The Almighty Lord Caspian

Chapter 552 The Final Baseline

"Grandma, Diatoran is currently surrounded and attacked by several countries. Although we have won

some battles in North Aridlands, the future situation isn't in Diatoran's favor. Diatoran might fall," Henry

said.

"Everyone can see that. I'm asking you if you know of a way we can stay in Southlake City," Marilyn ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

said exasperatedly.

"Diatoran is surrounded by enemies and will eventually be defeated. We might as well seek refuge in

Vadesia. With that, we don't need to leave Southlake City, and the businesses under our family won't

be affected." Henry told them his opinions.

Richard had taught him to say these things.

After everyone heard Henry's words, their faces darkened. They were all surprised that Henry was

suggesting that they betray their country.

Immediately after, Carl scolded him loudly, "Bastard! The Stewart family isn't a powerful, noble family,

but we've been in Diatoran for generations. We'll never defect to another country.

"The situation on the battlefield isn't even clear yet, yet you want to commit treason after the slightest

hint of difficulty?"

"Uncle Carl, we'll die if we don't find a way out. Diatoran is surrounded by enemies, and it's evident that

the country cannot defend itself against them. We might as well take this chance to pave our own path

to survival," Henry said.

"Things will never end well for those who commit treason. Is Quinton Hans' death not horrible enough

for you? I heard that he was beheaded, even. The idea you proposed is going to destroy the family!"

Carl snapped.

"You're too cautious, Uncle Carl. The situation is clear as day. Diatoran won't succeed in defending

itself against its enemies. So what if we moved to Garthram? We'll still end up dead once the enemies

invade the city!" Henry argued.

"If we betray our country, the family will be met with a terrible ending. When Diatoran wins the war, the

Stewart family will be wiped out!" Carl frowned.

"Uncle Carl, Grandma's the head of the family, so let's hear what she has to say." Henry was of the

opinion that Marilyn would surely betray her country for the sake of survival.

After a long silence, Marilyn spoke. "Henry, your Uncle Carl is right. Although the Stewarts aren't a

noble family, we can't do anything that's looked down on by the people in our country."

Marilyn was calculating and snobbish, but she was still the head of the Stewart family. When faced with

things that were either right or wrong, she had her own principles.

Henry was surprised that his grandmother, who usually did whatever benefited her most, would have

such a staunch attitude at a time like this.

"The situation is really bleak now, Grandma. If we don't get in touch with Vadesia soon, we'll be without

a home when Diatoran is defeated!" Henry said anxiously.

"That's enough! Stop talking about that! The Stewart family can never do anything against Diatoran, or

we'll have to repent for our sins in the afterlife!" Marilyn said seriously.

"This is our only chance, Grandma! If we don't seek refuge in Vadesia now, our properties will go to

other people when Southlake City falls, and we'll end up homeless!" Henry had already defected to the

enemy along with Richard and the others.

He didn't want to wait in Southlake City for death to befall him.

"Have you already defected to another country, you bastard?" Marilyn barked sharply.

Henry shook his head repeatedly, explaining, "No, no. The enemy hasn't attacked yet, so why would I

defect to them?"

"Why are you so panicked, then? Are you lying?" Marilyn asked again.

"I'm just a bit scared of you, Grandma. You're the head of the family, too. I wouldn't dare to take any

action before you've given your approval, would I?" Noticing how firm Marilyn's attitude was, Henry

dared not say much.

He would surely be punished if the old lady were to know that he had already defected along with

Richard and the others.

"Defectors will be looked down on by every single person in Diatoran, so never bring this up again.

People would have misconceptions about us if word ever got out!" Marilyn said.

"Exactly. Henry, you must be careful under such special circumstances. You should never say things

like this rashly," Donald quickly advised as well. "I'll disown you if I hear you talk about this again!"

Donald was also a calculating man, but he had some degree of power within the family. He didn't want

to be known as a traitor to his country, either.

Henry noticed that both his grandmother and parents were against him. They were reprimanding him,

too, and that filled him with annoyance and anger. "Why are you all so stubborn? What's in it for us if

we're loyal to Diatoran?

"If we don't seek refuge in Vadesia, we'll have to live under Caspian's shadow our whole lives! Do you

want Caspian to lord over us our whole lives?"

After Henry had said his piece, everyone was stunned. No one had expected Henry to say something

so unabashedly disrespectful.

"Bastard! We're all Diatoranians. Is there any problem with supporting our own country? Diatoran is

indeed facing a crisis now, but should we defect to another country just because of that? Everyone will

talk about us behind our backs if we do so!" Marilyn said.

"Four countries are attacking Diatoran right now, but Diatoran is still guarding its borders with

determination. As of now, Diatoran hasn't let its enemies take a step forward toward our lands.

"Henry, if you insist on saying more things like this, the Stewart family will cut you off!" Carl said with

righteous indignation.

"Even if we feel humiliated in front of Caspian, we can't betray Diatoran! What's between Caspian and

us is just a personal grudge and has nothing to do with Diatoran. If we betray our country, the Stewart

family will become an enemy of Diatoran!" Donald added.

Henry didn't expect the day to come when he would be on the opposing side against everyone in his

family. He just wanted to protect the foundational businesses of the family, yet he was scolded and

belittled by everyone like he was worthless.

"You're all stubborn old farts. We're in a modern age, yet you're still stuck in the old ways. If we don't do

anything for our own sake, we'll end up dying.

"If we defect to Vadesia now, Vadesia will surely support us as we gain our footing in Southlake City in

the wake of Diatoria's defeat. Perhaps the Stewart family will become richer and more powerful after

that!" Henry bit out.

"I'm pissed at you, you bastardly child!" Marilyn raised her cane and whopped Henry with it. She asked

in fury, "Be honest with me. Are you in cahoots with anyone from Vadesia?"

Henry had been treated well by the family ever since he was little. He had never gotten a single beating

before.

He couldn't fathom why the family was so adamantly against his suggestion.

"You misunderstand, Grandma. I'm just discussing this with you." Henry wasn't so dumb as to confess

to it rashly, but he had actually reached an agreement with Richard and the others to defect to Vadesia

together.

"Why would you say something so strange, then? Did Vadesia promise you anything?" Marilyn asked

sharply.

"If you have defected to the enemy, you can still turn back now—it's not too late. Otherwise, no one can

save you.

"Do you think you can believe your enemy's words? They just want to use you to create chaos in

Southlake City.

"When you no longer have any value to them, your death will be near! Since time immemorial,

misfortune has befallen every person who has chosen to betray!" Marilyn advised earnestly.