The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 245: Slander

Chapter 245: Slander

[Is she telling the truth? Mother said that our province is being neglected because Lady Karen never had a chance to be Queen. If she had become the Queen then we wouldn’t be going through this hardship.... She’s definitely a Usurper like the people are saying! I must not get swayed easily by her meek face and presence.]

"What is your name, little girl?" Mineah asked, ignoring the curious eyes that had now turned towards them.

"Lilia," the girl replied with pursed lips.

"How old are you Lilia?" Mineah inquired further. The little girl had the vibrant aura of a Meld, a type of vampire that Mineah had learned to recognize by the colors of their life force. It was one of the abilities she had discovered she possessed since the incident in Norma province. She could see a person’s life force, which varied through colors. She was still learning the ropes of her power and noting her observations to come to a final conclusion.

"I’m fifteen," the young girl answered.

"Do you know what ’usurper’ means?" Mineah asked further.

Lilia frowned and confidently stated, "Someone who snatches a position of power by force. You stole your position from our Lady Karen! If you hadn’t then we wouldn’t have to suffer like this."

"Hmm, do you know that it’s not good to jump to a conclusion without knowing all the details? How could I possibly steal my position as your Queen when it was Your King who asked for a hand in marriage during the talk for an alliance? While Ebodia offered an alliance, Valcrez requested a marriage, and my older sister was already the Werewolf King’s mate, so King Nikolai took me instead. Now tell me, Lilia... Do you think that makes me a ’Usurper’? How did I forcefully take the position to be your Queen?" Mineah explained with a gentle smile, her words carrying a sense of reason and fairness.

"I... I..." Lilia stuttetered.

Mineah patted her head and said, "You’re still young, so it’s natural for you to be reckless and irrational. However, are you aware that there are consequences for publicly disrespecting the crown?"

Gasps and murmurs surrounded the area. This time Mineah’s soft features changed as she stood back up on her feet. "For now, I’ll let Lilia’s behavior slide... but the next time something like this happens, I will no longer extend such kindness regardless of gender and age. We have laws for a reason, and I won’t hesitate to enforce our laws to maintain order and peace."

She then looked at Lilia, softened her tone, and asked, "Now tell me Lilia, where did you get the idea that I, Your Queen, am a usurper? Those people spreading these baseless rumors should be punished for poisoning an innocent child’s mind like yours."

"Commander Kalel!" Mineah called out, summoning the commander of the royal guards responsible for her security during her visits to various regions of Valcrez.

"Your Majesty," Kalel curtly bowed as he waited for her instructions.

Arrest Lilia’s parents. They must face the consequences of slandering the name of the crown in public. It’s clear that a child like Lilia wouldn’t speak such falsehoods without hearing them from adults." Mineah’s voice was resolute as she issued her instructions.

Upon hearing this, the citizens who had gathered gasped in shock. Lilia fell to her knees and pleaded desperately, "Please have mercy, Your Majesty. I am so sorry. I beg you have mercy..."

Mineah held the young girl’s shoulders and helped her get back on her feet. She wiped the teenager’s tears and told her, "This is why, my dear, one should always pause and consider their actions carefully. We must take responsibility for what we say and do... If this incident were allowed to pass without following the law, what would my people think of me? They will come to believe that it’s alright to disrespect and spread false rumors about their Queen. Think Lilia... If you were in my shoes... What do you think you would do?"

With that, Mineah turned around and returned to her carriage, signaling for her entourage to continue their journey.

[Are you alright, Mine?] Nikolai’s voice whispered through their bond. Nikolai had assigned two of his shadow knights to follow and protect her stealthily and just as she had expected, he was informed about the incident during her visitation.

Mineah had a smile on her face as she answered, [It’s nothing that I couldn’t handle, Lai. Just a small hurdle. Actually, could you please do me a favour and telepathically tell Kalel to go easy on Lilia’s parents? Maybe just detain them until I personally talk to them? I don’t want the child to suffer too much.]

[I got you, Mine. I’ll tell Kalel what you wanted.]

[Thank you, Lai. You can now stop worrying so much about me and focus on your work.]

When they reached their destination, Mineah called for Niran and instructed "Something doesn’t sit right with me. Once we go back, brief Dani about this incident. I also want to keep a closer eye on Ursa. Don’t forget to make sure that what I promised to Lilia is met. I didn’t delve into the details previously, but we need to ensure that there’s a fair distribution of resources and opportunities across all provinces."

She let out a sigh as she added, "Every corner of Valcrez should benefit equally. Ursa, located north of Corvus City, seems to have been neglected, but I feel like there’s more to it. I want a thorough investigation, but for now, let’s focus on improving the citizens’ livelihoods."

"The Wagner Clan has a strong hold of the province. They may not be as vocal or as aggressive as Rossi in their opposition to Nikolai but I strongly believe that they are more dangerous..." Niran voiced out in their secret language.

Mineah nodded in agreement and understanding. "There’s so many things to do," Mineah couldn’t help but sigh.

"For now, let’s see the governor," she voiced out, as she readied her smile to greet the town’s head, who was already waiting for her outside the pavilion. With a determined smile, she resolved to address each issue one at a time. She knew that Nikolai had a lot on his plate, and she aimed to be a supportive and productive partner, assisting him in every way possible.

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