Chapter 43: The Kings Have Arrived

That morning, everything seemed normal. Everyone was going about their business. Meanwhile, Elena walked with her head down the corridor to the palace cleaning department. She had to start working, or her head would explode.

Especially after hearing Hera's words that morning—that she had to pass another trial with four kings. She couldn't think straight. In that moment, she felt as if she wanted to disappear from this planet.

She began to understand why Lucian had asked her to circle the stick seven times. Perhaps the man was worried about her, though she still doubted it.

She looked at the bracelet on her wrist. The bracelet was from Lucian. Did the man truly care about her?

Elena sighed. Regardless, after hearing Hera's story, whether Lucian cared about her or not, he still couldn't help her. That made her even more nervous.

"What kind of trial is this?" Elena muttered to herself.

At a time like this, she needed Hera, but the girl had to start working again because she was no longer sick. Hera returned to the mining site. Elena hoped the girl wouldn't get into trouble with the immoral captain.

If only Hera could work with her inside the palace. But she couldn't ask for too much. She was already grateful Lucian had no longer sent her to the mining site.

Elena felt the stares of all the servants directed at her, so she kept her head down. She knew those stares were either hatred or envy.

As she was passing through the garden, she heard whispers from servants in another corner. She looked toward the source of the commotion. Her eyes widened when she saw a man get down from a horse.

"Prince Damien?" Elena murmured.

The man was the crown prince of the Kingdom of Nubile. They had met several times; he was one of the men Elena admired. If her father was still alive, he might have arranged a marriage for them.

But why was he here? Elena's heart raced as she watched him dismount. His presence here was unexpected, and she couldn't help but wonder what business brought him to the palace.

Elena lowered her head. She felt uncomfortable seeing Damien there. She was no longer a princess. She was even lower than a slave. She only hoped Damien didn't see her.

Elena walked to the other side. She didn't realize she had passed into Misaya's pavilion. She was startled when she saw the woman staring at her from the balcony.

The gaze was piercing, full of hatred and murderous intent. Elena swallowed hard. She quickly turned her face away and walked away quickly. She didn't want the woman to send the guards to drag her back to the dungeon.

Meanwhile, Lucian had just finished a meeting and returned to his room to change clothes. As soon as he entered, he was surprised to find Michelle standing in the middle of the room.

The woman cried. Upon seeing him, she immediately knelt down.

"Oh, Your Majesty, what should we do?" she said incoherently.

Lucian furrowed his brow. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Michelle sobbed. "T-they... the kings have started arriving, Your Majesty!"

Lucian took a breath. "Is that why you're crying?"

Michelle wiped her tears. "What about Elena's fate? Oh... I can't imagine it, Your Majesty!"

Lucian held his head. He already knew they were coming. Even a delegation from the Kingdom of Nubile had arrived, which meant more guests.

The Kingdom of Nubile was known as a neutral kingdom. They had never been involved in any conflicts. Lucian was also surprised that they had sent envoys.

Lucian looked at Michelle. "Get up. We can't change anything with tears."

Then he continued with a serious expression. "Some bad traditions should be abolished. For example, I did not like Wilhelm introducing me as a slave and letting them play with me in public. Although it was difficult, I had to do it."

Michelle bowed her head in silence. She knew what Lucian had gone through. She also knew that the man was tormented by this trial. She shouldn't add to his mental burden.

"As your servant, I am grateful to have you. I know you have considered many things. To us, you are one of the greatest kings."

But Lucian only laughed bitterly. "I am just a king without feelings. What I do is solely for my people... not because I am good."

Michelle bowed her head, remembering all the petitions Lucian had sent to kings and officials to abolish slavery. She knew Lucian's intentions were always sincere. The man had suffered greatly, yet he still cared for his people. He was indeed worthy of being a king.

Tears fell from the corners of her eyes. She took a step forward and bowed sincerely. Your Majesty, I would like to follow you for the rest of my life and I am willing to give everything up for you.

Lucian laughed at himself again. "I am just a useless king who is infertile."

Those words made the servant's chest tighten. She knew the king had endured unimaginable suffering when he was a slave. He could no longer have children. The wound was not just physical, but also cut deep into his soul.

She bowed her head deeply, holding back tears. "This world is too cruel to you, Your Majesty..."

In silence, her thoughts drifted to Elena—the daughter of the man who had once kidnapped and enslaved the king. Back then, that man had treated Lucian like an object, renting him out to evil kings for money and power. And now... his daughter, Elena, was experiencing the same fate.

If Wilhelm knew his daughter's fate now, perhaps he would rise from the grave and stop all this with his own hands.

The servant clenched her fists. She knew Elena's suffering was far from over. But now she understood why the king hated the slavery system so much. She herself was a victim. And Elena... was merely a shadow of his unresolved past.

But one thing was certain: Lucian would not let history repeat itself forever.