What is the conflict of the story the three musketeers?

The central conflict of "The Three Musketeers" revolves around the struggle between loyalty, honor, and political intrigue in 17th-century France. D'Artagnan, the protagonist, seeks to join the elite musketeers and becomes embroiled in a plot involving Cardinal Richelieu, who seeks to undermine the king's authority. The personal rivalries and betrayals among characters, such as Milady de Winter and her schemes against the musketeers, further complicate the narrative, highlighting themes of friendship and loyalty against a backdrop of treachery. Ultimately, the story explores the tension between personal duty and the larger political machinations of the time.