The Andrews family was restless back at the king's residence. They learned Caspian had brought Sylvia and the others back to Dhord City. They were uneasy after finding out many civilians adored Caspian and his subordinates.
An anxious Zane voiced, "Dad, Caspian has made incredible achievements. Also, thousands of people respect him now! Won't Diatoran descend into chaos if we depose him?"
"Yeah, Dad. The civilians of Dhord City have warmly welcomed Caspian home after learning about his triumph. Such a scene has never happened before. Isn't it unwise if we take him down now?" Kelvin joined in.
"What's there to be afraid of? We don't need to worry about those regular civilians. After all, our positions are at risk the longer we keep Caspian around.
"Have Skyarch Palace prepare everything. If Caspian and his subordinates dare defy us, they'll be punished on the spot!" Jerry barked.
"Got it, Dad. We also can't let Phoenix Vanguard enter the king's residence. Otherwise, it'll be a pain to deal with them," Zane advised.
Jerry agreed, "Indeed, and we can't let them bring any weapons, too."
"I'll give the orders to block off and search for weapons on Caspian and his entourage," Kevin responded.
"Do it right away. We can make them disappear forever as long as they enter the king's residence with anything suspicious!" Jerry snarled.
"On it!" Zane and Kelvin did as told.
Before they could leave, Jerry added, "It's best to have a witness if we want to depose Caspian. Summon the higher-ups over in the king's name!"
"But, Dad." Kelvin asked, "What do we do if the higher-ups take Caspian's side?"
Jerry replied calmly, "We control the king now. So, what's there to worry about? It doesn't matter what the higher-ups say. They must comply with whatever the king orders.
"Also, bring Lyndon over. Otherwise, Caspian might be onto us."
"Got it." Kelvin nodded. Then, he and Zane headed off.
…
Lyndon had recovered under the treatment of the Skyarch Palace's doctors.
The leader of Three Poisons Hall, Jethro, controlled Lyndon's thoughts. He made the latter lead some of Skyarch Palace's soldiers as he patrolled the king's residence.
To prevent unwanted accidents, the soldiers carried weapons and guns. They were ready to attack Caspian and his entourage at any moment.
Meanwhile, the Dhord City's higher-ups rushed to the king's residence once they heard Balthazar wanted to see them.
…
Balthazar sat on the elevated throne in the massive hall.
Around him were Skyarch Palace's elites, who pretended to be regular guards.
Caspian, Sylvia, Macy, and the two thousand Phoenix Vanguard members soon arrived outside the residence. They were about to enter when the guards stopped them.
"Halt!" the guards thundered.
Caspian and the others were baffled.
Eventually, a frustrated Sylvia spoke up. "You shit for brains, don't you guys know who this is? He's the Diatoranian God of War! How dare you stop him from entering?"
"The king has given orders that large groups of people aren't allowed to enter," the guard stated.
"These people are Lord Caspian's personal guards. Why can't they enter?" Sylvia questioned.
The guard responded, "There are already many higher-ups inside the king's residence. There isn't enough room for more people. It's an order from His Majesty."
Sylvia wanted to snap at the guard, but Caspian raised his hand, motioning her not to argue any further.
Caspian instructed the group, "Phoenix Vanguard will wait out here."
"Yes, Lord Caspian!" The Phoenix Vanguard members spoke in unison.
After making the appropriate arrangements, Caspian, Sylvia, and Macy entered the king's residence.
A deadly silence filled the entire hall. Only the sounds of Caspian's, Sylvia's, and Macy's footsteps rang out.
The higher-ups were also a bundle of nerves. Even they could sense something was off. They just couldn't put their finger on what was wrong.
"Your Majesty," said Caspian, Sylvia, and Macy. At the same time, he bowed while the other two curtsied.
Jerry started murmuring again to control Balthazar's every action.
"You may rise," said Balthazar.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," said the three as they resumed their usual stance.
"Lord Caspian, I officially summoned your return to Diatoran with my royal scepter. Why did you defy me?" Balthazar interrogated, his brows scrunching into a stern expression.
"Your Majesty, we were on a roll and won several consecutive battles. Plus, I conquered Filren's capital. We could've taken over all of Filren. Withdrawing our troops meant all our efforts would be in vain," Caspian explained.
"How arrogant! You're underestimating Filren. They were merely careless at that moment and couldn't make the right move.
"They'll attack you and your soldiers once they regain their footing. When that happens, your soldiers will be at risk because you made the wrong choice!" Balthazar bellowed.
Sylvia, Macy, and the higher-ups tensed in shock when they saw Balthazar so enraged.
Caspian was the head of the Five War Gods. He had achieved many outstanding military feats for Diatoran. Not to mention, he had saved Balthazar's life many times.
Balthazar had always been friendly with Caspian.
Such a situation was the first in history.
The worst part? Balthazar didn't praise Caspian for being victorious in battle. Instead, he criticized the latter.
That was unbelievable.
Even Caspian felt alarmed by the state of things. He felt Balthazar was different than usual today.
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