Chapter 56: Is the Farce Over…?
As her words echoed, the exit of the hall erupted into chaos once again.
Clank, clank…
The sound of countless armors clashing moved from afar, drawing nearer. The steps sounded steady and organized, making me turn back in confusion.
What came into view were those who hadn’t fled the venue, gradually retreating back into the hall. The men hurriedly shielded their companions behind them, while the noblewomen clutched their children tightly. Confusion was plastered across their faces, glancing anxiously around as they searched for a hiding spot, only to find people in front and behind, looking utterly lost.
Clank, clank.
The armor sounds grew closer, and soon I heard the booming voice of the Old Knight from the corridor outside.
“Step aside! Everyone move to the sides!”
With that command, the crowd suddenly dispersed like a receding tide, as a neatly lined-up squad of silver-armored soldiers swept through the main entrance like a dragon darting through the crowd, quickly marching into the hall. There must have been at least fifty or sixty of them, and likely more outside.
“Guard forces, on my command! Quickly assist the Sword of Kanli! Eliminate the remaining assassins—”
The leading Old Knight raised his right arm and then swiftly brought it down.
“Leave no one behind.”
Clang, clang, clang—
At his command, the guards on either side immediately spread out, drawing their swords as they dove toward the few battling factions. The Old Knight pressed on, hurrying with the remaining dozen or so people toward us.
Their iron boots thumped on the red carpet, splashing spilled wine that scattered like tiny flowers.
…It seems to be wrapping up.
It looked like Victoria had anticipated everything; she was thoroughly prepared. Just a short while ago, the Old Duke had been so aggressive—uh, well, if everything had gone according to his plan, it might actually be considered a surprisingly forceful move.
But now, here he stood alone before the proud Queen, slightly hunched from the pain in his right arm, his graying hair a bit disheveled, strands flopping over his forehead. Not far from his foot lay all his subordinates, but they could no longer stand.
The scene looked quite desolate.
But no matter what, his schemes had crumbled in front of Victoria.
“Duke Lex! Haha, sorry, sorry! I think I overindulged and my stomach is a bit off, spent a little more time than planned. How are you? I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long!”
The Old Knight’s booming laughter and mocking words arrived before he did. Duke Lex turned his head, his gaze cold as it met with the Old Knight’s for a moment, lips pressed tight as if pondering something.
The silver-armored soldiers swept past me, creating a refreshing breeze that brushed against my thighs.
…Ah!
My skirt!
Suddenly, I remembered it was still torn. My face flushed again, and seeing that no one seemed to notice, I quickly used both hands to shield my right thigh, awkwardly shuffling over to a close spot behind Victoria, lifting a fallen chair, patting my rear before sitting down, then snatching a white tablecloth to cover my legs.
I felt a little safer.
Then I suddenly thought of Sophia… Where was she?
The assassins didn’t seem to have injured anyone; Sophia should be alright, right?
As I fiddled with the tablecloth draped over my legs, trying to wrap it snugly around them and my backside, I craned my neck to look around the hall, searching for the familiar figure of the girl.
At the same time, I could hear Victoria speaking: “Duke Lex, your downfall this time is… you still see me as the little girl from before, thinking I’m still all alone.”
“But unbeknownst to you, the situation has changed dramatically. You underestimate me too much. Six days ago, I received intelligence that about 13,000 Iron Guards left Fulesk Fortress and would soon arrive at the Royal City. At that moment, I already knew what you intended to do… For you, both in terms of the situation and the larger picture, your timing has become ripe, with only one final step left: to k*ll me, the last legitimate heir to the throne.”
“I presume those Iron Guards are waiting just outside the city? It’s unfortunate that they can’t come in just yet. I know who your informants are. Lord Leonard, merchant Harrison from the north… They told me earlier they’d bring a large shipment of pig iron into the city tonight and claimed they’d gift half to me for my birthday… Where do you think they are now?”
“Ha! Duke Lex, why aren’t you saying anything? Feeling a bit queasy yourself? Your complexion doesn’t look too good.” The Old Knight interjected with laughter, sounding downright gleeful. “Surprised, aren’t you? Who would’ve thought you’d see this old face at the banquet? It’s all thanks to your precious grandson; without his little incident, I might not have shown up. You had Her Majesty play that silly guessing game with you, but now it’s your turn. How about guessing how many guards are stationed at the city walls tonight—10,000 or 20,000?”
“…What? Not going to guess? Then let me take a shot. I guess… your mood must be absolutely dreadful right now, am I right?”
Rip—
I tore off a sizeable chunk of the white tablecloth, tied it around my waist, and slowly stood up. Looking down, the cloth hung just below my knees; no fear of wardrobe malfunctions now!
Though I might look a tad ridiculous…
The blaring noise gradually softened, and the fighting in the banquet hall had essentially concluded. I noticed Rect had left Victoria’s side at some point, moving over to oversee the cleaning of fallen assassins alongside the Sword of Kanli, hauling bloodied corpses missing limbs out of the hall.
“Apologies for disturbing everyone; this will be over soon…”
“Tonight will still be a pleasant evening, I assure you…”
He continued to reassure and comfort the panicked guests.
After a long silence, the Old Duke finally spoke, “So, dear Her Majesty, here we are… I may have failed this time, but what can you do with me now?”
“I’m at your mercy; whether you wish to k*ll me or torture me, it’s all up to you. Blink once and I’m not worthy to lead the Clive Family… Execution? Or hanging? I know you can’t wait to deal with me. But as you said, there are 13,000 troops waiting somewhere outside the city, and that number will surely increase soon… In this situation, whoever moves first will be the one to start a war. So, what do you plan to do next, Your Majesty?”
“Will you parade me for execution, then wage war against the Clive Family, dragging all of Ethanbel into chaos… or seek help from the Holy Church? I know the Knights Order’s second division is stationed at the Rabeli Valley, perhaps you could reach out to them? Provided they’re able to spare some attention this way.”
“What’s it going to be? Negotiation or action? Better think it over carefully.”
I frowned, gazing at the Old Duke’s squinted eyes.
This old codger…
Even at this point, he’s still such a nuisance.
But what he said seemed rather grave… 13,000 Iron Guards outside.
If they were all equipped with Central Forge armors and weapons… I knew all too well how formidable our own gear was. Judging by the guards’ standard equipment, even with 20,000 men, holding the line wouldn’t be easy.
If they brought large siege weapons…
That could pose an even bigger threat to the Royal City than the Teresa Monster.
“The next steps, you don’t need to worry about.”
Victoria said quietly, then turned to the Old Knight and gently waved her hand.
“Take him to the dungeon.”
“Ha!”
The Old Knight chuckled lightly, instructing a few soldiers to step forward, escorting the now-silent Old Duke away.
I felt worry creep in, and unconsciously moved closer to Victoria, reaching out to pat her on the back. At that moment, I heard the Old Duke, not far off, huffing a sound.
I instinctively turned my head, just in time to see his wrinkled profile and the gradually fading strange smile.
It was an extremely uncomfortable grin.
Something didn’t feel right…
“Peilo—!”
A sweet, melodious voice called out to me from afar.
Following the voice, I spotted Sophia standing among the crowd, staring at me. The lovely oval face retained a hint of shock, the trace of fear still lingering in her eyes, trembling slightly.
She’s okay…
I quickened my steps toward her.
