are breaches in the veil, allowing them to slip through, and the city of Astaria might be their next target."

Murmurs rippled through the hall as the ministers engaged in whispered discussions over the pressing issue. King Oberon presided over the court session, addressing the current insecurity plaguing the realm, particularly at the borders and the ongoing conflict with the monsters of the Tamry forest.

"Is that so?" King Oberon’s direct inquiry was directed at the Minister of Defense this time.

The Minister of Defense responded, "Managing border security is indeed a challenging task, but our greatest concern lies with the relentless threat posed by the monsters of the Tamry forest."

However, the Minister of Finance interjected with a sneer, "Why don’t you simply admit that you’re seeking more financial resources for your department, Alwyn?"

Alwyn, the Defense Minister, shot a glare at the Minister of Finance. "Not everything revolves around money, you uncouth swine, whose manners are as repulsive as a pig wallowing in its own filth!"

"What?!" Basil, the finance minister, went red in the face. "How dare you! You uncultured —!"

"That’s enough!" King Oberon’s voice thundered, cutting through the escalating tension with authoritative force. His command silenced the hall, every eye turning to him in obedience.

With a steely gaze, King Oberon watched the ministers, daring anyone to defy his order. Satisfied that his message was clear, he then exhaled a weary sigh, rubbing his temples where the onset of a headache loomed.

These were the moments when even King Oberon of Astaria wished he could shed his royal responsibilities and simply be a regular fae, free from the incessant bickering and squabbles of his ministers. Yet, fate had bestowed upon him this burden until his son, Valerie, could assume the throne.

Fixing his penetrating gaze on General Tobiath, King Oberon inquired, "Regarding these breaches you speak of, have any measures been taken to seal them?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," General Tobiath responded. "We have indeed sought the assistance of nearby friendly witch covens. They have been diligent in tracking and sealing the breaches in the veil. However, a troubling pattern has emerged. For every breach we close, another seems to open elsewhere. Furthermore, the journey to address these breaches has been perilous. Despite our best efforts, we have tragically lost two witches in attacks. No amount of gold or favors owed to them seems sufficient to compensate for their losses. The covens are tightly knit; the death of one is felt by all."

"Furthermore," he added, "I suspect the monsters of the Tamry forest have somehow found a means to weaken the veil. It would explain why our repairs are consistently undone. If not that, then it suggests the magic itself is waning, or worse yet, foul play is afoot. Someone, likely a high-ranking Fae, may be plotting to bring down the veil, with the royal family as their target."

A collective gasp of shock rippled through the crowd, this time tinged with fear. Even a furrow appeared on the King’s face. They all understood the dire implications if the veil were to fall and unleash those monsters upon the realm