CHAPTER 280: CHAPTER 270: PROVOCATION

Andrew suddenly felt a burst of brightness before him, the world suddenly cleared, and the snow curtain that filled the sky vanished in an instant. But it wasn’t dispersed; rather, it was molded together by an invisible force, transforming into a long ice and snow bridge.

One end of the bridge was connected to a very ancient hall at the center of the Royal Court, the designated location for this negotiation—Eternal Frost Hall.

The other end of the bridge extended steadily to Andrew and his group’s front.

Only the King’s voice was heard coming over: "Ladies and gentlemen of the Warm Fire Commerce Association, please."

This was the first time Andrew heard the King’s voice, finding it both gentle and pleasant.

At first listen, it completely sounded like a tender, reliable husband warmly inviting his wife and her family to dine together.

However, in reality, while combat class members naturally excel at single-target offense and defense, the ability to change the environment on a large scale should be exclusive to mages, a skill of magical professions.

The King, wielding the identity of a Frost Knight, waving a hand to change the heavens, was utterly incredible!

"So powerful!"

Andrew was amazed, the relaxation he felt due to Catherine’s recovery tense once more, mixed with some envy and desire: when could he, who possessed the "Fire Extinguishing Upgrade Method," reach such a tier, such power?

Although being a demon-level figure among the younger generation practically promised future elevation to Tier Nine strength, Andrew still felt it wasn’t fast enough.

Since arriving at the Royal Court, Andrew’s thirst for improving his strength had grown ever more intense.

Though his current plans were progressing smoothly, if possible, Andrew wished he wouldn’t need any schemes at all, but rather crush everything head-on with the status of a Water Magic Lord!

"Hoo..." Andrew took a deep breath, using the "Water Spirit Technique" to calm his inner turbulence.

His gaze turned to Catherine.

The King had extended an "invitation," and whether to accept it was now beyond Andrew’s decision.

It had to be Catherine who made the call.

Upon hearing the King’s voice, a complex, indescribable emotion flashed through Catherine’s eyes—heavy, nostalgic, possibly a touch of indifference.

Quickly, these complex emotions transformed into a slight sneer resting on her lips.

Catherine didn’t respond to the King’s words but turned back, saying to Andrew and his companions, "Let’s go, follow me, to... the banquet!" She said, then took the lead, walking up the snow bridge towards the other end and Eternal Frost Hall.

The King was very strong, exceedingly so.

But Catherine remained confident.

This confidence was so powerful and infectious that Dean Charlie and Susan exchanged a glance, one leading, the other following. Dean Charlie took the front, Susan the rear, with Barbara, Andrew, Havier, and Sabye in between.

They crossed the long bridge and entered the Eternal Frost Hall together.

Inside the hall, a sweep of Andrew’s eyes caught sight of the Magic Guild members—Dragon Taming Lady, Flame Turtle, Capella, and Yorkshire—already present, seated on the west side of the hall, facing Andrew’s group entering from the eastern gate across the space.

The moment Yorkshire saw Andrew, he shivered uncontrollably, his face slightly changing.

Andrew breathed a sigh of relief: "Good, this guy is present, as long as he’s here..."

Seeing the Dragon Taming Lady, Flame Turtle, and Capella remaining expressionless, Andrew was once again moved: "So Yorkshire hasn’t clarified that he was defeated by me and then released? This... is excellent! The plan’s success rate has increased dramatically!"

The hall had a circular structure.

The Magic Guild members on the west side. Commerce Association people entered from the east gate.

On the north side of the hall stood a massive stone sculpture of an ancient Ice Pattern Titan.

Two thrones were placed side by side below the statue.

The King was seated on one of these thrones.

"This is the King of the Royal Court, Dedman?" Andrew remained composed, observing without any noticeable sign. However, given the opposing figure’s War God level stature, Andrew didn’t dare rashly use Water Magic to explore; he only observed through his eyes.

Fortunately, through the subtle nurturing of "Water Magic," even with the naked eye, Andrew’s vision had become much stronger than an ordinary person’s, and he now had excellent eyesight.

He saw that beside and behind the King, as well as throughout the west side of the hall, stood a silent assembly of Frost Guards.

The same was true on Catherine’s side; a large contingent of Frost Guards flooded into the hall following Catherine’s arrival, taking up the east side of the hall.

Although both were Frost Guards, they were distinctly divided into two factions, much like the Royal Court today. Also somewhat resembling the entire Flame Realm.

"Haha, distinguished guests have arrived, my apologies for not greeting you earlier!"

Dedman laughed, rising from the throne, his eyes bell-like, scanning across Andrew’s group, finally settling on Catherine.

At this moment, the King’s reaction was similar to Dean Charlie, Susan, Barbara, and others when they first saw Catherine not long ago, an unmistakable hint of surprise and astonishment flashed in his eyes, as if he had never seen Catherine in such radiant form!

But that trace of surprise quickly faded, and the King asked with a smile, "How is madam’s injury? I heard from the Dragon Taming madam of the Magic Guild that madam fainted outside the Royal Court after coughing up blood?"

His voice was as gentle and magnetic as always. However, at the corners of his eyes, two mysterious ice-blue markings quietly emerged, resembling miniature magic array patterns or ancient and peculiar tattoos, which were one of the most important legacies of the Royal Family: the Eternal Frost Ice Pattern.

Compared to the ordinary Frost Guard’s "Ice Pattern Oil Paint", the power and utility of the orthodox "Eternal Frost Ice Pattern" were significantly stronger, much stronger.

For instance, at this moment, the King was using the "Ice Pattern" to enhance his eye power and insight, to see through Catherine’s reality.

Instead, he didn’t immediately discuss the negotiation.

Everyone present was well aware: the power dynamics between the King and Catherine would determine the environment in which the upcoming negotiation would take place. Whether it would be more of a Magic Guild’s home field advantage or more of a Commerce Association’s home field advantage.

Though the negotiation had not yet begun, the struggle between the two sides had already begun!

"Oh, indeed, I did faint for a while earlier." Catherine, facing the King’s gaze, showed no signs of discomfort and instead displayed a faint smile, saying, "I can’t help it; the little boyfriend my sister brought is too handsome, knocked me out cold with his looks."

Andrew, who was standing quietly at the side without using any Water Magic and merely observing the situation with his naked eye: "?"

What kind of situation is this? What kind of situation is this?

Water Magic does indeed enhance one’s charm. When I was still a Magic Apprentice, practicing Water Magic already caused subtle but essential changes in my appearance and temperament, making me appear extraordinarily "fresh and delectable" to women.

But after killing Humboldt and officially becoming a Water Mage, Andrew consciously suppressed this side of himself.

"Mainly because even if I hadn’t suppressed this side, it wouldn’t have a significant impact on women at the War God level." Andrew was momentarily baffled, "Why would Princess Catherine say something like that?"

Originally, Andrew was just an unnoticed little shadow on the scene.

Although he had performed stunningly in front of Yorkshire outside the Royal Court not long ago, now that the King was out, even Dean Charlie and the Dragon Taming madam were temporarily not the main actors, let alone Andrew? Andrew’s "plan" was only known to the people within the Commerce Association; those across from the Dragon Taming madam didn’t know.

Except for Yorkshire, everyone else’s attention was on the King and Catherine.

However, as soon as Catherine made the remark about being "knocked out by looks", eyes instantly shifted to focus on Andrew.

The key was, this wasn’t the end!

Only to hear Catherine pause, then smilingly say, "As for my injury, my physical condition... hehe, equally thanks to my sister’s little boyfriend, I feel great now. In fact..." As Catherine spoke, her smile became more enchanting, even somewhat ambiguous, and slightly mischievous, smilingly meeting the King’s gaze, "In fact, I’ve never felt this good over the years."

Andrew: "..."

His face turned beet red, not from embarrassment, but because he was choking on his own saliva, desperately holding back!

Andrew was very sure: he’s definitely not overthinking this.

But Catherine’s voice, tone, and choice of words were clearly implying something in that direction!

The fact is, no matter which world, no man could tolerate his wife praising another man in front of him, making her feel "better than ever."

Dedman’s face changed, his eyes slightly squinting, with his gaze instantly locking onto Andrew!

That gaze seemed to possess a tangible freezing power, like a potent "Eternal Frost Domain".

Almost instantly, Andrew felt an overwhelming terror as if his entire body and even his soul were about to be frozen and shattered into ice shards!

"So it seems my wife’s injury has already healed, and it was thanks to you, young brother? Then I must properly thank you!" the King smiled, his voice becoming more gentle and cordial, yet the pressure on Andrew was becoming more terrifying.

Yet at this moment, the King’s expression suddenly changed.

Not far in front of them, a scarlet, blood-like footprint silently appeared in the air.

The footprint appeared first, and Catherine’s figure was just a beat behind, "emerging" from the footprint.

She seized the moment when the King was enraged, appearing instantly before him, directly interrupting the power the King had on Andrew.

Following that, Catherine used her finger as a spear, directly poking the center of the King’s chest!

She actually chose to take the offensive after deliberately angering the King!

Yes, anger.

This was the reason Catherine deliberately made those provocative remarks.

After all, she had been married to the King for some time, she was well aware of what words could anger him.

The fact also proved that the King indeed got angry.

Catherine seized the opportunity; when she used her finger to poke the King’s chest, her body violently trembled, feeling as if she was colliding with a snow peak at full speed.

However, the King’s towering three-meter-tall body couldn’t help but lean back slightly!

Subsequently, under the incredulous gaze of everyone at the scene, especially the Dragon Taming madam, the King’s burly body actually stepped back half a step due to Catherine’s impact!