Conrad could not help but argue back, “Grandpa, this is a confrontation between nations. Even though it’s just a challenge, how can we allow our great nation of Holtrien to suffer such an insult? Bringing up old grudges with the Lloyd family at a time like this doesn’t seem honorable or something to be proud of! As for Andrew, I don’t trust him!”

Otto sneered coldly and asked, “Are you questioning his abilities or doubting whether he’ll even act?”

Conrad replied honestly, “Both. He has lost all loyalty to the military. He even harbors hatred toward General Turman, which is common knowledge to many. What I fear is that he’ll just sit back and watch Ezekiel publicly humiliate the military!”

Otto chuckled with amusement and said, “That would actually be the best outcome for our family! This is a death trap with no escape, and I want that cursed dragon to hover on the edge of death and destruction. If he doesn’t die this time, then I’ll set up a second trap, then a third. Eventually, he’ll meet his end!”

Conrad gasped in shock and blurted out, “Wait… Did you orchestrate Ezekiel’s challenge to the Martial Tower?”

Otto remained silent, but his silence spoke volumes. It was as good as a confession.

“Grandpa, why would you do this? How can our grudges with Andrew, his father, and the royal Lloyd family take precedence over our country? I can’t support what you’re doing!” Conrad’s fury erupted, though he still maintained some restraint in Otto’s presence.

Otto’s face twisted with a menacing expression as he snarled, “Fool! Do you think I’m orchestrating this for some petty personal vendetta? The Cunningham family is already at the point of no return, and we have no choice but to strike! Only one of us can survive; either the Cunningham family or the royal Lloyd family. Andrew and Reginald, that father–son pair of cursed dragons, are our family’s greatest enemies. Eliminating either one of them would mean rebirth and a breakthrough for our family. Your mercy at this moment is nothing but false compassion and cowardice, do you understand?”

Conrad replied coldly, “I have never been a coward! Death isn’t an ending for me… It’s a beginning. But Grandpa, I equally despise your arrangements this time. At the very least, if I were leading the Cunningham family, I would never stoop to such tactics.”

Otto sneered dismissively and said, “You’re still so useless, my dear grandson! Beyond martial arts, you have a very long way to go. Someday you’ll discover that there are far too many things in this world that martial arts can’t solve. Yet, with political maneuvering, nothing is impossible! Whether Andrew acts or not, he has no real choice. If he doesn’t act, the military will suffer a crushing defeat, and he’ll be held accountable. Plenty of people will settle scores with him. If he does act, do you think Ezekiel will spare him? Will Waylon show mercy? I want to kill him, and Waylon sees him as a thorn in his side, too. So he’ll face yet another trial by death!” Otto’s cold laughter filled the air as he abruptly ended the call.

Conrad stood silently in the snow, saying nothing for a long moment. Finally, he did nothing and returned to his original position, sitting cross–legged in meditation.

“What goes around comes around, Andrew. All the tribulations you face today are of your own making,” Clenching his fists tightly, Conrad’s voice was filled with both hatred and anguish as he spoke those painful words.