Poverty makes me capable of anything.

"Huh?" An Ran looked puzzled. "You think I'm an irrelevant person just because you say so? Do you really think you're Kenneth?"

Faulkner's hands trembled.

Fortunately, he didn't have high blood pressure, otherwise he would have collapsed long ago.

An Ran glanced at Faulkner with disdain, and amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, she walked towards Orina.

"What do you want to do!" Faulkner immediately shouted.

"Protect His Majesty!"

There was a commotion in the hall, but Orina waved her hand and said, "Don't be nervous."

An Ran walked up the steps, only two meters away from Olina. They looked at each other, and Faulkner's eyes gleamed red.

An Ran put one hand on her hip

“I am Her Majesty the Queen’s most trusted chief of guards. Do you think I am qualified to stand here?”

"What?" Faulkner's eyes widened. "Why didn't I know about this?"

"You still say you're not Kenneth!" Anran roared. "Does Her Majesty the Queen need your Royal Council's approval to appoint the Chief of the Royal Guard?"

"I... I didn't mean that."

Faulkner lowered his head, his anger level at 83%, he was about to explode.

"But the position of Chief of the Guard is very important."

"and……"

An Ran turned around and took two more steps forward. Orina cooperated by extending her right hand, and An Ran lowered her head to kiss the back of her hand.

She turned and said, "Her Majesty the Queen has a deep bond with me! When the Royal Knights were protecting Her Majesty before she ascended the throne, I was her neighbor for almost half a year. We often talked all night long, about life and the future. It was Her Majesty's warmth that made me realize that I should do something for this world. Therefore, after I came out of the Royal Knights' Holy Prison, I resolutely decided to stand in front of Her Majesty and protect her from the wind and rain."

"I'll lead the attack from the front, while Her Majesty the Empress coordinates everything from the rear. How could an old codger like you possibly understand the bond between us! Anyone could potentially harm Her Majesty, including you, but I'm different. It's most fitting for me to be the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Guard."

Most of the people attending the meeting wore ambiguous expressions of "I see" on their faces.

How could I not understand at this point?

Look, Her Majesty the Queen's face is all red.

So that's how An Ran and Her Majesty the Empress got together. No wonder she went all the way to Planet Sark to rescue Her Majesty the Empress.

A long talk all night long~

Her Majesty the Queen is truly amazing!

d(^^*)

They captured three grandmasters for the empire with ease!

It seems that the person Her Majesty the Queen mentioned in her speech was Anran.

The ministers were not worried that the empire would die out, because even lilies could reproduce these days.

Only a few young nobles looked disappointed. Damn it!

Her Majesty the Queen doesn't like men, so they have absolutely no chance.

Faulkner rubbed his eyes in shock. No wonder, no wonder. He was so conflicted that he wanted to pound the floor with his fist. He had finally lost the upper hand. He simply didn't understand women.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if a prince were sitting up there?

Faulkner abruptly raised his head: "Fine! I don't doubt your loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen now, but to become the Chief of the Royal Guard, loyalty alone is not enough!"

“Then let’s verify it, Elder,” An Ran said with a smile.

She turned around to ask Olina for her opinion, but Anran froze after seeing Olina's expression.

Why is your face so red? Your eyes look like they're about to burst into tears.

Cheer up!

“Ah, I think we should give it a try. How will we know if it’s suitable or not if we don’t try?” Olina said.

"..."

Something feels off.

Faulkner smiled. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Now, let's go outside..."

An Ran shook her head: "No need for that. It's fine right here."

"Here?"

An Ran nodded: "Right here. Since Elder Faulkner doubts my strength, then so be it. You should defeat our two little cuties from the Time-Space Dimension first, and then you can challenge me."

"Are you kidding me?!" Faulkner's anger level was 92%.

An Ran said, "If you can't even beat us, the younger generation from beyond time, what right do you have to challenge me? My duty is to protect Her Majesty the Empress's safety!"

Faulkner took a deep breath: "Let them come over. Today I'll show you what the power of an old-school grandmaster is!"

I'll find a chance and slap your head off!

At the summons, Ella and the panda quickly entered.

The panda looked around curiously, but Ella was different; her gaze fell on Orina. Something was off about that woman.

We must be vigilant!

After a brief discussion, Faulkner and Ira stood in the "ring".

This is a close-quarters combat battle; neither side uses domain power or special abilities.

It's just a simple battle.

Faulkner took a deep breath, skillfully concealing his sinister expression. Since you're always going against me, don't blame me for being impolite. I'll start with this little one and cripple you all one by one. Then Orina won't be able to say anything.

"Do we really want to challenge Faulkner so recklessly?"

"Faulkner doesn't look well."

An Ran squinted and called out, "Begin!"

Faulkner didn't move; he was waiting for his chance.

Ella shouted the moment she heard Anran's command.

She got angry whenever she saw Orina, and since she heard that this old geezer was Orina's relative, she decided to take it out on him!

"Aaaaaahh ...

. . .゛(ノ＞＜)ノ

The enraged chariot charged forward.

The opportunity is coming!

Faulkner suddenly pushed forward.

Just then, Ella deftly dodged and delivered a powerful punch to Faulkner's face.

(╬￣俣)＝○#(￣#)3￣)

"Ya ya ya—"

Bang bang bang.

Ella's punches were so fast that they were impossible to see. Faulkner's body convulsed as if he were having an epileptic seizure, and his originally kind features suddenly became ferocious.

This is a battle between 2300 strength and 1800 strength!

"You'd better stop now!"

Faulkner roared and grabbed Ella's hands. Now it's time for the counterattack.

He increased the pressure on his hands, trying to crush Ella's arm.

"Mmm-hmm-hmm—"

Ella's cheeks puffed out as she took a step forward. Faulkner's body turned red, but Ella still managed to push him directly into the wall.

"Mmm-hmm-hmm—"

"quick……"

"Ah ah ah..."

Another whirlwind combo followed, and Faulkner, stuck in the wall, was completely overwhelmed by Ella's attacks.

This is an ultra-advanced version of the thug battle.

The onlookers were confused; they thought, "Are you throwing the match?"

Having lived for over a hundred years, you were pinned to the ground and beaten by a kid who looks like a teenager? You've completely disgraced the Royal Council.

Olena couldn't stand it anymore; it was too cruel.

Stop.

“Since Her Majesty the Queen has said so…” Anran nodded, “Ella, let’s stop here.”

"Whoo~"

Ella clasped her hands together, bowed to Faulkner, whose face was bruised and swollen, and thanked him for making her feel much better.

Faulkner's anger level is 100%.

He had reached his limit.

Since I've already lost all face, I don't care if I lose even more!

Just as the others were discussing the possible outcome of the next battle, Faulkner suddenly stood up, raised his right hand slightly, and at that moment the panda suddenly looked over.

Faulkner felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, and his whole being withered away.

He felt isolated from the whole world.

Hewlett, standing nearby, couldn't help but take a few steps back.

"..."

“Elder Faulkner, what’s wrong?” Orina asked.

"I..." Faulkner quickly said as he felt the oppressive aura dissipate, "Your Majesty, I'm alright."