123 Aftermath (2/2)

The three people were forced to leave with their doubts unanswered. It was apparent that the prince's secret was only meant for her majesty's ears only. They left the Great Hall sullenly.

Elizabeth shot a lazy glance above and said coolly, ”That includes all of you.”

There were some movements among the shadows above, before it became still again, and silence filled the Great Hall.

”Mother, I know you always wanted to ask about the origins of my knowledge and abilities. It might sound unbelievable, but I learnt them in my dreams.” Leon said.

He began to explain how he lived through the life of another person in his dreams and inherited the knowledge and techniques from there.

He did not explain the whole truth to his mother. At most, it can be considered half-truth, a white lie.

Until this day, he had yet to comprehend the truth of his reincarnation. Because he possesses the memories of both lives, he wasn't sure whether his soul reincarnated into the body of Leon after the original host died or he was reborn in the fetus with his memories sealed, only to awaken after the near-death experience.

It had been mere speculation on his part to make sense of his situation, however if it was the former... He dared not let his mother know the full truth. He feared losing his mother's love.

The two process may sound the same, but the difference was worlds apart. One meant he was the son of Elizabeth, while the other implied he was a foreigner that took over her son's body.

Elizabeth was more accepting of Leon's reason than he expected after his explanation. Elizabeth only knew that he was her flesh and blood. That reason was enough. The blood does not lie. His hidden worries were immediately swept away after her motherly hug.

Shortly after, Elizabeth called the others back to continue their discussion. Matters relating to other kingdoms can only be shoved back to a later date.

Currently, the problem outside the palace required immediate attention. The commoners demanded answers, but issues regarding homes and food also had to be settled.

The farmlands outside had been ravaged by the crawlers and now the Capital was suffering from an unprecedented food crisis. If the problem isn't swiftly dealt with, many will die of hunger.

Elizabeth was a virtuous wife who was devoted to a fault. She had never managed the kingdom's affair because although she was the queen, she was not of the Crawford royal bloodline. The decision maker of the kingdom affairs had always been the king.

She felt that she would be usurping the King's authority if she took matters into her own hands. This was the reason why Elizabeth only defended her husband's throne and took no other action.

However, to the people, her passiveness was taken as inactivity and abandonment. Leon felt his mother was really silly on this point.

Whether she was of royal bloodline or not, she was still royalty when she married into the Crawford royal family. The queen holds the second most authority after king.

Only scheming officials and ministers with ulterior motives would jump out to object her authority in such a situation, but who would dare to do such a foolish thing? That is simply asking for death.

”Mother, you can't remain silent on this matter forever. The kingdom needs you to manage it right now. Wouldn't father blame you when he wakes up if he sees the kingdom in shambles?”

Elizabeth was moved into action under his urge and persuasion. However, she was no longer the kind queen she once was. Thus, her reaction was bound to be different.

”Hahhh? Would he dare blame me after I've been defending his throne while he lies comfortably in bed?! Hmph! But you are right son, we can't let him see the Capital in such a state. Heck, if the herb arrives, don't treat your father! He has been sleeping for 17 years. It doesn't matter if he sleeps a bit longer. We must make the Capital look nice before he can wake up.” Elizabeth said with a strong tone.

”Uh… right.”

Leon wondered how long it would take for the reconstruction of the Lower District and farmlands. Weeks? Months? Not too long. But for the crops to be grown and ready for harvest, at least half a year. However, the Greene's miraculous wood ability could be used to speed up the process.

Elizabeth soon delegated separate tasks for the Lancaster duo and the general marquis to carry out. They were required to collect enough supplies from the western frontier and surrounding cities to support the Capital's population for the next few months.

It would ease the burden on the Capital's food reserves considerably. But the cost would also deplete a fair amount of the royal family's wealth.

Fortunate, Leon was now loaded after taking all the Four Great Family's wealth. He had already sent the gang members out to the hilltop woods to retrieve the goods. There were no scruples in spending this wealth for the commoners, as the wealth originally belong to them.

Rather than the commoners being exploited of their wealth, it was like they had been saving up for years with the Four Great Family as the banker. Leon chuckled when he thought like this. But when he remembered that they also suffered miserably and many lives were lost due to the Four Great Family machination, he immediately stopped.