Chapter 340: Dominating the Nobles’ Assembly (3)
“Yes, it’s my fault. It’s all my responsibility. I never imagined the Bondragon’s skeleton would suddenly move like that.”
“Ah, but that’s something no one involved in the Termina Grand Garden project could have anticipated…”
“But the fact remains that I didn’t know, correct?”
“…”
“That’s why I feel responsible. If I had foreseen that disaster, if I had predicted it, or at least consulted a seer! The unprecedented and tragic event of the Bondragon rampaging in the heart of the capital wouldn’t have happened.”
“Listen, Earl Lloyd Frontera, that’s not what I meant…”
“I understand. You asked why I was listed as a co-constructor of the Termina Grand Garden when I only actively participated in the waterway design.”
“Indeed…”
“That’s why I’m reflecting. Despite being honored by the Queen’s favor, I was complacent, focusing solely on the waterway design and failing to foresee the catastrophe.”
“That’s not what my question meant…”
“You’re right. I need to reflect. I must acknowledge my faults and irresponsibility. For giving me the chance to reflect on myself, I am deeply grateful to you, Marquis Cordoba.”
“…”
No, I wanted your rebuttal, not your gratitude.
I wanted you to react emotionally.
To draw you into a mudslinging debate and expose your flaws.
‘But… why does he keep making confessions and even shedding tears?’
Marquis Cordoba, the representative of the opposition to the decree, looked at Lloyd with a troubled expression.
‘Does he realize my intention and is doing this on purpose?’
It certainly seemed that way.
Lloyd appeared even more annoying.
‘A royal loyalist? This guy? Ridiculous!’
Marquis Cordoba was, in fact, a loyal and patriotic man.
He took pride in the Magentano royal family’s prosperity.
His loyalty was a source of pride, and the current golden age made him happy.
He wished for this era of peace and prosperity to continue.
That’s why he found Lloyd Frontera distasteful.
‘Yes, I acknowledge your many contributions. But what? We should bestow the royal sacred artifact, the Summer’s Eye, on you just because of a random angel’s decree? That’s too much to accept.’
He couldn’t agree.
The Summer’s Eye was a precious royal artifact.
Though rarely used, just possessing it was a source of strength for the royal family.
‘A sword’s power isn’t just in being drawn. Its mere presence can exert enough pressure on its surroundings.’
That was the true power of a royal artifact, in his view.
But giving such an artifact to a mere vassal because of a sudden decree?
He couldn’t accept it.
It seemed like a huge loss for the royal family.
That’s why he had to undermine Lloyd Frontera’s reputation.
Marquis Cordoba had prepared thoroughly.
He had questions designed to provoke Lloyd.
He didn’t hesitate to distort facts.
He was confident that such questions would make Lloyd feel humiliated.
He was sure Lloyd would be angered by the twisted and false accusations.
But in reality?
‘It’s not working. He realizes our intentions. How can he stay so composed in the face of such insulting questions?’
He couldn’t understand.
As a noble, pride and honor were more important than life.
He assumed Lloyd felt the same.
But Lloyd’s values seemed entirely different from his own.
—
‘Tsk. I expected to be called here for this attack, but experiencing it firsthand… it has no impact.’
Looking at Marquis Cordoba, Lloyd smiled inwardly.
It was true.
Marquis Cordoba’s barrage of questions had been designed to distort facts and twist his actions and intentions.
It was akin to malicious media play.
But hearing it, Lloyd felt no damage.
The reason was simple.
‘I’ve heard far worse from teammates during games.’
Marquis Cordoba thought he had prepared a spicy attack, but it was more like bland baby food.
It was thanks to this that Lloyd could openly enjoy Cordoba’s questions.
Every time Marquis Cordoba posed a sharp and aggressive question.
Every time he delved into Lloyd’s faults and sought accountability.
Lloyd never made excuses.
He didn’t argue.
He accepted everything.
In fact, he went as far as to put on a tearful self-reflection show, thoroughly seasoning his responses with remorse.
“Yes, it’s all my fault. It’s my inadequacy. I should have detected the assassination attempt on the Queen sooner. If I had, the Queen wouldn’t have been poisoned. Also, in Cremo, I didn’t expect the Gigatitan to actually come ashore. I didn’t think it would happen. So the damage was greater. I couldn’t evacuate the people in time, and the city’s buildings were destroyed, and fires broke out.”
“No, that’s not the response I’m looking for…”
“I understand, Marquis Cordoba. You’re wondering how someone as inadequate as I am can be worthy of receiving a royal artifact. I agree. As you’ve seen, I am lacking in many ways. That’s why I’m curious. Why did the heavens bestow such a heavy responsibility on me?”
“…”
“If I could, I’d ask the heavens. I’d ask the holy angels why they would give me such a burden. Why would they want me to receive the royal artifact?”
“We’re the ones who want to ask…”
“No, I want to ask! That’s why I’m pained and saddened! It should have been someone far more worthy, like Marquis Cordoba, who received such a decree!”
“…Huh?”
“I truly believe that. Marquis Cordoba? Don’t you agree? You’ve dedicated your life to the royal family, working tirelessly day and night. You’re a far more deserving individual than someone as fortunate as I am.”
“Well, that’s…”
“I believe so. You are far more noble and honorable.”
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
“It’s not the right time for such words, but this is my heartfelt opinion. As an ancient sage once said, the truth of the world is so grand and sharp that no matter how tightly you cover it, it will eventually reveal itself. My sincere words are the same. No matter how I try to suppress them, my grand sincerity forces its way out.”
“…”
“I know that Marquis Cordoba, and everyone here, are noble and worthy of respect. How could I not? Even when no one is watching, you maintain your dignity and truly think of the royal family.”
“That’s…”
“No need for modesty. That’s why I think…”
Lloyd’s golden flattery and praise poured out like a high-performance motor.
Or like a quad-turbo engine.
“I don’t think I deserve to receive the artifact.”
“Earl Lloyd Frontera!”
Someone couldn’t hold back and shouted.
But it wasn’t the opposition.
It was Marquis Alcante, the leader of the supporters, raising his voice in urgency.
“What are you saying? You received a decree from an angel. A decree! And now you’re saying you don’t deserve the artifact? Are you treating the decree as a joke?”
“Of course not.”
“Then what is it? As I’ve repeatedly emphasized, a decree isn’t a joke. It’s the will of the heavens. What do you think will happen if humans arbitrarily interpret or reject it? What consequences will follow?”
“I…”
“No excuses! If you disregard the decree, who knows what divine punishment might befall our royal family? Do you wish for such misfortune and curse upon us?”
“I…”
“Don’t make excuses! We don’t know what divine punishment might come from disregarding the decree. You must follow it. That’s the true path for the royal family.”
As soon as his speech ended.
Marquis Cordoba of the opposition retorted angrily.
“Marquis Alcante? What are you saying? Why are you speaking as if following the decree is a foregone conclusion? Are you advocating giving the royal artifact to this young man without any verification?”
“What? Treason? What do you mean?”
“It’s the royal artifact! Even if there’s a decree, we shouldn’t lightly give away the royal family’s one and only artifact.”
“But disregarding the decree might bring misfortune to the royal family!”
“But following it might cause a significant loss to the royal family!”
“Watch your words, Marquis Cordoba! You’re endangering the royal family with blasphemy!”
“You watch your words, Marquis Alcante! You’re advocating treason!”
“You!”
“What?”
The voices of the leaders of the supporters and opposition rose.
The main chamber became chaotic in an instant.
Amid the commotion, Lloyd smiled contentedly.
No, he didn’t smile openly.
He restrained his rising mouth corners.
He put on a deeply troubled expression.
He looked around, pleading with his eyes.
Urging them to calm down.
Many in the main chamber were impressed by Lloyd’s demeanor.
Except for three people.
‘…As expected of him.’
Javier sighed deeply from the observer’s gallery.
Meanwhile, next to him, Julian was…
‘Wow, Lloyd Frontera is amazing. He’s my brother, but how can he be so cunning?’
He expressed his awe and disbelief.
Both of them immediately realized.
Lloyd’s current demeanor.
It was all a calculated act.
And another person.
Amid the heated arguments and shouts, someone entered the main chamber.
“Queen Alicia Termina Magentano has arrived. Show your respect!”
The booming voice of the Captain of the Guard filled the chamber.
Everyone fell silent.
All heads bowed.
A solemn silence descended.
The doors to the main chamber opened.
Queen Alicia entered with a regal gaze.
She surveyed the supporters and opposition.
And Lloyd in between.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
‘As expected. You’ve prepared this stage for me.’
Even before entering the chamber, she had heard the noise inside.
She understood the nature of the arguments.
Who was fighting whom.
She realized Lloyd’s intention.
‘His flattery, his cunning, and his scheming. He’s made sure they’re all entangled.’
The Queen’s gaze swept over the supporters and opposition.
She knew they were all loyal subjects.
True followers of her and the royal family.
Their arguments were valid.
She understood why their positions were irreconcilable.
‘But Lloyd Frontera. You’ve given me the stage to resolve this at once.’
She remembered the duel from two days ago.
At the end of the duel, Lloyd had asked her.
To decide whether to accept his proposal.
To demonstrate that decision here in the Nobles’ Assembly.
And what had she answered?
‘I said I would think about it.’
A wry smile formed.
She realized everything.
Lloyd had anticipated this situation.
The severe political conflict and division caused by the decree.
He intended to give her the chance to mediate and restore order.
‘This is your gift. To elevate my political stature once more.’
She would mediate the conflict and gain authority.
Lloyd would get the opportunity to receive the Summer’s Eye.
The kingdom would gain immense benefits from the Pantara Mountain trade route.
If it succeeded.
If it went according to plan.
She, Lloyd, and the Magentano royal family.
All would gain immensely.
So.
The Queen looked at Lloyd.
“…”
A brief moment of eye contact.
A faint, meaningful smile.
Now she understood.
His thoughts.
His seemingly selfish yet considerate heart.
She now had expectations.
Beyond just Lloyd as a vassal.
Perhaps he could be valued even more.
So.
“I decree.”
Queen Alicia Termina Magentano had made her decision.
Her solemn declaration followed.