Volume 6 Chapter 57
by Golden DragonVolume 6 + Chapter 57: Silent Eve
Elven Royal Palace.
Kennedy stood beside the elven throne, looking down at the ministers below.
“Do you not have state affairs to report to Her Majesty the Queen?”
Kennedy gazed at the civil and military officials in the court.
“What, has everyone fallen silent?”
This was the designated court assembly time, when officials were required to report important state matters to the Elf King who ruled the elven royal family.
However, the newly ascended Elf Queen, who had only recently taken the throne, was nowhere to be seen upon the throne.
This left everyone rather perplexed.
Apu, the head of the civil officials, stepped forward and saluted Kennedy.
Although his heart was extremely reluctant, Kennedy was now the Chancellor and General of the Elven Kingdom. According to the late king’s final edict previously announced, all civil and military officials were required to show respect to Kennedy.
“Lord Chancellor, we have important matters to memorialize. May I trouble you to summon Her Majesty the Queen?” Apu said politely.
“If you have something to say, just tell me directly.” Kennedy completely disregarded Apu, speaking arrogantly.
“This is a matter of great importance and requires Her Majesty the Queen’s personal…”
“Silence.”
Kennedy glared at Apu.
“Her Majesty the Queen is currently unwell and cannot receive anyone. If you have something to say, tell me, and I will relay it to Her Majesty. Do not disturb Her Majesty’s rest with trivial matters. If her condition worsens further, can you bear the responsibility?”
Just a few days ago, Eve had been perfectly healthy. Suddenly, Kennedy announced that Eve was unwell and would remain in the palace to rest, refusing to allow anyone to see her.
Who would believe such nonsense?
It was clearly an excuse for Kennedy to place Eve under house arrest, making her easier to control and further interfering with state affairs.
His ambition was as clear as day to all!
He was practically one step away from sitting directly on the elven throne.
“Is there any business or not? If there is, present it, if not, dismiss the court!”
Kennedy put on a sour face for everyone and prepared to leave.
Just then, a sudden voice rang out.
“Hold it!”
Everyone looked toward one direction and saw a young official.
This man was named Andy, a young minister known for his fiery and impulsive temperament.
Clearly, Kennedy’s actions had enraged him, and he chose this moment to speak out.
“Oh, do you have something to report?” Kennedy shifted his gaze to Andy.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Andy walked to the front of everyone. Without saluting Kennedy, he pointed at him and cursed directly.
“Kennedy, you thieving traitor who has usurped the kingdom!!”
“Traitor? Hahaha!” Upon hearing this, Kennedy burst into laughter.
“What are you laughing at?” Andy’s eyes were nearly splitting with rage. “Do you really think all of us are fools? You, a degenerate blinded by greed and ambition, have tampered with the late king’s edict, taken control of Her Majesty the Queen, abused your power to wield influence, and oppressed the royal family. You are a disgrace to the elven race!!”
“You dare question the late king’s edict?” Kennedy narrowed his eyes.
“Kennedy, you failed so miserably in the anti-vampire war. The late king would surely have been deeply disappointed in you and even held you accountable! Under such circumstances, how could he possibly have entrusted Her Majesty the Queen to you?”
Andy spoke the thoughts of everyone present.
“Anyone with eyes can see that you tampered with the contents of the edict!”
“What audacity. To slander the late king is an unforgivable crime!”
Kennedy suddenly erupted. Right there in the court, he drew his sword and swung a streak of blade light, thrusting it toward Andy.
“Aaah!”
Andy let out a scream. Kennedy’s sword pierced his heart. Within two seconds, his life was taken, blood splattering the floor.
Everyone was stunned speechless.
Who could have imagined that Kennedy would be so brazen? Even the elven kings of past generations had never directly killed someone in court.
“Kennedy, have you gone mad! To kill someone here is an insult to all the former elven sovereigns!”
Apu could no longer bear it and lunged forward.
Chaos erupted in the court. Many tried to stop Kennedy.
But how could these civil officials be a match for Kennedy?
With a casual kick, he knocked over a whole group of them.
Just as the officials were getting to their feet, elven soldiers rushed into the court and subdued them with their weapons.
“Excellent, so you are rebelling. Guards, arrest everyone who just assaulted me. I will personally judge them!” Kennedy commanded. “I will not spare a single rebel!”
…
…
Eve opened her eyes.
She got out of bed and wanted to leave the palace where she resided.
But as soon as she reached the door, she was stopped.
Elven soldiers holding weapons stared at her with wary eyes and asked, “Her Majesty the Queen, what are you planning to do?”
“…I want to go out for some fresh air,” Eve replied.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“The Lord Chancellor has ordered that you are not allowed to leave this palace freely. If you need to go out, we can notify the Lord Chancellor on your behalf.”
As the soldiers spoke, they did not put away their weapons. Instead, they crossed them in front of Eve, blocking her path.
“Her Majesty, you can rest assured that both your needs and your safety will be fully guaranteed here. The situation outside is too dangerous. If you leave this palace, the consequences will be severe.”
“I do not intend to leave the palace. I only want to go for a walk in the garden,” Eve countered. “Are you saying that even the palace is dangerous now?”
“…Your Majesty, please do not make things difficult for us. The Lord Chancellor has said that if you remain obstinate, we may take compulsory measures to keep you in the palace.”
“…”
Eve knew that these people could not be reasoned with. She did not continue speaking and went back inside.
She walked to the window and saw that guards were also posted outside.
The palace was surrounded on all sides, completely sealed off.
She realized that Kennedy was determined to imprison her here.
Yet Eve felt no anger toward the ambitious man’s actions, nor did any emotional stir arise within her.
She did not care about any of this.
In her heart, there was neither desire nor wish. She had also lost the only family member she cared about.
Then, for what purpose did she live in this world?
She had been constantly thinking: why did she exist upon this land? What was she, truly?
Before, when the Elf King was still alive, she felt that she only needed to obey her grandfather’s words.
Now…
She did not know.
The gray-haired elven maiden sat alone on the sofa, sinking into silence, as if she had become a statue. She remained there, solitary, until night fell.
Tap, tap, tap.
Footsteps echoed in the palace.
A palace maid approached, carrying a tray, and walked up to Eve.
She had come to deliver a meal.
Eve did not pay attention and did not want to speak.
This maid drew close to her and suddenly tapped her on the shoulder.
“Hey, Eve, can you hear me?”
“…Huh?”
Eve looked up, feeling a sense of familiarity in her heart.
This was…
“Yes, it’s me~ The Succubus girl whom everyone loves and every flower blooms for~”
[Translator’s Note: Please join the Gravity Tales’ Discord Server, if you want to hang out.]
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