Chapter 76: Council of Royal Authority

“Phil……”

Sista furrowed her brows, her gaze fixed on the portrait of Phil, then slowly shifted to the delicate button lying quietly beside it.

The button was intricately carved with an eagle spreading its wings, poised to take flight, and a shield that looked solid and unbreakable.

It was the same token a guard had inadvertently picked up from the dust deep within the castle later confirmed to be a distinctive insignia used by spies from the Valivadan Kingdom.

“Enemy forces have already infiltrated the Royal Capital. Gentlemen, please take note: this button was found tucked away in the corner of a small gate on the west side of the castle. To this day, the infiltrator remains undiscovered, which shows how seriously inadequate the castle’s internal defenses have become,” Had said with a stern expression.

“A serious incident also occurred within the court. A palace maid, while out shopping, was assaulted by a drunken guard and was found unconscious.”

“In addition, the Ministry of Justice has received various complaints throughout the Royal Capital. I will now briefly outline them for everyone…”

The atmosphere in the Council of Royal Authority meeting grew exceptionally heavy, each face etched with worry.

When Had finally finished his report, Moria looked at him and nodded.

“As Had mentioned, the Royal Guard Corps has serious internal problems that urgently need to be addressed. Does anyone have any good suggestions?”

“I’ve heard about these issues before,” Defence Minister Thomas spoke while shuffling through the prepared drafts.

“Since the problems lie within the Guard Corps, the solution should come from within. I propose we rebuild the Guard Corps, replace the current Captain Tom, and appoint a more capable Blood Clan knight.”

However, the King’s brows furrowed deeply, a complicated emotion flickering in his eyes.

“No, Thomas…” the King spoke rarely. “I fully understand your concerns, but we must be cautious about replacing the Captain. Tom’s years of contribution and loyalty cannot be overlooked. These minor faults alone are not enough to justify dismissal.”

Sista quietly listened to the exchange between the King and Moria, already understanding the real reason the King was reluctant to replace Tom.

Tom was not only King Steyat’s long-trusted confidant but also a deeply entrenched figure in the Royal Capital’s military system. His loyalty unquestionably leaned toward the King himself.

If the proposal to rebuild the Guard Corps and replace the Captain were accepted, it would upset the existing balance of power, gradually shifting military strength in the Royal Capital toward the Queen’s faction something Steyat was unwilling to see.

Sista’s gaze flickered between the two, silently contemplating a strategy.

“I agree with Thomas,” Had then spoke up. “Thomas has served His Majesty faithfully for many years, but his age inevitably leads to occasional lapses in duty. Replacing the Captain is an inevitable matter sooner or later.”

“Indeed. I understand His Majesty’s desire to rely on seasoned veterans, but the Royal Capital’s security is no trivial matter,” Thomas nodded seriously.

With these two taking the lead, others quickly joined the discussion, most siding with the Defence Minister’s proposal.

Sista let out a barely perceptible cold smile.

Though these two appeared to voice their own opinions, they were long-standing members of the Queen’s faction. Surely, before entering the hall, they had already conspired with Moria.

She glanced sideways at her father, who sat silently like a statue.

Sure enough, Steyat’s mind was not so sharp. Even in the face of looming disaster, he merely forced a calm expression, concealing the turmoil within.

Now, the only one who could help him was his daughter.

So, Sista spoke softly.

“Your concerns are not without merit. The Royal Capital’s security truly must not be compromised. However, as His Majesty said, replacing the Captain requires careful consideration.”

“Sista, do share your thoughts,” the King eagerly interjected, grasping at a lifeline.

Sista paused briefly and first looked toward Finance Minister Clara Pamel.

“Reorganizing the Guard Corps and recruiting new soldiers may seem simple, but it involves significant expenditure. Due to the recent war, the state’s finances are already in deficit. I have reviewed the report Finance presented a few days ago this move might only increase the fiscal burden.”

Pamel, a plump Blood Clan female official, opened her mouth as if to say something, but Sista’s words left her deep in thought.

After a while, she merely nodded slightly.

Next, Sista turned to Defence Minister Thomas and Had, who had just spoken.

“Gentlemen, I think your proposal to replace the Captain is too hasty. Ansels is currently at war with the Witch Tribe on the outside, while tensions between the lower-class humans within the kingdom remain high. The country is unsettled, and the military’s morale is likely unstable.”

“Tom is a respected knight with outstanding battle achievements. Replacing him recklessly now might cause unnecessary trouble.”

Her sharp eyes locked onto Had. Though her tone was polite, the pressure emanating from her gaze made Had sweat and slightly turn his head away, unwilling to meet her stare.

After she finished, the hall fell silent, save for the sound of rain pattering outside, weighing heavily on the mood.

After some time, a rhythmical applause broke the stillness.

Clap, clap, clap.

Moria stood up with a smile, looking down from her high seat at Sista, her golden hair trembling in the cold wind.

“Truly worthy of Princess Sista your considerations are always so thorough,” she said with a hint of sarcasm. “Though only the Second Princess, you insist on attending political affairs. Princess Sista really is devoted to the nation’s matters, truly loyal.”

Sista did not respond to her provocation, maintaining silence.

“So, does Princess Sista mean to jeopardize the Royal Capital’s safety and allow these spies to run rampant inside? If that’s the case…”

“I never said that,” Sista interrupted lightly, calmly clenching her fist. “I have a better proposal for dealing with the Guard Corps.”

At this, all eyes turned toward Sista, and a faint look of joy appeared on the King’s face.

“In the past, the Guard Corps’ discipline relied on self-regulation, with no dedicated supervisory department. Over time, this naturally led to lax discipline.”

“Therefore, I propose the Ministry of Oversight establish a dedicated Inspector to supervise the Guard Corps and its Captain. Since the security of the Royal Capital is of utmost importance, this supervisory role should be directly led by the Minister of Oversight.”

“But that would mean…”

“I support Princess Sista’s suggestion,” Minister Clara interrupted Moria, looking seriously at Sista. “This is truly a balanced solution that addresses the Guard Corps’ oversight problem.”

Her words were met with nods from many present. The King breathed a slight sigh of relief. It was his moment to step forward. Clearing his throat, Steyat said,

“Sista’s suggestion is excellent.”

“Since even Your Majesty agrees, then we shall proceed as you advise.”

Moria’s lips curled into a faint smile, but beneath it lay a barely perceptible chill.

Deep within Moria’s sharp eyes flickered dissatisfaction toward Sista. She was inwardly angry—Sista’s move was clearly sabotaging the carefully crafted plans.

Moria had long hoped to seize this chance to solidify her influence over the Royal Capital’s military sphere, but Sista’s interference had complicated her control.

Sista… that woman shouldn’t be here.

Moria knew full well of Sista’s talents. This time was no exception; though Sista’s proposal seemed fair and impartial, it actually weakened Moria’s influence over the Guard Corps, allowing the King to maintain control over the military power.

“Next, we will discuss the specifics regarding the establishment of the inspection system…”

Moria continued calmly, a sharp glint flashing briefly in her eyes before she quickly masked it. She understood that any display of emotion in the court could become a fatal weakness.

She chose to endure, burying this hostility deep within her heart.