King Richard had already faced enormous criticism, and collaborating with Mandala Star was a desperate gamble.
If successful, destroying Byron Star and acquiring technology, he would regain the leading position, and no one could shake him.
However, all of this hinges on the victory in this war.
If the war takes an unexpected turn...
First, the Star System Alliance would have completely fragmented, and Lucas Star wanting to continue being the leader of the Star System Alliance would likely be impossible.
Secondly, King Richard would face unprecedented attacks on Lucas Star, and the voices calling for his abdication would drown out everything.
This time, he even sacrificed his dignity, offering his daughter Elizabeth in marriage to Prince Hades of Mandala Star. If Mandala Star were to lose the war, where would he still have face?