Chapter 1327: The King and His Children ( 1327 )

In the Throne Hall.

Garreth sat upon the throne, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Before him, five members of the new special unit knelt in perfect unison, their heads bowed low.

The leader among them spoke, his voice steady and resolute. "Your Majesty’s command shall be carried out without fail."

"Mm... good." Garreth’s voice was calm, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. "There is no need to bring the bastard back alive. Kill him, retrieve the weapon, and return it to me. That is all."

"Understood, Your Majesty." The leader bowed deeper. "It will be done."

"Meet with my advisor before you depart. He will provide you with everything you need, funds, supplies, and information. The ship is already prepared and waiting for you. You leave tonight. Dismissed."

The five soldiers rose in unison, bowed once more, and exited the hall in silence.

After they left, the First Prince, Kaelen, who had been standing silently beside the throne, stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"Father..."

"Hmm? Yes, Kaelen?"

Kaelen’s voice carried a note of frustration as he spoke.

"Father, all eighteen summoned heroes have been nothing but trouble since they arrived. They do as they please, cause chaos throughout the nation, waste our resources, and act arrogantly as if they own the land. They sleep with any woman they desire, flaunt their power, and show no respect for our laws or traditions."

Garreth smirked, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"I know, son. I have watched them closely since the day they arrived. But for now, we must be patient. As long as they do not touch our family, especially you, your brothers, and your sister, we will tolerate their presence. Their time will come. But that time is not yet."

The Second Prince stepped forward, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Father."

"Yes, Cecilio?"

Cecilio hesitated before speaking. "Is there truly a need for us to invade the other continent? It will waste our resources and strain our military. The cost alone..."

Garreth smirked, a low chuckle escaping his lips.

"All the soldiers being used to assist the so-called heroes are not our main forces, nor are they royal soldiers. They are levied from noble houses. You know this, Cecilio."

"Yes, Father. But still..."

Garreth raised a single finger, silencing him as he leaned back on his throne.

"Like I said, you need not worry about that. Focus on your training. Hone your magic and skills, especially those that can counter the heroes’ abilities. If they ever dare to disrespect you or cross the line, you will be ready to put them in their place."

He then turned his gaze toward his third son.

"Arbalest."

"Yes, Father?"

"I heard you struck one of the heroes with your fist yesterday."

Arbalest stiffened, then nodded, his voice low. "Yes, Father. I ask for your forgiveness, but I could not stand by while he tried to flirt with my fiancée right in front of me."

Garreth exhaled slowly, his expression shifting to one of mild disappointment.

"I am disappointed in you, Arbalest."

Arbalest’s shoulders sagged.

"Not because you struck him," Garreth continued, his voice sharpening. "But because you only struck him once. If you were going to hit him, you should have crushed him properly. Make sure he never dares to look at your fiancée again. Next time, do not hold back."

"As you wish, Father."

"Mm." Garreth smiled softly, his eyes carrying a cold glint. "Next time, I don’t want to hear that you only used your fist. Crush those bastards properly. Make sure they cannot move. And if you have no choice... kill them."

"But Father... if we do that, their goddesses might..."

Garreth smirked, cutting him off with a wave of his hand.

"The problem with their goddesses, or any other goddess, is for me to handle. Not you. So do not worry about the consequences. Focus on protecting your honor and your family."

All three princes bowed in unison. "Understood, Father."

Garreth then turned his gaze toward his only daughter, Celine, who sat gracefully by the side of the hall.

"Celine?"

"Yes, Father?" Celine rose gracefully, offering a proper curtsy, her posture elegant and refined.

"Have any of those bastards tried to make a move on you?" Garreth’s voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp, watching for any hint of discomfort.

Celine’s expression remained composed, though a flicker of distaste crossed her features. "They have tried, Father. But I have no interest in any of them. They treat women as disposable playthings, and I will not be one of their toys. All I want..."

She placed a hand over her heart, her voice taking on a dramatic, romantic lilt. "...is someone with true charm, handsome, and loyal. I wouldn’t even mind becoming one of his wives, as long as it is official, proper, and not some fleeting amusement."

Garreth chuckled softly, shaking his head as he watched his only daughter’s dramatic display.

"And where, my dear, will you find such a man? For nobles and royals, having more than one wife is perfectly normal. But someone as romantic as you describe? That is a rare find." He paused, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Perhaps you fancy one of King Justinian’s princes from Celestia Nation? Or maybe one of King Thaddeus’s princes from Orthosia Nation?"

Celine stomped her foot, puffing her cheeks in frustration.

"Mou! Father!!! Hmmph! Who would want those princes?! They sleep with any woman they come across, enjoying themselves without a care! If you truly want to arrange a marriage with them, then give them to the princesses from your other queens! If you try to force me, I’ll run away from home!"

All three of her brothers smiled and shook their heads, watching their little sister’s dramatic outburst.

"I’m serious! Hmmph!" She stomped her foot again, crossing her arms in defiance.

Garreth laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine. Before he could respond, the First Prince, Kaelen, stepped forward.

"Father... the information about Armand..."

Garreth raised his hand, silencing him as he leaned back on his throne.

"Don’t. If there is any physical information about them, burn it. We do not need to assist them in their invasion or any of their schemes. It is more than enough that we have allowed them to stay here and use our funds. We will not be assisting them further."

( End Of Chapter )