[Royalty Arc 02]: The Waiting Game

Lance had seen him in Lancelot's memory; he was Lancelot's close valet, Alferdo, and was extremely loyal to him.

Even during Lancelot's darkest times, Alferdo never left his side. While Alferdo was giving orders to people outside, he casually recited in his mind: ["007?"]

007: ["I'm here."]

[Is it okay to chat like this?]

007: [Yes.]

After receiving an affirmative answer, Lance stopped communicating with 007 and focused on dealing with Alferdo.

As he wasn't the real Lancelot, he felt he needed to be more cautious around Alfredo, who probably knew Lancelot best in the palace.

Alferdo gave instructions to the butlers outside and closed the door, approached Lance with a worried expression.

"My lord, please rest assured. Although the King reprimanded you, he hasn't taken away your power to govern the castle."

Alferdo's dedication impressed Lance, and he replied, "Alferdo, I'm not seeking power in the castle."

"If only he would look at me just once..." Lance said softly, his heart heavy with unrequited love for King Alexander.

Alferdo looked at Lance lying on the bed, wrapped in his thin clothes, and felt a surge of emotion. "My lord..."

Lance maintained a mournful expression while thinking calmly about his next steps.

After being scolded by Alferdo, the butlers who was running errands rushed to invite the royal doctor.

Doctor Dyson was Lancelot's usual physician and the one who had come this time.

After examining Lance's pulse and appearance, he stroked his head and said, "Lord has recovered from the illness, but you've been worrying too much. I'll prescribe some medicine to help you take care of yourself."

Lance apologised softly, "I apologise for the trouble."

As Doctor Dyson went to write the prescription, Alferdo accompanied him, and he then ordered someone to prepare the medicine.

Using the opportunity, Lance asked 007: ["Is there any way to expedite my recovery?"]

007 replied: ["The Quantum Mall has potions that can aid in recovery, but it's currently closed until you complete the task."]

Lance sighed and decided to rest for a while longer. He needed to be in good health to face the challenges ahead.

Over the next month, Lance spent most of his time in bed. At first, 007 understood his condition and allowed some leeway, but after ten days, it became anxious:

["Host, your body has recovered. Please proceed with the task immediately."]

Lance, lying half on the bed, was enjoying trifles, a type of pastry from the Royal Kitchen. Swallowing the last mouthful contentedly, he lazily replied, "I won't go. What can you do to me?"

007: [? ? ?]

007 held back for a while and said, ["No! You must."]

Lance couldn't help but suppress a smile, teasing, ["What if I refuse?"]

007: ["Points will be deducted for failing the task, and if the negative point value exceeds a certain limit, you will be sent back to your original world."]

The thought of being sent back to his original world, where his lifeless body lay, sent shivers down Lance's spine.

It's quite terrifying when you think about it. Lance sat up, saying to 007 in his mind: ["I was just joking. Of course, Of course, I'll complete the task. I'm just waiting for the right opportunity."]

007 couldn't help but exclaim, ["Host, wake up! You can't just wait for King Alexander to come to you!"]

Lance raised an eyebrow and asked, ["Why do you think he can't?"]

007 began to recount the plot: [...King Alexander deeply loves his consort, First Consort Jace, and all the other men in the palace are mere decorations for the court. He has always cherished First Consort Jace...]

Lance interrupted, saying, ["I know all that. But I don't want him to come and please me. I still hold power in this palace. So, he will come here eventually."]

Besides, this was the past, even though Lancelot was a noble consort, he still had to pay his respects to the loved consort, First Consort Jace.

Lancelot hadn't visited Consort Jace for so long; some people must be getting anxious.

Casually touching his chin, Lance asked 007, ["Why do you think King Alexander loves First Consort Jace?"]

007: ["Childhood sweethearts?"]

Lance smiled, saying, ["You seem to know quite a lot."]

007 responded modestly, ["We learn from observing humans."]

Lance praised, ["It's a good habit."]

["The bond between childhood sweethearts is precious because it hasn't weathered any hardships."]

Lance said thoughtfully, ["Let me add some twists and turns to their story."]

Despite his words, he still didn't make any moves and continued enjoying the variety of cakes served in the castle each day.

Ten more days passed, and finally, someone came to see him.