The reception hall instantly fell into dead silence.
"Roy-sama"
The young maid stared blankly at Roy. Her delicate face was filled with shock and worry she couldn't hide.
Watching Alec get dragged out, unease surged in her heart. She couldn't help asking, "Is this really okay? The Gambino family"
"Heh, don't worry. Everything is under control. The Gambino family is nothing. There's no need to panic." Roy gave the clearly still stunned maid a reassuring smile.
Seeing Roy's confident smile, and remembering how he had stepped forward to protect her just now, the maid's cheeks couldn't help turning slightly red. She softly replied and lowered her head.
"Next"
Roy's gaze slowly shifted to the guards who were still firmly controlled.
His expression gradually turned cold, his eyes without the slightest ripple as he said in a low voice, "What happened just now, I can let it go. But remember this is your final warning. You are the kingdom's guards, the royal family's loyal protectors. Your duty is to obey orders, not the legion commander, not the Defense Minister, but me, the prince of the Zephyr Kingdom by blood, and the future King who will rule this land."
"Yes, Roy-sama!" The guards lowered their heads in shame and fear. They understood exactly what he meant. Just now, they had failed their duty to protect him and instead hesitated because of the ministers.
"Let them go." Roy signaled to the members beside him. The blades at the guards' throats were withdrawn at once. Aside from White Fang, who remained close at Roy's side, the others slipped back into the shadows and disappeared.
The guards let out breaths of relief, but when their eyes swept over the shadows where those figures vanished, fear still flickered in every gaze.
Roy-sama had secretly raised such a mysterious and powerful force. It was impossible not to feel awe.
"Among you, who's the leader?" Roy scanned them and asked.
"Reporting to Roy-sama, it's me." A burly middle aged guard stepped forward respectfully and bowed.
"Who currently commands the kingdom's army?" Roy continued.
"After the legion commander fell, the kingdom's army has been directly controlled by the Defense Minister," the man answered carefully, watching Roy's reaction.
"What's your name?" Roy asked again.
"Reporting to Roy-sama, my name is Stanley," the guard replied quickly, his voice tense.
"Stanley." Roy nodded slightly, calm and firm. "Good. From now on, guarding the palace will no longer be your responsibility. Take your men and report to the kingdom's army."
"What?" Stanley froze on the spot, stunned.
Roy ignored the surprise and, after a brief thought, continued, "Also, you will temporarily serve as the legion commander of the kingdom's army. Remember, without my permission, the kingdom's army is not allowed to take any action on its own."
"Th this" Stanley froze again, not knowing how to respond.
He stood there for a heartbeat, eyes wide, then quickly came back to himself. He dropped to one knee, lowering his head so far it nearly touched the floor, and spoke with barely contained excitement, "Thank you for your favor, Roy-sama!"
"Mm. Stand." Roy's expression remained steady as his gaze fell on Stanley, his tone carrying an unquestionable chill. "Remember, I can give you the legion commander's position, and I can just as easily take everything you have away."
"Yes, Roy-sama!" A cold shiver ran up Stanley's spine. His body trembled, and he instinctively glanced at White Fang beside Roy, fear filling his eyes.
"Good. Take the guards to the kingdom's army camp. Also, send people to notify the citizens. Have them gather at the plaza in front of the palace. I have something important to announce." Roy waved his hand and issued the orders.
"Yes, Roy-sama!" Stanley answered without daring to question a single word, then quickly led the guards away.
After Stanley and the others disappeared through the doors, Roy spoke without turning around, "White Fang, leaving the palace's defense to your unit, there won't be any problems, right?"
"Roy-sama, rest assured. Protection is one of our specialties. As long as we are here, the palace's safety will be guaranteed." White Fang's voice was low and firm.
"Good." Roy's lips lifted slightly into a satisfied smile.
Compared to guards who might switch sides at any moment, Roy clearly trusted the unit the system had summoned.
In his view, as long as they were present, unless an Admiral level powerhouse personally arrived, the palace would be the safest place in the kingdom.
Roy turned around and looked at the young maid, only then realizing he still didn't know her name.
"What's your name?" Roy asked with a gentle smile.
"Ah? R reporting to Roy-sama, my name is Cici." The maid clearly didn't expect him to ask so suddenly, and she became so nervous her words nearly tangled.
"Cici. Thank you for taking such good care of me during this time. From today on, you don't need to work with the other maids anymore. Be my personal maid. From now on, stay by my side." Roy smiled and nodded. After saying that, he turned and walked straight out of the reception hall, with White Fang close beside him.
"Ah?" Cici froze. A moment later, as if she had realized something, her cheeks instantly flushed red.
Shyness and joy flashed through her beautiful eyes, and she broke into a light jog, hurrying to follow after him.
(End of Chapter)
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