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Mengdie looked at Edward and then at Nia, her face showing disbelief. After a moment's hesitation, she hurriedly ran to Nia's side, trying to cover her mouth: "Edward, Nia! What are you two talking about? Such a dangerous thing..."

"Mengdie, I've said that my sword will be a barrier in front of you! That will never change!"

"Mengdie sister, you came to save us like this, how can I, as a daughter of the Solon family, let my savior venture alone?"

Mengdie shook her head. Edward might be okay, but Nia was so young, how could she risk it? Knowing it was useless to argue with her, Mengdie immediately turned to the other side of the stake, trying to convince Aya...

"Don't say that, Mengdie sister. I think it's better to take Aya out."

To Mengdie’s surprise, the elder sister said the same...

Aya looked around and whispered in Mengdie's ear: "Now that I’m a prisoner, my life is constantly in danger. It's better to take Nia away from Silver Moon as soon as possible. I trust you to take good care of her."

Mengdie didn't speak but quietly looked at the elder sister. After a while, she finally nodded and began to untie the ropes binding Nia.

"Hey!"

Seeing Mengdie untying the prisoner on her own, the old king wanted to object, but the chief steward immediately stopped him with a gentle shake of the head. The king thus turned a blind eye.

Freed from her bonds, Nia, supporting the bleeding Mengdie, came to Edward's side. The two knelt on one knee like Edward. At this moment, Linda also stood up with her husband Cisco and bowed to the old king: "Your Majesty, we still lack a maid at home. How about we take care of this girl?"

The old king pondered and turned his head, speaking again to the chief steward: "Zhen, is this appropriate?"

The chief steward smiled faintly and softly said, "With the two most powerful magicians of the Royal Knights guarding her, is there a stronger prison in the world?"

The old king nodded, consenting. Linda approached the stake, her right hand emitting a chill, forming an ice blade. With a light stroke, she released Aya from the stake and took her aside.

The matter of Aya and Nia was thus resolved, but the old king was uncomfortable about the prince venturing into the unknown world with two girls. Just as he was about to refuse, Dika came over and whispered in his ear.

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"Uncle, Edward has always been pampered and lacks training. Isn't this a good opportunity for him to get some real experience? It would be invaluable for managing state affairs in the future."

The old king looked skeptically at Dika: "Really? Can my son really become stronger through such training?"

"Of course, uncle. When have I ever lied to you? Besides, Edward couldn't even touch the White Shadow's robe yesterday and knelt before him. And he was defeated miserably by that terrorist, barely able to fight back. It’s a disgrace for the future king to kneel before someone other than you. Let him wash away this humiliation with his own strength. I think he wants to personally retrieve the King's Cup to prove his ability and regain his dignity. Give them a year to find it."

"A year???" The old king was surprised, "Why a year? I planned to pass the throne to my son after the engagement ceremony yesterday and the wedding with Princess Louvier in half a year. How can I let him go for a year? What about my throne? Silver Moon? How can he be crowned king if he's away?"

"But uncle, without drinking from the King's Cup, there's no coronation, and he can't become the next king of Silver Moon. If the lords think his ascension is illegitimate, there could be troubles. On the other hand, if Edward returns with the King's Cup within a year, the coronation would be more glorious and meaningful. It would solidify his rightful ascension and silence critics. And at the very least, retrieving the King's Cup would boost his popularity. Isn't this killing three birds with one stone?"

The old king fell silent, pondering. Satisfied with his thoughts, Dika looked at his father with approval, and the chief steward smiled appreciatively.

At this moment, a messenger on horseback arrived from the direction of the royal city. He hurriedly jumped down and rushed to the throne. After whispering to one of Dika's trusted men, the message was relayed to Dika, who seemed startled and conversed quietly with his father. The chief steward then whispered in the old king's ear: "Your Majesty, Princess Louvier of the Lueville Empire is leaving."

"What? So soon?!" The old king looked incredulously at the chief steward.

The chief steward politely stepped aside, not answering. But even without a reply, the answer was clear.

The old king became anxious. Not only had the matchmaking event failed to secure an alliance with Lueville, but now the princess was hastily leaving? If he didn’t greet her, things could worsen. He no longer had time to think carefully.

"Alright! Woman, I give you a year to find it! If you fail to return with the King's Cup in a year, this woman (pointing at Aya) will still be executed as per the rule! And I'll issue a nationwide warrant for you! Edward, monitor this woman's every move as an overseer! If she shows any sign of betrayal, kill her immediately!"

Edward excitedly raised his head and thanked his father.

The chief steward whispered again in the old king's ear, who nodded as if pleased with the suggestion.

"Also, leave your 'Sword of the King' behind. This sword is another symbol of the heir to the throne. If you lose it, it will be difficult. I'll have someone make you a suitable sword."

After speaking, the old king waved his hand, and the middle-aged man approached Edward, who hurriedly handed over the Silver Moon Greatsword. The man respectfully took the sword symbolizing the royal courage and faith and the military power of the Silver Moon Royal Family, returning to the ranks of the Royal Knights.

The execution was finally over with Mengdie's mission and Silver Moon's compromise. As the soldiers around the platform gradually withdrew, Aya and Nia hugged Mengdie tightly, crying with joy. Mengdie, covering her waist wound, felt awkward about the embrace but couldn't refuse such a heartwarming gesture. She could only smile wryly, comforting the girls.

"Mengdie Miss, does your arm still hurt?"

Linda approached, smiling faintly at Mengdie.

Mengdie looked at the wound on her arm, still feeling piercing pain from the broken bone.

"Um... it's okay, it'll heal overnight. But recovering from fatigue might take longer."

Linda smiled: "In that case, Aya, you're now my prisoner. Come with me, a year will pass quickly."

Aya wiped the tears from her eyes, nodded to Linda, hugged Mengdie again, and kissed Nia's forehead.

"Mengdie, take good care of my sister. Nia, listen to Mengdie sister, understand?"

After advising, the heavy-hearted sister left with Linda and Cisco, looking back every few steps.

"Mengdie!"

After Aya left, Edward approached. The prince, now without the Sword of the King, wore a determined smile and raised his left fist to Mengdie.

"Will we succeed?"

Mengdie chuckled, also raising her fist to meet his. She then gestured for Nia to do the same. When their fists touched, Mengdie's eyes sparkled with clarity again...

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