As a villain, he could do whatever he wanted.

Page 159

"Ah. As expected, Your Highness can't buy anything."

Faced with Noelle's serious and calm demeanor, Lius nodded slightly and gestured to Nottica with his eyes, signaling her to reveal her true self. "Bishop Nottica, remove that disguise and return to your spirit form." "Return to spirit form... Hmm, I understand."

In response to Lius's command, Nottica obediently complied, taking a deep breath. Her physical body slowly dimmed, replaced by a translucent pale blue shell.

With a series of soothing breaths, Nottica, while maintaining her original figure and clothing, transformed into a spirit-like being, returning to the appearance she had when she first appeared in the real world.

After finally regaining her footing, she slowly opened her eyes, looked at Lius with a respectful gaze, and nodded slightly to him.

"So, are Prince Lius and Her Highness the Princess satisfied?" Noel stared at the pale blue spirit before her, a look of surprise on her face. She unconsciously walked up to Notica and touched the blue ethereal body that shimmered with light.

After her fingers touched it, Noelle felt a chill spread from her fingertips all the way to her mind, making her swallow slightly. Finally, after withdrawing her fingers, she looked thoughtfully at the blond boy waiting quietly beside her.

"This person... has no physical body? Or rather, her physical body doesn't exist in this world?"

"As expected of Her Highness, you understood so quickly. That's right, now that things have come to this, I won't hide anything anymore. Regarding Bishop Notica, it was like this: looking at Notica, under her earnest gaze, Lius nodded slightly and began to tell everyone about her. Basically, he told everyone about Notica's current experiences, but he concealed her relationship with Rosalind, keeping this information, which only he knew, hidden, as a future 'trump card' to be reserved."

Finally, after recounting everything, Noelle pursed her lips, mentally processing the information she had just heard. She then looked at the blond boy beside her and continued to ask him:

"Minister Lisi, are all of these things you've said true?"

“Yes, I can guarantee all of that.” Looking at Noel, Lius nodded slightly, giving his earnest reply. “In that case… does that mean… this Bishop of Notica is trustworthy?”

“It is worth it, and I can absolutely guarantee that. I am willing to entrust it with my whole being so that Princess Yin can rest assured.”

Faced with Lius's earnest and solemn words, Noelle slightly rolled her eyes. When she looked at Nautica again, the hostility and warning in her eyes had mostly disappeared, replaced by a sense of trust.

“If it is someone Lord Lius trusts, then I, the princess, will naturally trust them as well. Come, there’s no need to maintain this state any longer. I can sense that in this spirit form, especially in this floating state, Bishop Notica, you expend a great deal of magic power. Therefore, in my opinion, it’s better to continue with your previous disguise.”

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. The disguise I wore earlier was arranged by Prince Lius. Thanks to him, I can move freely in reality as I am now. In return, please trouble Prince Lius again to help me return to my previous appearance..." Looking at Lius, Nottica bowed her head gently in supplication. Lius smiled and reached out, tapping her spirit form a few times with his wand, thus restoring Nottica to her previous physical state, allowing the veiled beauty to stand on the ground again. "Now that the discussion is over, please come with me to the main hall to report everything to my mother. In addition, a victory banquet has been prepared in advance in the palace. If everyone is interested, you can stay until tonight to enjoy it together."

“That would be wonderful, thank you so much, Your Highness.” Lius nodded with a smile.

"It's all thanks to Lord Hathaway. I was just going along with your actions. The most important person is you, don't you think?" Brother?

With a meaningful smile, Noelle whispered to the blond boy in front of her in a voice only the two of them could hear. Lius helplessly stroked the little princess who liked him, gave her a respectful pat, and extended his hand in front of Noelle.

"Please lead the way, Your Highness." "Yes, let's go, Lord Leus."

And so, leading his entourage, Lius followed Noelle into the throne room to meet Queen Flora and report on the series of events he had experienced...

Chapter 349: Inside the Imperial Palace (Part Two)

"My Queen."

In the throne room, Lius followed Noelle onto the crimson carpet and walked along the path leading to the throne.

On her throne, Queen Flora smiled and looked down with majesty at the blond boy who had arrived and his companions. She nodded slightly, offering only a brief greeting before signaling Lius to give his report.

"Lord Leus is back. This operation must have been arduous. I wonder what the final results were?"

"Your Majesty, everything is progressing very smoothly. All the battles near the capital, including the actions between different territories in the north and south, have been recorded. Please review them, Your Majesty."

With that, Leus handed Flora the prepared report and remained quietly beneath the throne, awaiting the heroine's next reaction.

In his report, Lius detailed a series of recent events, including the cultists' attack routes and plans, along with his own countermeasures, all meticulously recorded to ensure that nothing went wrong and that no "weaknesses" about himself were exposed.

Therefore, the report presents the story of how Lius led two different sects and the kingdom's soldiers to wipe out the cultists and save the kingdom.

The process was rather tortuous, but ultimately it did not cause too much damage to the kingdom, and the whole event was characterized as a "victory".

As for the cultists, Lius did not give them a complete definition, only saying that they broke up and fled during the pursuit, and once again hid in the dark side of the kingdom, and could not be fully captured in the short term.

Is there a risk of them retaliating?

This is the opinion of the female protagonist Flora regarding the cultists. In response, Lius also gave his own answer, stating that he knew too little about them and could not find out much information, but at least for a period of time, they would not dare to make any rash moves, indicating that Queen Flora did not need to worry.

"Regarding the cultists, they paid a huge price for this operation. Not only did they fail to achieve any results, but they also exposed their whereabouts, which is extremely disadvantageous. Therefore, based on my speculation, they will not take any open actions during this period, but will continue to hide in the shadows, concentrate their strength to recuperate, and wait for the next conspiracy."

As soon as Lius uttered these words, the other ministers in the throne room also showed serious and worried expressions, and began to whisper among themselves about the information Lius had provided.

"The cultists haven't been completely rounded up yet, and they're already planning their next move." What can we do? Nobody knows when they'll strike next. If they're hiding in the shadows, they might be plotting something in secret... If a similar crisis happens again, I wonder if we can still control them. "Young Master Leus...Young Master Leus, do you have any way? Is there any way to round up those cultists?"

The ministers' worried words filled the throne room until Queen Flora coughed softly, restoring silence to the hall.

"Ahem, everyone, don't panic, and let's continue listening to Lord Leus's story."

And so, at Flora's instruction, Lius gently leaned down to Han, and confided his true thoughts to her:

"In my opinion, I wish to continue entrusting the investigation into cult members to myself, and to be responsible for hunting down those who are hiding as 'cult members.'"

"Oh? So, Lord Leus will continue the pursuit?"

"That's right. Under the current circumstances, I have the deepest understanding of cultists and have even fought with them a few times, so I have a certain understanding of them. Therefore, I have decided to volunteer for this position to help you, my lady, solve your problems."

The gentle words came slowly from Lius's mouth, his tone calm yet carrying an irrefutable power and determination.

On the one hand, this proposal would temporarily reassure Flora and others in the kingdom, easing the tense atmosphere surrounding the cultists. On the other hand, it would allow them to control other people's investigations of the cultists and prevent them from uncovering any connection between Lius and the cultists.

Lius was quite confident about this.

And things unfolded as Leus had anticipated. After making the suggestion, Her Majesty nodded with satisfaction, gestured for the frail Leus to rise again, and looked at the blond boy with concern, slowly saying:

"Lord Leus, it is enough that you have this intention. Since you have been so proactive in assisting, then I hereby declare that Lord Leus, you will be responsible for handling the next series of matters concerning the cultists, including investigation and pursuit. If necessary, you may call upon the guards of the main country at any time, and you will retain your position as commander. Is that acceptable?"

"Will he retain his position as commander?" Looking at the slightly smiling Queen before him, Lius's eyes flickered slightly. He suddenly realized what Flora intended to do and began to ponder:

"Hmm...Does Her Majesty intend to use this commander's position to keep me in the capital? This is troublesome. If Her Majesty is sure about this, it will be difficult to extricate myself. I need to think of a solution quickly."

Looking towards Flora, Lius was about to explain further when another voice came from behind. Rosalind suddenly stepped forward and spoke to Flora and Lius:

"My lady, may I ask a few words regarding Prince Lius's position?"

"Oh? It's Rosalind. Ha, it's been a long time since I've seen you at the palace. I think it was three years ago last time? How are you doing? How are things at the church?"

Upon seeing Rosalind, Flora greeted her warmly, sounding like a friendly neighbor, without any airs of someone in a high position. Rosalind nodded slightly, responding to the queen before her.

"Everything is fine at the church, Your Majesty, please do not worry. The reason I suddenly intervened between you and Prince Lius today was actually to offer some advice regarding Prince Lius."

"Regarding Lord Lius's suggestion... well, then please speak, Rosalind. This Queen is also very interested in what you have to say next." Flora looked at the white-robed pope with curiosity in her eyes, while Lius beside her was also puzzled by Rosalind's sudden interruption, waiting for her next move.

"Your Majesty looked at Flora, and Rosalind took a deep breath, then maintained a solemn posture and slowly spoke: "I think it is a bit too much to ask Prince Lius to handle all matters concerning the cultists alone and to make him the so-called 'commander'."

"Oh? Is it difficult?" Yes, the cultists are so well hidden, and they have just gone through a great battle. It would be extremely difficult to track them down. According to my deduction, it would take at least several years to achieve any results if we wanted to catch them. And all of this would have to be placed on Prince Lius's shoulders alone. I personally feel that this is somewhat inappropriate.

Rosalind's words flowed slowly, reaching Flora's ears. The queen showed a thoughtful expression, glancing at the white-robed pope before her, then at the blond boy further ahead, her eyes gradually hardening with a thoughtful look.

"Is this Rosalind's idea? Thinking about it this way, it is indeed true that entrusting all matters to Lord Lius alone, even if we can mobilize the manpower and resources of the main country, is still too tiring. Lord Lius also has to handle affairs in the territory on a daily basis. If the burden is too heavy, it will also hinder the progress of the work."

At this point, Flora looked at Lius with concern in her eyes and asked gently, "Lord Lius, how do you feel? I believe you can investigate the matter of the cultists on your own, but... doing so may also make you too tired. Seeing you exhausted because of me is something I find hard to accept, and it even makes my heart ache."

With a tone of deep affection, the Queen spoke to Lius, her eyes filled with increasing tenderness. Then, she narrowed her eyes slightly, seemingly realizing they were still in the main hall, not in a private setting with Lius, and quickly added, speaking as the leading lady:

"Ahem... As the female lead, I don't want my dear subjects to be harmed. I feel the same way about Lord Lius, so I'd like to ask for your opinion on this position. Do you have any further thoughts or suggestions?"

"this.

Faced with the heroine's words, Lius pursed his lips for a moment. His gaze unconsciously fell on Rosalind, who was standing next to him with a serious expression. Feeling her equally serious face, he gradually realized what the white-robed pope was thinking.

Rosalind, was she perhaps trying to sense this thought within her? Leus was momentarily stunned, but an idea formed in his mind, causing him to adopt a serious expression. Under Flora's gaze, he slowly raised his head and spoke:

“I think… Her Highness the Pope’s words make a lot of sense. I didn’t consider my own situation before, which led to a misjudgment. If I were to put all the work on myself, I would be overwhelmed, which would be very detrimental to the investigation of the cultists.”

"Oh? So, Lord Leus, you mean you don't want to take on this responsibility anymore? You don't want to continue acting as commander?" Flora tilted her head slightly as she looked at Leus and asked him this question, seemingly not quite understanding his thoughts.

As for Lius, facing the Queen's question, he raised his head again, his expression becoming even more serious. He looked at the Queen before him and slowly spoke:

"No, the investigation into cultists needs to continue, and I must be involved in it. There can be no omissions. What I mean is... the investigation into cultists needs more manpower, more people who know about cultists, and not just me alone. For example... if people from the church can get involved, my work will be much smoother."

As he spoke, Leus's gaze swept lightly across the crowd, finally landing on the white-robed pope beside him, who stood intently awaiting his reply. A scrutinizing look appeared in his eyes as he looked at her.

Chapter 350: Inside the Imperial Palace (Part 3)

"In order to conduct a further investigation into the cultists, I request more manpower, especially from the church. They also have some knowledge of the cultists and have accumulated a lot of intelligence about them in the battle. With the assistance of the church, I can guarantee that within a year, we will be able to completely find out the whereabouts of the cultists."

"We need more manpower... Should we request assistance from within the church, and have someone from within the church serve as your partner or assistant, Lord Leus, to assist in the investigation?"

Sensing Lius's words, Flora lowered her eyes, then seemed to realize something, turning her gaze towards Rosalind. Lius then spoke again, nodding to the Queen on the platform before giving her his answer:

“That’s right. I hope to seek the cooperation of the church, that is, to have Pope Rosalind accompany me in investigating the cultists, so that we can cooperate with each other and share the burden. That’s my idea. I wonder if you, my lady, would be willing?”

"Let Rolind participate in the investigation... That is indeed a good idea. It can both relieve Lord Lius's burden and further advance the pursuit of the cultists. I completely understand that."

Hearing Lius's words, Flora pondered for a moment and understood his meaning. She turned to Rosalind and asked her softly:

"As Lord Leus just said, the investigation into the cultists requires more manpower. Since he has taken the initiative to ask you, Rosalind, to assist in the investigation, please do not make any excuses and assist Leus properly. Is that alright?"

"I understand, thank you Your Majesty. This is also what I wanted to express. I believe that as long as Prince Lius and I cooperate and use his own resources and the resources of the church to conduct investigations, we will soon be able to eradicate all the cultists hiding in the kingdom. Please rest assured, Your Majesty."

Rosalind made her promise again, bowed her head slightly, expressing her determination, and seemed to have let go of some burden in her heart, which made her feel relieved.

Flora watched the two of them with satisfaction, then waved her hand, signaling Rosalind to step back and let her and Lius continue their unfinished conversation.

"In that case, it seems that you, Lord Lius, will not be able to take on the position of commander for the time being. It's a bit of a pity. If you could stay in the capital, it would be very beneficial for both me and the kingdom. It's such a shame."

"Your Majesty, you need not worry so much. As long as we are in the kingdom, no matter where I am, my heart will always be with you. Even within the territory, I will always think of the Lady and the Princess, and I will never forget them." "Go to Flora," Lius responded with a gentle smile.

"Ha. Lord Leus knows how to please me."

Upon hearing the boy's words, Flora couldn't help but smile again, seemingly quite appreciative of Lius. Then, she straightened her expression and looked at the list of those who had been rewarded for their merits in the report Lius had submitted earlier, scrutinizing it carefully.

"So, these are the people you recommended, Lord Lius? Including Lord Leon, Lord Aurora, and a series of others who made contributions in this battle?"

“That’s right, Your Majesty. Please take a look. They have all provided a lot of help in this battle against the cultists. It can be said that they have made great contributions to achieving the current results. I am willing to guarantee this with my life.” Looking at Flora, Lius nodded seriously and answered in this way.

"If it was Lord Lius who vouched for them, then I understand. Someone, make sure to save this list. We will reward them one by one later according to the circumstances. Lord Lius, you also need to assist in organizing this matter. I believe you will not refuse to discuss it with me alone, will you?"

Softly gesturing towards the inner palace behind the throne room, Flora asked Lius a question, a meaningful smile on her face. Lius nodded slightly, maintaining the utmost respect, and gave his reply to the Queen before him:

"Of course I'm willing, my dear Queen. Please allow me to share all your difficulties. I'm always ready to help."

"Alright, in that case, Lord Leus, please go and make your preparations for now. Once I have finished dealing with matters here, I will rush over immediately. I hope that you will be as serious as possible when you are ready to work with me."

With a knowing smile, Flora gave Lius these instructions, then gestured for her servants to follow him into the room behind him, while she continued to give further instructions to the others.

"So, after this attack by the cultists, there are still other issues in the kingdom that need to be dealt with. As for what needs to be done next, you ministers need to manage your respective territories one by one and be ready to deal with any emergencies. The northwest is particularly important... More manpower needs to be sent." The Queen's words flowed slowly from her mouth like a gentle stream. They were mostly public affairs of the kingdom and there was nothing to describe in detail. The ministers listened carefully to Flora's orders and recorded the decrees one by one, waiting to be implemented in the future.

After some time, once all the tasks were arranged, Flora looked at another group of people. They were the young women who had followed Lius earlier, namely Lia and Anne.

"You lot, as well as Lord Lius's family and friends, should rest in the capital for the time being. After I finish discussing matters with Lord Lius, I will have him come to find you. Until then, please take good care of your injuries and rest well."

"Your Majesty, will my brother be back soon?" Looking at Flora, Lia asked with some concern. "Don't worry, although Lord Lius and I have many things to discuss, it won't take up too much of his time. After all, he has many other matters to attend to. Don't worry, he'll be back soon."

Is that so, Your Majesty? We will go and get some rest.

Upon hearing Flora's words, although she still had some concerns for Lius, Leah maintained a composed demeanor and nodded gently to Her Majesty the Queen. She then left the throne room with Anne Helen and the others, leaving Flora alone on the throne.

what.

After everyone had left, Flora looked at the empty hall and couldn't help but chuckle softly. The high-mindedness and majesty she had as a queen vanished, replaced by a sense of smug satisfaction and ease.

“Alright, that way, I can be alone with Lord Lius now. I’ve been keeping a straight face for so long, I’m exhausted. Now I can finally interact with Lord Lius with a normal expression and demeanor. Let’s go to the room now and have a good chat with Lord Lius to release the pressure of not seeing him for the past few days.”

With this thought in mind, Flora stretched lazily and comfortably, showing none of her previous shrewd and assertive demeanor. Instead, she wore an expectant expression, like a young girl about to meet her lover. Her steps were light and leisurely as she strolled through the throne room, walked out of the door behind her, crossed the deserted garden, entered the corridor connecting to the palace, and finally arrived at the door of the reception room.

"Lord Leus, have you arrived? Were you waiting for me inside?"

With a cheerful tone, Flora pressed herself against the door, deliberately adopting a formal demeanor, and gently knocked on her bedroom door.

And from inside, the boy's familiar voice could be heard.

"I've been waiting here for the station, Lady. Would you like me to open the door for you?"

"Ha... This is my reception room, so why would I need Lord Lius to help me close the door? Wouldn't that mean my room is being occupied by you, my subject?" Flora said, still adopting a queenly demeanor.

"Oh? Your Majesty, if that's how you put it, then I really don't know what to say in rebuttal. After all, I've already locked the room, and in a sense, I, this traitor, have truly taken complete control of you, Your Majesty."

Inside the room, Lius's tone became increasingly ambiguous, and along with this ambiguity, Flora's enthusiastic smile made her hand stroking the door grow more restless, and her eyes radiated a fanatical light.

"Lord Leus, open the door! I'm begging you, okay? You're the only one in the entire kingdom who can get my wish!"

"Am I the only one here...? Really, Your Majesty, you sometimes show a very childlike side. In that case, I can't refuse you at all."

As he said this, Lius gently opened the locked door, intending to invite the queen who was waiting outside in. However, as soon as he opened the door a crack, the silver-haired woman outside could no longer contain herself and rushed into the room, hugging Lius tightly with an excited smile.

"With Flora's forceful tackle, Lius couldn't help but roll backward, collapsing onto the bed behind him. Together with the silver-haired queen embracing him, they were enveloped in velvet, immersed in the exciting atmosphere..."