[Royalty Arc 24] First Consort Jace

Alfredo, who had no fear of being overheard, spoke with a hint of anxiety, 

"I've heard some rather worrying news, during the tensions between Britain and Wales, Duke Arthur managed to mediate the conflict successfully. Now, it appears that Duke Arthur has intentions to challenge King Alexander's rule."

Lance gently patted Alfredo's back, trying to console Alfredo, 

"You needn't fret so. The rebellion, if that's what you're concerned about, shouldn't be the cause of your distress. No matter who rebels, it doesn't affect you as castle servants."

Alfredo made an effort to regain his composure and offered, "Should we consider visiting the King? After all, he must..his majesty must also be worried." 

He struggled to convey his concern correctly.

"He's preoccupied at the moment. We shouldn't disturb him," Lance replied. 

Duke Arthur's rebellion had dealt a significant blow to the kingdom, especially in the midst of the Prussian crisis.

Ministers were overwhelmed, and the absence of capable military leaders like Duke Arthur only worsened the situation.

While there were Swordsmasters, few possessed the capability to shoulder substantial responsibilities. 

Even if there were such Swordsmasyer, it was unlikely they could thwart Duke Arthur's cunning strategies.

The routine visits of King Alexander to Lancelot's castle had decreased recently.

Several days passed before an unexpected summon arrived. The newly appointed butler, Kyen, was the bearer of this message.

"My Lord," Kyen said, a hint of haste in his voice, "His Majesty's butler, Cheron, has delivered a message. His Majesty requests your presence at First Consort's Castle."

-----

First Consort's castle, once a vibrant hub of activity, now exuded a chilling emptiness.

The copper hue appeared slightly tarnished under the overcast sky, and the wind produced an eerie, crisp echo.

As Lance entered the castle, the resonating thumps of his feet and the soundless corridors instilled an unsettling silence. 

It was evident that something grave had occurred, and somehow it required his presence.

Upon advancing a few steps, he spotted First Consort Jace, who was captured by two Royal Guards.

King Alexander stood nearby, his emotions veiled by a shroud of gloom. 

Lance approached with a confused expression, "Greetings to the King and, First Consort, what brings this unexpected circumstance..."

King Alexander responded with a sadistic smile, "You can ask him."

Lance's gaze shifted to First Consort Jace, who appeared as if transformed into a different being. 

The once pretty man now harboured an ugly aura, resentment etched into the corners of his eyes and brows. 

Even though he was thrown to the ground, First Consort Jace stared at Lance.

Without any intention of helping him up, Lance took a step closer, inquiring, "For what reason does the First Consort kneel in this manner?"

In stark contrast, Lancelot's rosy complexion and cheerful appearance left First Consort Jace in rage.

His voice carried a sharp edge as he hissed, "God has favoured you, or else you would have met your end long ago, along with the De Vere family. Hahaha..."

It was a plot similar to Lancelot's memories. Out of envy, First Consort Jace had fabricated evidence, implicating the De Vere family in rebellion. 

However, unlike the previous life, King Alexander did not immediately implicate the De Vere Dukedom this time. 

Instead, he initiated an investigation, ultimately exposing First Consort Jace's treacherous actions.

King Alexander stepped forward, embracing Lance in an attempt to provide solace. 

Yet, his gaze remained ice-cold as he spoke to First Consort Jace, 

"You ungrateful scoundrel! You conspired to murder Lancelot, meddled in kingdom affairs, distorted the truth, and slandered Lancelot. Your actions are unforgivable."

First Consort Jace's laughter took on an eerie tone before abruptly ceasing. He then exploded,

"You deceived me! You promised that I could have whatever I desired, while these boy toys of yours can be my playthings. Have you fallen for this man, the toy you bought me now!?"

Lance casually brushed King Alexander's arm, uninterested in acknowledging the bizarre accusation. 

He maintained his composure, ignoring the strange claim. In the background, King Alexander felt a hint of guilt but tightened his hold, his voice turning cold, 

"The First Consort has lost his mind. Take him away."

The nearby servants exchanged puzzled looks. They were in the First Consort's Castle, so there was no other place to take him to. '-'

King Alexander coughed and gave a disdainful look to First Consort Jace, who oozed bitterness. 

"Escort the First Consort to East Solitary Castle. He won't leave without my permission."

East Solitary Castle, situated remotely, was almost deserted, home only to a few consorts who were commoners. 

First Consort Jace was taken away, his gold plated leaf headpiece falling as his ginger hair dishevelled. 

His blue eyes, filled with resentment, almost took on a ghostly presence. 

"...You're simply making room for him! Lancelot, you'll be like me sooner or later..." His voice faded, and his parting words were lost.

Throughout this ordeal, Lance remained silent. Even after First Consort Jace left, he kept his eyes lowered, his long lashes trembling slightly.

King Alexander, still holding him, reassured him gently but firmly, "I'd never subject you to that fate. Please, don't entertain such thoughts."

Lance hummed softly, raising his head to offer a warm smile to King Alexander.

"I trust the King completely." There was no room for doubt, he wouldn't give King Alexander any reason to doubt him.

King Alexander chuckled softly, his laughter warm. 

"You have a trusting heart, Lancelot. Consort Jace lost his heart to greed."

Lance rested against King Alexander's affectionately, whispering, "Given how he treated me, I find it hard to pity him."

King Alexander chuckled again, his voice filled with warmth. "You're not selfish, Lancelot. There's no need for you to feel pity."

007 couldn't resist its curiosity and asked, ["Is this the end of First Consort!?"]

Lancelot playfully responded, ["All I needed to do was act innocent, the 95% favorability played the rest."]

["The host didn't do much, but First Consort Jace managed to land himself in trouble."], 007 mentally sighed.

The breeze continued to rustle through the castle grounds, while the solemn rebellion army approached the Royal main city slowly.