Chapter 10: The Queen and the Prime Minister

The time to slip into the shadows was drawing to a close. Koen did not linger in the study, returning silently to the room where he took his lessons.

The Queen sat quietly in the study, seemingly waiting for someone. Before long, rapid footsteps echoed, and the Prime Minister, his face etched with worry, hurried into the room. Surveying the wreckage, he sighed, "What is the meaning of this? How did that Cliff provoke you?"

The Queen, flipping through the files on her desk, replied calmly, "I told my father I would teach them a lesson."

The Prime Minister’s eyes widened. "Your version of a lesson involves severing the arm of the Southern Grand Duke’s eldest son and crippling a high-ranking legendary transcendent? Didn't I warn you to exercise restraint?"

The Queen nodded earnestly. "That is why they are still alive."

Angus’s expression stiffened. He sighed, "I have investigated. It was the work of the 'Black Tomb'."

As the air around them seemed to chill, Angus quickly added, "The 'Black Tomb' has been restless lately, as if they are planning a major move. Do not go looking for trouble with them for now."

The Queen remained silent for a moment, her eyes lowered. "His Majesty is waiting for me, so I will not keep you for tea, Father."

The Prime Minister stared at his daughter—someone he thought he knew, but who now seemed like a stranger. His voice grew colder. "There is something you must know. I just received a letter from the Archmage Victor of the Sanctuary. He cannot come, and has sent his apprentice instead."

The Queen gazed steadily at the Prime Minister, saying nothing.

"I have been Victor's classmate for many years," the Prime Minister continued. "He would not break his promise without cause. Since he cannot come, it only points to one conclusion." He paused, articulating each word: "Someone is putting pressure on him!"

Though his voice was low, it carried a chilling weight. To threaten an Archmage of the Sanctuary in a powerful empire—one could only imagine the terrifying and hopeless forces lurking behind the attack on Koen.

The air in the study felt stagnant. The Queen remained unmoved, yet the white, distinct knuckles showing through her sleeves as she clenched her hands betrayed that her heart was not as calm as her exterior suggested.

A grim look appeared on the Prime Minister's face. "The schemes of such figures are not something our small duchy can contend with. Which means!" Angus turned his gaze toward the door, his voice dropping to a whisper, "His 'Memory Seal' cannot—and dare not—be lifted!"

The Queen remained silent for a long time. When she finally answered, her tone was devoid of emotion: "He is your King."

Angus froze for several seconds before his voice erupted in anger, "But he is only a six-year-old child! Do you intend to watch our Angrain line be buried alongside a six-year-old boy?"

The Queen’s voice was soft, yet exceptionally firm. "He will not be six forever. It is merely a matter of teaching him for another ten years. And this time, I will teach him better. He will become an excellent King."

Angus felt as though he were losing his mind. An unseen, super-powerful force had clearly targeted the Corleon royal family, yet his daughter insisted on swimming against the current. He began to regret having pushed her into the position of Queen three years ago.

Suppressing his emotions, Angus softened his tone. "Haven't you always wanted to join the 'Cobalt Soul Academy'? I have a lead."

At the mention of the Cobalt Soul Academy, the Queen was visibly moved, casting an inquisitive look at Angus.

The Cobalt Soul Academy was a sect founded by Aien the Wise, the God of Books and Knowledge. Its core philosophy was that "true power lies in understanding the world." The teachers, priests, and monks inspired by truth and knowledge spent their lives in the pursuit of learning at the academy, which held the most vast, comprehensive, and ancient knowledge in the entire continent. However, only true "Seekers of Knowledge" were invited to become official students.

The Queen, who held a fanatical obsession with ancient magic circles, was naturally interested in joining. Unfortunately, the academy was far too mysterious; aside from the "Scripture Houses" spread across the continent—which served as their peripheral institutions—clues regarding the academy’s core remained scarce.

Angus continued, "A distinguished patron has agreed to recommend you! His family has a long-standing partnership with the Cobalt Soul Academy. With his guarantee, an invitation letter will be effortless to obtain."

The Queen’s eyes turned cold, her tone blunt. "The patron you speak of—it wouldn't happen to be some prince or royal from an empire or kingdom, would it?"

Only the royal families of the five great empires and seven great kingdoms could maintain a long-term partnership with the Cobalt Soul Academy. Angus nodded slightly, not denying it.

The Queen gave a cold laugh and asked directly, "And the conditions?"

Angus hesitated before replying, "He needs to expand his influence to gain a greater voice in his own country, so he hopes you will become his ally... And he promises that if any catastrophe befalls Aefin, he will ensure the safety of our Angrain family!"

The Queen’s gaze sharpened. "Father, the patron you mentioned—surely it isn't the Third Prince of the Ceylon Kingdom, Saxon Cromwell!"

Embarrassment flickered across Angus’s face. "He only asked for you to be his ally; he didn't make any other outrageous demands. Besides, that incident back then was a misunderstanding! You beat him up, and as the heir to a great kingdom, he didn't hold a grudge. Instead, he’s willing to help you. Why must you harbor such hostility?"

The "misunderstanding" Angus referred to occurred five years ago at the International Nobles' Martial Tournament. A young noble, infatuated with Adelle’s beauty, had tried to force himself on her, only to be soundly thrashed. She later learned that the young noble was none other than Saxon Cromwell, the third prince and third in line to the throne of Ceylon.

At the time, Koen’s father was on the throne and Aefin’s power was growing. Since Saxon was clearly at fault, the Ceylon Kingdom did not pursue the matter. Ever since, Saxon had pestered Adelle, frequently urging the King of Ceylon to propose marriage to the Duchy of Aefin, only to be met with a firm refusal from Koen’s father.

Regarding the recent attack on Koen, Saxon was also a suspect in Adelle’s mind. After all, rumors had it that Saxon had flown into a rage upon hearing that Adelle had married Koen.

Facing her father’s suggestion, Adelle silenced the Prime Minister with a single sentence: "If he bothers me again, I will kill him."

Hearing this entirely expected response, Angus looked dejected. "Since that is the case, then focus on teaching your student. A word of warning: the Northwest Regional Exchange will be held in a year, and this time, our city of Freljord is the host. With various factions gathering, the waters will be muddied. Those people will certainly not miss this opportunity. You don't have much time left. Take care of yourself."

When the Queen returned to the classroom, Koen was intently reading a book. She walked behind him and saw the title: *Guide to Transcendent Vocations of the Pan-Continent*.

Her heart stirred. "Is Your Majesty preparing to take on a transcendent vocation?"

Koen replied quickly, "I have delayed for too long; I want to start as soon as possible."

"What vocation does Your Majesty wish to pursue?" the Queen asked.

Koen countered, "Does my sister have any recommendations?"

The Queen answered immediately, clearly having considered it before. "A Paladin. The late King was a powerful Paladin. The royal family possesses the complete heritage of the Oath of the Ancients Paladin lineage."

Paladins derived power by swearing oaths to the gods. They were divided into three paths based on the nature of their vows: the Oath of Devotion, the Oath of the Ancients, and the Oath of Vengeance.

Koen feigned thought for a moment before shaking his head. "I would like to try some other vocations first, if that is allowed?"

The Queen frowned slightly. "What does Your Majesty wish to try?"

Koen said, a bit sheepishly, "Can I try them all? Could you help me recruit a variety of professionals into the palace? I want to test them all to see which one suits me best."

The Queen adjusted a stray lock of hair, inadvertently revealing a charming allure. After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded slowly. "That is an idea, I suppose. What kind of transcendent professionals does Your Majesty want?"

Koen picked up the book and began reading: "Assassin, Staff-wielder, Pugilist, Master of Rope Arts, Elven Ranger, Gladiator, Duelist, Shield-bearer, Monk..."

Koen rattled off more than a dozen vocations. The Queen’s brows knit together, but seeing Koen’s enthusiasm, she did not want to discourage him. She gave a slight nod. "Very well. I will have them waiting for you at the training grounds tomorrow. I hope Your Majesty will study diligently."

Joy flickered in Koen’s eyes as he muttered to himself: *Blade, sword, staff, shield, bow and crossbow... that’s nearly ten weapons. Once I get a bottle of dragon blood, I should be able to advance in that vocation!*