The conference took most of the day, with only short breaks in between sessions. With topics ranging from agriculture to trade to military movements to even nobility needs, the monthly conference was a rare event where the future of the Alzar Kingdom was planned out! As expected, when it was over, the Royal Assembly members were thoroughly exhausted, especially Lord Korogin. As the head of the Royal Assembly, he had the final say in all matters. There was no chance for rest. Even when he was walking between the conference hall to his chambers, countless messengers bombarded him with reports. On top of his Royal Assembly duties, he was still the temporary monarch!
He grunted inwardly while maintaining a regal appearance. Although others might not know, but the internal threats were equally as bad as the war with the Xingyuu Empire. In truth, he suspected that the Grand Nobility Households may have dabbled in the rebel forces, but without evidence, he could not act. The households had a great foundation. Toppling one would undoubtedly shift the entire power structure in the kingdom. However, leaving them alone would be most foolish. A sharp glint flashed through his eyes as he thought. If they were in peaceful times, then Korogin would instantly act.
Earlier, he wanted to probe the Royal Assembly members, to test their reactions on being accused. Some denied it vehemently, while others deflected the blame. But Korogin knew how crafty these people were. How could they join the Royal Assembly without a firm grasp of politics? All of them could scheme and backstab while keeping a noble face. They knew how to handle people like puppets on strings. They pointed fingers around and around until everyone lost interest. Normally, someone would be disheartened with such a result, but Korogin expected this. With their reactions, he had even more confidence. There was certainly a traitor!
When he reached his quarters, the man tried to relax his shoulders, but they were as tense as he was. He was frustrated. Even with the glamorous title of temporary monarch, the power he wielded felt awfully limited. As they say, with great power comes great responsibility! Clearly, Korogin was no exception. He started looking through the dozens of scrolls built up on his desk. Most were updates from the war council and movements of allied or enemy forces. As he went through them, he was pleasantly surprised. It was an update from Commander Christina reporting her arrival in the capital with Elizabeth. He had been expecting their arrival for days now and sent Sir Winstin to find them without hesitation. What happened next could determine the fate of the kingdom!
Half an hour later, the Royal Guard returned with the two. Elizabeth was astonished to hear that the man escorting them was the Leader of the Knights and the Royal Guard, the strongest knight in the Alzar Kingdom! The reason was, Grand Knights and even Royal Guards radiated a horrifying pressure. Simply staying next to them was suffocating for her, as if they could crush her without moving a finger! Despite that, Sir Winstin had no pressure, not even the tiniest amount. His presence was so imperceivably weak that Elizabeth thought he was your everyday soldier. This made her realize. This was the strong!
When she entered the room and saw Korogin's cold and calculating gaze, she flinched. It was different from when she met General Gordon. Every instinct was telling her to bow down in submission! Seeing this, Korogin softened his expression. He forced himself to remember. This was not the Royal Assembly, where snakes and tigers lurked. This was his friend's legacy! But he had to make sure.
"Commander Christina, is this Elizabeth?"
"Yes, I can confirm she is."
"Does she have the Holy Reingolian Medallion on her?"
Christina glanced at Elizabeth, who reacted. She fumbled with the medallion hidden under her clothes, before bringing it out. When she was in Fortress Fallinard, Christina specifically instructed her to keep it hidden. Therefore, only when they were in the protection of Castle Reinhard, did she wear it again. The golden glamor of the lion instantly drew everyone's attention. It was simply too eye-catching! Sir Winstin's and Lord Korogin's breathing hastened as they recognized that familiar object. It was the Holy Reingolian Medallion that they remembered! Elizabeth saw their strange looks and raised an eyebrow.
"Pardon me," Korogin said, instantly recovering his demeanor. "Please, take a seat. Earlier, I was too preoccupied with the Royal Assembly conference to meet with you. Would you like a drink? We have Crystal Grape Wine, Thousand Showers, and even Reflection and Remorse." He effortlessly listed off priceless beverages.
Elizabeth lowly laughed and replied awkwardly, "I don't know. Could I have some water or tea?"
The man was unflustered as he ordered a servant over. He shifted his attention over to Christina and asked, "Does she know anything?"
"I haven't told her anything as you ordered, Your Majesty."
"Good, good… You must be very confused, Your Highness."
Elizabeth saw Korogin was looking straight at her and she blankly stared back. Your Highness was a form of address made towards the Royal Family, second only to Your Majesty. It symbolized paramount importance and authority in the Alzar Kingdom. To this, Elizabeth was silent as she reflexively glanced in her aunt's direction. Her thoughts slowly drifted. When she heard she was going to Castle Reinhard, she made several guesses. They ranged from the straightforward, like detailing New Havens to a general, to the outright ridiculous, like becoming the Royal Farmer. But this… Elizabeth was in a daze. The possibility of being a princess seemed so distant that it was essentially wishful thinking. After all, her parents were Victoria and Roan, two farmers that descended from a generation of farmers from New Havens! No matter how she racked her brains, the connection between New Havens and the Alzar Kingdom was nonexistent!
Korogin then eloquently explained, "As you may have guessed, your true name is Elizabeth Etuvel Reindel, and you're the daughter and only child of King Harth Etuvel Reindel."
"Huh?" Elizabeth blurted out. She really had to wonder if she was dreaming still. "I'm sorry. Could you repeat that again?"
The Master of Strategy exchanged a glance with Christina. She hastily said, "It means that you're a princess of the Alzar Kingdom, Elizabeth."