Chapter 363 - Wish
When Lydia spoke, the crowd immediately silenced in reverence and anticipation.
Lydia’s promise held a great significance to the people and was the primary reason of many in this midsummer festival. The conflicts between both the Reformist and King’s Party were also due to this promise.
There were even ridiculous rumors of some mercenaries who wanted to request a night with Lydia or to marry her.
With Lydia’s personality, they knew that she wouldn’t easily go back on her words. But that didn’t mean that her subjects would allow their Monarch to be tainted by an insignificant mercenary. Furthermore, there would be no emotional ties between Lydia and the mercenary as it was just a one-time promise.
All the attention was now focused on Rhode.
Although the Reformist Party had failed, it didn’t mean that the King’s Party would succeed. While Rhode had indeed displayed his standing by removing two significant foes for the King’s Party, the relationship between true allies and political allies were vastly different. All he did was to pave the way for himself into joining the King’s Party, and unless personally declared, no one would be able to say for sure that Rhode was part of them.
And because of this, many nobles focused their attention on Rhode as they knew next to nothing about him or his Starlight mercenary group. They were worried that Rhode would request something that would disrupt their political power.
Judging from Rhode’s conduct so far, he probably wouldn’t make things difficult for the King’s Party. Still, influence was like a cake; if one takes a significant portion, the rest of the cake would nevertheless have to be split among the remaining people. And after all these years, the share of the cake had been split between the Reformist and the King’s Party. Now, there was a high chance for another potential new challenger to disrupt the balance, so their worry wasn’t unfounded.
Although these worries weren’t limited to a single party, the Reformist Party had the most headache out of it. Rhode’s hostility towards them was evident, and they were afraid that Rhode would request their portion of the share from Lydia. If that happened, they would’ve no choice but to accept their fate. After all, Lydia’s word was equivalent to a decree, and furthermore, the entire Munn Kingdom would’ve heard it for themselves.
Only the matter involving Christie was currently out of his league.
Gillian had informed him that an Archangel or any rank above it could alter human physiques. Since the Light Dragon was out of the question, Lydia was the only one who could help Christie.
Although Rhode didn’t think that Lydia would reject his request, he still gave a sigh of relief after the Archangel agreed. It felt as though a heavy load was lifted off his shoulders.
Next up was Lize. She stood smiling before Lydia who returned a similar tender look.
“You’ve grown, Lize. No longer are you that young bird who requires protection. Now, you are spreading your own wings and seeking new heights for yourself. So… what is your wish?”
“I have one, Sister.”
Lize fixated her gaze on Lydia, her eyes gleaming with resolution.
“I wish to continue my journey and adventure with my friends. This country doesn’t need me, Sister… I only wish to live the life I desire.”
“… I understand, Lize.”
Lydia nodded and extended her hand to caress Lize’s hair gently.
“I will grant your wish. But, you have to remember that Golden City isn’t just a palace. It is also the place where you were born — and most importantly, it’s your home. No matter what happens, if you ever tire from adventuring and wish to return, you will always be welcome.”
“… Thank you, Sister.”
Lize’s gaze lingered on her sister’s face for what seemed like an eternity, and a wave of emotions flowed through her soul. Ever since her mother died, she thought that she had no feelings left for this place, but when Lydia reminded her about home, it left her feeling inexplicably warm and fuzzy. As Lize stared blankly at her sister, it felt as though it was the first time someone waited for her to come home.
Did I make the wrong decision…?
A sudden uneasiness welled up in her heart. She had the company of many friends in the mercenary group, but what about Lydia? Was she being selfish when she left?
“Sister, I…”
Lize began stuttering, but Lydia extended her finger and pressed gently onto her lips.
“Remember to visit me when you have the time.”
“…”
Lize closed her eyes, and a few drops of tears rolled down her cheeks.
When she saw Lydia’s smiling face, she decided to keep silent. Eventually, she nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes.