Chapter 305: Preparing for war (3)
NOTE: This Chapter is considered the extra for achieving 102 Powerstones in the week of 26 jan-2 feb 2025.
Edward sympathized with Ericka as she squirmed at some of the words heard in the court. To see dignitaries act in such an undignified manner could be a harsh experience for anyone. Even more so for someone like her who lived a sheltered life so far. He, at least, had been fortunate enough to acquaint himself with such behavior when traveling.
As an average man, he had always considered himself inferior to these nobles and ministers. It comforted him to see them act like his usual crowd did. He hated seeing Ericka in discomfort but some things can’t be avoided. Not if he wished her to remain the Queen of Asterella.
He glanced at the King seated beside her. Solos Asterio watched his court descend into mayhem without the slightest change in his expression. He didn’t even flinch when the Minister of Left threw a chair at the Minister of Right. Nor did he instruct the guards to intervene when the Minister of Books stabbed the Minister of War...with a quill.
Although Edward didn’t dare to look toward the Crown Prince, he believed him, no Him, to be smiling. In the short time he had served the Divine Lord, he had noticed Him relish whenever humans presented their ugliest selves. It amused Him.
Despite seeing a lot, and perhaps understanding even more, Edward remained still. His duties as the Queen’s Guard involved the security and well-being of Ericka. To Edward, nothing else mattered. If the Court turned to dust or the Divine Lord bathed in the tears of the world, he didn’t care.
The mayhem continued till most of the people lay on the floor, writhing in pain and crying in agony. Few, who remained on their feet, gasped for breath, holding on to anything they could grasp and that could bear their weight.
They seem to be done.
Edward heard the Divine Lord’s voice inside his head. For some reason, He never used His mouth to speak nor did He leave Edward out of the conversations. It wasn’t as if He wished to hear his thoughts on the subject at hand. To be honest, Edward didn’t have much of a thought on most things discussed in their meetings.