?Chapter 1118:


    “Dire news!” he gasped, his voice quaking. “The king’s army encircling Marehelm hasunched a sudden attack. Their onught is intensifying, and our troops are struggling to hold the line!”


    “What!” Bryan leaped to his feet, shock etched across his face. “How could they advance so swiftly?”


    Dominic muttered, his brow furrowing deeply.


    My stomach churned, and I gripped the table’s edge tightly.


    Leonardo’s rapid movements had outpaced our predictions. It was evident he aimed to obliterate Marehelm decisively this time.


    Dayton rose promptly and turned to Alden, who stood nearby.


    “Alden, lead your unit to the front immediately and repel them!”


    “Understood!” Alden replied, his youthful demeanor reced by grim determination as he marched out of the conference hall.


    Bryan’s eyes flicked to Amon.


    “Amon,e with me. We need to assess the situation firsthand.”


    Without a moment’s hesitation, Amon trailed Bryan, and the two exited swiftly. I started to follow, but before I could, another guard burst in, panic written across his features.


    “Urgent report! There’s chaos in the city. Word of the king’s assault on Marehelm has spread, and the people are terrified! Some of Cody’s lingering men are stirring trouble, spreading lies that the king has forsaken us and that Marehelm is doomed!”


    “What?” I eximed, a surge of dread coursing through me.


    Before anyone could react, another soldier staggered into the room, his face drained of color.


    “Mr. Pierce! It’s catastrophic! The townspeople have revolted! They have surrounded the city hall, demanding answers from you!”


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    The room fell into stunned silence, all eyes turning to Dayton.


    Despite the mounting turmoil, Dayton remainedposed. He drew a steadying breath and addressed us firmly.


    “Stay calm, everyone. I’ll handle the citizens myself.”


    With that, Dayton strode out of the room.


    Time seemed to blur until the doors opened again. Dayton returned, exhaustion etched into his features as he sank heavily into a chair.


    “I’ve managed to quell the crowd for now,” he said quietly. “But they’re vehemently against defying the king. They fear resistance will drag Marehelm into deeper ruin. This situation is extremely difficult now.”


    His words settled over us like a heavy fog, the tension in the room suffocating.


    No one spoke; the only sound was the faint howl of the wind beyond the walls.


    After what felt like an eternity, rapid footsteps approached.


    Bryan, Amon, and Alden reentered, their faces drawn with fatigue.


    I rose quickly, my voice urgent. “Your Highness, what’s the status?”


    Bryan marched to the table, nting his hands firmly on its surface, his gaze icy and resolute.


    “Marehelm’s natural defenses make it a formidable stronghold. The king’s forces won’t find it easy to break through. We’ve leveraged the terrain effectively and halted their advance. For now, the front is secure.”


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