Knights and Magic Wand
Chapter 737: 344 Power Transition_2

Chapter 737: Chapter 344 Power Transition_2

Once caught in such a situation, the families behind those favored concubines who once helped Father win the civil war will undoubtedly fully support their respective grandchildren to ascend the throne.

Such turmoil is not without precedent in the history of the Northern Kingdom.

It’s just a pity that my Second Prince brother, who was harmless and focused solely on exploring knowledge rather than power, met with misfortune, truly the biggest innocent in this upheaval.

The only thing that makes Ines grateful is that, thanks to Leon’s timely interruption of the magic that paralyzed the Royal Palace, one of the two brothers managed to survive.

At least from the perspective of the Kingdom, Crown Prince Eric not being harmed is the greatest fortune for Orland.

“The Athias Empire’s minions have repeatedly caused trouble, their spies have clearly already infiltrated the Kingdom. Brother, we cannot allow ourselves to be victimized,” Ines calmly suggested, “From the Undead War, I’ve learned that the war between Kantadar and Seryan also had their shadow. Brother, you might as well send reliable seafarers across the sea to the Wizard Kingdom, to investigate why they, though separated by thousands of miles, frequently stir up storms in various kingdoms.”

Eric’s face was gloomy, seemingly biting his teeth with anger: “Once the Kingdom’s situation is stabilized, I will send spies to investigate.”

Ines frowned, recalling what she learned from Mage Athias in another timeline with Leon, and quickly reminded:

“You cannot just send spies to infiltrate. Those Athias wizards are ruthless and cruel; they will forcibly read ordinary people’s souls and memories with spells at the slightest suspicion and can use magic curses to control life and death. We must use incentives to encourage ordinary seafarers to explore that mysterious kingdom to obtain more accurate information.”

Eric listened and raised his eyebrows slightly, seemingly unintentionally asking: “You… seem to know a lot about Athias?”

Ines did not tell the truth, naturally nodding: “I heard Prince Rickdo mention some things about the Athias Empire. He was always interested in the distant customs and culture on the other side of the continent.”

After pondering, he seemed to accept his sister’s suggestion, Eric responded: “…I understand.”

Seeing that her advice was accepted, Ines curtseyed respectfully to her now-monarch brother and prepared to leave without further words.

But Eric raised his hand to stop Ines.

He turned to look at their father lying on the bed, then got up to tuck his cold hand back under the covers, and turned to his sister saying: “Father was always uneasy about your marriage, Ines. You’re now past eighteen, soon to be nineteen by year-end. It has been nearly seven years delayed. No princess should be unmarried by fourteen. I know you only care for a man who matches you, but Rickdo’s example is already a bloody lesson.”

Eric’s eyes showed a hint of pain: “Like you, he was headstrong, delaying marriage for the so-called soulmate, and now tragically, he left no proper lineage… I can’t let you follow down that path of folly.”

Ines was surprised by the caring and serious demeanor of her brother, but soon, she saw through the true intent behind these seemingly concerned words.

The same words, though appearing more heartfelt than Father’s attitude in life, harbored the same intentions.

… The vast territory, army, and titles under her name.

Ines pressed her lips together, quite taken aback, viewing her once naive older brother with newfound respect after a night of upheaval.

Nevertheless, she was in no hurry, regarding these claims of familial care.

“What does Brother mean?”

“Sevis from the Deyatuk family, Orad from the Austor family, and even Akman from the West Family if necessary.”

Eric tapped the ground with the Scepter, adopting the demeanor of a guardian.

“Brother is so urgent about Ines’s marriage, but aren’t you also unmarried?” Ines asked lightly.

Eric shook his head: “Previously, Father was still in his prime. The complexity of the Royalist faction is not unknown to you. As the Crown Prince, I could not rush a marriage agreement. But now that I am King, I will not delay the Queen’s coronation, so you needn’t worry.”

“Whom does Brother want to coronate as Queen? Could it be Lady Julie?” Ines folded her arms.

Eric’s heroic eyebrows twitched slightly, lowering his voice in frustration, revealing a pained expression.

“Julie… has already been killed.”

Ines was slightly stunned. She had thought the eldest daughter of Duke Loman, who was always stuck by her brother’s side, should be safe as well.

“To appease and compensate the Austor family, I have decided to marry Julie’s sister, the third daughter of Loman, as Queen…”

After Eric spoke, he waved his hand, passing the topic back to his sister, “This matter needs no further questioning. Before Father, I need your clear answer. It is your duty as a daughter of the Hecha Family.”

Faced with her elder brother’s pressure, Ines could hardly suppress a laugh if not for the setting.

But having seen firsthand her own right to reign in destiny, she was unfazed by such arguments.

Not to mention… starting today, whether past or future, her husband could only be one choice.

“Forgive my willfulness, Brother. Perhaps my affairs do not require your concern.” The young girl refused unabashedly.

Eric frowned: “I have every right to be concerned. I am not only your brother, but now also your monarch.”

“Not entirely.” Ines relaxed her arms, calmly resting her hand at her waist: “For the Lady of West Bay County and Double Gorge City, indeed so.”

“But for the Deputy Commander of the Holy War Alliance, Countess of Kechin County, I can decide my own fate, as the Sobonitz Domain is beyond the rule of the King of Orland.”

Her brother had not yet fully obtained Father’s power. She knew he wouldn’t rashly break relations for the sake of her territory, it was merely a test.

As expected, Eric’s stern demeanor gradually relaxed, pressing no further, but sighed in resignation: “You can’t really be infatuated with that Baron Pandragon, can you? As a daughter of the Hecha Family, are you willing to be his mistress?”

“Don’t put it so harshly… Never have the Gods decreed that one can only have one wife.” Ines was too lazy to argue further, turning away.

Reaching the door, she looked back at the king, as though recognizing him anew.

“Besides, is Brother truly concerned about my marriage?”

…

Watching the unyielding back of the Third Princess of Orland disappear.

Eric’s furrowed brows slowly relaxed, seemingly temporarily abandoning his earlier plans.

Turning back… Orland’s new king looked at the remains of Lydwen III on the bed.

“…Too hasty, perhaps.” A hint of amusement slowly emerged in his eyes.