New Beginning 2

As I was looking at them, they were also looking at me, trying to predict my next actions. And the greedy nobles just watching everything with interest. They just wanted to know what is this meek queen is going to do. Whatever she does, if it affects their interest, then they will just not let that decision pass.

The loon in their eyes made me angry. But I was well of my strength. So, I just ignored them and inquired about the kingdom's condition and the plight of the commoners. However, none among the assembled courtiers answered her. Their silence fuelled my anger, and I repeated my question, my voice now tinged with frustration.

Finally, one of her loyal followers, Lady Isabella, stepped forward. She was a woman in her thirties, her raven-black hair cascading like a waterfall. With a tremor in her voice, she began, "Your Majesty, the kingdom is in a dire state. This year's drought has devastated our crops, leaving us with a meagre yield. The increased taxes have pushed our citizens to the brink. Those who managed to pay their taxes are now on the verge of starvation, having given all they had. Those who couldn't pay have been reduced to slavery. Our sudden recruitment and military training have drained our treasury, and the kingdom is teetering on the edge of collapse."

The loyal courtiers wore gloomy expressions as Lady Isabella spoke, understanding the gravity of the situation. However, the greedy and corrupt nobles remained indifferent, their wealth secured from years of oppressive taxation. They had plans to abandon the kingdom and seek refuge in the neighbouring empire once Solstoria fell.

Suddenly a ding sound was heard in her mind followed by a sweet voice.

[Ding! New mission generated]

[Solve the civilian's plight]

[Rewards- 150 system points and Peak Beginner Level Mage strength]

Seeing the rewards my eyes started to gleam. No matter how strong my subordinates are, my personal strength is my biggest backing.

I resolved to take immediate action. She commanded, "Lower the taxes, distribute food from our reserves, and release those enslaved by taxes."

At this proclamation, the greedy nobles who had been lounging in their seats stood up, their faces twisted in opposition. They protested vehemently, believing they could defy the queen's orders. But Eleanor remained steadfast in her decision.

Witnessing Eleanor's resolve and her willingness to challenge their authority, one of the corrupt nobles, Lord Maldrick, decided to take matters into his own hands. He was an intermediate swordsman, the most formidable warrior in the kingdom after the late king. He saw an opportunity to seize power for himself.

With a swift and deadly motion, Lord Maldrick lunged at the queen, executing a slashing move aimed at her delicate neck. Panic erupted in the conference hall as nobles gasped in horror.

But fate had other plans. A sudden clash of steel rang through the air as a powerful sword blocked Lord Maldrick's deadly strike. Maldrick stood dumbfounded, his eyes locked on the individual who had thwarted his attack.

Beside Queen Eleanor stood a strikingly handsome man with a tanned complexion, a toned physique, fiery red eyes, and flowing black hair. In his hand, he brandished a broadsword with the expertise of a seasoned warrior.

On the other side of the queen stood a young woman of exceptional beauty, her skin milky white, her eyes a mesmerizing shade of blue. She held a staff-like weapon with a striking jewel on the top with confidence and grace.

"How dare you attack the queen," the swordsman declared in a voice that resonated with authority. "This is treason, and treason is punishable by death."

With a swift, decisive swing, he executed a flawless strike, and Lord Maldrick's head was sent flying through the air. The noble's lifeless body crumpled to the ground.

The entire sequence of events had transpired in a matter of seconds, leaving the courtiers stunned and silent. Eleanor's loyal followers were awed by the display of strength and loyalty.

The swordsman wiped the blood of his sword and then knelt before Eleanor and introduced himself, "Your Highness, I am Seraph, an advanced swordsman. I am your newly appointed guard. I pledge my loyalty to you and shall protect you with my life."

Beside him, the young woman, Seraphine, also knelt and spoke, "Your Highness, I am Seraphine, an intermediate mage. I am your newly appointed maid. I pledge my loyalty to you and shall serve you wholeheartedly."

She just nodded at them indifferently with a stoic face but she was ecstatic inside.

'At last, they arrived. I thought my new life was going to end the same day I transmigrated.'

Seeing the queen's indifferent attitude during the whole plight, they loyal courtiers felt awed and on the contrary the other two greedy nobles' faces were gloomy and terrified seeing their comrade's lifeless body on the ground.

As the courtiers observed this display of unwavering loyalty and power, the greedy nobles' legs went limp, and they collapsed into their seats. From that moment on, the balance of power shifted in favour of the queen. No one dared to object, as they knew that challenging her authority could lead to their own demise.

Soon the decree was passed down to lower the taxes, release the reserved food to civilians and free those who were enslaved because of taxes without any objection.