Sunlight hid behind thick clouds, casting a heavy atmosphere over the Council of Royal Authority.
The dim light only deepened the shadows on everyone’s faces.
This was a council meeting held only for decisions of great importance.
Compared to the last reform of the Royal Capital’s guard organization, this meeting involved a larger and more prestigious group.
Now, seated on both sides of the long marble table were not only nobles residing within the Royal Capital but also nobles from some of the border regions.
Sista (希想塔) sat on one side of the table, staring motionless at the wine cup before her, quietly listening to everything happening around her.
“Recently, battle reports have come from the border. Valivadan’s Witch Tribe has again advanced upon Golden Finch City, attempting to shake the fruits of our victory,”
Princess Moria, clad in a magnificent robe, stood in the center of the hall. Her voice was low and magnetic. “This is absolutely unacceptable. We must exert our full strength to confront them head-on. The Royal Capital will dispatch more troops to garrison the city.”
“Your Highness, I beg you to reconsider. Mobilizing reinforcements and launching another war is a considerable expense,” the Minister of Finance hesitated briefly, frowning as he spoke.
“Our national finances have been in deficit for several years now, and the people are restless, all due to continuous warfare. If taxes are raised again, it could spark public outrage and threaten the foundation of the kingdom.”
“Humans? What’s so terrifying about humans?” As soon as these words were spoken, Count Steyat Anderson, the kingdom’s great general, bristled. He retorted in a booming voice, “The human rebels in my territory were wiped out within a few days by my forces!”
“Precisely because humans always try to overthrow us, we cannot…”
Another round of such arguments ensued.
Sista Anderson was growing somewhat weary of it. The nobles’ endless bickering over the human uprisings was a recurring theme in the Council of Royal Authority meetings, yet they never reached any consensus.
In the end, the decision always rested with Princess Moria, didn’t it?
Sure enough, a faint smile curled at the corner of Moria’s lips. She gently raised her hand, signaling everyone to quiet down before she spoke:
“Both of you make valid points. I have been closely monitoring the human uprisings as well. However, it is precisely because of the threat they pose that I believe we must continue to deploy troops.”
“War has always been a symbol of the Blood Clan’s honor and interests. Only victory can demonstrate our strength to the humans and make them understand that resistance is meaningless. Submission to us is their only path to survival.”
Her words cut through the silence in the hall like a sharp blade, allowing everyone present to feel the unwavering determination in her voice.
The ministers exchanged glances; some furrowed their brows deeply, others’ eyes flickered with hesitation. Clearly, fierce internal struggles and calculations were playing out within their minds.
Princess Moria stood quietly, pressing down everyone present with her sharp gaze and commanding presence.
During the pauses in the discussion, Moria covertly glanced at Sista Anderson, who sat silently off to one side.
The curtain-like veil hid her fair face, except for a small splash of red that stood out vividly even in the insufficient light. Sitting beside Steyat Anderson, she said nothing this time.
A smile involuntarily appeared on Moria’s face a smile of relief.
For some reason, her heart felt considerably lighter.
Although this meeting was different from the last, when it came to war, Sista had no room to oppose her.
Yet, every time she saw Sista Anderson present in the Council, an inexplicable mix of tension and disgust surged within Moria’s heart.
She should just remain silent there forever, Moria thought.
“Of course, I have also taken financial matters into consideration,” Lilia turned her head, forcing herself not to pay attention to Sista Anderson and maintain her initial expression.
“Beside all of Golden Finch City lies the territory of Count Sinuur. The Count has always been an effective administrator; his lands are prosperous. If it is for the honor of the Blood Clan, I believe the Count would be willing to lend his support.”
Count Sinuur, not far from her, heard this and his expression shifted slightly, but his weathered face showed little change aside from a slight nod.
“I understand. I pledge my loyalty to the King.”
He glanced at Steyat Anderson with his peripheral vision, but Steyat said nothing, maintaining his stern expression.
Finally, when the meeting adjourned, Sista Anderson felt a great weight lift from her shoulders.
She stepped out of the gloomy hall with tired steps.
Moria did not want her to appear. She herself disliked attending meetings.
But Sista would never yield to Moria’s wishes.
Even if it meant enduring a powerless feeling she could not argue against, she would never allow herself to escape an invitation.
Approaching the door, Sista Anderson saw Count Sinuur draped in a dark leather cloak standing beside a palace pillar, seemingly waiting for something.
But he only stood there briefly before heading toward the luxuriously decorated Earth Dragon Cart.
Sista Anderson crossed the small path beside the hall, ascending the spiral staircase, gradually quickening her pace.
Today, Sista had specifically instructed Su Ling to clean the carpets in her room at noon and then organize the clothes for the upcoming autumn.
The meeting had ended earlier than expected.
If she hurried, she might still catch Su Ling in her room even if only for a short while before Su Ling went to assist the kitchen with food deliveries.
She arrived at her bedroom door, turned the handle, and gently pushed it open.
“Ah—”
With a soft gasp, a soft body suddenly collided into her embrace.
Sista Anderson blinked in surprise and took a step back from the impact.
Thud!
She fell heavily to the ground, feeling something pressing against her chest.
Though a Blood Clan member, Sista Anderson did not feel any obvious pain.
Still, the inexplicable thing that had just crashed into her was somewhat unpleasant…
Frowning, she lowered her eyes and saw a petite young girl lying against her.
The girl’s hands rested lightly on her shoulders, her chest pressed tightly against Sista’s own.
From the drooping collar, a glimpse of cleavage was visible.
Her small mouth parted slightly, her sparkling eyes filled with nervousness.
Soft, snow-white long hair cascaded over her shoulders like silver threads.
“M-M-Your Highness…”
It was Su Ling’s voice.
There was a familiar scent in the air, and the girl in her arms seemed almost boneless.
Although her body was fully pressed against Sista’s, she felt little weight.
Moreover, that small figure fit perfectly in her arms.
If she closed her arms around her, the silver-haired girl definitely wouldn’t be able to escape.
Claiming that familiar warmth as her own, making sure the girl could never leave her side…
“What… what are you doing, Your Highness?”
Su Ling cautiously asked in a voice barely above a whisper, too afraid to move, fearing she had done something wrong.
“Ah—”
Sista Anderson suddenly released her hold.
Outside the window, the sound of leaves rustling in the cold breeze mingled with occasional bird calls.
The midday sunlight fell on the cracked wall in front of her, illuminating the old fissures vividly.
Only then did she come to her senses.
She had been lost in a fantasy, unconsciously reaching out and embracing Su Ling.
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