Chapter 493 Where Do I Fit Into All of This

Chapter 493 Where Do I Fit Into All of This

But there was one thing that Friedel had that Lucas did not have.

That was a stellar military record.

Both Friedel and Ava had returned triumphantly from the eastern battlefield. 

Friedel, in particular, had taken charge of the Lion Knights from Skoda temporarily and had spent many years on the eastern front until the war between the Soth Empire and Villet Empire concluded with the Soth Empire emerging victorious. Friedel's contributions in this regard were unmatched.

Ava had also earned the position of Ivy Knights commander through her involvement in the battles on the eastern front and their subsequent victory. 

Due to the success of the war, Friedel and Ava were now highly respected by most people in the Soth Empire. Despite some false rumors spread by malicious forces, some genuinely believed that having Friedel as the king wouldn't be a bad idea.

Submerged in the water, Ava fell into deep thought, while Quinton on the shore continued to explain to Hestia, "We know this will only deepen the current king's suspicions of Prince Friedel. The leader mentioned that although the current king seems benevolent, he holds strong suspicions. Once he starts distrusting someone, they're in trouble. That's why we're certain that Prince Friedel no longer requires our intervention."

"Because if his popularity surpasses the king's, and the king grows suspicious, he won't allow someone more beloved by the people and with a claim to the throne to live."

"Perhaps sending Prince Friedel to the border this time is a test. First, to gauge his relationship with the people in Zotburg, and then to see if any troublemakers on the border will act against him. Even if they can't kill him, there are other ways."

Hestia stayed silent for a while, unsure whether she couldn't accept that Lucas was secretly suspicious of Friedel and plotting against him, or if she was taken aback by Quinton's calculations. 

After a pause long enough for Ava to snap out of her thoughts and continue eavesdropping, Hestia finally spoke up.

"Is he that kind of king?"

Her voice trembled, "I always thought that even if the Sharp family sided with the Montgomery family against the Soth Empire, it was merely for their interests. But now you're telling me that the king of the Soth Empire is so cunning and malevolent... Quinton, can you guarantee that your leader can become a great king?"

"I can assure you."

Seeing Hestia becoming less resistant to his words, Quinton's expression softened, "Our leader is a remarkable individual. He disapproves of Upton's foolishness and cannot stand Lucas's deceit. He is willing to conceal his true intentions for the greater good and is prepared to sacrifice everything to transform the Soth Empire."

"And where do I fit into all of this? Just a pawn that Zotburg can't accept as part of the Soth Empire?"

Hestia was perplexed, "If Zotburg truly holds suspicions towards the Soth Empire because of me, has anyone considered that if he does become king successfully, he'll have to deal with Zotburg's anger and opposition? Can he handle that?"

"Of course he can."

Quinton replied confidently, "You marrying into Zotburg is Lucas's plan. Once he becomes king, our leader can send new women and wealth as a gesture of goodwill. As long as you can pacify Shawn, deceive the Lewis family members, and share some information about the Zotburg nobles, everything will be fine!"

"So, in your eyes, I'm just a pawn!"

Hestia pushed Quinton away, catching him off guard, causing him to take two steps back, letting Hestia slip out of his embrace once again. Hestia's body trembled violently, as if the harsh truth had shattered her.

Her face appeared even paler in the moonlight, her amber eyes reflecting Quinton's shocked expression, making him look foolish.

"So... is that all I am to you? A messenger, a... temporary tool?"

Her voice was soft, tinged with disbelief, then turning into deeper despair, "For a slim chance, I have to marry a man I've never met, with mixed bloodlines? Just because your leader believes I can temporarily influence Zotburg's perception of the Soth Empire?"

"No, it's not like that..."

"Then what is it, Quinton? Don't tell me that when they said these things, you just stood by and watched? Or even considered... how to help them convince me to agree?"

Her final words once again highlighted Quinton's role, "Just like now!"

"I didn't! Hestia... my dear, I swear I never thought like that!"

Quinton hastily defended himself, raising and dropping his hands in confusion, "I did try, and Edmund... he hesitated too! And your father's opinions on the Montgomery family and the Ramirez family, he also..."

He suddenly stopped, realizing he had said too much, and frustratedly ran his hand through his hair, "Hestia, believe me, at the start, I never considered abandoning you!"

"At the start?" Hestia forced a bitter smile, "So, now you've already decided to give up on me?"

At that moment, Hestia's body suddenly swayed violently, her pale face almost devoid of color in that instant. She let out a faint whimper, hands painfully pressing against her temples, then collapsed backward, as if all her strength and hope had been drained in an instant.

"Hestia!"

Quinton's cry was filled with genuine panic. 

All thoughts of tracking intruders or grand plans were tossed aside as he rushed forward, catching Hestia firmly before she completely fell.

Hestia's limp body leaned weakly against him, her cold forehead against Quinton's neck.

"Hestia! What's happening to you? Don't scare me!"