Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

After a pause, Nie Bing turned to Sion Capo and asked, "I wonder what arrangements Your Majesty has made for the royal guards stationed in the capital?"

This is the final and most direct test! Military power!

Zion Capo, who had been somewhat relieved, brought it up again.

The Royal Guard, a relatively loyal elite force left over from Boudica's time, numbered only about five thousand, but was his only remaining symbolic force in Britain that might have some practical significance.

Zion Capo publicly claims he had already bribed them, but in reality, these individuals only pledged their loyalty to Zion Capo after Boudica spoke up for them.

Most importantly, Boudica still managed to place a few members within that royal guard.

Nie Bing's question at this moment clearly revealed her intention!

Now that you've come with sincerity, shouldn't you hand over this last henchman?

In a flash, Zion made his decision.

There was not a trace of hesitation or reluctance on his face; instead, a sense of relief and composure emerged. He bowed deeply once more, his voice earnest and clear:

"My Lordship, you are wise! Zion Capo's arrival in the Alliance City with his entire family to pledge his loyalty to you means that he has completely entrusted the fate of himself and Britain to the Illuminati! The Royal Guard is ostensibly there to protect the King, but in reality, they are there for the nation. Now, the nation of Britain is already in the Alliance City, and the 'King' is also in the Alliance City! Those loyal and brave men who remain in the old capital are wasting resources and have lost their purpose!"

He raised his head, his eyes shining with an almost sincere light, and looked directly at Nie Bing: "Xien implores the President! Please ask the Illuminati to immediately take over command of the Royal Guard!"

Whether it's transferring their elite troops directly to the Alliance City garrison to strengthen its defenses, or assigning them to Lord Victor's command to bolster the forces pursuing and suppressing the rebels;

Or perhaps we should reorganize on the spot to maintain local peace! It's all up to the Chairman and the Illuminati to decide! Sion has no objection! This military seal and token will be brought to you by someone today and presented to the Chairman personally!

I will not have peace of mind until this army is brought under the command of the Illuminati!

Without any hesitation or bargaining, they voluntarily handed over the last symbolic military power, and even envisioned various possibilities for the arrangements after the Illuminati took over!

This gesture is more powerful than any grand declaration of loyalty! He is declaring with his actions: I, Zion Capo, have given my all!

Nie Bing stared intently at Zion Capo for a long while.

You could hear a pin drop inside the main hall.

Xiao Ce stood to the side, his eyes flickering slightly!

Zion Capo's decisive, almost self-destructive, decision surprised even himself.

This no longer seems like a pretense; they've truly staked everything on the Alliance City gambling table.

However, he was certain that Boudica had told him something.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have dared to say that!

As expected, a smile slowly appeared on Nie Bing's usually cold face, and for the first time, his voice carried a hint of gentle approval:

“Very well! His Majesty Capo is loyal, brave, and pure, with a keen mind, and has lived up to Mr. Sean’s strong recommendation. Therefore, I will convey this message and accept this weighty trust.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Sean (Xiao Ce), her voice carrying an unquestionable tone: "Mr. Sean, this matter will be personally overseen by you. Ensure the safe and proper handling and resettlement of the Royal Guard."

"As you command, Sir."

Xiao Ce bowed and accepted the order. His eyes met Zion Capo's, calm and still, yet seemingly containing a thousand unspoken words.

Nie Bing's gaze returned to Zion Kirby, her gentle expression unchanged: "Now that His Majesty Kapo has relinquished his former burdens, he can rest assured and reside in Alliance City for the time being. Your talents will not be overlooked by the Illuminati. The position of Senior Advisor will be personally conferred by Ed White tomorrow. As for your family..."

Her voice softened further, “The Alliance City will provide you with the most comfortable accommodations to ensure your safety and well-being.”

The phrase "safe and secure" is both a promise and a warning.

"Thank you so much, Chairman! Sion Capo is deeply grateful and will do his utmost to repay your kindness!"

Zion Cabo bowed deeply, his posture one of utmost piety. He knew that he had narrowly escaped this first and most dangerous test.

Although he didn't know what Nie Bing was up to...

Because, Nie Bing had previously said that his family should stay while he went back.

But what's going on?

However, Zion Capo didn't go much...

Nie Bing waved his hand with satisfaction, indicating that he could leave.

Zion Cabo maintained his bowed posture and slowly withdrew from the hall.

Only after stepping out of the cold, imposing palace gates and feeling the chilly early winter air of the Alliance City did he realize that his vest was already soaked with cold sweat and the chill was biting.

The sunlight shone on him, but he felt no warmth at all.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, for your first attempt at showing your talent and gaining the favor of the guild leader." A gentle voice sounded beside him.

Zion Capo turned his head sharply and saw that Sean Aurelius had quietly stood a few steps away from him, with a warm smile on his face.

Sean Capo's heart tightened, but his face quickly contorted with gratitude: "Mr. Sean! If it weren't for your help today, I'm afraid I would... I will never forget your great kindness!"

He deliberately lowered his voice, his tone filled with lingering fear and genuine gratitude.

Xiao Ce's smile remained unchanged as he slowly approached, his voice low, almost a whisper, yet each word was clear and carried a strange penetrating power: "Your Majesty is too kind. Sean was merely stating the facts, sharing the burden of the guild leader, and considering the interests of the alliance city. Your Majesty's ability to understand the guild leader's good intentions, set aside your barriers, and genuinely integrate is more touching to the guild leader than any pledge of loyalty."

His gaze lingered on Zion Capo's face for a moment, as if trying to pierce through the mask of gratitude and look into the depths of his soul. That look was not a threat, but a deep, all-knowing scrutiny.

“But…” Xiao Ce’s tone shifted, his voice becoming even softer, yet carrying a subtle, unspoken meaning.

"Although the Alliance City is good, its foundation is still shallow. Britain is His Majesty's homeland and the western bulwark of the Radiant Society. Although His Majesty has settled here, the foundation of the old capital cannot be completely abandoned, allowing villains to grow."

Once the takeover is complete, I may advise the guild leader to allocate a batch of excellent military equipment to assist His Majesty in reorganizing the remaining forces and ensuring they truly become a stable rear base for the Alliance City. What does His Majesty think?

reallocate military equipment? Reorganize the remaining forces? Zion Capo's heart skipped a beat!

On the surface, Xiao Ce's words seemed to be showing him consideration, giving him face, allowing him to retain some influence over his homeland, and even... giving him an opportunity to increase his power?

This was a godsend! But Zion Capo instantly became alert: could this be another, deeper trap?

Having just relinquished military power, they're giving me the opportunity to arm myself? Is this a test of my ambition? Or... is there another motive?

He forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart, his face displaying just the right amount of surprise and a hint of overwhelmed trepidation: "Sir, your magnanimity is truly admirable! Your thoughtful consideration is deeply appreciated! However..."

He looked slightly embarrassed...

"Now that I have resolved to follow the Chairman, the affairs of the old capital are entirely up to the Illuminati and the Chairman. How dare I overstep my bounds and interfere? Nor would I dare to presume upon military equipment..."

"Oh, Your Majesty, you are too modest." Sean waved his hand gently, his smile still warm, but his eyes held a profound meaning that could not be refused!

"Those in positions of power should fulfill their duties. As the former ruler of Britain and a trusted advisor to the Illuminati, Your Majesty is obligated to stabilize the rear of the Alliance City and reassure the people of the old capital. I have my own plans for this matter; Your Majesty should simply await good news."

He said no more, nodded slightly, and turned to leave.

He was just about to leave.

Suddenly remembering something, Sean Capo asked Sean (Xiao Ce)'s retreating figure, "By the way, Mr. Sean..."

After hearing what Sean Capo said, Sean (Xiao Ce) looked at Sean Capo and said, "Your Majesty, is there a problem on your end? You can speak frankly."

Sean Capo gave Sean (Xiao Ce) an awkward smile, then said, "I was just thinking, didn't you say before that my family could stay here and I could go back...? Why am I being made to stay now..."

Upon hearing Zion Capo's question, Xiao Ce revealed a subtle smile.

Upon seeing Sean's (Xiao Ce's) smile, Sean Capo quickly explained, "Mr. Sean, please don't misunderstand... I just... I just..."

Xiao Ce smiled at Sean Capo: "If the president hadn't said so, would you have come?"

These words caused Zion Capo's smile to freeze instantly.

I saw Zion Capo's expression.

Xiao Ce smiled and then said, "But you don't need to worry... Mutual trust takes time, right? Just relax!"

Zion Capo was stunned after hearing what Xiao Ce said...

At that moment, Sean (Xiao Ce) waved his hand and then moved away.

His steps were unhurried, as if he had just made a trivial remark.

Zion Capo stood there, watching that tall, straight figure walk away...

The chill on his back did not dissipate; instead, it deepened.

This Sean Aurelius...

Was what he offered a lifeline, or another, more deadly noose?

He was like an invisible hand, precisely controlling every move of the game, allowing Zion Capo to be tempered and refined in Nie Bing's furnace, while also quietly planting new, unknown fuses in his hands.

The sky above Alliance City was high and cold.

A group of Zion family members looked at Zion Capo with somewhat awkward expressions.

It seems like they're asking him what's wrong?

Zion Cabo took a deep breath, burying all his surprise, fear, and that faint, empowered thrill deep within his heart.

He knew the real battle had only just begun, so he smiled at the members of the Sion family and said, "It's alright, don't worry. The better days are yet to come..."

The family members weren't surprised to see Zion Capo smiling like that...

They nodded in agreement and then began to leave, guided by some people.

"Master..." The old steward beside him, who was also his most trusted confidant, called out in a low voice, his face showing undisguised worry.

Zion Capo looked at the old butler and gave him a calm smile...

They then left, and the Zion family was settled in a luxurious residence in the inner city of the Alliance City.

This residence is heavily guarded, with a quiet and elegant environment, and all the necessities of life are provided, making it a top-notch accommodation.

However, Zion Capo knew that this magnificent building was nothing more than a gilded cage.

Inside and outside the mansion, both overtly and covertly, Guang Zhaojun's figure was omnipresent, monitoring their every move.

The family members' movements were also strictly restricted to specific areas within the inner city. Before their so-called "senior advisor" status was officially granted, they experienced firsthand the reality of being "hostages."

However, Zion Capo didn't say anything about it, which might not be a bad thing.

Having come this far, he understands all too well the principle that fortune and misfortune are intertwined.

Xiao Ce's figure disappeared back into the heavy, carved wooden door of the governor's mansion. The air was still, broken only by the occasional crackling of the burning firewood in the fireplace.

Nie Bing remained seated in the high-backed chair that symbolized power, his figure almost blending into the shadow of the chair back, his eyes gently gazing at Sean (Xiao Ce) who had come to the scene.

"Master President."

Xiao Ce walked to the front of the platform, his posture respectful and his voice calm and even, as if the thrilling test outside had never happened.

"Did they go back?" Nie Bing asked Sean (Xiao Ce) in a completely emotionless voice.

"Yes! Zion Capo and his family have been escorted to their accommodations by special personnel."

Xiao Ce nodded slightly, then looked up and met Nie Bing's scrutinizing gaze with a hint of just the right amount of confusion!

At this moment, Nie Bing noticed a hint of doubt in Sean's (Xiao Ce's) expression and spoke directly, "Mr. Sean, it seems you have something to say? There shouldn't be anything we can't discuss..."

Nie Bing actually knew what Xiao En (Xiao Ce) wanted to ask...

"I dare to ask, just now the Commander mentioned that the Zion Capo family should settle in the Alliance City... This seems to be slightly different from our original plan?" He deliberately slowed down his speech, making the word "settle" carry a slightly imperceptible weight.

Nie Bing wasn't surprised by Xiao En's (Xiao Ce's) words; in fact, she even had an "I knew it" expression on her face...

"Sean, you just came to his rescue perfectly, upholding the reputation of the Illuminati and showing his sincerity. Letting such a fickle opportunist return to that precarious throne is like releasing a tiger back into the mountains."

"Keep him and his family firmly within the Alliance City, placing them within our sight..."