Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 130: Planning (2)

"So, can you tell us the plan now?" Riku urged.

"Okay, The Grand Luminar," she said, her voice returning to a low and intense tone. "He has requested a formal audience with King Harius III tomorrow morning after his walk around Luxia in an open public address. The official topic is the ’miraculous’ Hummer talismans and the Church’s response." She turned to face Riku, a cold, calculating look on her face.

"But he also plans to use that opportunity to formally report on the ’treason’ of Lord Arnold. He intends to declare him a fugitive and his family missing, branding them all as traitors to the crown."

"He will stand before the King," Riku continued, a slow, predatory smile spreading across his face, "and he will lie. He will tell the court that the Chamberlain’s family has vanished, branded as fugitives of the crown. He will use the King’s authority to legitimize their conspiracy."

"And at that exact moment," Riku’s eyes glinted with dangerous intensity, "you, High Archon, will use your authority to allow another party to enter and report. And the ’missing’ family—alive, well, and safe—will walk in."

Lysaria gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she understood the sheer audacity of the plan.

"It’s the only way," Seraphina nodded, acknowledging Riku’s plan. "We present the King with undeniable, living proof of the Grand Luminar’s treachery. We force him to see the truth with his own eyes. There will be no room for denial, no bureaucratic delays, no quiet cover-ups. The Society’s plot will be laid bare at the highest level."

Seraphina paced the room, her mind racing. It was a terrifying gamble. If it failed, she, Lysaria, Riku, and the entire Hummer and Arnold families would be branded as traitors and likely executed. But if it succeeded... it could shatter the conspiracy’s power structure in a single, decisive blow.

"The Grand Luminar is my superior," she murmured, voicing her conflict. "To openly defy him in front of the King, that would completely put me at odds against him."

"It is the only way to save the Church you actually believe in," Riku assured her. "The one of justice and compassion, not the one of corruption and murder."

Lysaria stepped forward, her eyes shining with conviction. "Sister Seraphina, he’s right. This is our chance."

"Hmph. You know nothing about what is going on. How do you know that he is right?" Seraphina scolded. It was not like Lysaria had seen the same visions that Riku had shown her in Arnold’s mansion. freeweɓnøvel~com

This girl just had blind, unconditional trust in Riku for some reason. And that stung her slightly.

"Very well," she said, her voice hard as steel. "I will arrange it. Tomorrow morning, you will have your stage."

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Riku didn’t waste a moment. After leaving Seraphina and Lysaria, he teleported back to the Hummer estate. He found Baron Charles, Lord Gregor, and the entire Arnold family gathered in the main parlor, a heavy, anxious silence hanging in the room.

"It’s time," Riku announced, his voice steady. "The stage is set."

He quickly laid out the plan Seraphina had proposed. He explained the Grand Luminar’s public address before the King, the lies that would be told, and the precise moment they would need to act.

Lady Beatrice clasped her hands to her chest, her face pale. "We are to walk into the King’s public court? In front of everyone?"

"Yes," Riku said, his gaze meeting hers. "It is the only way. The Grand Luminar will declare you traitors and fugitives. Your presence, alive and well, will be undeniable proof of his treachery. It is a great risk, but it is our best chance to clear your family’s name and expose the conspiracy."

Marcus, his jaw set with a grim determination, stepped forward. "We will do it. For my father. For my family." He looked at Riku, then at Baron Charles. "We are ready."

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The next morning, the great square before the Royal Palace was packed with citizens. King Harius III stood upon the Grand Balcony, looking out over his people. He had just completed his tour of the city’s afflicted districts, and his expression was a mixture of sorrow and weary resolve.

"People of Luxia," the King’s voice boomed, amplified by royal mages. "I have walked your streets. I have seen your suffering. The shadow of the Crimson Creep still hangs heavy over our homes."

He paused, letting his gaze sweep over the crowd. "But I have also seen hope. I have seen the work of the Hummer family’s talismans. I have seen the sick find relief where there was none before. This is a light in our darkest hour."

His expression hardened again. "Yet, the blight remains. It is a cancer we must cut out. And we must also find those who would use this crisis for their own gain. To that end, I have asked my most trusted advisors to report on their findings."

The New Chamberlain, Lady Vayne, and other powerful nobles and clergy stood in attendance. High Archon Seraphina was also present, her face a mask of pious calm that betrayed none of the turmoil raging within her.

The Grand Luminar stepped forward to the edge of the balcony, his white-and-gold robes catching the light.

"Your Majesty," he began, his voice echoing with practiced solemnity. "I come before you today with both good news and grave tidings. The Church, with the help of the noble House Hummer, has made great strides in managing the Crimson Creep through the distribution of their miraculous healing talismans."

He paused, letting a somber expression fall over his features. "However, a shadow still lingers over our great city. As you know, we have been investigating the sudden retirement of the former Lord Chamberlain, Arnold. Our investigation has uncovered a horrifying truth. We believe Lord Arnold himself was complicit with the dark forces that unleashed this plague upon us."

"What? Albus, do you mean to say that he is involved in a conspiracy against the state?" The king asked loudly. "You make such bold acquisitions of someone who has been in the court for so many years. Surely, you have proof?"

"Of course, Your Majesty. We have solid, undeniable proof with us."

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