11:19 am DDDB
Chapter 285
Chapter 285
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At the thought of this, a sudden chill from the heights swept through the King’s body in an instant. He instinctively pulled the coat beside him over his shoulders.
Simon, at the side, felt a flush of secondhand embarrassment.
Margaery could speak freely precisely because she was still an untested newcomer. Her words held too little sway to shake the foundations of anything.
Simon could not, because the power in his hands ran too deep. To know too much, to intervene too often, that would make the King feel encroached upon, and turn suspicion back upon himself.
How could these be the same?
It was not that he failed to understand the King’s loneliness.
But loneliness was always a part of the King.
If this loneliness were truly broken, it would mean the King had lost his majesty and could no longer intimidate those below.
Late at night, after freshening up, Margaery entered the palace with Solon.
This was her first time visiting the palace. As she followed Warren through the palace corridors, she felt a sense of unfamiliarity and discomfort.
The usually solemn court, now draped in the stark silvers and deep purples of royal mourning following the Crown Prince’s assassination, stood more imposing and grave than ever.
“I heard there was another assassination attempt tonight. Are you alright?” Warren gave her a gentle smile.
In another half a year, once Margaery was familiar with everything in the palace, Warren should retire to the background and enjoy his old age.
Margaery gently shook her head, ‘I’m fine.‘
Warren could not help but speculate about her purpose in entering the palace this time, but it was no longer appropriate to ask further.
Margaery followed him silently into the Imperial Study.
Inside the Imperial Study, the King sat behind the dragon desk, appearing somewhat haggard.
Simon sat two meters below.
Margaery sank into a deep curtsy, her gaze lowered.
“Your Majesty.”
Hearing the greeting, the King looked at the young girl before him, whose face still bore a trace of baby fat, and an uncomfortable feeling welled up in his heart.
In previous years, disasters and wars in the Eastvale Empire had left the population sparse; to increase numbers, girls would marry as early as twelve.
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Chapter 285
Yet at this moment, looking at Margaery’s face, he still felt she was too young.
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Such a soft, tender young girl, marrying early to shoulder the responsibilities of a household, bearing children, supporting her husband, and raising a family.
‘Ultimately, it is still because the Eastvale Empire is too weak, the King sighed.
He felt a heavy weight in his heart and asked Margaery, ‘I heard you wished to see me. For what reason?
His tone was rarely gentle.
Margaery, being young, sensed the kindness of an elder in the King’s gaze.
Though restrained, it was reassuring.
Margaery had carefully considered what she needed to say tonight while on the way. She said, “I have come this time out of concern for Your Majesty’s safety. I fear someone may wish you harm, and precautions should be taken early
She certainly knew that some words, once spoken, could be too sharp.
However, now the King and she were united as one.
If the King died, it would only be detrimental to her.
‘If luck is dead, what use is there for me, the star? Margaery thought.
Therefore, she had to come forward and voice her suspicions. Tonight’s assassination attempt. Someone infiltrated the city defense forces.”
“They went from being enemies to blending into the city defense forces as insiders, burying themselves so deeply and hiding so well, all to strike at the most critical moment and maximize their gains,” she analyzed.
“But tonight, they chose to take a desperate risk. And it happened during a citywide lockdown.
“This proves that the time has come for them to sacrifice themselves! I possess only a nominal reputation, not enough to justify such exposure and cost; the only possibility is that their actions are merely a diversion,” she concluded.
After these words, the entire grand hall fell silent.
Not only did Simon furrow his brow, but even the King looked grave, and Warren’s face turned somewhat pale.
Clearly, Margaery’s analysis was unexpected.
Yet it struck directly at the heart of the matter!
“Continue.” The King looked at her, his voice slightly hoarse.
He had originally thought that Margaery was seeking justice after suffering grievances.
Although that would have disappointed him somewhat, the child was still young, and he could understand.
But unexpectedly, after entering, she did not mention her fright or grievances at all, and instead touched upon an issue that neither he nor Simon had considered!
The assassins targeted Margaery; both he and Simon knew these people were after the Star of Fortune.
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Chapter 285
If the Star of Fortune died, the world would fall into chaos.
But unexpectedly, Margaery had thought one step further.
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They had not considered it in time, but now felt as if a thorn was pricking their backs after hearing Margaery out.
Because what Margaery said was the most logical explanation!
Indeed, tonight, the entire city was under lockdown!
This meant that the assassins were easily exposed; a single misstep could lead to capture, implicating many others, and ultimately possibly resulting in a complete sweep.
Whether attacking or retreating, it was ten times more difficult than usual.
Moreover, how long would it take them to infiltrate the city’s defense forces? How much effort would it require to avoid suspicion?
Yet tonight, they chose to expose themselves!
The only explanation was that those behind them had been driven to desperation!
Since time is so pressing, their true objective was not to assassinate the Star of Fortune.
Because after the death of the Fortunate Star, it would take at least three months, half a year, or even a year for significant chaos to develop.
There was no need to be so anxious!
This was also what made Margaery terrified.
So, Margaery spoke, voicing her speculation, “What Tessa took from Raul’s room was the defense map. This proves that Frosthelm and the Southcroft Empire are about to enter the palace, and they are in a hurry.”
“Why are they in such a hurry?” she added.
“The reason is simple. First, once we learn of the theft of the defense map, we can change our deployments, rendering what they obtained useless,” she explained.
“Second, this year there has been heavy snow in the north, and the roads are blocked. If war breaks out, our supplies will not keep up, which favors their northward advance. That is why they are racing against time,” she continued.
“And the fact that Tessa could come to Sinderin, infiltrate the Chancellor’s estate, that the Southcroft Empire could open Springcourt House in Sinderin, and that someone could infiltrate the city defense forces, can only prove that we have a traitor in our ranks, and at a high level,” she analyzed.
“Prince Nathaniel was attacked, and the Southcroft Empire could not have received the news so quickly. Those lying in wait here would not act without orders. The only possibility is that their collaborator has been driven to desperation!” she went
- on.
“If this person is driven to desperation, it means something he cannot reveal will be exposed soon. He must seize control before his deeds come to light!” she paused.
“Therefore, assassinating me is not important. His target is you, the King,” she finally concluded.
Margaery looked at the King. She did not explicitly name Callum, but voiced other suspicions. “I believe they have another group secretly plotting something. These assassins released are merely a smokescreen.
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Hearing all this, none of them in the Imperial Study made a sound.
The King and Simon exchanged glances, both with somewhat complicated expressions.
“What do you think?” the King asked.
He looked at Simon and added, “This time, I hope you can give me a clear answer.”
Simon felt speechless.
He hesitated and glanced at Margaery.
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He truly did not expect Margaery to have such suspicions; mainly because he and the King had just been discussing the Royal Examinations, so his attention was elsewhere.
Now, he also sensed the seriousness of the situation.
“Margaery makes a valid point. Tonight’s assassination will directly cripple the city defense forces,” Simon said.
He looked at the King and went on, “The enemy’s spies have all emerged from within the city defense forces. We can no longer trust them. Yet, if we take action against the city defense forces, the safety of Sinderin will be difficult to guarantee in the short term.”
“If there are powerful enemies outside the city, they will seize the opportunity to march straight in!” Simon stressed.
“Therefore, this scheme is aimed at the King; what is meant to be destroyed is not Margaery, but the city defense forces!” Simon concluded.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
