The Queen’s Decree

Within the royal palace, Lisa leaned languidly against the back of her chair, her head resting lightly against her hand, a faint smile playing on her lips as she observed the assembled figures below.

Though numerous, the people arrayed before her were clearly delineated by their noble ranks.

At the very front stood two elders: one with a benevolent air about him, appearing remarkably gentle; the other, a man of rugged build, exuded an aura of volatile intensity.

Behind these two, distinct rows of people stood, sharply separated.

“Esteemed sirs, have any pressing matters arisen recently?”

Lisa inquired, a light smile on her face, as she gazed at the two factions below.

She harbored no objection to the current dynamic, finding it rather gratifying. Conflict fostered a sense of urgency, ensuring no one grew complacent. While harmony might be desirable in times of peace, this was an era of chaos, a war of races. A kingdom that remained a stagnant pool would soon face annihilation. Naturally, Lisa closely monitored their internal struggles, ensuring both sides maintained a certain decorum. After all, they faced external enemies, and actions that might destabilize the kingdom’s foundations were strictly forbidden. Should either faction overstep this boundary, Lisa would not remain idle, for the kingdom’s strongest power lay firmly in her hands.

The Queen had not been chosen by popular acclaim, but had seized her throne through sheer might.

“Your Majesty, the Beast Race has been making minor moves recently, but their main forces remain unmobilized. It seems they are merely probing our defenses, hardly cause for alarm.”

The elder with the benevolent expression bowed slightly, his tone measured.

“Is that so? Then, Duke Kael, I ask that you dispatch sufficient personnel to guard our borders, preventing any sudden attacks from the Beast Race.”

Lisa spoke with a faint smile, her gaze fixed on Duke Kael below.

Duke Kael paused, then inquired with a hint of confusion, “Does Your Majesty believe the Beast Race will launch an assault soon?”

“Indeed. According to intelligence I received yesterday, the Winged Race has also begun to stir. If my predictions are accurate, the two races have likely formed an alliance to some extent. Henceforth, we shall face a combined offensive from both.”

Lisa sat upon her throne, her expression growing stern. She said nothing more, watching the courtiers below, whose faces were etched with surprise.

Upon hearing Lisa’s words, Duke Kael’s gaze involuntarily flickered sideways, settling on the rough-faced elder. Seeing a similar astonishment on his countenance, Duke Kael’s heart gave a sudden lurch.

‘Could it be that the Queen’s information didn’t come from him?’

‘Does this mean we have other informants among us?’

Raising his gaze slightly to the young woman on the throne, the enigmatic smile ever present on her lips, the old duke felt a chill seep into his heart.

“Duke Ma’se, is my intelligence flawed?”

Lisa glanced at Duke Kael before turning her attention to the rugged elder beside him, asking softly.

“Your Majesty, the intelligence is accurate. I was just about to report this to Your Majesty, but it seems you have already received the news.”

Duke Ma’se bowed slightly, his expression serene.

“Is that so? Then, Duke Ma’se, you must prepare thoroughly upon your return. The Winged Race can prove quite formidable.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

With the discussions of war concluded, an immediate silence descended upon the royal palace. Everyone pondered the implications of a two-front war and its potential consequences, preparing themselves for what was to come.

Though it was foreseeable that any conflict this time would not be on too grand a scale, given the other two races eyeing them with predatory intent, it was nonetheless a two-front war. It was unlikely anyone present would be able to avoid participation.

“By the way, Your Majesty, might I inquire if the Dragon Race, the other kingdom bordering ours, has made any movements?”

Duke Kael’s voice suddenly broke the silence, raising a topic none wished to touch upon. Instantly, the air in the royal palace grew thick with tension, and all eyes converged on Lisa.

Lisa cast a fleeting glance at Duke Kael, then spoke plainly, “The matter of the Dragon Race is not for you to concern yourselves with. My own people are personally overseeing that situation. You need only focus solely on confronting these two races.”

With a sudden curl of her lips, Lisa added, “Of course, should any of you wish to intervene, I would not object.”

At this, the courtiers paused, then a collective wry smile graced their lips.

‘Intervene?’ they seemed to muse. ‘Who among us is so weary of life as to meddle in *that* particular hornets’ nest?’

Lisa swept her gaze across the expressions of those below; she betrayed no particular reaction. After all, some endeavors required more than just courage.

“Very well, is there anything else? If not, I have an announcement to make.”

Lisa lowered her right leg, which had been resting on her left, and her expression subtly straightened.

Below, the courtiers’ hearts stirred with anticipation. ‘It’s coming,’ they thought.

Instantly, their gazes, whether intentionally or not, drifted towards Jiu Hui, who stood beside the throne.

Jiu Hui, keenly aware of the shift in the palace’s atmosphere, felt a tremor of nervousness ripple through her.

Lisa scanned the assembly below, then her eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke with a soft laugh, “I trust you have all noticed the young woman beside me. Her name is Jiu Hui, and from this day forward, she shall be my personal maid.”

Immediately, a myriad of gazes converged upon Jiu Hui.

It was then that Duke Ma’se spoke, “May I ask, Your Majesty, which noble house does Miss Jiu Hui belong to?”

Lisa’s eyes narrowed at the question. “A commoner,” she stated plainly.

A segment of the assembly, who had been particularly invested in the question, inwardly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Lisa’s declaration.

Duke Ma’se pressed on, “A commoner? If Your Majesty requires a personal maid, I am certain none present would hesitate to offer their own daughters. However, a commoner of unknown origin poses too great a risk to Your Majesty’s safety. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider.”

As Lisa’s eyes narrowed into slits, poised to respond, Duke Kael interjected.

Duke Kael chuckled faintly. “Duke Ma’se truly overthinks things. Since Her Majesty has chosen Miss Jiu Hui as her personal maid, she has undoubtedly thoroughly investigated Miss Jiu Hui’s background, ensuring her lack of danger before employing her. Furthermore, whatever the circumstances, with Her Majesty’s power, what harm could possibly befall her?”

Lisa observed the two dukes below, her expression growing progressively colder.

‘One overtly, the other covertly, then?’

‘Indeed, it seems these two old men still find common ground when it suits them.’

“Have you perhaps misunderstood something?” Lisa slowly rose to her feet, her chin slightly raised, her gaze chilling as she looked down at the assembled. “I stated this as an announcement, not an invitation for discussion. I never sought your counsel; I merely informed you. The matter of Jiu Hui becoming my personal maid was settled yesterday. Today’s purpose is simply to publicize this fact, to introduce her to you, and nothing more. You hold no authority to influence this decision.”

Below, Duke Kael and Duke Ma’se listened to Lisa’s words, their eyes sharpening, yet they offered no further protest.

They bowed slightly.

“We have overstepped our bounds.”

“Very well, if there is nothing else, you may all withdraw.”

Lisa spoke indifferently, then resumed her seat.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The courtiers bowed, then turned and departed. Before long, only Lisa and Jiu Hui remained in the royal palace.