Chapter 244: Argentum Waiting

Lately, Theodore had been in a foul mood. During today's court assembly, he reprimanded Grand Secretary Dakota James for an inappropriate remark, subsequently banning him from court for a month.

Back in the imperial study, Theodore threw another tantrum. Clark, working in the palace, also received a scolding and was sent to wait outside. The harem, hearing the news, rushed to the queen's palace, urging her to comfort the king.

The queen understood the reason for Theodore's displeasure, but these matters were beyond her control. To the concubines, she could only offer a bitter smile, saying, “It’s probably due to state affairs, and we cannot interfere. If His Majesty comes, we will serve him well.”

The king's bad mood naturally caused the queen anxiety and frustration. She considered that only the Queen Mother could comfort him. Therefore, she quickly showered, changed, and went to the Mystic Palace to pay her respects. She knew the Queen Dowager would already be aware of the situation.

The queen hesitated to speak directly. After some rambling, noticing the Queen Mother's weariness, she lost her composure and said with a troubled tone, “Queen Mother, His Majesty has been in a bad mood lately. I’m unsure if it’s due to state affairs or something else. I cannot intervene, so please offer some comfort.”

The Queen Dowager slowly raised her eyes, “Whether it’s state affairs or something else, you understand. No one can persuade him. We must wait for news from Zloimond.”

The queen replied, “That’s true, but news from Zloimond may not come quickly. His Majesty already gave instructions to the Grand Secretary today…” She glanced discreetly at the Queen Dowager. Seeing that the Queen Mother didn't stop her from discussing the morning court, though her expression turned stiff and cold, the queen dared not continue; she had said enough.

The Queen Dowager remained silent, merely furrowing her brow. Rowena entered with tea, saying, “Your Highness, you shouldn’t have come. Isn’t His Majesty still angry with the Queen Mother?”

The queen hastily replied, “You’ve misunderstood. How could the king be angry with the Queen Mother?”

“Of course, but no one dares say it. Who wouldn't be angry?” Rowena said indifferently.

Fearing her visit might damage the king and Queen Mother's relationship, the queen quickly defended, “It’s not like that. The King has always respected the Queen Mother. There are simply troublesome political matters this time, making him anxious.”

The queen regretted her visit.

The Queen Mother glanced at her and said, “Alright, you may go now.”

“Queen Mother, I mean no offense, and the King is not…”

The Queen Mother sighed deeply. “Let’s wait a few more days patiently. Good news will come eventually. There will be no rift between the King and me. For now, let him vent his anger and release his frustration.”

The queen responded respectfully, “Alright!”

“You may go now,” the Queen Mother said.

The queen stood and bowed, “I shall take my leave!”

After the queen left, Rowena furrowed her brow. “The queen has always been steady. Why did she come to you? Won't this only anger the King further?”

The Queen Dowager replied, “The queen is wise and perceptive. When she cares too much, she becomes anxious. She worries excessively about the King.”

Rowena offered a bitter smile, “Either the King will come to you tonight, or he’ll go to the queen, or both. He’s been holding back his anger for days. I fear he can’t contain it any longer. The Grand Secretary is honest, yet the King sent him away from court for a month.”

The Queen Dowager replied casually, “To be honest, I hope he comes to me and vents his anger. He always respects my will, even when dissatisfied; he endures it. This time, with matters concerning national defense, though he’s stepped back, I’m sure he’s dissatisfied deep down.”

Rowena responded, “Indeed. But if you don’t act, who knows how long news from Zloimond will take to arrive. If it drags on, it could become a serious problem.”

“Indeed, he is too cautious, indecisive, and hesitant when action is needed. As a king, he cannot be overly concerned with his reputation,” the Queen Dowager said.

Rowena handed her teacup to a maid for a refill, then asked, “Do you really have that much confidence in the County Princess? You only gave her three thousand men.”

“Of course, I have confidence in her. She knows when to act, and she has certain experiences. She also understands Zloimond to some extent. She is the best candidate to reclaim Zloimond. A smart person and battlefield strategist, she knows how to use timing and opportunity,” the Queen Dowager said calmly.

“Then let’s wait for the good news!” Rowena smiled.

The Queen Dowager considered, “The good news should arrive today at the earliest, and in two days at the latest.”

As Rowena predicted, Theodore came later to pay his respects. That evening, instead of visiting Queen Catherine, he came to the Mystic Palace. His sour expression and cold tone, despite his respectful greeting, created a tense atmosphere.

As usual, the Queen Dowager asked about his food and drink, then fell silent.

After a while of quietly sipping tea, Theodore could contain himself no longer. He looked at the Queen Dowager. “I heard the queen came here today.”

“Yes,” the Queen Dowager replied, looking at him. “She often comes to pay her respects.”

“She probably didn’t just come to pay her respects this time,” Theodore waved his sleeve, appearing uncomfortable, though his dissatisfaction remained visible.

“Yes, she is concerned about you, Your Majesty,” the Queen Dowager said quietly.

Theodore became irritated, “She’s being overly meddlesome.”

“A wife can never be too meddlesome,” the Queen Dowager replied calmly.

Theodore stood, paced impatiently, then sat and looked at the Queen Dowager. “I still don’t understand why you listened to Isolde’s words? Is the threat from Zloimond truly that great? Has it really come to the point where we have no choice but to act?”

“Yes,” the Queen Dowager replied briefly, her expression calm.

Theodore shook his head, pressing for answers. “If the situation is truly this urgent, why only send Isolde with three thousand men? Are there no great generals in the court? Even if a general doesn’t want to engage in a civil war, once the King’s Edict is issued, who would dare defy it? I feel you are being too hasty. You speak of empire after war, but only send three thousand soldiers to die. How will I face the people of the empire afterward? How will we intimidate neighboring nations? Isn’t this a joke?”

“Then what do you think we should do?” the Queen Dowager asked patiently.

Theodore adjusted his posture and spoke quickly, “There are two options. First, we wait another year or two, allowing time for our army to be reorganized and supplies fully stocked. Then, we can discreetly investigate his potential for rebellion. If we confirm it, we will appoint generals and send out troops. Second, we make the investigation into Oliver’s case public, using it as evidence to expose Kamari’s treason. Secretly, we summon several key generals to gain their support for the campaign, then convene the Cabinet to finalize military plans. We could appoint either the Marquis of Eldermere or Harrison to lead the forces, then send a marshal to coordinate with nearby stationed troops and unite with the North Campth Army to strike Zloimond decisively. With this plan, in about a year, we will be able to reclaim Zloimond.”