Chapter 303: Kindness and Might

The King initially intended to draft two decrees, but ultimately instructed Clark to draft only the decree conferring Ashley the title of imperial consort. A consort held a higher status than a concubine, a more prestigious position among the King's women. He also ordered the Imperial Astronomers to select an auspicious date immediately.

“Oliver, take the decree and follow me to Mystic Palace,” the King said.

“Yes!” Oliver replied. He had expected an immediate order to arrest those involved, but the King’s inaction suggested careful consideration. Oliver couldn’t understand his reason.

The King eschewed his palanquin, walking alongside Oliver and Clark. Clark's presence indicated the King was still contemplating an edict. As night fell, the palace was eerily quiet. The King remained silent, his expression dark and unsettling. Oliver and Clark dared not speak.

Near Mystic Palace, the King abruptly asked Oliver, “What do you think should be done?”

Oliver hesitated, then replied, “Rebels must be executed!”

“Killing is easy!” the King said, his tone laced with frustration, his thought unfinished. After a pause, he added, “You are a man of the military, but ruling a nation differs from commanding an army. The Queen Mother once said that killing is never the best solution.”

“Understood,” Oliver responded.

At Mystic Palace, Clark remained outside while the King took Oliver inside to inform the Queen Mother. She was about to dine and invited them to join her. However, the King lacked an appetite, wishing to report the situation first. The Queen Mother insisted, “Meals come first, even for a King. Eat first, then talk.”

“Yes,” the King agreed.

The Queen Mother's meal was simple: three dishes and a soup—two vegetarian, along with perilla-roasted duck and mushroom soup. A small bottle of grape wine, brewed by the Queen Mother herself, was served. It possessed a deep red-purple hue. The King had tasted it before; Oliver had not. He took a sip, finding the flavor light and subtle.

The Queen Mother asked, “How is it?”

Oliver answered honestly, “I’m not used to it. It doesn’t taste like wine.”

“Drink more!”

Oliver took another large gulp. The liquid’s sweetness predominated, though this time, a faint trace of alcohol lingered.

“It has a bit of a wine taste, but it’s too sweet.”

The Queen Mother smiled. “Do you like it?”

Oliver shook his head. “I’m still not used to it.”

The Queen Mother gestured, ordering a lighter wine. “If you don’t like it, don’t force yourself, no matter how good it is.”

“Yes!” Oliver sighed in relief. He truly disliked the drink.

The King, deep in thought, ate only a bowl of soup. The Queen Mother personally offered him a piece of duck breast. “Try it. It’s a famous local dish made by a chef from Wetinson.”

The King forced a smile. “Thank you, Mother.”

The dish, prepared by stuffing perilla leaves and roasted peanuts inside the duck’s belly and slow-cooking it, was richly flavored and aromatic.

The King took a bite and said, “Delicious!” But he then put down his fork.

The Queen Mother instructed Rowena to pour him another bowl of soup. Calmly, she said, “Finish the soup.”

“Yes.” The King finished the soup in one gulp. Suddenly, overcome with emotion, he slammed the bowl onto the table, cracking it and injuring his palm. Blood gushed out.

“Oh my god, Your Majesty, why do you do this to yourself?” Rowena gasped, ordering medicine. Oliver quickly held the King’s hand, applying pressure to stem the bleeding. “Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger!”

The Queen Mother remained indifferent, continuing her meal while attendants dealt with the commotion. By the time she finished, the King’s wound was bandaged. Though no longer furious, he remained silent. Oliver dared not speak, his hands stained with the King’s blood. Rowena gave him a cloth, but a faint red mark remained.

The Queen Mother wiped her mouth, washed her hands, and took a sip of water before looking at the King. “Does it not hurt?”

The King kept his head down. “I was momentarily overcome with anger.”

“What is the matter?” The Queen Mother stood, ordered the food removed, and moved to a smaller hall. The King and Oliver followed.

Silently, the Queen Mother listened to Oliver’s report, then carefully read the letters, setting them down with quiet deliberation. She remained silent.

After a long silence, the Queen Mother looked at the King. “What do you plan to do?”

The King looked at her. “What do you think, Mother?”

The Queen Mother asked, “You can’t do it, or you don’t want to?”

“I… am conflicted!”

“Where does your conflict lie?”

“Among these people are capable ministers with outstanding achievements. Some are senior officials who served since the late King’s reign, holding key positions with many disciples. Removing one could shake the entire system. There is no suitable replacement. I always believed they were loyal. Such betrayal pains me and fills me with rage.”

The Queen Mother asked, “So you can’t kill them, but keeping them makes you resentful?”

“Yes!” The King sighed. “Keeping them pains me, but if I have them killed, the court will fall into chaos. I never expected betrayal from those I favored and trusted. I have treated them so well…”

“They are never satisfied. Now that they have power and your favor, they want more. The Southern Watch and the Inspector High Court of Parliament will uncover everything. Once exposed, their power will be gone. As for Zloimond, it’s far away, and leaking information about Argentum isn’t plotting rebellion, yet it brings them great wealth. Why wouldn’t they do it?” The Queen Mother spoke calmly.

“Mother, do you mean to forgive them?” the King asked.

“Tomorrow, you will claim illness and skip court. I will go instead,” the Queen Mother said. “Some things are better said by me.”

Seeing the King’s frown, the Queen Mother smiled. “Your Majesty, loyal officials are important, but the court needs more than loyalty. It’s like a grand stage; different people play their roles, balancing and competing. Greed isn’t the real problem; the real problem is not being able to control the greedy ones. As long as they’re not harming the people, why worry? Let them know you see everything. For now, they can keep their heads, but let them know that if they act against you, they’ll lose everything. Remember this: sometimes, people with flaws are the easiest to control.”

Oliver listened, his earlier thoughts vanishing. Killing them was truly not the best solution. Using them wisely was.

Hearing the Queen Mother’s words, the King calmed down. “Then I won’t attend court tomorrow.”

The Queen Mother nodded. “Good. This is my act of mercy, not yours. That’s why I will be the one to speak. I show kindness, you show authority. Only then will they truly be intimidated.”