It was noon, and the royal family gathered in the dining room to eat their lunch. Leodoule watched his family with a delighted smile on his face. He had always felt proud whenever his family gathered together.

He glanced at his wife Meliya, just a sneaky glance. He didn’t want her to realize he was looking at her beautiful face. She was perfect, just perfect.

Just as Meliya was about to turn her gaze at him, he averted his eyes and acted casually while taking a spoonful of his food.

His gaze ended up on Estevan, who was as normal as ever. Nothing could be said.

Next he glanced at the eldest son, Eleden. To be honest, Eleden was a decent man, although shaping him up to be the next heir was a bit of a headache. He was too kind, a man who carry good morals. That aside, he was competent in managing the kingdom, which would be a nice skill for a king. The kingdom would definitely benefit from it.

However, Leodoule worried that because of his goodness, the world might devour him. He worried that in an severe situation, Eleden would make the right decision too late. That being said, he can still be taught. There was no rush.

Even Leodoule when he was young was like Eleden in some aspects. Anyone can learn. His experience in that dungeon did make Eleden realize some things, and that was progress. Leodoule still needed time to think about what to do.

His gaze then shifted to his youngest child, the daughter, Estelia. She for some reason appeared to be spacing out as she ate gracefully, although slower than usual. As if she was in deep thought. Leodoule has been noticing it lately, Estelia in a few instances, seemed to be fatigued.

Estelia sipped her juice, and after placing down the glass, her shoulders drooped a little and subtly sighed. Leodoule felt worried for her, as he knew what she was currently going through. Although currently, she seemed to be busy with the one she suddenly set free from the dungeon.

In truth, Leodoule didn’t expect she would just order to set that prisoner out. Of course that didn’t mean that prisoner was absolved of her crimes, that crime was to be paid with death, so that girl was still technically a prisoner being watched closely in the palace.

Leodoule met Meliya’s gaze, and the latter pointed at Estelia with her eyes, subtly. It would appear that she realized that Estelia seemed to be troubled. Truth be told, Meliya has been noticing it lately and has grown concerned about her daughter’s health. But couldn’t get a chance to have a personal talk with her daughter as her daughter was always doing some work like practicing her magic, and her plan that no one else knew just yet.

Leodoule subtly shrugged his shoulders, to which Meliya quietly sighed.

A short while later, everyone finished eating. Leodoule left the dining room and made his way to his office. Work had been gradually increasing for the past few days after they complied with the instructions given by Estelia in her writing.

Leodoule dreaded looking at all the data on countless pieces of paper.

Just as he was stressing about seeing those papers again, someone called out to him from behind.

“Father.”

Leodoule turned around. “Daughter?”

She smiled. “I would like to talk, official business.”

He already had an idea what this was about. “Alright, let’s talk in my office.”

A short while later, they arrived at his office. The scribes were standing outside waiting for the king’s arrival, and Leodoule told them to stay here in the meantime.

Then Estelia faced her servants. “Wait here.”

And only the two of them went inside, the door closed thus no one would be able to eavesdrop.

Sitting down in his chair, Leodoule spoke. “Before you tell me your business. I want to check how you are. Sit down.”

With a puzzled face, Estelia sat down on the chair in front of the desk. “How I am? I’m quite alright.”

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“Have you been sleeping well?”

“Um…”

“Be honest, daughter.”

“... I sleep alright.”

Leodoule sighed. “Don’t you want to rest for a while?”

“... There is no need to rest — or rather, there is no time for rest. My plan is already halfway done. But thank you for asking, I will be fine.”

“... if you say so. Then, what do you want to talk about?”

“As I mentioned, my plan is halfway done. Please ready the church and the knights.”

“Oh? Are you certain your former chef will cooperate?”

“She will. But if something goes wrong, I have some backup plans. But if it goes wrong in the beginning, then all else fails.”

“And if it fails?”

“The chance of it happening is low. But… if it fails. Then I am stuck. I will have to try another approach — but I don’t want that.”

“Then let’s be optimistic. But I do get the feeling that your plan… you’re diving extremely deep into it.”

“It is because when things are meticulous and intricate, I feel relief. Besides, my simple method didn’t work last time. Simplicity does not always work it seems.”

Estelia appeared to be genuinely annoyed. Leodoule held back his smile, it was always adorable when she shows some emotion like this. Usually, she was always so behaved that she didn’t seem to feel anything much of this kind of emotion, nor express it. There may be instances of her being annoyed, but that was very rare. That was why he cherished this moment.

“In any case, father, I want a meeting with the church. And please, allow me to learn of their abilities.”

“...That’s troubling, they wouldn’t just do that.”

“I can’t make a meticulous plan without knowing what my soldiers are capable of.”

“... I’ll tell them your concerns, perhaps they may consider it.”

“I hope they do.”

“As for the knights? Do you want a detailed report on their capabilities?”

“I am already familiar with their most common abilities. I spoke with Rogan. He gave me quite the information about the Order.”

“Of course…”

“When can you set up a meeting with them? With the church.”

“We can schedule it for tomorrow.”

“Alright, then set it mid-afternoon. For the knights… I don’t need all of them to participate, but give me the best please.”

“How many do you need?”

“At least twenty. More will be great. But I’m fine with as much as you can give me. Just bear in mind the strength of the targets.”

“I will choose the best for you. Although, there is the matter of you leading this entire group.”

“... Do you still doubt that I can do it?”

“I am concerned.”

Indeed, concerned, but perhaps that was doubt as well. Even so, Leodoule was worried that Estelia would find it very hard to lead that many troops, she even requested at least twenty knights, add to it the Church.

“That is why, daughter, I will have Estevan as your vice-captain.”

“Estevan…? I’m fine with that.”

Leodoule felt relief that she didn’t argue with it, but that was precisely why she had Estevan assigned to that position. He was sure that Estelia would find great reliance on her own big brother. Of course there were a few knights capable of taking second in command, but he felt Estelia would not be comfortable with them.

“Alright, I’ll tell you the rough plan, for preparations on your end, father.”

He was quite looking forward to what his daughter had in mind.

“Ah, let’s call Estevan over. We need to at least let him hear the plan.”

“Okay.”

Leodoule walked over to the door and ordered one of the scribes to call for Estevan. It took several minutes, but Estevan entered the office with a bright the moment he saw Estelia.

“Estel! I wasn’t made aware you were here as well.”

“Hello, my dear brother.”

“Hi!” he turned to Leodoule. “So, father, why have you called me here?”

“Your knights will be going on an operation under the command of Estelia.”

Estevan’s eyes widened in shock. “Estel?! What? Wait, what’s going on here?”

“You will be hunting the ones targeting Estelia’s life.”

“Oh. Wait, you just mentioned under the command of Estel…? Did I hear that right?”

“Yes.”

“Huh? What?” he scratched his head in utter confusion. “Estel, you’re taking command? But, but you never fought before, nor have taken command.”

“Yes. It is my plan, brother, so I will take the lead.”

“But—”

“My dear brother, are you d-doubting me?” she looked up at him with wide eyes, pouting adorably. “Please have faith in me, my brother.”

Estevan closed his eyes with a hand on his forehead.

“... F-Fine.”

Estelia’s face brightened in joy. “Yes! Don’t worry brother, you will be the vice-captain.”

“Oh, that is a relief then. So what is going to happen?”

Estelia began explaining her plan.

Leodoule was surprised as he listened. To think she could even come up with this.

She would make a fine ruler with this intellect of hers. Although, Leodoule was hesitant about that notion. He was concerned for Estelia. Estelia had always been like a baby, one they sheltered, and protected so much. She was smart, yes, but Leodoule was concerned if she could take the pressure of being Queen in the far future.

Furthermore, this would bring conflict if the next heir to the throne suddenly changed from prior expectations. Nobles are already working to have the favor of the first prince, and Myra would definitely want their princess to marry into the potential future king of Wisteria. If all that suddenly changed, Leodoule dreaded to think of the outcome.

Even so, in the end, the choice would be who was the best candidate. Although, Leodoule was willing to make an exception for Estelia. If she wanted to have the crown placed on her head, then she could be a potential heir to the throne. If not, then, even if she was the best candidate, he was willing to let her go.

But for now, he should set aside those thoughts and focus on a matter more important. The time for the initiation of Estelia’s operation draws near.