Ceremony

It turned out that Curtis's forecast did not pan out. Greed began to take hold of some nobles after Curtis was no longer at the center of the kingdom. The nobleman who used to serve as minister of defense, Earls Johan, began to meet Noel. He wanted to say his thoughts about Curtis. He wanted to make Noel get rid of Curtis because the man's presence made Sinclair like a colonized kingdom.

"You should think about this, Your Majesty. Don't make a kingdom as big as Sinclair miserable."

Noel also knew and was aware of that. But he also couldn't close his eyes. Curtis' power was not easy to match. Moreover, there was the kingdom of Arta behind Curtis. If Curtis is in danger, it could be that the kingdom of Arta will intervene.

Given that unlikely thing, Noel was forced to say his disapproval.

"Do you know what you've said? The impact of your words is very dangerous. You could bring this kingdom to ruin overnight!" Noel growled.

"I know that you also agree with my opinion. But you refused because of the risk. Don't worry, I'll find a way to get rid of Chief Curtis without war."

Noel's eyes narrowed at the cruel smile on Earl Johan's lips. Not knowing what the man was planning, Noel simply chose to remain silent.

"Our meeting will end here. I will not tolerate anything that endangers the kingdom."

"If my actions do not harm the kingdom, then you have no objection. Very well, I will act as subtly as possible so that no one suspects anything."

Johan laughed loudly and then excused himself. This caused Noel to fall silent again. He did not want to take any risks.

Let alone antagonizing a powerful person like Curtis.

Johan's carriage left the palace with some supervision. He had the satisfaction of knowing that Noel shared the same opinion as him.

"I'll use poison," Johan muttered on the carriage. He didn't realize that the galloping of his bodyguard's horse had gone silent. But when it became quiet, he nobly felt that something was wrong.

"Coachman! Why is it so quiet!?" Johan shouted.

But he did not get any answer. The opposite was true. The horse-drawn carriage was moving fast. This frightened Johan.

"This is the result of planning something cunning."

That was the last voice Johan heard before the carriage fell off the cliff.

Jason soon got a report on the execution of the task. He nodded in satisfaction and intended to report to Samuel.

'It turns out that Prince Noel is much greedier than he looks.'

Jason began to doubt that he would get peace of mind if there was an assassination plot on Curtis.

Curtis and Samuel, who received the report, were also surprised by Johan's plan. Especially when Noel found out about Johan's plan.

"We have to keep this a secret because Swana is pregnant," Curtis ordered.

"Yes, Your Honor. "

"However, continue with the orders. Keep an eye out for nobles who have the potential to influence Noel and remove them secretly. Make it look like an accident or suicide."

Samuel was rather impatient with Curtis' decision so asked him to be firm.

"Wouldn't it be better if we warned him directly? That little kid needs to be taught a lesson for being mean to us."

If only Swana wasn't pregnant, it would have been easier. So Curtis rejected Sam's proposal.

"I don't want my baby to be affected if Swana has a lot on her mind."

Samuel and Jason began to understand the reason why they had to get rid of the nobles who intended to become enemies secretly. None other than because they did not want their wives to be burdened with thoughts. Yes, they both finally understood. Swana will inevitably be confused between her husband and her cousin.

"We understand. "

Meanwhile, Noel and the Sinclair nobles were shocked by the news of Johan's accident. However, since there was nothing suspicious, the nobles didn't think much of it. They assumed that Johan was really an accident. Only Noel had suspicions about the defense minister's death.

'Could this be a message from Curtis? Or did I just happen to have this accident happen?' Noel asked himself.

He thought, no one knew Johan was coming to see him other than himself. Curtis' soldiers weren't here either. So he wasn't sure if Curtis was responsible for Johan's death.

'But I have to be careful not to make a mistake or make Curtis suspicious.'

Within a week, the memory of Johan's accident disappeared. His successor was immediately appointed in Johan's place. Noel was still busy preparing for the appointment ceremony until the day finally arrived.

Ordinary people also welcomed the feast with enthusiasm. They held celebrations in the streets and put up banners.

Yerenika was also a very busy person. She led the palace budget for the ceremony. The same went for the clothes that Noel would wear.

"Look, this crown is still in place," Yerenika said. She showed the crown to Noel, then put it in its place to be given to the Saint who would crown Noel.

"I feel nervous. I hope Swana is also present." Of course, Swana's presence was a guarantee of her safety. Where there was Swana, there was Curtis.

"I've seen her coming and is now with the envoy of the kingdom that has cooperation with our kingdom."

"Thank goodness."

Yerenika actually smelled something fishy from Noel. He seemed to be hiding something. But she didn't want to ask because he was about to become king. There were many things that a king could not say.

"Alright, let's get out. I guess everyone can't wait for you."

"Yes. Let's take back the throne that changed hands long ago."

Thumping.

Yerenika's heart seemed to be hit by a hammer when Noel said that. She hadn't expected Noel to think that way.

'So that's what Noel has been thinking all this time?'

Yerenika really couldn't believe that Noel would think that. Even though she had been saved by Swana. And Swana's power was only temporary. Even if Noel did not recover, Swana would hand over the throne to him.

'After the ceremony, I have to talk to Noel,' Yerenika thought.

There must be no misunderstanding. Especially Swana. The cousin who desperately kept Sinclair stable.

Tbc.