Book 14: Chapter 35
I saw Castell. Smiling, he said, “My, Your Majesty. I honestly did not think that you would be back. As you have returned, I should now return to Hilles City.”
“I’m really curious as to what you’re doing here. I thought I was at Hilles City for a moment when I first saw you. This is the North; what are you doing here?”
I wasn’t excited or feeling fortunate to see Castell after a long time. I merely felt animosity and vigilance. He shouldn’t be in the North. He should’ve left already. He came here during the time I was on vacation with my wives, and he should’ve returned to Hilles City when they came back. I was surprised he was in the North during my absence. Nobody to keep him in check was present. Lucia can’t rein in his political wits and ambitions. If he did something unfortunate in the North to turn them into humanity’s subjects or even went as far as turning the North into a satellite state, then there really wouldn’t be anybody who could stop him.
Castell smiled helplessly then touched his head while keeping his eyes on me: “Your Majesty, it hurts me that you would say that. During your absence, I was the one who rectified Miss Freya’s deeds. But, instead, you are looking at me so vigilantly instead of rewarding me.”
“Do you not know how I perceive you? Before I thank you, I need to first verify what you’ve done in the North. It would’ve been far too easy for you to tamper with things when Freya was out of action and Lucia was in charge. You think I’m not afraid of the North becoming Rosvenor Empire’s vassal state after I give you my thanks?”
“If that was the case, what do you plan to do now?”
“What else but march an army South? I’ll ally with the elves and attack Hilles City,” I answered, sternly. “I will never submit. I conquered the North, so it should be a free land, an independent nation. It’s land that took much effort to nourish. Even if it isn’t as powerful or vast as the Rosvenor Empire, this place should not be under the jurisdiction of any other nation. It belongs to solely me and my people.”
Castell softly chuckled: “I understand, then, Your Majesty. However, you may rest assured, for I have certainly not done anything that could be detrimental to the North. After all, Alice is my example. I believe Her Majesty will kill me on the spot if I do anything that would negatively impact you. I am aware of that; therefore, you can rest assured. Everything I did was done in your name. Basically, it should be able to appease the anger of the masses. The newly selected nobles are also supportive of us. As for the dead nobles, I can only say that Miss Freya did a perfect job. There were basically no survivors. They will, therefore, just have to take our word for the explanation as to what exactly happened.”
I nodded: “I really do need to thank you, then. Lucia doesn’t have what it takes to handle politics, so you did a great job settling the North this time. Thank you very much. Of course, if you want to have a meal, I absolutely can treat you to a meal.”