There was no way he could give into Elizabeth's request, and that caused Elizabeth's mood to sour. She understood what Illion was thinking and even agreed with it. However, her heart was heavy. Inwardly, she was frustrated by her powerlessness and uselessness. Her friends fought tooth and nail to escape the Yunyun Stronghold and rescue her, placing their lives on the line repeatedly. In comparison, what did she do? She did nothing! Ever since she reunited with them, she felt grateful but also guilty. If they did not decide to help her, they would not have been brought so closely to death's door. This culminated into a desire to do something… anything to help!
Becoming heir apparent and queen was rather distant and intangible to her. After all, the role of queenship was still rather ambiguous. Now that she heard Korogin may be in danger, there was no way for her not be concerned! She also wanted to play her role, to fight tooth and nail, and to risk her life as well! In fact, these feelings stemmed from as long ago as New Havens, when she was forced to escape pitifully with Benedict. Her family sacrificed themselves to ensure her survival and that weighed heavily on her consciousness. That feeling of guilt only flared up more from Port Silic. Elizabeth heard from Lorenzo and that others the outcome of her kidnapping. Countless knights and soldiers died for her… This guilt built up to unimaginable levels. Now that she had the opportunity to help someone else, why would she hesitate?
"Don't bother speaking of this anymore, Your Highness" Illion snorted. He could see Elizabeth's determination, but even more so, he knew he could not yield one step. "Your decision could end up dooming the entire kingdom."
Elizabeth bit her lip and clenched her fists. "I know that but…"
"Enough. I may be your subordinate, but I will not tolerate actions that go against the Alzar Kingdom. If you persist anymore, then I will be forced to detain you, Your Highness."
"You would do that against an heir apparent?" Elizabeth narrowed her eyes.
Illion was silent. It was indeed an empty threat. As long as that Holy Reingolian Medallion hung around her neck, her word was law! She could not be defied! Even he, the Third-In-Command of the army, was not exempt. It might be a different story if he was on the Royal Assembly, but his authority was far below par here. Hence, he hoped to scare her into submission. Elizabeth was a sixteen-year-old girl after all! Wielding her authority here was akin to wielding a hammer as a baby. It was both dangerous and foolish. He could not afford to let her haphazardly demand things. The Royal Family was the very pinnacle of the Alzar Kingdom, residing over millions of citizens, spanning hundreds of cities across an entire continent. Its authority came with mountainous responsibility!
But… Elizabeth was truly fit for her age. She was not willing to relent. If Korogin was here, he would reminisce about King Harth, Elizabeth's father. He had a stubborn attitude, but he was warm and all-encompassing. His charisma was boundless, such that you could not help but agree with him. Meanwhile, Korogin was one of the few compasses that steered the kingdom clear of danger. Together, the two of them pioneered negotiations with the Xingyuu Empire to end the war. On the Xingyuu Empire's side, Empress Mei Li was beloved. On the Alzar Kingdom's side, King Harth was famous. Unfortunately, due to King Harth's oversight with the Ambush of Sanguis Coast… that reputation disappeared.
"Is it possible to reach Lord Korogin if we changed course?" Elizabeth repeated.
"If I answer your question, would you leave it at that?"
"That's up to me to decide," she raised her head in disdain.
General Illion was gripping his chair so hard that creaking noises could be heard. When had he ever been pushed into a corner by someone before? By a teenage girl nonetheless! She was truly… infuriating! But he was helpless. He looked as if he aged by several years. Face dark, he said, "By my estimates, yes… It is possible."
"Perfect! Then change course for the Xingyuu Empire!" Elizabeth smiled.
***
Meanwhile, far south of the Maelstrom Gulf and Elizabeth's escort fleet, in the middle of the Desterina Ocean, a large fleet was headed towards the Xingyuu Empire. Bearing the proud insignia of a lion and snake, the flags of the Alzar Kingdom proudly flapped in the air. The fleet was ten thousand men strong! However, despite its threatening size, the waters were very peaceful. There was nothing to stop its voyage. In fact, ever since the ships departed from the Teria Sea, they had not seen a single Xingyuu ship in sight, even as far as the horizon. It made for an awfully lonely and boring scene. Some soldiers even took the time to fish and relax. If one was looking on outside, they might mistakenly think this was a vacation for nobles instead…
There was one man who did not find this strange. As he looked over the rolling waves, his gaze was deep and mysterious. It was hard to tell what he was thinking. He wore the standard military uniform for generals and did nothing to stand out. Yet, his mere presence would cause people to instinctively bow down. His aura was overflowing to an unfathomable degree, radiating the splendor of a king! He was none other than Lord Korogin Highguard, the Master of Strategy and temporary monarch of the Alzar Kingdom. Aside from Queen Bethnal, he was the pinnacle of authority! His word was law! On the side, an older gentleman clad in plate armor was quietly standing guard. He was the guardian of the Royal Family, the strongest knight in the kingdom, Sir Winstin Mormont!
General Gordon did not know what to say. He sat nervously in his chair, his powerful body barely fitting in the frame of his seat. It looked a bit comical. As one of the few Army Generals, he was used to throwing his weight around, but even he had to act timidly in front of Lord Korogin. There was a sense of fear and reverence! The three stayed like this for a while, watching the waves bash into the ship's window. They were all thinking different things. A knock came on the door when they all snapped out of their reverie. Two people entered the room wearing long blue robes fitted with sapphires and golden outlines. One was an innocent child, while the other was a young man. Of course, it was Ten Dawns Tengon and Nassandra!