Chapter 136: King Philip III
Harrison led everyone toward the main hall where sitting was arranged beforehand.
However, no one cared about the decoration or any other thing, but everyone's focus was on the tall, long silver hair man with a devilish appearance wearing black. He was calmly sitting on a throne chair while looking at them impassively. He was none other than Silver Tyrant.
They all had seen this man's portraits and heard the stories about his prowess and tyranny, but in person, he looked nothing like the rumor.
Alice also stood behind Jacob with no emotions on her gorgeous icy face, but if someone observed her closely, she was slightly taller, and her appearance was more mature and alluring. She also didn't wear her maid outfit today, but a beautiful black dress, outlining her mature captivating figure.
Even the expressionless Philip couldn't help but glance at Alice twice with some ripple in his eyes.
The most astonishing was naturally Duke Riley, Alice's father. From the spies' reports, Alice was working as a maid, but now she didn't look like a maid or slave at all.
On the contrary, he could tell his daughter was even more beautiful and seemed more confident than her past self.
As for those B-Rank mercenaries, including Galant, they couldn't tell if Jacob was dangerous or not because he didn't have any kind of dangerous vibe around him. On the contrary, they felt danger from the charming woman standing behind Jacob!
Jacob looked at everyone, and he didn't have any intention of moving from his position. He impassively spoke, "Everyone, please have a seat." His deep voice was filled with authority.
"Please." Harrison gestured for them to pick a seat there was a total of 50 seats facing Jacob's.
No one makes a fuss, even Philip, and they all sat down according to their status.
The more important ones were sitting in front while the ones with lower status were at the back.
Jacob looked at everyone, and before anyone could speak, he again took the lead, "How about we start with introductions? I'm unfamiliar with everyone, but I know everyone here knows me. But as a host, I'll introduce myself properly. I'm Jacob Steve or Silver Tyrant, whichever you guys prefer."
No one hesitated afterward and introduced themselves well except Philip. He remained silent while looking at Jacob emotionlessly. His introduction was done by Galant.
Jacob merely nodded at everyone's greeting. While he also felt some ill intent from three people, he was extremely sensitive to danger because of his heightened senses. But he said nothing.
After the introduction was done, Jacob spoke. "Since the pleasantries are out of the way, let's come to the main topic. I don't enjoy talking in circles, and I know everyone here is for something, including me."
He then looked at Philip, who hadn't spoken since the start, and calmly said, "How about we start with the king? What did His Majesty want?"
The room was silent as everyone looked at Jacob, who seemed completely fearless. He never showed any gesture or respect toward Philip from the start, and neither did Philip utter a single word.
No one knows why Philip even agreed to meet with Jacob, who could kill him if wanted and not remain hidden within his army.
Although there were four B-rankers present in this hall, three of them had no desire to fight with Jacob, and they will not act even if Philip's life was threatened. Only Galant was his shield.
But when they looked at the butler and the charming woman standing by Jacob's side, they knew Jacob wasn't the only threat here. He was more mysterious and unfathomed than any of them have thought.
They couldn't even sense danger from Jacob, which means he wasn't a danger, but death itself, which can't be sensed or gauged!
Even those two Dukes keep their mouths shut and just observe. Duke Riley also kept a lid on it, or he really wanted to question Jacob about making his daughter a slave.
Slavery wasn't legal in the Humane Kingdom well, at least on the surface.
But Duke Riley didn't have the guts to say those exact words anymore, and he couldn't even tell if his daughter was really a slave or if all this was just a sham. But he will let his brother take the lead this time and test the water.
King Philip finally spoke under Jacob's cold eyes, "Since Sir. Jacob is so straightforward, it would be rude for us to not do the same.
"As Sir said, I was indeed here for something, and that was to see if you are strong enough to fight with an army or not. I want to see if you could be tame."
Everyone looked at Philip as if he was a madman at this moment, and they wanted to get further away from him. He was simply crazy to say those words out loud before Jacob.
Either he didn't want to live anymore, or he was simply confident in walking here alive.
Philip's blunt provocation flabbergasted even the two Dukes. He would never do this normally. They wondered if he lost his will to fight after meeting Jacob and now wanted to drag everyone down with him.
Galant was also tense when he heard this and subconsciously tightened his muscles. If Jacob attacked, he'll have no choice but to act as well.
Harrison's expression also turned slightly dangerous at this moment, while a ruthless glint flashed past Alice's eyes.
However, Jacob didn't appear angry at all. On the contrary, he suddenly smiled amusingly and said, "So, what do you think now? Is it possible to achieve?"
Philip shook his head and said, "No, you're far more powerful than anyone in this room. I never thought the Human Kingdom will have an expert like you. So, I'm willing to submit the throne to you with no resistance."
Another astonishing silence descended after Philip's declaration.
"Your Majesty!"
The crown prince, Jude, Galant, and two dukes were abruptly shouted because this was too crazy!
Philip never said anything about handing over the Kingdom's throne to Silver Tyrant.
However, Philip completely ignored them and smiled. "But even if I'm willing to give away the throne, you won't take it since it isn't what you want. So, can you tell me what you want now?"
Jacob couldn't help but looked Philip in a new light. 'So, this is the current King of Humane Kingdom, huh? A wise and ruthless ruler indeed. If the Killer Skull Society hadn't been involved, he might lead the Kingdom in some unexpected direction.'
It was his view of Philip. He was really a politician and knew how to read situations well.
Jacob replied, "Indeed, I don't want your throne nor kingdom. But my goal is not something you guys should know."
Everyone looked at Jacob and Philip with uncertainty. No one knew what was the other party thinking. They were evenly matched in this psychological game of words.
But the difference was Philip was bound to lose in the end.
Jacob continued, "I will give you advice before you leave. Don't start a war with trolls unless you want a complete annihilation of your people. I won't interfere no matter what, I'm just a passerby, and I'll leave this place any time I want, and no one will be able to stop me."
Philip looked at Jacob deeply before he frowned. "You know something, don't you, about that abrupt war?"
They all looked seriously at Jacob now. It was completely unexpected.
Jacob merely chuckled and didn't hide. "I know enough, and trust me, you'll be doing the trolls a favor if you start the war. My discussion with the members of the three hegemonies was also related to this topic.
"But I don't think anyone who isn't a member of the three hegemonies should hear it. It's for your good.
"Now that you have got your answer, you should leave. I won't interfere with your kingdom politics, and I don't want any kingship, either. I would leave once I achieved my aim. This place is nothing but countryside for me."
The members of the royal family were all baffled by Jacob's ambiguous answer and the way he was talking.
While the members of the three hegemonies were startled, it appeared there wasn't the only one with motives to approach Jacob, but he had his motives as well, and this motive might be even bigger than theirs.
Philip really didn't like this situation because he could guess something was amiss with the trolls from the start, and Jacob knew, but he didn't want to leave when he was so close to the truth.
But Jacob had already clarified that it would be dangerous for them to know while giving a subtle warning.
"Will the Knight-Marshal be part of this discussion since he's a member of the Nightmare Knight Legion?" He asked.
"Yes, that's why I said three hegemonies." Jacob merely chuckled.
"Very well. I'll be waiting outside for the marshal." Philip gave a meaningful look at Galant before he stood up.
Duke Riley seemed to hesitate as he glanced at Alice.
Jacob coldly said at this moment, "You two leave as well!"