The king was curious, and Eliza had no qualms about sharing her thoughts.
Magnus eagerly anticipated seeing Gabriel Stonor, the cunning courtier who had held sway for years, finally lose his power and face disgrace.
In this matter, Eliza was certain the king would be more than pleased to see it unfold as planned.
So, in the royal study, Eliza laid out her plan to the king, her words deliberate and persuasive.
“Excellent! Excellent!” Magnus’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I didn’t expect you to be so well–prepared. This plan is definitely feasible!”
After a moment of thought, Magnus turned to Eliza. “Why don’t you stay a bit longer and keep the queen company? No need to rush back to Saint Grace Nunnery tonight. Since you’ve already reclaimed the Padilla family’s estate in Hasen City, you can stay there for the night. You can’t be late for court tomorrow.”
Then, his gaze shifted to Nolan. “Uncle Nolan, make sure the Holy Lady has proper guards arranged.”
Nolan raised an eyebrow and nodded, his expression one of complete ease, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.
“Speaking of guards,” Nolan began casually, “the Holy Lady’s trip to Woteria was fraught with danger. I was just about to suggest adding another personal guard for her.”
The king didn’t think much of it–it was a small matter to him. “Of course, that’s no problem. There are plenty of skilled shadow guards trained in the palace. Uncle Nolan, feel free to pick one.”
But Nolan shook his head. “No need for a shadow guard. Just one person will do.”
Magnus paused, his curiosity piqued as he realized his uncle likely had someone in mind. “Who might this person be?” he asked.
At this point, Eliza stepped forward with a calm demeanor. “Your Majesty, this is someone I rescued during my recent mission to Woteria. He was taken from the royal court of the foreign tribes, under the control of their king, Korneel.
“His name is Rudie. He stands twelve feet tall, a towering figure with the strength to crush boulders bare–handed.” “Really? Bring him in–I must see him with my own eyes!” asked the king.
Soon, a young eunuch announced Rudie’s arrival.
Thanks to Eliza’s earlier coaching, Rudie–simple–minded but not entirely clueless–had learned the basics of palace etiquette. He waited quietly outside and, upon entering, knelt respectfully before the king.
Even with Rudie’s obedient demeanor, his towering presence was enough to make the king feel a twinge of unease. But as the giant knelt and bowed, the sight of such a colossal figure submitting at his feet filled the young king with a surge of pride and satisfaction–a reminder of his supreme authority.
‘Yes, I am the king, the ruler of all under heaven. Even giants must bow before me.”
Nodding in approval, the king turned to Eliza with a smile. “Impressive. He is indeed just as you described, Holy Lady.”
“But if he’s so formidable, how did he end up under the control of Korneel?”
Eliza explained further, “Korneel is a sorcerer skilled in forbidden arts, able to control others with his dark magic. Rudie, despite his immense strength, was born with a childlike mind, which made him vulnerable to such manipulation. He was turned into a mindless puppet, used only for killing. Serenity barely escaped his rampage, but your shadow guard, Tina, managed to subdue him. Moved by his plight, Serenity brought him back to Hasen City.”
“I see.” The king’s lingering doubts vanished after hearing this.
A superhuman warrior could be terrifying.
But one who could be defeated by a shadow guard and had a childlike mind was far less threatening.
“Since the Holy Lady saved you and brought you here, you shall follow her from now on. Serve her well and repay her kindness.”
She had broken her vow again and would need to copy the Bible several more times when she returned.
Nolan, who had stepped back after initiating the matter and let Eliza handle the rest, curled his lips into a faint smile.
He thought to himself, “Eliza handled this perfectly.”
With this matter resolved, Eliza went to spend time with Diana.
By the time she arrived, Raisa was already gone, having left some time ago.
It was just as well–now Eliza and Diana finally had the space to chat freely.
News from the palace had just reached the Duke’s estate, stirring up chaos.
“Bang
“That disgraceful girl! I knew she’d stir up trouble the moment she came back. And now she has the audacity to ask the king to let her change her surname?” he bellowed, his face twisted with rage.
In the study, Benedict’s expression shifted slightly. He opened his mouth, as if to speak, but hesitated.
Gabriel’s sharp glare pinned him in place. “I know your heart still leans toward that rebellious girl,” he growled. “But you’d
better think carefully. If you want her to live, you must stand with me on this. Otherwise, don’t blame me for taking matters into my own hands!”
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