Chapter 777: Chapter 25 Royal Family Scandal (4)_3

“No one cares about your romantic history, Old Firewood.” Looking towards the Queen, Loneliness asked, “So, your decision?”

Queen Annie straightened up, her expression shifting. A second ago, she had been a good-tempered, wealthy lady, chatting with an old friend about the futures of their children. At that moment, her gaze turned icy cold, bearing the majesty of a monarch, breath-taking and with a soul-stirring pressure.

“Once the duel before the court is over, and the King of Skeleton is appeased, the succession to the crown will be reconsidered. Connot Jackson Morton will become the new Crown Prince and will gradually inherit his brother’s territory.”

The other three stood simultaneously, saying solemnly, “Your will.”

Queen Annie nodded, indicating they should sit down: “Next agenda item. Before you propose, let me inform you of my response in advance. The Country will not seek help from any nation or Creator Realm Mages for the impending Dragon Disaster, but will rely on our own strength to overcome the calamity.”

Loneliness’s just-emerging smile vanished immediately, and he said angrily, “You are too arrogant! You’re still questioning those trivial benefits at this time?!”

“I don’t care about the interests we will have to give up in seeking help; no benefit is greater than the survival of the Country,” said the Queen. “What worries me is the existence of those Creator Realm Mages. How can you be sure it’s a blessing in disguise and not inviting a wolf into the house?”

“Are you still living in the era of the Secret Wars?”

“The Secret Wars ended just six years ago!” the Queen said sharply. “It was interrupted by the Calamity of the Firmament, not concluded. The embers of war have never died out. Do you really think humanity will unite in the face of the approaching threat?!”

Loneliness slapped his thigh. “I believe! I’ve seen those new children with my own eyes, they are even stronger than us in our day. The Empire’s Sky Extreme, the Union’s Gun of Punishment, they have broader visions beyond small countries. They are trustworthy!”

“Trustworthy?” the Queen exclaimed angrily. “Olerian died in Ustus!”

The old Mage fell silent, and Macrow weighed his words: “Your Majesty, it was an accident…”

The Queen shook her head: “I do not believe it, Knight Macrow. I can never trust the federal government of Gaius Otimis, just as I cannot trust that ancient Empire. Only they know the details of the Calamity of the Firmament; no one knows what the Imperials have concealed.”

Queen Annie surveyed her loyal subjects, softening her tone.

“You always look at problems from the perspective of the Impermanence Law Enforcers, making everything seem very simple. But I am a politician; I know that people always act against their hearts, and the Creator Realm Mages are no exception. Just as I want Charlie to succeed the throne, I have to yield to your will.”

The three were speechless. They were all Impermanence Law Enforcers, more accustomed to judging humanity from the perspective of the Impermanence Law. The Queen had made concessions; they could not demand more… and rationally, the Queen’s apprehensions were not unfounded. With the Secret Wars ended only a mere six years ago, who could guarantee that other countries didn’t harbor ulterior motives?

Loneliness tried one last effort: “We could at least try to approach Situ Yi…”

The Knight of Dawn spoke up for the first time in the meeting.

“I disagree, Sir Loneliness. That man’s mind is unfathomable and inscrutable. It would be best to have him leave the capital as soon as possible.”

The old Mage had nothing to argue, muttering in frustration: “Are you trustworthy? The suspect who damaged the armor! We all witnessed you—”

The old Commander raised his hands, saying gently, “Calm down, Sir. The prophecy has made you overly tense, and being suspicious will turn you into Macbeth.”

“I never worry excessively,” Loneliness said quietly. “I’m just afraid.”

“It’s time to rest, Chief Mage. Don’t be too hard on yourself for the coming disaster.”

The Queen rose, and the old Commander escorted her from her seat. Loneliness and Alandia accompanied them to the door. As they were about to step into the carriage, the Queen, as if suddenly remembering something, said:

“By the way, Loneliness. Now is not a good time to examine the mythology of the Country. After August, when the weather is warm, we might find a sunny afternoon to have a good chat…”

The Queen smiled in parting, “If, by then, we can all meet again.”

“Most certainly, Your Majesty. As long as I draw breath, no one shall jeopardize your safety,” the old Commander said solemnly, ushering the Queen into the carriage and driving her away.

Loneliness let out a long sigh. He led the Knight of Dawn upstairs to his cluttered office and sat down.

“She has been immersed in politics for too long; her way of approaching problems is already very different from ours. We need more strength, Helaisen. Even if it means turning to Superpower Users.”

“I understand, Sir,” Alandia said. “But Mr. Mo Yuankai is likely to be a seed of the King of Greed.”

Loneliness shooed the concern away with a gesture, as if to drive away his doubts. After falling silent for a while, he spoke darkly.

“If we cannot control the future, in the worst case… at least we must master the way the future unfolds.”

“That’s an extremely despicable and evil thought,” accused Alandia.

“I’ll express this strategy to him myself… Come in!”

There was a knock at the door, and Kerky led Gongsun Ce inside. She whispered to the old Mage, “Mr. Mo reminds you that it’s time for your module test.”

“You take him. Don’t bother me.”

Loneliness gestured for the apprentice to leave. Once the door was closed, the two sat back down on the couch to revisit the original topic of conversation.

“Alright, back to your original purpose… Did you all watch Situ Yi’s play?” asked Loneliness.

Gongsun Ce nodded puzzledly, not understanding why the old man had specifically called him back. The Knight of Dawn said: “I am deeply perplexed, Sir. Situ Yi put forward a hypothesis; let’s not talk about the bizarre metaphors in the first half of the play, only the ending: A black sword fell from the sky, overturning the continent. The fragments became our islands, and King Morton repelled the Netherworld Dragon with the black sword. He seems to suggest that our Holy Sword is…”

“Something even more terrifying than the dragons?” Loneliness interjected.

“Yes.”

The old Mage looked at Gongsun Ce and abruptly asked:

“Have you read King Morton’s erotica?”