Mythology Rebooted
Chapter 1289 - 434: Lord Pride Finds the Archangel Far Too Arrogant

Chapter 1289: Chapter 434: Lord Pride Finds the Archangel Far Too Arrogant

Beldefort Bedford.

The Bedford Family was one of the fourteen members of the Tulip Family, excelling in both commerce and magic.

In commerce, the Bedford Family owned the largest shipyard in Lundan, supporting the livelihood of millions of dockworkers. Their influence in the secular world ranked among the top three within the Tulip Family.

In the domain of magic, the Bedford Family had a Legendary Mage, Beldefort Bedford, who was one of the senior officials at the Windsor Magical Department Headquarters.

Unyielding royalists and money-grubbing opportunists, known for their low profile and endless scandals, they earned Queen Sophia’s trust nonetheless.

Put simply, the Bedford Family in those days had wealth, connections, status, and influence; even the Lando Family had to steer clear of their power.

Once so glorious, now so destitute.

During the purging of court conspirators, the two senior officials of the Magical Department—Bedford and Borne—participated in the queen’s abduction, becoming notorious criminals.

Although investigations later revealed that they had been forced into it, possessed by a Devil, deeds done cannot be undone, and punishment was inevitable.

Borne’s research projects were halted. He had to beg and plead, clutching at the new Deputy Minister Wayne’s coattails, before being allowed to join a new research group.

Even then, it required Schrödinger’s intervention.

The Bedford Family fared worse; Bedford surrendered the Ancient Silver Coin and was demoted to an ordinary member of the Magic Department. The Bedford Shipyard was nationalized, but due to prolonged bureaucratic procedures, to prevent damages to national assets, the Lando Family was temporarily assigned to manage the shipyard’s finances and operations.

Frankly speaking, Windsor’s procedures were far too cumbersome. The process is still incomplete, causing frustration for both Austin and Wayne.

Bedford could live without the Ancient Silver Coin, but the Bedford Family could not afford to lose the shipyard.

The family was large and prosperous, yet maintaining the dignified life of nobility required astronomical expenses each month. Facing imminent financial ruin, unable to even pay the servants’ wages, Bedford swallowed his pride and sought connections everywhere.

The results were lackluster.

When one is high up, the people around them are all good; when one falls, the relationships around them quickly fade.

Out of options, Bedford sought Queen Sophia’s help to say a few good words to Austin. Specialized work required specialized personnel; forcing the matter would only backfire. What others couldn’t accomplish, the queen could achieve with a mere whisper of "pillow whip wind."

Due to certain reasons, the entire noble circle in Lundan held misunderstandings about Austin, and ideas similar to Bedford’s were ubiquitous.

The details were clear in the queen’s mind. Where was she supposed to whisper "pillow whip wind"? Twenty-some years ago, she might’ve done so, but now she couldn’t even see the whip.

Regarding outsiders’ misunderstandings, Sophia had never explained. As a fallen queen, still graceful but burdened with two children, her life was painfully challenging.

To make life livable, one might have to wear a touch of green above their head. Prince Douglas said nothing; the queen figured his silence was tacit approval and chose not to make explanations either.

Even a false backing was still a backing; it sufficed to deceive a crowd of insectoids. It would do for now.

Looking at the pleading Bedford, Sophia pointed the Bedford Family to a clear path: the shipyard was gone forever. Even if Austin might agree, Wayne wouldn’t.

These father and son were loyal and patriotic, their sincerity evident to the Heavenly Father. They wouldn’t sit back and watch national assets being privatized.

But the Lando Family wasn’t in the tobacco business. There was a chance to switch to this track.

Windsor’s tobacco and lottery businesses were monopolized by the Julian Family. Their patriarch, Felster, could do little but act as a secretary and repeat the phrase "reasonable point." Among the insectoids, he was a classic echo-chamber bug. The Bedford Family entering the tobacco industry was like squeezing a soft persimmon.

Squeezing it was bound to succeed!

At worst, set a table, apologize over drinks. Bedford was a Legendary Mage; could Felster truly kill him?

Of course, while the Lando Family didn’t deal in tobacco, that didn’t mean they wouldn’t take a share of the profits. The requisite tributes were still necessary.

Only by ensuring Austin and Wayne were paid could the Bedford Family advance!

Bedford thought it logical, expressed gratitude, and left. Three months later, he returned to seek Queen Sophia again.

Sophia gracefully exited the dining room and encountered Bedford in the palace hallway.

She was unaware that, due to her well-intentioned advice, Bedford hadn’t squeezed the soft persimmon but had instead plunged headlong into the embrace of Lord Pride.

According to Heaven and the Bible’s official interpretation, Lord Pride was the greatest force of evil in the world, the leader among all villains.

Possessed by a demon, Bedford glanced twice at the queen’s sapphire pendant on her pale chest before moving his gaze away to curiously observe the tightly shut doors of the dining hall.

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Who exactly was the old friend inside?

If it wasn’t an old friend, then who could it be? Austin or Wayne?

By Lord Pride’s will, it had to be Wayne. To have father and son framed together, fighting in the same trench—that would be truly delightful.

"Bedford, what are you looking at?"

Sophia’s tone carried slight displeasure. Bedford’s gaze was vile, as though stories were etched all over her body.

These insectoids, once loyal, were now growing increasingly disrespectful toward her.

"Your Majesty, forgive me. Are you hosting distinguished guests?"

Mind your own business—what nerve you have to pry!

Sophia glared at Bedford, her queenly authority palpable, her voice growing cold: "Why have you come to see me? If it’s about entering the tobacco business, three parts go to you, seven parts to Austin. Even if I take some, it’s for your own good."

Child of the Beach—that was who had snatched her business from behind!

Bedford’s eyes widened. What sort of insectoid behavior was this? Unsurprisingly Windsor-esque, he wasn’t the least bit shocked.