533 Abrupt Change (1/2)

The east of Rentato was known as 'Land of a Thousand Lakes'. The lakes large and small were as smooth as a mirror, presenting an entertaining view with the exuberant forest around.

Such a beautiful place had naturally been occupied by the royal family and the great nobles. James, Duke of Paphos, had a personal manor right next to one of the gentle lakes. It was truly enjoyable and pacifying.

A four-wheeled wagon, pulled by a dragon scale horse, slowly stopped at the gate of the manor. Arthur, despite being a fatty, rushed to opened the door of the wagon ahead of Lucien and jumped off, before he made the gesture of supporting Lucien to get off.

Lucien shook his head with a smile. He stepped forward and appeared behind Arthur. Then he murmured, ”What's the point of this? You will leave the best impression on Her Majesty as long as you operate the Holm Mineral and Harvest company and the Holm Mineral Union Bank well.”

The shares of Prince Patrick's 'investment', without a doubt, had been inherited by Natasha. Lucien had been making fun of her about that, too. He had tried his best to invent magic items and save more wealth, and finally, he could declare proudly that he would not be scared of the cost for the magic materials that he needed until he became legendary. However, Natasha's heritage alone had exceeded all his possessions. He felt rather envious.

Arthur turned around and followed Lucien. He replied without blushing, ”I respect you from the bottom of my heart, Lucien. The alchemical and magical items you invented gave me unimaginable wealth and allowed me to join Duke James' circle. So, my previous gesture was absolutely genuine. However, did you mention that Her Majesty was satisfied about the promotion and development of the 'Holm Mineral and Harvest company'? What about the Holm Mineral Union Bank? Did she say anything?”

”Her Majesty is from a foreign land. She does not know the bank industry, which only exists in the countries around the Storm Strait, very well. So, she hasn't offered any remark. You should write a report on the history and future of banks for her.” Lucien understood that, in order to promote magical items and influence the people of Holm, Brianne and other countries, he had to start from three aspects, namely the simplification of magic items, the financial support centered at banks, and the manipulation of public opinions.

Of course, that was based on the premise that the Congress of Magic was strong enough.

”No problem.” Said Arthur delightedly. He was so fat that his face was almost bloated, and his eyes had only a thin line left.

At the gate of the manor were two rows of soldiers in red uniforms, informing that Natasha had arrived.

Passing through them, Lucien and Arthur went to the most eye-catching garden of the manor under the guidance of a squire.

The garden was Duke James' pride. It was claimed to be only second to the royal family's villa. All kinds of amazing flowers were blooming in the vast garden, letting out intoxicating scent.

At the center of the garden, it was a rather spacious place for an open-air garden, with both a view of the lakes in the front and gorgeous flowers behind.

Hardly had he joined the party when Lucien noticed Natasha. She was wearing black clothes that looked like a hunting suit. Her purple long hair had been tied, and she appeared to be much calmer. It seemed that after days of adaptation, she had finally changed from the Violet Countess into a real queen.

Looking at Natasha with appreciation and love, Lucien felt quite great. The anxiety in his heart for days seemed to have been eased. He was already satisfied just looking at her quietly.

As if she sensed Lucien's eyes, Natasha turned around and looked back at her.

Her silver pupils seemed to be glittering, and her lips curled. It appeared that she did not know that Duke James and the rest of them invited Lucien, either.

But very soon, Natasha controlled her face and continued talking to the nobles around.

She was wearing silky black gloves that were in the same style with her clothes. She did not take them off when the nobles kissed her hand.

Lucien had switched back to the double-breasted long tuxedo. Now that they had determined their relationship, he was not worried that his constant style would make her tired of him.

After a while, Natasha said with a polite smile at Lucien who approached. ”It's been a while, my knight.”

It was not until this moment that the other nobles who were relatively weak noticed Lucien's arrival. Their conversations came to an abrupt end. Including Duke James, Duke Russell and Arthur, everybody glanced at them curiously and expectantly, hoping to find certain traces.

Were they really good friends, music partners, or were they something more intimate?

Lucien took off his top hat and fell on one of his knees. He grabbed Natasha's right hand and kissed the back of her hand against the glove like a knight. ”Your Majesty, your knight has never left.”

Her right hand slightly shivered, as if she recalled something. Lucien, on the other hand, recalled the scene of moonlight that he described earlier, and put on a smile.

After Lucien stood up again, Natasha smiled, ”I saw many creative gadgets in Holm. They have filled the kingdom with vigor and hope. That's your effort, Lucien.”

Arthur was more or less disappointed at their politeness and their normal conversation. They seemed like simple friends. There was not the tiniest detail that suggested a more intimate relationship. He thought that Lucien would eventually become the queen's husband and Prince Nekso, but the reality was not as beautiful as he imagined.

Duke James and the rest of them were rather disappointed, too, but they also felt quite lucky. They feared that the queen truly fell in love with Lucien Evans, which might raise a civil war if she was determined to marry him despite the Church. That was not their purpose.

They hoped that the queen could keep an intimate relationship with Lucien without being enchanted, and that the balance between the Church and the Congress was maintained.

As for whether or not they were lovers in private, that was not their concern.

Trying to control his mood, Lucien talked with Natasha like a good friend and the queen's knight, occasionally interrupted by her conversation with other nobles. It was just like any regular party.

After twenty minutes, having not found anything, Duke James smiled, ”Just now, Her Majesty mentioned creative gadgets in the kingdom. I happen to have some in my place. Why don't I give Your Majesty a tour, where you will hear the introduction from their creator, Mr. Lucien Evans, in person?”

”Okay.” Natasha agreed quickly, knowing that Duke James had more to say.

Therefore, Duke James and three other leaders of the liberals, Lucien, Camil and a young man with silver grey eyes went to the main house of the manor with Natasha.

”This is Count David, a ferocious knight of the royal family.” Duke James introduced him to Lucien.

Lucien nodded his head. ”His Excellency Morris mentioned your father before. He was an excellent sorcerer.”