Reuben and Ambrose descended into a somber silence. Their heads were bowed, burdened by the weight of guilt. Tears traced down their cheeks. Along their journey, they succumbed to the temptation of wealth, pleasure, and the heady allure of power. While manipulating forces and wielding authority, they lost touch with the ideals that once guided them, metamorphosing into the very embodiment of the individuals they once scorned. Did they harbor regret for their choices? Undoubtedly. Yet, redemption now seemed like an elusive pursuit. Once certain actions were taken, there was no turning back."Reuben, Ambrose, having committed such grave crimes, how should I deal with you?" Rufus suddenly inquired.Reuben trembled as he spoke, "I acknowledge my profound guilt and am willing to atone with my life. I only ask Your Highness to spare the Vern family." "Innocent lives will be spared, but those who have committed severe wrongs shall face death," Rufus replied without turning around.
In this pivotal moment, Ambrose had utterly forsaken all rationality, succumbing to a reckless frenzy. He staunchly believed that his tireless efforts had been instrumental in Rufus's effective governance of West Lucozia. In Ambrose's perspective, reveling in the privileges of power and authority was a well-deserved entitlement.Why hold such a position if he couldn't relish its benefits? Sacrificing the lives of a few commoners seemed trivial compared to his role as governor. He failed to perceive any wrongdoing on his part, attributing the entire crisis to Rufus's lack of wisdom."Ambrose, do you still refuse to accept it?" Rufus shook his head, disappointment etched across his face. He went on, "Your son ran rampant, lives were callously taken, and the people were treated as if they were inconsequential. Your actions mirror those of ancient savages—burning, killing, and pillaging!""I've achieved greatness! I built West Lucozia's prosperity, ensuring its citizens' well-be
Albert responded with a quick acknowledgment and left promptly. As the Executioner, he had refrained from significant bloodshed since the era of peace in West Lucozia. However, Ambrose's recent actions compelled him to step back into the role. Ambrose's foolishness harmed himself and dragged the entire Linden family into a perilous situation."Reuben offers a sacrificial redemption through death, demoted to a commoner, and permits a dignified burial. "Punish all the Vern family criminals according to the law. Spare the innocent ones," Rufus spoke again."Understood!" Jaxon bowed and gestured, instructing someone to carry Reuben's lifeless body away. Soon, only Rufus and Eloise remained in the hall.Once everyone had left, Rufus finally couldn't hold back, succumbing to intense coughing. His body swayed, teetering on the edge."Your Highness! Are you okay?" Eloise was startled and quickly rushed forward to support him."It's nothing, just an old ailment." Rufus shook his head
"You're right about Austin. He's truly exceptional." Rufus nodded approvingly. He went on, "His combat prowess in the Black Dragon Army ranks is at the top, even surpassing my skills back in the day. Moreover, his military strategies make him an invaluable talent."The commanders often report Austin's achievements to me, and I've watched him grow. Having a son like him makes me proud," he expressed with satisfaction.Hearing this, Eloise breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a surge of joy. She hadn't expected him to pay such close attention to their son's development despite his busy schedule."Eloise, Austin is an outstanding young man, no doubt about it. He can become a great general, leading West Lucozia to expand its territory and achieve extraordinary feats."However, being the Prince of West Lucozia is a different story, at least not for now." He suddenly shifted the conversation.Upon hearing this, she paused, a hint of confusion crossing her face."Eloise, if I had more t
Eloise executed a graceful bow and turned to depart when a sudden upheaval disrupted the calm. A resounding crash echoed through the hall as the ceiling gave way, and a shadowy figure dressed in black descended dramatically. The assassin was wielding a sharp sword."Your Highness, look out!" Quick on her feet, she immediately raised her voice to warn Rufus of the imminent danger."Rufus! Your time has come! Die!" The assassin's cry reverberated as he thrust the sword.The motion was so swift, leaving only a momentary glint of light. As the radiance faded, the assassin's sword had already punctured Rufus's chest. Rufus stood frozen, staring at the sword that had impaled him, seemingly unable to grasp the reality of the situation. Eloise, positioned by the doorway, watched in disbelief, questioning how an assassin had managed to breach the heavily fortified castle.The assault was meticulously timed, occurring during Albert and Jaxon's absence, as if the assassin had orchestrat
"Your Highness? Your Highness! Wake up! Wake up!" Eloise, witnessing Rufus devoid of life, was plunged into inconsolable grief, wailing with profound sorrow. The suddenness of it all caught her completely off guard. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine Rufus would die in her arms. Those who rushed to the scene were similarly moved to tears, for Rufus was not only the heart of the castle but also the linchpin of the entire West Lucozia.…As time passed, the dawn gradually broke, casting a somber atmosphere over the entire castle. The hall, once a place of bustling activity, was now transformed into a memorial hall adorned with white lilies. A finely crafted black coffin took center stage, containing the peacefully laid-out Rufus in resplendent attire.Mourners, which consisted of mostly loyal castle personnel and members of the Rhys family, dressed in mourning attire filled the hall.Eloise, kneeling at the forefront, gazed at Rufus's portrait with tears silently strea
"Your Highness suggests we root out the traitor?" Jaxon inquired."No, exposing the traitor and tracking the killer is Albert's task. Your mission is even more critical," Eloise said with seriousness. She went on, "These years, the situation in West Lucozia has been unstable. With His Highness gone, the castle is vulnerable. "I've gathered you, the Draken Guardians, to protect the castle. Whoever dares to plot against it, eliminate them without mercy!""I understand!" Jaxon replied. In times of crisis, extraordinary measures were necessary. With the prince gone, the castle faced imminent challenges."General Steele, you were a trusted aide to His Highness and are a pillar of our castle. It's up to you now," Eloise said solemnly."I am willing to sacrifice everything to safeguard the castle," Jaxon declared, fully aware of his responsibility.The prince's assassination placed the blame squarely on him as the captain of the royal guards. Were it not for the castle's current st
"Dustin, I understand you're dealing with a lot right now. But before you make any decisions, let me finish," Grace said with a smirk. She went on, "These girls trust you completely. If you take them in, it could be beneficial for you in many ways. You know, when you're feeling lonely or ... Well, you get the idea.""Hey! No jokes. Get to the point!" Dustin retorted impatiently."Alright, I'll get straight to it," Grace said, her tone turning serious. She added, "Logan, these girls are exceptional. I've screened them, and each one is intelligent, resilient, and will become remarkable individuals with a bit of nurturing.""What do you mean?" He squinted."I believe you understand the importance of undercover agents, especially female ones. They possess unique advantages in certain aspects. "If you train these girls as undercover agents, it could be a significant asset," she explained."Easy for you to say. Training an undercover agent takes a lot of time and effort. I'm strug