As they spoke, Hestoria's eyes flickered.
"The assassins of Snake Shadow managed to infiltrate the White Birch Forest. I find it hard to believe that it happened without the intervention of the higher-ups at Holy Splendor Academy," she said.
"Your Highness, are you suggesting... Holy Splendor Academy is involved in this assassination attempt?" Myrcella gasped.
"Impossible, right? Holy Splendor Academy has maintained neutrality since the founding of the country and has never intervened in royal disputes," Myrcella continued.
"Nothing in this world is eternal," Hestoria shook her head and said lightly. "Holy Splendor Academy has been established for too long. Perhaps some have forgotten the ancient vows."
"After all, as long as one is human, there will be desires."
"Now, with Father's health deteriorating day by day and no conclusive decision on the throne, even if Holy Splendor Academy doesn't openly take sides, some people are undoubtedly preparing for their own plans!"
A hint of mockery flashed in Hestoria's eyes.
"Who could it be?" Myrcella hesitated.
"I don't know," Hestoria shook her head. "To what extent Holy Splendor Academy has been infiltrated now, even Father may not know. But one thing is certain."
"The mastermind behind this assassination is not simply trying to kill Evelyn. They are, to some extent, testing Father's attitude."
Hestoria's eyes flickered. "There are only a few people qualified to compete for the throne. To find out who planned this assassination and see how everyone reacts next, it's pretty close!"
After saying that, Hestoria shook her head.
"Let's not speculate recklessly without evidence."
"Goliath has contributed a lot to Evelyn's incident this time. In a few days, let him report to the Kingsguard."
"And about that Sauron..."
Hestoria fell into contemplation. "I remember he is the son of Lord Oren of Night Raven City, recently poisoned near the Western Border, right?"
"Yes, that's him," Myrcella nodded.
"Haha! Even the Western Border can't stay calm with Father's illness!" Hestoria sneered, shaking her head. "Lord Oren of Night Raven City is a character. Unfortunately, he rejected my recruitment two years ago."
"Otherwise, I would have one more high-level Knight under my command!"
Hestoria's tone carried a hint of regret. There were many Knights in the Western Border, but very few attracted Hestoria's attention.
"Should we recruit this Sauron?"
Myrcella pondered, "Although Sauron can't compare to Oren, he is still a Knight, especially since Night Raven City is currently without a ruler."
"The Western Border nobles are watching Night Raven City like a tiger watching his prey. If we extend an olive branch now, that Sauron should have no reason to refuse!"
Hearing Myrcella's suggestion, Hestoria appeared contemplative.
After a moment, she pondered and said, "Not for now. If we recruit Sauron now, it means confronting the Western Border nobles."
"A trifling primary level Knight is not worth offending the Duke of the Western Border."
"For saving Evelyn, let's reward him with a thousand gold coins and ten Golden Potions!" Hestoria instructed.
"Isn't that too much?" Myrcella hesitated. A thousand gold coins might not be much, but the value of ten Golden Potions couldn't be measured solely in monetary terms.
Golden Potions were more precious resources than Graphite Potions. Civilians had no access to this level of magical potions, and even Holy Splendor Knight Academy had limited access each year.
Only members of the royal family could use Golden Potions for cultivation.
"Consider it an investment!"
Hestoria's eyes flickered, and a slight smile played on her lips. "I want to see how talented this Sauron is."
"If he has the potential to become a high-level Knight, even if it offends the Duke of the Western Border, I will recruit him!"
Upon hearing Hestoria's words, Myrcella's expression suddenly became clear.
Those ten Golden Potions were actually a test. If Sauron could make good use of this opportunity and show stronger potential, he would naturally gain Hestoria's attention.
Otherwise, a mere primary level Knight wouldn't be enough to make Hestoria confront the Western Border nobles.
...
On the other side, at the Holy Splendor Academy.
Inside a room, Sauron opened his eyes, his chest slightly rising and falling. Having just completed a round of Breathing Technique cultivation, his face had a slightly rosy glow.
---
Name: [Sauron]
Occupation: [Primary level Knight]
Strength: [2], Physique: [1.7], Agility: [2.1], Spirit: [1.3]
Skills: [Shoot with Great Precision]
Passive: [Bow and Arrow Technique Lv5 (25/100)], [Night Raven Breathing Technique Lv3 (45/100)], [Armybreak Swordsmanship Lv3 (38/100)]
Runes: [None]
Status: [Normal]
---
Opening the data panel, Sauron's face showed a thoughtful expression.
Night Raven Breathing Technique had advanced to Level 3, promoting Sauron to the Knight realm. However, to further advance, he needed a large amount of magical potions.
"It seems like I have to find a way to make money again!"
Sauron stroked his chin. The gold coins he borrowed from Ron had already been depleted. If he wanted to buy magical potions, he needed more money.
Only with enough magical potions could the Breathing Technique quickly advance.
Fortunately, compared to before, Sauron had now advanced to the Knight realm. There were many opportunities to earn gold coins.
"Now, I have some self-defense ability."
Sauron's thoughts flickered. The threat from the Western Border had not been resolved, and he had to quickly improve his strength to ensure his safety.
Dong dong dong!
Just as Sauron was contemplating, there was a knock on the door. He looked surprised, but still got up to open the door. A middle-aged man, dressed in silver-white uniform armor with a cross sword hanging from his waist, stood outside.
"Kingsguard!"
Sauron's heart skipped a beat. Seeing the man's attire, he immediately recognized his identity as a loyal Kingsguard serving the royal family.
In an instant, Sauron thought of what happened during the day.
"Mr. Sauron."
The middle-aged Knight spoke in a gentle tone with an undeniable firmness. "My lady would like to see you. Please follow me."
Upon hearing the Knight's words, Sauron's eyes flickered.
"Alright!"
A moment later, Sauron nodded. The man was dressed in Kingsguard armor, and his identity shouldn't be fake. The lady he referred to likely was a member of the royal family.
"Could it be Evelyn?"
Following the footsteps of the Kingsguard, Sauron arrived at the street outside the Holy Splendor Knight Academy. A black carriage was parked there.
"Are you Sauron?"
A woman's voice came from inside the black carriage. It wasn't Evelyn. The voice sounded young, but it carried a hint of dignity.