Chapter 688: Dispute

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

After greeting them, the substitute returned to the stage with Mary’s help. According to the procedure, the king had to personally raise the flag and light the fire of victory.

In the distant legend, Country F had won the war in a fire, which was why they could establish their country here.

But Mary did not come down from the stage. It was as if she should be standing beside the king.

Seeing that the flag was about to be raised, Henry could not help but say, “Is Mary going to stand there forever?”

John smiled. “Dad hasn’t been well lately. It’s okay for Mary to accompany him as a grandchild.”

Normally, it would not be a big deal, but this was the National Day Ceremony. Not only would the entire country pay attention to it, but even the foreign media would film it. If they noticed this, they would definitely report it.

In any case, they were not from Country F. Even if they spouted nonsense, they could not be punished.

Then in everyone’s eyes, Mary would become the king’s favorite grandchild. It was inevitable that some people would guess that the throne would be passed down to John.

Henry was so angry that he wanted to eat John alive on the spot. He didn’t expect him to do such a big thing behind his back. It was obvious that he didn’t think much of him.

William put his hand on his father’s shoulder to comfort him and said, “Uncle, you’re wrong. This ritual requires the king to complete it himself. Does Mary want to be king?”

“Don’t spout nonsense,” John lied through his teeth. “The crown prince is still around. We have no intention of becoming kings.”

He directly used the crown prince as a shield. Anyway, he didn’t know where he had gone, so it didn’t matter if he said a few words.

William didn’t know what to say. Annie couldn’t stand it anymore. “Brother, that’s too far-fetched. Even if the crown prince is around, Mary shouldn’t stand by Dad’s side. After all, she’s not the crown prince’s daughter.”

Mary, who was standing above, gently pushed the substitute, indicating for him to speak.

The substitute immediately said, “Mary has always been by my side to take care of me. It’s fine for her to accompany me to raise the flag.”

Jiang An didn’t expect Mary to be so anxious. Despite everyone’s objections, she still wanted to fight for this face. She leaned over to Sophie and said, “You can use that later.”

Sophie smiled and said loudly, “Grandfather, you can ask Mary to accompany you. Anyway, the crown prince has repeatedly said that he doesn’t want to ascend the throne. Why don’t you make Mary the crown prince? That way, it will be justifiable for her to accompany you.”

He did not dare to answer this question. After all, he was not the real king. If he wanted to appoint a new crown prince with just a few words, it would be like suicide.

Mary’s expression did not look too good either. She only wanted to increase her bargaining chips, but she had never thought of being the crown prince at this time.

John didn’t expect Sophie to say that, so he quickly said, “Don’t talk nonsense. Mary just wants to be with Grandfather.”

Annie immediately understood what her daughter meant. She smiled and said, “What Sophie said makes sense. Anyway, Big Brother doesn’t want to be the crown prince. If Daddy is satisfied with Mary, she can also become the crown prince. We can be at ease.”

“Quite right.” Henry added fuel to the fire. “Make the announcement now. Save us the worry that this is uncouth.”

The substitute couldn’t say anything even if he was hanged here. He could only turn to look at Mary, wanting to get some instructions from her.

However, she could not think of a good solution. Now that she was being roasted over a fire, she could only shake her head slightly.

The substitute said, “Let’s not talk about this anymore. I can raise the flag alone.”

Mary took the opportunity to walk down and stand beside Sophie. In the end, she was squeezed out to stand with Jiang An. It was obvious that she did not like her.

Now everyone was happy except for John’s family. They watched happily as the king raised the flag.

After the flag-raising ceremony ended, everyone had to return to the palace to rest for the time being. They still had other procedures to follow in the afternoon.

Back in the palace, Henry immediately flared up. “What does Mary mean? John, you have to give me an explanation.”

Of course, John had known in advance that Mary would do this. He had also tacitly agreed. Being able to suppress others on such an occasion could show how different he was.

As long as he succeeded, everyone in the country and abroad would think highly of him. Henry and Annie could not expose him.

After all, the stunt double incident was caused by the three of them. No one could expose it. That would be slapping their own faces.

But Mary couldn’t perform the ritual with the substitute. He didn’t get anything and even successfully fell out with everyone.

Annie said sarcastically, “You’re thinking too much. Did you want to squeeze the substitute out just now and raise the flag yourself?”

William did not fall behind. “Mary, who came up with this idea? I have to meet this genius.”