[Royalty Arc 18] Secret Admiration

The night sky shimmered with bright stars, the air carrying the early winter's chill. King Alexander stood in his balcony, his expression marked by fatigue.

A gust of cool wind prompted Butler Cheron to say, "Your Majesty, it is cold outside, would you like to visit First Consort Jace?"

King Alexander's hands paused as he pulled the curtains, his gaze clouded with an inexplicable gloom.

After a prolonged silence, he replied, "Not today. What is Lancelot doing?"

Butler Cheron lowered his head and reported, "Lancelot mentioned he's resting and declined Doctor Dyson's visit."

King Alexander shook his head with a wry smile and remarked, "That will suffice. He's merely startled, so leave him be. Lancelot's castle is filled with many people; just keep a close eye on it."

This was his way of protecting him, and Butler Cheron couldn't help but be suspicious of the King's growing interest in Lancelot.

-----

Meanwhile, Lance carefully examined his face in the mirror, "A beautiful face but not enough to make someone mad in love.."

007 bluntly pointed out, ["Who wants to see your face when that mouth of yours work's well.]

Lancelot was known to be a beauty, especially among his siblings. However, when compared to First Consort Jace or the other consorts, he was pretty normal.

"Forget it," he decided, reaching out and ruffling his recently combed hair.

007 thought of something, [" Why will Duke De Vere to help Duke Arthur to be the King?"]

Lance smiled, ["Who is talking about taking the throne. Did not Duke Arthur save me? How could the De Vere Dukedom not help him?"]

007 questioned, ["What if King Alexander doesn't let Duke Arthur return to the borders?"]

["Then we'll have no choice but to make him the King."] Every course of action carried risks. It was a gamble, and Duke Arthur understood that.

Whether King Alexander permits his return or not depends on the King's whim.

007 couldn't help but feel that its ideas consistently diverged from those of the host. All the books he read didn't help explain its Host's weird brain circuit.

Perhaps it needed to find tips on 'How to Align with the Host's Thinking'.

Alfredo, who had been waiting nearby, glanced at the sky and saw Lance standing up from the dressing table.

Stepping forward, he asked, "My Lord, are you retiring for the night?"

Lance tapped Alfredo's face gently and continued, "Whatever I decide to do, I hope you'll stand by my side, okay?"

Alfredo responded with determination, "Of course, I'll stand by your side no matter what you choose. I'll support you through thick and thin."

Alfredo had been with Lancelot even during his lowest moments such as the original owner's death in the previous life.

Lance reassured him, "There's no need to go to extremes, and I hope you won't have to go through any hardships."

Lance then shared his plan with him, Lance: "Alfredo, send a message to Brother Liamsworth. Please assist the Duke."

The original Lancelot had only a handful of truly loyal confidants, and thus the task of delivering messages beyond the castle walls often fell upon to Alfredo 

At first, Alfrefo didn't react to the request, "Help Duke Arthur?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief as he stared at Lance. "But, what if His Majesty, the King finds out..."

Lance arched an eyebrow, offering no further explanation, "Keep this hidden. Now go, I need some rest."

Alfredo covered his mouth with one hand, his mind reeling with newfound knowledge, and then left the room in a daze.

-----

Still shaken by the previous attack, Lancelot sat in his castle eating pastries, being forgiven from attending the Consorts morning greetings.

A group of Consorts who had come to express their concern found themselves denied entry, not because Lance said, but at the orders of King Alexander himself.

Throughout the day, Lancelot had minimal interactions, with the exception of Doctor Dyson who came to check on him.

Having little to occupy his time, Lancelot swayed his feet in the cold pond of his castle, his eyes closed, basking in the warm hues of the setting glow that bathed the pond.

This serene sight met King Alexander's eyes as he entered Lancelot's castle.

Amidst the pond's gentle radiance, Lancelot gazed out down, the warm tones enhancing his fair complexion, even warming his pale face.

This scene filled King Alexander's gaze with warmth.

["Host, the King!"] 007 began to speak but then paused, announcing,

[King Alexander's favorability +10%, his current favorability is 90%.]