Chapter 266

"I heard you told Rozier: 'If you have nothing to offer, don't even bother proposing.'"

"Indeed, I did."

Maximilian continued, ignoring the hint of sarcasm.

"Does the title of duke still fail to satisfy you?"

"As a man, one should always aim higher."

"In that case, what about becoming king?"

"...!"

The bait exceeded even Sylas's wildest expectations, causing his eyes to flicker.

That the Crown Prince would utter the word "king" was beyond Sylas's expectations. Momentarily speechless, Sylas quickly collected himself and asked,

"A king? Surely, Your Highness jests."

"I am serious."

"Even if I were appointed king, who would follow me?"

A king was, after all, the ruler of an entire region, requiring the agreement of its vassals to maintain power. While it might be possible to crush dissenters with force under different circumstances, such actions were impossible under the Empire's rule.