Granier looked deeply at Nova, a thoughtful expression on his face. He doesn't even show deference to these nobles, who could overrun the kingdom if they banded together, what a ruthless person. If there ever comes a day when he decides to hold power, he'll either become a tyrant whom nobody dares to challenge out of fear or a monarch whose strength allows the citizens to live free from any external threat. I wish I could see the answer with my own eyes, but…

His gaze landed on Letto, who sat on the throne in silence. I don't know why, but he wants this person to rule. This is the first time I've seen someone willingly give up the throne. He sighed. I can't understand what he sees in him.

Shaking off his thoughts, Granier clapped his hands to get the nobles' attention, who, in the meantime, they had stood up and were currently gasping for air. Calmly, the court mage said "It's time to make a decision. Is there anyone who doesn't support the new king?"

Biting lips and fidgeting hands were the first reactions of the majority. Their gazes darted around the throne room, as if they wanted to escape the situation as quickly as possible.

But as they looked around, their eyes met Nova's, whose eyebrow rose slightly. Even that small gesture frightened them.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place, they shook their heads and immediately felt as if a massive weight had been lifted from their chests.

Granier saw everyone shaking their heads and felt no surprise, if he were in their place, he would probably have done the same. "Since everyone is in favor of Letto becoming the new king, we shall officially announce it to the public before the Emp—"

"After. We'll crown Letto in front of everyone after the emperor's birthday banquet," Nova chimed in.

The court mage gave Nova a sharp look before turning back to the nobles. "After the emperor's banquet. For now, he will act as the unofficial King of Lotra. It goes without saying that this information must be kept private until then." His eyes flashed with a silent warning.

Like chickens pecking at rice, the nobles who had initially resisted now hastily nodded, while the four who had agreed without any persuasion listened solemnly.

Everyone understood that if word got out to the public that Lotra was in the midst of changing rulers, it could cause widespread panic. Unaware of the current situation, the nobles feared that neighboring kingdoms would seize the opportunity to claim a piece of Lotra for themselves.

Although they were reluctant to see a change in rulership, fearing that their benefits and connections might be compromised, they certainly didn't want to become vassals to the nobles of other kingdoms.

In a twist of sorts, that meant they didn't like the current king, but they would never betray him. To them, benefits stood above everything else and Lotra, their home, was filled with them.

Granier swept his gaze across the nobles and said, "We will conclude this meeting for today. Many things have happened, and you must need some time to process them. I'll notify you when the next meeting will take place. You're dismissed."

The breaths that had been held for minutes were finally released. With hasty bows, the nobles bolted toward the exit, only to hear the voice they dreaded most.

"Hold on."

Nova stepped in their direction, making them tremble with fear. "I need the family heads of Maelor and Andretas to stay behind. The rest can leave."

As soon as his words fell, the nobles scrambled toward the exit, leaving behind two middle-aged men, the family heads of Areza and Serpentis, respectively.

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The Serpentis head asked, "Sir, what can we do for you?"

Beside him, the Areza head wore a puzzled expression, clearly having no clue why they were being told to stay behind.

Nova didn't want them to feel uncomfortable and, without beating around the bush, he spoke quietly, just enough so that Granier and Letto couldn't hear. "I want Maelor and Andretas to serve as personal guards for the new king. What do you think about that?"

The first emotion the two family heads felt was relief that they had done nothing wrong. Then came a sense of pride, knowing that such a powerful person had requested their talents as the king's guards. It was a position every knight in the kingdom aspired to, the most respected role of all. One only needed to see how Rollyet was treated in Blackridge to understand the respect and influence held by knights standing beside the king.

But as they reflected further, confusion began to replace their pride.

The Serpentis head said tentatively, "Sir, I don't mean to be disrespectful, and this news is greatly appreciated, but I do have a question."

Nova nodded, signaling the elder to proceed.

Clearing his throat, the family head asked, "Why is Andretas being appointed as the king's guard when he isn't even a knight yet?"

"I was wondering the same thing. Maelor might be the greatest genius of my family, but he hasn't become a knight either," the Areza family head echoed.

"See that guy?" Nova pointed at Granier, who still stood beside Letto, prompting the two heads to nod.

"Wulfric only had that man guarding him for years, and now the same man will guard Letto. Do you really think I expect your geniuses to immediately guard him the moment they arrive?" He shook his head. "The reason I chose them is simple, I met them in the Central Forest yesterday, and I liked their character and talents. What I want is for them to become close to the new king, so that when the time comes, they will be his greatest allies."

Understanding dawned on the two family heads. It made sense, the bond could form more naturally now, before they became stronger, bore greater responsibilities, and developed characters shaped by battles and rulership.

Scenarios filled their minds. Letto had yet to become king, so getting acquainted now was the best possible opportunity. Later, when he was a fully fledged king, it would be nearly impossible. On the other hand. their geniuses were young, with strong characters and promising futures, it would only benefit the new king to have them as some of his closest allies, while also binding their families to Letto.

Aligning their families with a new king who had no background to speak of was a gamble, one these two family heads would normally never take. Except… as they looked at Nova and Granier, their thoughts began to shift. With these two powerful figures supporting the new king, was there even a need to worry about the future?

When their minds reached that conclusion, broad smiles spread across their faces.

"It will be the Areza family's honor to have Maelor serve as the king's guard."

"I'll send Andretas here as soon as I return to the family estate."

Nova's lips curved into a small smile. Raising his voice to its usual volume, he said, "Good. I'll have someone prepare the rooms for them."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the two family heads left in high spirits, their steps as light as feathers.

Nova's smile vanished as he walked back to the throne and looked at Granier. "I take it you've fully changed sides. Am I right?"

"Yes. I'll fully support Letto from now on as the new King of Lotra," Granier replied.

Giving a small nod to the court mage, Nova swept his gaze between the two. "We need to clear the house of all the king's supporters and…" His eyes landed on Letto, who was listening intently. "You need to decide what to do with the king and his family."

"You mean, killing them?" Letto asked lightly. Having spent months near Nova and seen his ruthless streak, he had lost some of his edge, however, he was still a mountain bandit. Killing wasn't as easy for him as it was for Nova, but it wasn't hard either.

Granier said, "Not necessarily. You have three choices for dealing with Wulfric and his family, but each will affect how people see you." He continued, "The first is, obviously, to kill them, nip the bud before it sprouts. That will show the populace you are decisive enough to execute justice, instilling both fear and a sense of security in the citizens."

"Why both?" Letto frowned. How could he instill fear and security at the same time?

"Because the good citizens will feel secure knowing you will punish wrongdoers, and the latter will think twice before acting the former," Granier explained.

Letto nodded in understanding and, curious, asked, "What about the other two?"

"The second is exile, but that leaves a latent threat behind and may seem like letting the enemy off too easily, it makes you look weak. The third is the opposite, cripple them and cast them into some slum, making the royal family live a life worse than death. With all the enemies the old royal family has made over the years of rulership, a powerless, miserable existence will soon turn into a living hell."

Nova inwardly applauded. 'Wow, I didn't even think of the third option. This guy's resourceful.'

Under their gazes, Letto mulled it over for a long moment and said, "I'll choose the—"

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