Chapter 1010 - A Legitimate Heir (2/2)

“Find… a legitimate heir?” Barov was a little bit startled.

“Isn’t this a good solution?” Roland replied with a casual air. “After I defeated the Pope, I absorbed her entire lifespan. I actually don’t need anyone to inherit the throne. That’s why I was able to decide to marry Anna. Unfortunately, there are only a few people like you who know about this matter. Most of the subjects know little about magic power and thus probably won’t believe it. Under such circumstances, in order to give my people an inner sense of security, I must find an heir and let them pin their hopes on him. Am I right?”

Since the battle at Coldwind Ridge against the church, the senior officials of the City Hall were aware that Roland had gone through a spiritual battle called the Battle of Souls, in which the winner could inherit everything from the loser. They had found it hard to believe at first, but then the appearance of the Taquila witches and their Soul Transfer technique had reduced their doubts about it. During the first United Front meeting, Roland had confirmed this rumor and had used this advantage to win Pasha’s trust. Ever since then, all the senior officials of the City Hall had bought the story that Roland now had a limitless lifespan.

“Yes, that’s what I meant,” Barov said, unaware that he was falling into a trap. “As long as you have an heir, no one will oppose your marriage.”

“I have a simpler way to solve this problem.” Roland shrugged. “A year ago, when we attacked Hermes, I happened to find Gerald Wimbledon’s mistress. She’s a maid working in a tavern, and she had a son with Gerald.”

“What did you… say?” Barov’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you sure that the child is…”

“Yes, he has grey hair and grey eyes.” Roland nodded.

“Why didn’t you tell me at that time?”

“If I had told you, they would have been killed a long time ago.” Roland picked up his teacup and took a sip. “How is it? We have a legitimate heir now. Isn’t it a better way to solve the problem?”

Gerald’s child was indeed a good choice. He was not a threat to Roland and could be replaced at any time. Even though he might ultimately never become the king, he would still be widely discussed and could greatly raise the subjects’ spirits. Barov’s eyes shone with excitement. Seeing this, Roland knew that the Chief Director had already understood what he meant. Now, he did not need to do anything except tell the subjects about this boy and bring him to Neverwinter.

As for the actual situation surrounding the little boy and his mother, he believed that the people would exert their imagination and creativity to make up their own legendary stories.

“If his mother is just a maid in a tavern, he can only be counted as a bastard child. We must give his mother a higher status. Otherwise, making him an heir will attract many disapproving comments. Fortunately, she’s not a noble lady. It’s much easier to control a civilian woman…” Barov started to plan the whole thing in his heart.

Roland felt his lips curling into a smile. Now he could avoid fighting a verbal battle against Barov to sell his ideas, unlike three years ago. The City Hall Director could easily follow his hints and help him plan out the whole thing. No one would doubt his words anymore, no matter how implausible they sounded, not even his claim of having eternal life.

“You go make a plan for this child and my coronation ceremony. We’ll discuss the details later.” Roland waved his hand to Barov, indicating that he was dismissed.

After Barov’s departure, Roland heaved a long sigh of relief. “I never expected that you would speak up for Anna.”

“I’m sorry. I just can’t help it…”

“No, you don’t need to apologize. You’re absolutely right.” He glanced at Nightingale deliberately and found that she looked much calmer than he had expected. “I just thought you would…”

“You thought I would look miserable and feel depressed hearing this news?” Nightingale gave him a cold stare. “I think this wedding is already too late. If it wasn’t for Anna, I wouldn’t have let you get away with it so easily.”

Roland still remembered the relieved look on her face when she had appeared in front of him after disappearing for two days. He guessed that her change must have had something to do with the secret agreement between her and Anna.

Curious as he was, he still did not ask her about the secret.