Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully
Chapter 132: Arnold’s revelation

Chapter 132: Arnold’s revelation

The following week was a busy week in Luxia.

The oppressive fear of the Crimson Creep began to lift, replaced by a wave of cautious optimism. The "Hummer Talismans," as they were now universally known, became a symbol of hope.

The King, acting on the information from the public confrontation, had made swift changes. All questionable research projects funded under the emergency decree were halted, and the Church’s production of the now-useless Sunpetal Draught was officially suspended.

In a grand public decree, he also rewarded House Hummer for their unwavering courage and generosity. For their great service to the kingdom, Baron Charles Hummer was elevated to the rank of a Marquisate, solidifying his house’s position as a major power in Luxia.

Riku, however, continued to remain in the background. He spent most of his time at the newly minted Marquis Hummer’s estate and at the Underbelly, enchanting the seemingly endless supply of copper blanks. He had become the silent, beating heart of a massive relief effort, his identity as the "Whisper Healer" known only to a trusted few.

Then, on the eighth day, a stir occurred at the gates of the Royal Palace.

An old man, his clothes simple and travel-worn but his bearing unyielding, appeared before the Royal Guard.

"I must see the King," the old man stated, his voice raspy but firm.

"The King does not grant audiences to just anyone," the captain of the guard said dismissively.

The old man simply held up his hand. On his finger was a simple gold ring, but engraved upon it was the personal seal of the King—a token given only to his most trusted inner council. The captain’s eyes widened in shock. "My apologies, my Lord! At once!"

The man was escorted immediately to the King’s court.

King Harius III was in a meeting with Seraphina and the New Chamberlain. As the old man was ushered in, the King looked up. His impassive face broke into an expression of pure shock.

"Arnold...?" the King breathed.

The New Chamberlain froze, his face draining of all color. After a moment of stunned silence, he bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, if there are no other urgent matters, I shall take my leave." He fled the room without waiting for a reply.

The old man, Lord Arnold, knelt before his King. "Your Majesty. It is good to see you again."

"Rise, old friend," the King said, his voice thick with emotion. "You have been sorely missed. But first..."

Arnold’s gaze swept the room. "My family, Your Majesty. I heard the proclamation. Are they... are they truly safe?"

"They are," the King confirmed. "They are at Hummer Manor. I will summon them, and the Marquis Hummer, at once."

The reunion that followed was one of overwhelming emotion. Lady Beatrice, Marcus, Eleanor, and the children rushed into the court.

"Arnold!" Lady Beatrice cried, tears streaming down her face as she embraced her husband.

Arnold held her tight, his own eyes wet. "Beatrice, my love. I feared for you every single day. Seeing you safe... it is all that matters."

Marcus stepped forward next, his expression a mixture of relief and grim determination. "Father."

"My son," Arnold said, clasping his shoulder firmly. "You have been strong. You have protected them. I am proud of you."

Eleanor came forward, curtsying through her tears. "Father-in-law, we are so glad you have returned."

Arnold gave her a gentle smile. "And you, Eleanor. You have endured so much. Thank you for being the rock this family needed." Finally, he knelt, opening his arms to his grandchildren. Leo and Anya ran into his embrace, their small sobs muffled against his chest. "Grandfather! We missed you!"

"I am here now," he whispered, stroking their hair. "No one will harm you again. I promise."

After a long, emotional moment, the tears subsided. A grim silence fell as they all turned to face their King. The time for reunion was over; the time for justice had begun. The King turned to Arnold. "Now, my friend. Tell me everything."

Lord Arnold stood before the throne, his voice steady and clear. "Your Majesty, I did not retire. I was forced out. For months, the Grand Luminar pressured me to approve... questionable research. He wanted me to use my office to suppress investigations into certain noble houses and redirect funds to his ’special projects’."

Seraphina, standing by the King’s side, listened, her face growing paler with every word.

"I refused," Arnold continued. "I told him I served the Crown, not his ambition. He then made it clear my family’s safety could no longer be guaranteed. Soon after, assassins came for me. They were skilled, sent by Marquis Valerius. I was forced to flee, to go into hiding, leaving my family as hostages to my silence."

The King’s hands gripped the arms of his throne, his knuckles white with fury. "You have proof of this, Arnold? Ironclad proof?"

"I do, Your Majesty," Arnold said. He produced a series of scrolls from a hidden pouch. "These are direct orders from the Grand Luminar, bearing his official Church seal. Orders to quash inquiries into the Vaynes, to divert treasury funds, and an official request for Marquis Valerius to provide ’security’ to ensure my ’smooth transition into retirement’."

He handed the scrolls to the King’s Royal Guard, who presented them to the throne. The King read them, his face hardening into a mask of cold rage.

He then passed one of the scrolls to Seraphina. She took it with a trembling hand. She saw the intricate wording, the familiar signature, and the undeniable, authentic seal of the Grand Luminar.

"This... this is his seal," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "It is genuine."

With that, she reeled back. The last, final, fragile hope she had that the Grand Luminar was not a party to everything was finally distinguished. There was no more denying this fact. Ironclad evidence was right in front of her.

How... how could he do something like this? After all these years....

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