After leaving the Canon Law School, since I wasn’t in much of a hurry, I hitched a ride on Master Simmons’ carriage to the Hex Bird Society.

After some time of strategic maneuvering, the Hex Bird Society emerged from its slump and had become much busier and livelier. The members were all motivated and very proud that the Hex Bird Report was on the side of Justice. Working overtime was no cause for complaint; everyone was spirited and knew that the weekly edition for tomorrow was the main event. The basic layout was already set, and overtime work was a must.

As soon as Li Xin arrived, he was warmly welcomed by the editorial team. His “Utopia Mountain Vendetta” would be another heavy blow to the Hedan Daily. After seeing the new manuscript, all the editors were full of anticipation, but there were still a few details they needed to consider, so they wanted to discuss with Li Xin whether it could be strengthened or revised.

By this point, nobody could treat Li Xin as a rookie anymore. Li Xin was already showing the potential of a great writer, and with Chief Editor Ma Zhe and Secretary Christie holding him in high regard, Li Xin’s reputation had turned around unnoticed. At first, everyone thought this young man was a relative of the chief editor, or that he was kept by Christie—certainly not a serious person. But neither the editor nor Christie explained, and now they deeply regretted their shallowness because the chief editor had clearly recognized the potential of this great writer, which was why Secretary Christie valued him so much and personally oversaw him.

Even as the King was making such significant decisions, reader feedback was still pouring in, making the seasoned and sharp editors realize that once this issue of the weekly was published, it would provoke an even stronger response.

Li Xin was also a sensible person, knowing that it’s better to enjoy together than alone. He would thoroughly consider everyone’s ideas so that everyone felt involved. There wasn’t much of a problem with the manuscript, and Wusu even took out the front-page draft for tomorrow to let Li Xin take a look. The headline read: “Hail to the Most Just King of Moncalleta’s History.”

“Brother Su, isn’t this a bit too cheesy?” Li Xin asked, stunned.

Wusu chuckled, “We think so too, but the key is not about the cheesiness, but about highlighting the King’s wise and powerful nature.”

Li Xin pondered, “How about ‘Making Moncalleta Great Again’? What do you think?”

Wusu and the others paused, contemplating the taste in it. And indeed, the compliments to the King had been overused, and His Majesty would definitely see this. Even if it were put up again, it might not hold much significance.

“I think, words like ‘hail’ have probably been seen often by His Majesty, but what does His Majesty truly want in his heart?” Li Xin said.

“This one is well used, with subtle power, and also fits His Majesty’s character. This is good, let’s use this!”

Then Li Xin realized the consequence of speaking up: he was surrounded by the group for the final draft, working late into the night…. At this time of night, coming to work overtime actually turned out to be for real work.

After a round of bother, he found out the Chief Editor and Christie were not there at all, they had other tasks, and Li Xin was indeed summoned purely to ensure tomorrow’s weekly would be flawless.

It’s all that damned owl’s fault; next time I must pluck its feathers!

Upon leaving the Hex Bird Society, Li Xin felt drained, physically exhausted. Next time, he vowed not to speak up unnecessarily; great, now I have to find a carriage at this late hour, how troublesome. Hopefully, there’s one near the society.

When Li Xin saw Simmons’ carriage was still waiting outside, he almost teared up.

The driver came down, “Young Master Xin, where would you like to go next? The young master instructed me to take you.”

At this moment, Li Xin’s frosty heart warmed significantly, filled with fulfillment, after all, only a master like an eagle would be so considerate.

Back at the Lirong Inn, the driver thoughtfully opened the door and courteously invited Li Xin out of the carriage. Old Fang was still at his stall, unable to sleep at night, waiting at the inn’s entrance for guests. Although passenger flow was low at this time, the client ratio would rise; those wandering late at night must have some sadness, and this was when they needed a divination to unravel life.

However, seeing Li Xin come down from the luxurious carriage, Old Fang knew this business wouldn’t be a profitable one.

Dragon Mother hadn’t slept either; as a prerequisite for being a boss, she claimed to be second in energy, and no one dared claim first. Getting up early, going to bed late, full of energy, paying attention to everyone in the inn, knowing all sorts of things, once need arose, she could decisively grab hold, and no one could escape.

Li Xin hadn’t even entered the courtyard when Dragon Mother emerged, still radiant despite the late night, “Oh, Young Master Xin, was it Young Master Simmons who brought you back?”

“No, just took a ride on his carriage. Dragon Mother, aren’t you asleep yet at such a late hour?”

“How can I sleep alone in such a long and beautiful night? Young Master Xin, do you want to join me for a drink?” Dragon Mother extended a sincere invitation, genuine with a hint of anticipation.

“Ahem, Dragon Mother, I just got back from the bird society, still have to work overtime on the draft, let Ma Liu drink with you, Ma Liu has the best drinking manners I’ve ever seen.” Li Xin stumbled slightly, suddenly feeling a bit weak.

“Huh, that skinny monkey isn’t worthy of drinking my precious unopened wine.” Dragon Mother said.

Li Xin’s brain twitched, he thought of things he shouldn’t, “Dragon Mother, I need to hurry back to work, I still have to serve Young Master Simmons tomorrow, oh, I’ll tell Young Master Simmons you miss him.”

“Ah, saying it like that makes me shy, remember when expressing it to be a bit subtle, people can be very reserved.” Dragon Mother said, smiling, mentioning Young Master Simmons, and Li Xin’s charm was somewhat diluted, after all, whether it was David or Li Xin, compared to the perfect Master Simmons, they all lacked a little something.

I heard that Master Simmons is going to duel with some infamous person named Di. How could someone as noble as Master Simmons be provoked by such a villain? Dragon Mother learned a trick from Old Fang; make a doll and stick pins in it.

At Prince Oliver’s estate, the lights were bright as well. Although the Cabinet seemed calm, the old nobility like Nasser and others were caught off guard by this situation.

This kid Anthony has his faults, but he’s clear-headed. Even while detained at the Funeral Attendant’s base, the messages he needed to convey got through uninterrupted. As for Didia’s pretend visit, it was just for show. Initially, it seemed the King had compromised, but then there was this sudden reversal.

No need to explain past incidents; the King and the Celestials took advantage of the situation and did many things. It was unexpected that they added such a clause to the King’s decree, practically abolishing the nobles’ immunity from execution. The nominal target was the royal family—if even the royals were affected, what worth did the nobility have?

This tactic of self-harm before harming others has been played out expertly by Ola the Eighteenth over the years. Even people from Nasser’s great families are quietly discussing whether the King has gone mad.

As the gathering reached its end, Oliver patiently listened to the Duke’s complaints while holding a crystal glass of vibrant red wine.

“This can’t be the end, Anthony can’t be sacrificed in vain, we must retaliate!”

“Vladimir’s advancement to demigod status absorbed our fortune—this is the Kingdom’s fortune, the Earth Mother Goddess’s fortune—and it’s a greater threat over time. Could we ask the Church Court to intervene?”

“Old Zheng, the Church Court cannot interfere in the King’s matters, moreover the Pope is in isolation, praying for the country. We cannot disturb him.”

Everyone expressed their regret. If the Pope were willing to intervene, the situation would immediately reverse. The Pope’s status isn’t something a newly ascended demigod could compare to. But as one’s divinity grows stronger, they become more detached from worldly affairs. The Pope has not stepped into the secular world for over a decade.

There’s no need for the Pope to appear. If the Red-robed Archbishop of the Earth Mother Goddess would represent the Church Court, Anthony might not have died. Yet everything happened too quickly. When Duke Nasser heard the news, he went to find the Great Prince immediately, but the Great Prince politely declined.

“No one can defy the laws set by the Supreme Will. If the Church Court intervenes, it will reignite the conflict between divine and royal authority, violating the Supreme Will and bring unpredictable changes to the Church Court,” Oliver said. “When it comes to protecting our interests, we still have to rely on ourselves.”

“Your Highness, the Celestial Principle School is advancing relentlessly. From the Canon Law School, they’ve been determined to emulate Luthor’s reforms and replace us entirely.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Initially, they didn’t pay much attention—how could the Moncalleta Kingdom be compared to a desolate place like Lirong? But over the years, somehow, the Celestial Principle School and Canon Law School had become real contenders and a sharp weapon in the King’s hands. With Vladimir’s advancement to demigod, things became even more uncontrollable. Anthony’s death suddenly heightened the sense of crisis among the nobility.

“Your Highness, you are our backbone. Please stand up for us; the Kingdom’s centuries-old foundation cannot be destroyed by these charlatans.”

“Your Highness, the Cabinet is almost controlled by these Celestial heretics. We need you to return and lead us.”

“Yes, Your Highness, only you can save the Kingdom now.”

Oliver gently smiled and shook his head, “My younger brother is doing a great job as King; people believe he is the greatest in Moncalleta’s history. I am just a leisurely Prince, if I can share the burden a little, I will, but I won’t involve myself in state affairs; it wouldn’t be proper.”

The people tried to persuade him, but Oliver did not agree, and the nobles left with regret, though some had realized the crux of the problem.

The greatest King?

It’s both laughable and pompous. How many good outcomes are there for such self-appointed magnates? And what if he’s King?

As long as a flaw is exposed, people will rise against him and see how the King handles it.

After the nobles left, a faint smile appeared on Oliver’s handsome face. Amosa walked in, “Father, why didn’t you agree with them? You can command the masses now.”

“Silly girl, they want me to be the vanguard,” Oliver chuckled fondly at his daughter, “My younger brother’s momentum is strong now; there’s no need for a head-on clash. He has endured for so long that he cannot hold back. Only at this point will he truly understand the consequences of taking others’ cake. Let them hurt a little more, and they will become clearer-headed. A counterattack will be more effective.”

“Father, I don’t want to be a Commandery Princess; I want to be a Princess,” Amosa pouted at Oliver’s feet.

Oliver stroked Amosa’s long hair, “Soon, give me more time, not only will you be a Princess, but you’ll also be Moncalleta’s first Queen.”

Fortune is limited—when his brother inherited the throne, he took away other things as well. Prince Oliver has only one daughter, and he has groomed Amosa to be his heir from a young age, unlike other nobles who try for more heirs.

Unlike Estella’s situation, Amosa can do anything she wants, can run anywhere, can see the world. If anything happens, Oliver will handle it. In the Hedan aristocratic circles, everyone knows you can mock the Princess but never offend the Commandery Princess. Mock the Princess correctly, and the King might reward you, but offend the Commandery Princess? Your entire family’s downfall.

Amosa’s spoiling is real, but so is her effort. She wants to surpass Estella in every aspect, determined to reclaim everything rightfully hers for her father.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep