The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

-King's Hall, Capital City of the North Kingdom-

At the very moment Desmond arrived at the mist village, a grand gathering unfolded within the heart of the capital city. A majestic procession of mythical creatures, Pegasus, stood in a solemn line before the towering entrance to the King's hall. Their ethereal presence was a sight to behold, their wings arched gracefully, shimmering in the sunlight.

The sentries guarding the ornate doors betrayed an air of unease, their gazes alternating between the magnificent Pegasus and the imposing entrance. Their eyes seemed to possess an unwavering intensity, as if hoping to penetrate the massive doors with their watchful vigilance.

Pegasus, revered as prized mounts, were an exclusive privilege bestowed only upon the kingdom. These exquisite creatures possessed delicate frames and were vulnerable to magical assaults, hence reserved for urgent tasks such as the delivery of important missives.

"Are they still engaged in the meeting?" Suddenly, the soldiers' concentration was broken by a soft, worried voice. They turned to see a young girl, no more than ten years old, adorned with a petite crown atop her head. Her eyes were filled with a mix of apprehension and concern as she scrutinized the soldiers.

"Pardon me, Your Highness," one of the soldiers respectfully saluted before addressing the girl. "It has been an hour, and the meeting is still in progress."

Upon hearing this response, a myriad of emotions flickered across the girl's countenance. She was none other than Elizabeth, who, alongside others, had been swiftly brought back to the Capital City for their own safety, utilizing the speed and reliability of the Pegasus.

While the news of Weston's demise remained unannounced, the loss of one of their strongest pillars, a former Grandmaster, coupled with the elusive perpetrator still at large, had enveloped the kingdom in a pervasive sense of vigilance. This led to stringent measures, preventing the civilian populace from venturing beyond the kingdom's borders while bolstering the security of all entrances.

Inside the resplendent King's hall, King Edward sat upon the regal throne, his head supported by a hand as he surveyed those gathered before him. A furrow creased his brow, his expression clouded by a sense of deep concern.

The grand hall, vast and imposing, exuded an air of tranquility. Slender rays of moonlight stealthily permeated through the gaps between the stately pillars, casting a soft silver glow that added to the hall's enchanting ambiance.

Familiar faces dotted the assembly—Vesta, Greyson, Violet, and even the esteemed members of the academy staff. Jessy and Quinn stood together, their heads bowed, while a pallor gripped some of the onlookers.

"Grimm, my trusted friend, what is the current state of affairs?" After a prolonged period of contemplation, King Edward addressed Grimm, who stood at the end of the assembly. Veins of tension traced across Grimm's face as he prepared to respond.

"I humbly apologize, my liege. We never anticipated that the traitor would possess the power of a 3rd class Grandmaster. It appears she concealed her true strength until now," Grimm replied, a tinge of bitterness in his voice.

His meticulously devised plan had seemed flawless, with every detail finely orchestrated. All that remained was the final touch—an abduction or elimination of Desmond's family, solidifying Desmond's guilt and providing grounds for Edward's removal.

This would pave the way for the Imperial Empire to declare war on the North Kingdom while he and his covert forces maneuvered in the shadows, assassinating King Edward and ascending to the throne.

Yet, complications began to unravel, one after another—starting from the fall of the Aristocratic Technocracy Organization to the unforeseen resistance encountered from Desmond's family. Furthermore, the agents they had deployed to disrupt the academy's influence had become futile following the sudden demise of Weston.

The absence of evidence to implicate Weston and the insufficiency of a vital pretext hampered their ability to declare war.

*Thud!*

King Edward abruptly slammed his hand onto the armrest, causing the hall to tremble with a reverberating force. The pillars creaked ominously, straining against the onslaught. Though the disturbance was fleeting, the occupants of the hall soon regained their poise, steadying themselves in the aftermath of the tremor.

"Minister Sanders, your diligence in uncovering the crimes committed by that family is commendable," Edward's voice resonated with a soothing authority as he expressed his gratitude. Sanders, bowing repeatedly, received the king's words with a sense of fulfillment.

This acknowledgment from the monarch held immeasurable significance to him, as his life and loyalty were dedicated solely to the service of the kingdom.

"This is my duty, my king," Sanders replied, his tone laced with a hint of pride. The satisfaction he derived from the king's recognition was unparalleled. Without any familial support, it was the kingdom and the king who had provided him with a home and guidance. He had remained unwed, wholeheartedly focusing on his responsibilities as the Minister of Defense.

"Now, I implore your cooperation in preventing any news of my master's demise from being leaked," Edward continued, his voice carrying a weight of urgency. "If necessary, take measures to ensure the silence of those students who witnessed his untimely death, regardless of the cost.

Simultaneously, aid the kingdom in unmasking the perpetrator responsible for the heinous act of slaying our esteemed Grandmaster."

The words hung heavily in the air, evoking a shudder of fear among the assembled individuals. While they understood the potential consequences of the news spreading—potential infiltration or even open aggression from their enemies—it was disconcerting to contemplate the ruthlessness required to silence even children. Edward's methods were undeniably severe.

"Yes, my king!" The response rang out in unison as all present saluted and bowed. Even those from the academy, notorious for their reluctance to collaborate with the kingdom, complied. Their pillar of support had been cruelly snuffed out. Failure to act would not only jeopardize their own safety but would also strip them of their credibility in safeguarding the well-being of their students.

However, among those who obediently saluted and pledged their allegiance to Edward's request, two individuals remained silent. One was an elderly man, his weathered face hidden beneath a cloak, observing the expressions of those around him. His gaze eventually settled upon a mature lady draped in flowing robes.

The old man represented the Guild, an organization with widespread influence across human kingdoms. They typically refrained from intervening in conflicts or internal matters of the kingdoms. The death of a single mercenary did not warrant their involvement or assistance to the kingdom.

On the other hand, the mature lady represented the Church. Much like the Guild, the Church possessed significant power. Their primary objective revolved around eradicating Demons and maintaining control over the Beast race population.

While the Guild appeared hesitant or unwilling to aid the North Kingdom, the Church faced a different predicament. The mature lady found herself unable to immediately respond to Edward's request, for the Church required a decision from their pope before taking any decisive action.