Chapter 1329: Silent Footsteps, Hidden Truth ( 1329 )

Seeing all his sons fall silent, Garreth smiled and turned his gaze toward his daughter.

"You all know, according to the information we have gathered, Armand won two major wars without a single casualty. It is recorded as one of the greatest military achievements in that continent’s history. That alone marks them as a force unlike any other."

He paused, his expression thoughtful.

"If Armand were a cruel or power-hungry nation, with such strength, they would have already conquered their entire continent. Yet they have not. They have not expanded beyond their borders, nor have they oppressed their neighbors. They trade, they prosper, and they coexist with the others. That tells me something about their rulers."

Kaelen, Cecilio, and Arbalest exchanged glances before nodding slowly.

"Y... yes, Father."

"That is why..." Garreth smiled, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "I have a good feeling about sending Celine there. It will keep her safe from those bastard heroes and give us a chance to establish ties with a nation that values peace over conquest."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a more serious tone.

"I would send all of you if I could, but your duties here are just as important. You must maintain our royal army and prepare for any potential betrayal from within. We cannot let our guard down, especially now."

He glanced at all his sons, his gaze steady and commanding.

"Since all of you are in charge of our military branches, Kaelen oversees the Air Forces, Cecilio commands the Navy, and Arbalest leads the Ground Troops. You all know our numbers. Our Ground Troops, from the Magic Archers, Magic Users, Frontline Soldiers, to our new Riflemen and Cannoneers, are not as large as the combined forces of the nobles."

He paused, his eyes turning serious.

"What I fear most is betrayal from within. If the nobles decide to turn against us, our forces alone may not be enough to mount a full resistance. Some of your uncles have been eyeing the throne, and I have reason to believe they are planning with the other nations to overthrow us."

His voice dropped, cold and sharp.

"That is why I need you three to stay. Strengthen our forces, secure our loyalties, and prepare for the worst."

He turned his gaze toward Kaelen, his expression hardening.

"No matter what, do not hand over the main flying ship to the heroes, nor to the nobles, even if the ’goddess’ herself requests it, or if that bastard Julius demands it. That flying ship is the most advanced and fastest vessel we have, far superior to anything the other nations possess."

"Yes, Father."

Garreth leaned forward, his voice low and urgent.

"If they insist, tell them to come to me directly. Instruct the soldiers guarding the ships to allow no one near them except you, your brothers, and those I have personally authorized. Keep maintaining them, keep them ready. Because if the situation forces us to..."

He paused, his voice dropping.

"Those ships will be used to get you and your brothers out of here."

"F... Father..."

"I am serious, Kaelen, Cecilio, Arbalest." Garreth’s eyes were unwavering. "This is our last resort. If the betrayal comes and we cannot hold our ground, I need to know that you three and your sister will survive. That is also why your uncles have been getting close to the summoned heroes. They are preparing for something, and I will not let them succeed."

"Cecilio."

"Yes, Father."

"Prepare the best ship for your sister to use. Check it thoroughly, from the hull to the sails, and make sure none of those bastards slip aboard or tamper with it. This journey must be flawless."

"Understood, Father."

Garreth turned his gaze toward Arbalest.

"Arbalest."

"Yes, Father."

"Pick the best and strongest soldiers from our elite unit to escort your sister to the chosen ship. Choose only those whose loyalty is unquestionable. I want no leaks, no spies, no traitors among them."

"It will be done, Father."

Garreth then turned to Celine, his expression softening.

"I have already personally chosen two female escorts to accompany and guard you. I know you can fight and defend yourself, but having them by your side will provide an extra layer of protection. They will protect you with their lives, and they will answer only to you."

"Understood, Father." Celine gave a proper curtsy, her movements graceful and composed, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Garreth smiled warmly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Perhaps once you arrive there, you may find your ’fated one,’ Celine. Who knows? The man of your dreams might be waiting for you in Armand."

All three of her brothers burst into laughter, their teasing filling the hall.

"This brat? Finding a husband?" Kaelen chuckled, shaking his head.

"Poor guy, whoever ends up as her husband," Cecilio added with a grin.

Arbalest joined in, his voice light with amusement. "If she’s going to be this childish, I wonder who would even want to marry her?"

"Mou! Brothers!!!" Celine stomped her foot, puffing her cheeks and pursing her lips in a childish pout.

Garreth chuckled softly, shaking his head before raising a hand. "Alright, alright. That’s enough teasing for today. Leave your sister alone."

Celine exhaled, her pout softening into a warm smile. She walked over to Garreth and wrapped her arms around him in a gentle hug. One by one, her brothers joined in, surrounding their father and sister in a warm, silent embrace.

"Alright. All of you, go and rest now." Garreth smiled, snapping his fingers to deactivate the silencing skill that had enveloped the throne room. He stood up, adjusting his royal attire with a practiced grace.

Kaelen stepped forward, his expression curious. "Father, where are you going?"

Garreth glanced over his shoulder, a faint, mysterious smile playing on his lips. "I must go and see if the goddess’s purity is as divine as her followers claim. One must always verify such things for oneself."

Without another word, he turned and strode out of the throne room, leaving his children in quiet curiosity.

After a while.

Garreth arrived at the Goddess Hall, only to find the guards stationed at the door fast asleep, slumped against the walls. His brow furrowed as he approached the heavy doors. Just as he was about to push them open, a soft, breathy moan echoed from within.

He paused, his eyes narrowing. He peered through a small, hidden gap in the door, and what he saw made his blood run cold.

The Goddess Zeyrinda was tangled in the arms of Julius, their bodies moving together in the throes of passion.

Hearing her moans, her sighs, and the way she clung to him... it was clear this was not the first time.

He pulled back, turned, and walked away without a sound.

I thought she was pure. I thought I would be the first to taste a divine body. Instead, I find a slut who spreads her legs for every hero she summons.

He let out a cold, bitter laugh.

I gave her everything. My loyalty, my resources, my nation’s wealth. I let her heroes run rampant through my kingdom, turning a blind eye to their arrogance and cruelty. And this is my reward? To be just another fool waiting in line for a whore who calls herself a goddess?

She is no goddess. She is nothing more than a common whore wearing a divine mask.

Garreth smirked, a cold, calculating glint in his eyes.

Good thing I didn’t follow her every command blindly. I’ve kept my own plans, my own power, hidden from her.

Just you wait...

Once the invasion begins, I will make sure these bastard summoned heroes, their entire team, and that bitch whore never set foot in my nation again.

Ever.

( End Of Chapter )