The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Hearing this, Desmond found solace in his father's words. "But... I am... tired," he managed to utter before succumbing to the overwhelming drowsiness.

*Thump*

Desmond's body slumped to the ground, slipping into a deep unconscious state.

Meanwhile, within the confines of the manor, a faint glow emanated from a solitary room. A seven-year-old boy stood before a man, his gaze filled with anger.

"Father, how do I eliminate him?" the boy questioned, a simmering intensity in his voice.

"Eliminate whom?" the boy's father inquired, confident that his son's adversary had been vanquished.

"The boy who humiliated Gibson so thoroughly," the young boy reluctantly confessed.

His father settled into a chair, his gaze fixed upon his son. "There is only one way. If you desire, I can provide you with a potion that accelerates your energy absorption and physical advancement," his father proposed, his voice tinged with concern.

As a parent, he couldn't bear to witness his son continue to suffer beneath the shadow of that individual.

The boy did not immediately respond, contemplating his father's offer. "Are there any side effects?"

The boy's father reclined at his desk, his gaze drifting to the night sky. "Yes, it carries risks. Do you still wish to consume it? It may jeopardize your future."

The boy wavered, observing the gravity in his father's expression. "Is there a similar potion with lesser effects?"

His father redirected his gaze from the heavens, fixating it upon his son. "There is, but it requires us to collaborate with the kingdom's enemy," he nonchalantly disclosed, seemingly detached from the kingdom's fate.

A steely resolve flickered across the boy's countenance. "I accept, father. Our standing in this kingdom will never be the same again..."

Upon hearing his son's resolute answer, the father nodded and affectionately ruffled the boy's hair. "I will inform you when the time is right."

Meanwhile, within the opulent walls of the royal throne room, King Edward sat in contemplation during the late hours, flanked by two ministers. Though Sanders' physical condition had improved, his mental state remained fragile due to the king's unfinished duties. In contrast, Holmes brimmed with elation, reveling in his success at casting Sanders into such a wretched state.

"How are things at the border?" King Edward inquired, his voice laden with weariness.

Several months prior, Edward had acquiesced to Noel's proposal of dispatching all the master wizards and witches to collectively confront the Rank A Sky Hunter from the Beast Race. However, after an extended period of anticipation, he had yet to receive any news regarding the extermination of the beasts.

Holmes, the minister of work management, stepped forward and respectfully saluted King Edward. "Greetings, Your Majesty. Based on reports from various villages, a considerable number of beasts have infiltrated our region. The citizens residing far from the capital are requesting aid from the nobles."

After delivering his message, Holmes stepped back into his previous position, wearing a smug grin aimed at Sanders.

King Edward, seated on the throne, furrowed his brow at the sight. He hadn't anticipated the magnitude of trouble brought forth by the Sky Hunter.

Meanwhile, upon hearing Holmes' report, Sanders mustered the courage to approach the king and offer his greetings. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Edward turned his gaze toward Sanders, a flicker of annoyance evident in his eyes. He waited for a moment, but Sanders remained silent. "Speak up, set aside tavern matters, and let us focus on the present situation."

Sanders felt relieved by the king's response. "Please forgive my earlier lack of resolve, Your Majesty." Sanders sighed and stood upright, locking eyes with Edward. "According to a report from Master Witch Noel, the Rank A beast of the Sky Hunter is no longer visible along the kingdom's borders. Witnesses claim that the Sky Hunter pursued a couple into their territory before retreating."

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Sanders continued, "The couple in question is Master Witch Leona and Dual-Class soldier Bastian. They assumed responsibility before Master Witch Noel arrived and assumed control."

Edward contemplated Sanders' words, sighing inwardly as he realized the implications of the vacant position, particularly considering the missing individual was the one chosen by the Master.

"Tell me, Prime Minister Sanders, do you have a proposed solution?" Edward gazed at Sanders, weighing his options. It was a rare occurrence for King Edward to seek his prime minister's advice, but he respected Sanders' opinion.

Sanders was taken aback, wondering if this was a test of his abilities. He hastily responded, "I believe we can capitalize on the momentum created by the absence of the Sky Hunter by safeguarding the small villages located near the beast territory." Sanders paused and fixed his gaze on Edward, awaiting his response.

Edward agreed to explore the suggestion further. "The loss of a Master Witch and a Dual-Class soldier is indeed unfortunate, but they made their decision and were prepared to face the consequences. Therefore, we can provide them with some assistance by intensifying surveillance along every corner of the border between our kingdom and the beast territory."

Sanders heaved a sigh of relief, feeling the weight lifted off his shoulders. His chest rose and fell as he allowed himself a smile of satisfaction, pleased with the proposal he had put forth. He patiently awaited further orders, knowing that his input had been acknowledged.

On the other side of the room, Holmes clenched his teeth, his envy simmering beneath the surface. He fixed a gaze on Sanders, his eyes unblinking, ready to pounce on any opportunity to undermine him should he make a misstep.

Edward contemplated Sanders' suggestion, his mind turning it over and examining it from different angles. While he found it to be reasonable and well-considered, there was an inkling within him that it lacked a certain vital element.

After a brief silence, Edward broke it with a decisive tone. "Let us proceed with Sanders' advice, but to mitigate the potential risks, we shall consult with my trusted confidant, Vesta."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I shall convey your orders promptly," Sanders replied, his head lowered in deference. He blinked repeatedly, the fatigue evident in his eyes, a consequence of his sleepless nights spent grappling with the kingdom's affairs.

Edward's head spun, his eyelids blinking rapidly due to his own lack of rest. Gathering his thoughts, he added, turning his attention to Holmes. "Inform the Master Witch family about this development. Is there any objection on your part?" He keenly sensed Holmes' gaze on Sanders and decided to address the matter directly. "Do we have an issue?"

Sanders, ever dutiful, saluted the king before retreating to his place. His gaze fixed upon Holmes, who appeared nervous, realizing the impact of his behavior on the king's disposition. "Pardon me, Your Majesty. I have no objection," Holmes responded, the realization of his misstep sinking in.

"Very well, then. Let us conclude this impromptu meeting," Edward nodded, signaling the end of their discussion. Stepping down from the throne, he swung open the heavy doors of the throne room, their resounding echo reverberating through the chamber.

Outside, in the serenity of the palace garden, Edward caught sight of his daughter, Elizabeth, seated on a bench, her gaze transfixed upon the moonlit sky. Approaching her with a gentle tone, he inquired, "My little princess, why do you find yourself awake at such a late hour?" Edward settled beside her, his presence a comforting embrace.

Startled by her father's sudden appearance, Elizabeth let out a surprised gasp. "Father, you startled me," she responded, momentarily glancing at him before returning her gaze to the celestial canvas above. "Father, may I ask you something?"

"Of course, my little princess," Edward replied, his curiosity piqued, as he observed his daughter in a new light, unguarded and vulnerable.

With a mixture of doubt and worry, Elizabeth posed her question. "If someone were to have their hand severed, could I heal them once I attain your position, father?" Her voice carried a hint of uncertainty, yearning for reassurance.

A sympathetic frown creased Edward's brow as he sought to provide solace. "Indeed, my little princess. When you ascend to my position, there exists a time spell exclusively wielded by individuals like us," he explained, acknowledging the weight of her concerns.

Despite society's perception of Elizabeth's flawless facade, Edward recognized it as a mere illusion, one she wore as a royal. This vulnerable moment unveiled a side of his daughter he had seldom witnessed before, evoking a sense of tenderness within him.

"Mmm," Elizabeth nodded, her confidence bolstered by her father's response. The moonlight cast a soft glow upon their faces, emphasizing the sincerity in their conversation. "So, can I ask you for a favor, father?"

Edward's countenance tightened, a subtle crease forming on his brow as he reluctantly replied, his voice tinged with a hint of exasperation, "Of course, my beloved princess. What is it that you seek?" Concealing his inner frustration behind a facade of warmth, he mustered a gentle smile, though his weariness seeped through.

"I have a dear friend who suffered the loss of his right hand. I yearn to help him regain what he has lost. Can you assist me in finding a solution, father?" Elizabeth's eyes shimmered with hope, her plea laced with optimism.

Edward's mind swirled with an amalgamation of emotions, ranging from a father's empathy to the burden of his kingly responsibilities. 'Does she truly believe I possess the powers of a miracle worker? I am the ruler of the North Kingdom, not a sorcerer,' he mused inwardly.

Despite his fleeting irritation, he replied affectionately, "My apologies, my cherished princess, but my days are consumed by the weighty affairs of the kingdom. However, if your friend were to visit the palace, perchance we could explore avenues to aid him."

"Okay," Elizabeth's voice carried a tinge of resignation, her once buoyant spirit deflated like a gentle sigh that escapes unnoticed. Her cheeks puffed up, a subtle display of her silent discontent.

Edward, observing his daughter's crestfallen expression, shook his head in bemusement, a gentle smile softening the lines on his face. As a king, he recognized the importance of maintaining his dignity and composure. "Almost slipped my mind, my dear princess," he interjected, shifting the focus to a topic of mutual interest, hoping to uplift her spirits.

"What about the academy you expressed a desire to join? Have you given it further consideration?"

With a glimmer of excitement rekindling within her, Elizabeth's eyes sparkled as she eagerly responded, her voice animated, "I have made up my mind, father. I am resolute in my decision to enroll in the academy. I have already made a promise to Clark, my dear childhood friend."

Edward's annoyance prickled at the mention of Clark, a scion of a former noble family. His disdain for the noble class had been forged by their arbitrary actions, leaving an indelible mark on his perceptions. However, mindful of his role as a fair and just king, he masked his displeasure with a well-practiced facade of equanimity.

"I see," he acknowledged, his tone laced with a barely perceptible undertone of resignation. "Might you reconsider, my precious princess? Home study offers comfort and safety beyond measure. I can employ the services of skilled tutors and accomplished wizards to guide your education."

As the words left his lips, Edward hoped to dissuade his daughter from venturing into unfamiliar territory, driven by his unwavering concern for her welfare.

He didn't want to entrust his beloved daughter's life to others, even if it was his own teacher. The thought of Elizabeth being subjected to the whims of her peers, potential bullying or mistreatment, made his protective instincts flare. As the king, he understood the limitations of his authority in matters concerning the academy. It was a realm where the influence of the crown couldn't penetrate.