Chapter 1428: She’s not Going to Like It
Soon after, Lucas coordinated with Fargo and the others to send Agent Noxcra to further investigate what had happened at Rockfield. Afterwards, he convened a meeting in the privy chambers with Lydia, Maddeline, Jack, Garrof, Lloyd, Gavin, and Samuel Albrecht to discuss their mission—to persuade the healers from the S.A.I.N.T. organization to defect.
Clad in his royal garb, Lucas sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding and charismatic despite the lingering pallor on his face. Yet the immense pressure radiating from him was undeniable, filling the room with a heavy, almost suffocating atmosphere.
For Samuel, meeting the King of Harland face to face for the first time was an awakening. Now he understood why Theodore Nevaro feared this man so deeply.
Though Lucas was much younger, his poise and charisma far exceeded his years. Meanwhile, Maddeline, Lydia, and the others sat tensely, their nerves taut as they struggled to steady their breathing under the weight of his presence.
Lucas, much like Lory, was scarcely aware of the effect their presence had on those around them—perhaps because Fredhardt and the others treated them with the easy familiarity of siblings, while their fathers and uncles, though doting, had never spoiled them. Especially Lucas, who had long been groomed with the weighty expectation of becoming the next King.
Even now, his focus was fixed entirely on the matter at hand. Wasting no time on pleasantries, he went straight to the point.
"Thank you in advance for your cooperation," he began, his tone calm yet carrying the weight of authority. "I understand this mission will be extremely dangerous and risky. Therefore, I’ll ensure you have access to any resources you require. If there’s anything specific you need, don’t hesitate to ask one of my subordinates—they will assist you."
Clift then stepped forward, his voice steady and reassuring. "We’ve already prepared several safe houses in Dolza in case the situation turns volatile. Our Noxcra agents are also embedded on the premises and will contact you upon arrival. I’ll personally act as your handler for this mission, so rest assured—just follow my directions. I promise I’ll keep you safe during the mission."
Hearing this, Maddeline and Lydia felt a wave of relief wash over them. Though they had already been briefed about receiving support from the Archknights, hearing these words directly in the King’s presence made the reassurance feel all the more solid.
"Don’t worry, Your Majesty. We will not fail you," Maddeline said firmly.
Lucas gave a faint nod. "I’m not worried, since my sister trusts you. But I still feel compelled to give you a reminder." His gaze sharpened, and his tone grew measured. "Understand this—many of the healers within the organization are fanatics. Some are utterly devoted to its ideology, others perhaps to the Saintess herself. You must tread carefully. Be cautious about whom you approach; don’t act too hastily, and reveal nothing until you’re certain you can trust them."