CH 68

“Your Majesty, the lords are not as stupid as you think they are.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The territorial dispute, Your Majesty. It has been going on for too long,” Lydia answered as she smiled softly.

“Too long? What do you mean, Lydia?”

“If anything goes on for too long, it causes people to be blinded and miss their opportunity. I’m saying that you’re missing out on the timing to carry out what you’ve always dreamt of, Your Majesty.”

The king’s eyes shone with greed.

“Although you shouldn’t make a move right now, if you keep dragging this on, the lords will notice your intentions and they will soon have control of the game. They will protest against Your Majesty for their own good,” Lydia continued.

“So, what are you telling me to do?”

Lydia knelt before the king and said, “That’s why we need Gareth. You want to put him in the vanguard, don’t you?”

The king’s expression twisted as if he had just bit into something bitter. Gareth was indeed the man he was thinking of putting in the vanguard, as his name alone was powerful. But he couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable when he realized that Lydia had read his innermost thoughts. He also wondered if it was truly possible to expand his power over the whole country using Gareth.

“Ask Lyla to ask Gareth to marry her. No one can refuse an invitation to become the king’s son-in-law, not even Gareth.”

“He’s a man who wanders like the wind. He won’t come to the capital just because I called him,” Lyla stated.

“Then, should I try? For my dear nephew and for His Majesty?” Lydia asked.

The king’s eyes suddenly became stained with bloodthirst. ‘It’s true that it has been a while. How many years has it been…? Is it really the time to show how my strength has grown over these past years while the lords were busy fighting amongst themselves?’

Lydia caught the flash of emotion that passed through the king’s eyes at that moment and continued, “It’s a dangerous thing for me, as a woman, to leave the capital, but I’m willing to go and persuade Gareth for you, Your Majesty. It’s my job as part of the royal family to be present for the matchmaking process.”

“What if you fail?”

“If I fail, I’ll let you behead me.”

The king showed obvious interest in Lydia’s words.

“Just give me some time. You know that Gareth is not an ordinary man. If I succeed in persuading him before the end of this year, I will send someone to the capital. Then you can send Gareth a formal request inviting him to the capital to marry your daughter.”

* * *

By creating her own opportunity like this, Lydia had been able to leave the city as she had planned. This had only been possible then because the king hadn’t thought of her presence as a serious threat and only saw her as some woman he could kill at any minute if he wanted to. Lydia had realized such arrogance and devised a plan against the king.

After leaving the capital, Lydia had checked everything that would contribute to her plan, including the lords who had secretly joined hands with Logan without knowing the reason behind the alliances. Lydia had decided she didn’t need to join forces with the lords in the south, as there wasn’t enough time. The important thing was to destroy the capital, which would naturally bring her power and make the lords who were weakened by years of territorial conflict obey her.

After checking everything, Lydia had tracked down Gareth and had immediately sent a letter to the king upon learning that Gareth was returning to his estate.

After checking everything, Lydia had tracked down Gareth and immediately sent a letter to the king upon learning that Gareth was returning to his estate.

“My cruel brother, my king. I hope you’ve already sent a formal letter to Gareth inviting him to the capital. Don’t be too late. I’m waiting for you,” Lydia murmured to herself as she showed a cruel smile.

* * *

Elena and Madel led the cart, containing late lunch for the workers, to the construction site of the castle walls. The freshly baked bread and hot chicken stew emanated a delicious aroma into the cold air. When Elena approached the workers, Giggs greeted her with a big smile.

“I see you’ve come here yourself this time.” He looked at Elena’s thin coat and spoke rather softly, feeling sorry for her.

“I thought I should come in person at least once,” Elena grinned, then observed the ramparts.