Chapter 468: I’m Willing
“If not this, then what?” Albert Sitwell coldly stated, “If it weren’t for Leopold Lewis’s imminent death, why would I choose this moment to confront him and shake the foundation of our North Kingdom?”
Within the North Kingdom’s borders, the reputation of the National Teacher, Leopold Lewis, echoed far and wide. Wherever he went, it was as if the emperor himself had arrived. Just based on the eight words Albert Sitwell had spoken more than once, Lord North had been elevated to a godlike status.
And now, the time had come to dethrone Lord North. As a member of the Hall of Jade, even if he was a close friend, in Albert Sitwell’s eyes, there were only two words: self-interest. Even if that person was Lord North, he could just as easily cast him aside without hesitation.
“But…” Alfred wanted to seize the opportunity to ask, Lord North had been secluded in the Buddha Academy for years without any wrongdoing. Why would the Hall of Jade suddenly seek to end his life?
However, after much hesitation, Alfred refrained from asking. The reason was simple. The Hall of Jade had its rules. If it was something he should know and could know, he wouldn’t ask. Albert Sitwell would tell him. On the contrary, if it was something he shouldn’t know and couldn’t know, asking would only backfire, perhaps even bringing trouble upon himself.
Shirine Empire! The imperial city! Outside a room in one of the towers, a crowd had gathered. Members of the Hall of Swords and the White Army were almost all present, including Julia’s mother. Knox was there too.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
At this moment, everyone already knew of Sean’s choice and that Julia would become the next ruler of the Shirine Empire. A woman as ruler! This was the first time in the long history of the Shirine Empire that this had occurred. Furthermore, Julia had only just begun practicing dark energy for a short six months. At her current level, anyone outside the door could effortlessly end her life, except for her mother.
Yet, Sean had chosen her. This unexpected decision left everyone filled with immense doubt and shock. However, no one dared to oppose it.
Inside the room, there were only Julia and Sean. Julia sat in front of the dressing table, looking at her reflection in the mirror, her heart also in turmoil. Unable to contain herself, she couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Mason…”
“Why me?”
Indeed, not to mention Sean himself, there were so many others he could have chosen. Why did he specifically choose her? Those outside couldn’t fathom it, and she herself was bewildered.
“Do you want to know the reason?” Sean stood behind Julia and softly said, “It’s quite simple.”
“Firstly, you are of royal blood, the lone survivor within the capital. Although the throne of the ruler is easily within my reach following King Roscoe’s death, it’s not something I seek or desire. I won’t become a usurper.”
“Moreover, I have more important matters to attend to. I cannot stay in the capital of the Shirine Empire forever.”
Upon hearing this, Julia’s heart trembled slightly. She knew very well what Sean intended to do next and why. Although she had long buried any special feelings for Sean, at this moment, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartache.
In fact, she wanted to tell Sean to his face, “Six months ago when I activated my bloodline and embarked on the path of cultivation, it was only to follow in your footsteps, to stay by your side! Even if it’s just as ordinary friends, as long as I can be by your side, everything would be fine! This position of ruler, neither of us desires it! Even you…”
However, she also wanted to ask, “By confining me within the walls of the Shirine Empire’s capital with the title of ruler, you’re making me a caged bird once more, just in a larger cage than before! Yet you… intend to leave the Shirine Empire, to fly far away. Are you intentionally abandoning me?”
The position of ruler, a sovereign of a nation, would likely bring joy and acceptance to anyone. Yet, Sean didn’t want it, and neither did Julia.
Fate plays tricks on people. The throne that countless desired and sought was given to these two who didn’t want it!
However, despite her unwillingness, her grievances, and her sorrow, Julia deeply breathed in and forcibly suppressed her emotions. Without saying another word, she asked, “And secondly?”
Sean was not foolish; he naturally noticed Julia’s unease and guessed her thoughts. However, this was not enough to change his decision. Love, one single word, could hurt the most, impossible to sever, leaving only chaos. Thus, enduring a long pain was better than enduring a shortone. Keeping a distance from Julia and completely severing her aspirations was one of Sean’s objectives.
So Sean cleared his throat and put on an indifferent appearance, continuing, “You were born into royalty and raised in the royal family. Although you don’t typically involve yourself in political matters, you are very familiar with royal affairs. At the same time, despite being of royal blood, you lack the vices of royalty. Your compassionate and benevolent nature, your aversion to power plays-these will all be your strengths and will bring blessings to the common people!”
“I believe that under your rule, the future of the Shirine Empire will surely be rejuvenated, thriving…”
In essence, as a member of the royal family, Julia understood the ways of governance but detested its darker aspects. She could guard against the unworthy and govern with benevolence. Currently, the Shirine Empire, left in disarray by the father and son, King Ron and King Roscoe, needed exactly a ruler like Julia to clear away the muck and return the empire’s development to the right path. This was also a significant reason for Sean’s selection of Julia.
“Is that so?” Julia smiled sadly, somewhat self-mockingly. “Mr. Mason, you are overestimating me…”
Then Julia asked, “Is there a third reason?”
“The third…” Seeing Julia’s tearful expression in the mirror, at that moment, Sean suddenly felt a twinge of unease. He sighed and said, “I chose you, but you also have the right to choose and refuse. If you are unwilling, you can tell me.”
“I…” Sean’s words were cut off as Julia suddenly stood up, interrupting him. Her tone was resolute. “I’m willing! Mr. Mason, don’t worry. This all happened so suddenly, and I just found it a bit hard to accept for a moment! Please rest assured. I, Julia, will not let Mr. Mason down. I will do my utmost to benefit the people of the Shirine Empire, and I will be a competent empress for the Shirine Empire.”
“I definitely will!”
“As Mr. Mason desires!”
With that said, Julia turned to face Sean. In her heart, she added, “As long as it’s something you ask of me, I… I’m willing to do it all!”
Their eyes met. Undoubtedly, seeing Julia’s teary, pleading eyes, Sean’s heart trembled slightly. He felt guilty toward Julia.
“In that case, it’s settled then. I’ll go make the arrangements.”
Soon after, Sean avoided Julia’s intense gaze, turned, and left the room. At that moment, the scalding tears finally broke free from Julia’s eyes, wetting her fair cheeks…
“General, sir!”
“Sir!”
“General Wolf!”
Seeing Sean emerge from the room, those waiting outside immediately approached. Sean nodded and said to Julia’s mother, “Aunt, please go inside and accompany Julia!”
“Alright!”
A mother knows her daughter best. As Julia’s mother, she naturally understood Julia’s thoughts and hurried into the room!
Then!
Sean loudly addressed the crowd, “As of today, Julia will succeed as the ruler of the Shirine Empire. In three days, the new royal ceremony will be held. Members of the Hall of Swords, the White Army, and all military personnel must fully support her. Anyone who dares to be negligent or disloyal will be mercilessly executed!”
Is it settled???
Even though they had long known this would be the outcome, at this moment, Sean’s decisive declaration still stirred significant emotions within the crowd. They exchanged glances and all bowed, echoing in unison, “We shall respect General’s orders!”
“We shall respect the orders!”
“We shall respect General Wolf’s orders!”
Their voices were like thunder!
Resounding throughout the entire imperial city!
From this moment on, the sky of the Shirine Empire completely changed. The old era had ended, and a new era had begun. And for Sean, it was time to leave!!!