Chapter 168: The Old King’s Two Plans
“Father?” Givia asked, surprised, looking up at him. “I’ve never ruled a kingdom, and you’re still in good health. You’ve served Ossi for decades. You should continue to lead, not abdicate in my favor.”
“I’ve made my decision,” the old king said, shaking his head gently. “Although you lack experience, I’ve heard of your accomplishments as the leader of the Restoration Army. They tell me that my once-reckless daughter has blossomed into a wise and capable leader. Ruling a kingdom isn’t difficult. Trust me, you’ll adapt quickly. The true challenge is to be a good king, a responsibility I failed. My own weakness, my misplaced affection, allowed Kevin to usurp our kingdom. It’s a disgrace. I can no longer face my people.”
Givia was silent. She had planned to learn from her father for a few years, assisting him in rebuilding the kingdom, inheriting the throne after his death. She could have demanded the throne, knowing he would agree, but her pride as an Ossi warrior wouldn’t allow it.
“Father, your faith in me is humbling. I won’t disappoint you,” she said, bowing deeply.
The old king smiled, his eyes filled with pride. If this were the Givia of a few years ago, she would have refused, offering excuses, but she had accepted the responsibility, her determination unwavering. She had matured, her courage now tempered with wisdom and a sense of duty.
“Your light has eclipsed mine, my child,” the old king said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I had two plans. If you wished to retain your military power, I would have named you Grand Marshal. But if you were willing to accept a greater responsibility, I would relinquish the throne, entrusting the Ossi Kingdom to your care. You are the future of Ossi. The people will love and respect you. And you must honor their faith in you.”
“I will, Father.”
“In one week, I will officially abdicate. The nobles will be informed. They will all witness your coronation,” the old king said. “Ossi has found peace. There’s no need to delay the ceremony any longer.”
He then turned to Abyss and his companions, his gaze filled with gratitude. “You must be Mr. Abyss. I’ve heard of your exploits. Thank you for helping my daughter. Honestly, I was terrified when I learned that Kevin was being manipulated by an Outer God. Hearing about your alliance with Givia, and your victory against that evil being, has eased my worries. But Mr. Abyss, I’m curious, where do you come from? And why are you helping my daughter?”
“Your Majesty, there’s no need for thanks. Our goal is to defeat the Outer Gods. We helped the Restoration Army because we believed in Princess Givia’s cause. The people of Ossi deserve peace and prosperity,” Abyss said, bowing respectfully. “As for myself, I’m just a wandering wild mage, with no affiliations.”
…
As saviors of the Ossi Kingdom, Abyss and his companions were treated as honored guests. The king, finding the capital’s finest guesthouse too humble for them, offered them accommodations within the palace.
Although the Ossi Kingdom wasn’t as wealthy or as culturally advanced as the Eastern and Western Empires, its palace was luxurious enough to impress even Leona. They settled in, preparing for Givia’s coronation.
The night before the ceremony, Abyss remained awake, sitting at his desk, scribbling notes on a sheet of paper.
“Living in a palace is nice…” Leona said, entering his room, humming a tune. Seeing him working, she approached him, patting his shoulder. “Hey, ABC, what are you doing? Givia’s coronation is tomorrow. Shouldn’t you be resting, taking care of your skin?”
“There are more important things than my skin,” Abyss said, glancing at her. “I’m trying to devise a plan to prevent the Lord of Nightmares from disrupting the ceremony. But I haven’t had any breakthroughs yet. He might be weakened, but he could still return. We only have one night left. I need to find a solution.”
“Is that so?” Leona asked, peering over his shoulder, her curiosity piqued, as she examined his messy notes. “You’ve considered so many possibilities. But the Lord of Nightmares is cunning. I think you’ve missed a few.”
“Yes, I told you about my experience in his dream. It’s still troubling me. He might use the coronation ceremony, a public event, to spread fear,” Abyss said.
“Instead of a defensive strategy, why not a counter-offensive?” Leona suggested. “You’ve eliminated all his followers in this world. The only remaining threat is his Shadowlings—he can’t manifest himself directly, can he?”
Abyss paused, then slapped his forehead. “You’re right! I have an idea!”
“Hmph, see? I’m brilliant, aren’t I?” Leona said, puffing out her chest, her voice filled with pride.
“May I kiss you?” Abyss asked, grabbing her wrist playfully.
Leona, her smugness vanishing instantly, blushed. “W-what? No! I don’t want to…”
“Alright, if you don’t want to,” Abyss said, shrugging. “I’ve been sitting for too long. My back is stiff. Could you give me a massage?”
“You pervert!” Leona exclaimed, her face crimson, kicking over his chair and storming out of the room, leaving Abyss sitting on the floor, wondering what was so perverted about requesting a back massage.
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