"You were planning to use my existence as a threat to my father, and if you didn't want my story to be made public, you were going to name someone else as the heir to the throne, right? But you know my mother's name. Did my father finally tell you?"
"Let me explain this in order."
According to Alford, he seemed to have speculated a long time ago that "his father had a woman he deeply loved in the outside world."
Alexander had a natural love for painting when he was young. He was originally very low in the line of succession and had no intention of inheriting the throne. That's why he traveled around the world just to paint. This fact is well known in the country.
However, he was crowned king due to unexpected circumstances and he stopped painting after that. When asked why, he simply said that he had nothing he wanted to paint.
However, Alford had extraordinary insight and immediately saw through his father's lies. At the same time, Princess Aniya was also present on that occasion, and her reaction when she heard about this was particularly subtle, which impressed Alford.
"Furthermore, my father never advocated for the respect of pure-bloods. Even when the nobles asked him to agree to this, he simply responded with an ambiguous smile. Based on these clues, I thought of this possibility."
Because Alford himself also likes women of other races.
"Later, when I confessed Serene's affairs to my father, his reaction made me more certain of this hypothesis."
After Alexander designated Alfred as his successor, Alfred repeatedly tried to persuade his father to change his mind. Although he didn't want to take the risk, Alfred finally decided to confess. After all, a relationship with a woman of another race was a scandal for the royal family, and his father would likely retract his decision.
"At that time, I was mentally prepared for my father to disown me. However, he simply said, 'I see,' and ultimately, he didn't retract his decision."
If it wasn't an illusion, his father seemed to smile at that moment. As if to say, "Like father, like son." Thus, Alford became even more certain of his own suspicions, and he went even further, speculating, "Perhaps there is a bastard child."
"However, Morgan and Niberai have been out for a whole year and there's no news of them. We've searched for them several times but to no avail."
"Wait a moment, Your Highness. You said you 'found us'? Did you go out yourself?"
"Why would you ask? You left because of my willful request. Besides, I can't abandon my friends."
Upon hearing this, Morgan and Niberai's expressions turned complicated.
Although I was very relieved, I couldn't accept Alford's behavior of taking risks without considering his own position, and I really wanted to persuade him.
"Later, my father's health deteriorated rapidly."
The two men cast reproachful glances at the dissolute prince. Alford avoided their gazes and continued.
"Even if we find out about the illegitimate child, it's too late. However, I really want to know how my father feels, so I asked him directly, without trying to persuade him."
Perhaps Alexander also wanted to confess his deepest thoughts to his son, who was on a similar path, before he died. So, in his final moments, he only spoke about Liju.
"Until the end, my father steadfastly denied the existence of a bastard child."
"...He must have wanted to respect Ms. Liju's decision to back down until the end."
A soft expression crossed Meredith's face, and she took Mel's hand. Mel agreed. Her biological father must have stayed away from her to protect her.
Alford looked at the two of them gently, expressing his agreement.
"Perhaps, my father hopes that I can change the values of vampires."
So, at that time, Alford made up his mind and tried to convince the people around him. He also negotiated with the princes with his approval of his marriage to Serene as a condition.
However, these tribesmen had no intention of compromising and even attempted to harm Serene.
The atmosphere became awkward at this point, and Meredith spoke nervously.
"Regarding this matter... Your Highness Alford. Both the Princess and His Highness Swede have expressed their apologies to you. They hope you can return and that they will accept Miss Serene."
"Is that so... even my brother..."
For a brief moment, Alford looked like he was suppressing his emotion.
Even though his brother had acquiesced to the assassination, Alford's resentment towards him would not disappear. However, he also understood that his existence was the reason why his brother became like this.
"Lord Yar."
His hand was gently held, and Alford raised his head which had unconsciously drooped.
What he saw was his wife's smile.
“Sometimes people are so upset that they can’t take any action.”
That person must not have meant to acquiesce.
"My brother and grandmother are both your family. So, there will be no problem."
“…Yeah, you’re right.”
Alford also held Serenity's hand and kissed his wife and children's foreheads.
"Even so, I will not inherit the throne."
Serene looked at him, her eyes showing a little bit of trouble, but also a little bit of helplessness and tolerance.
Alford didn't dare look her in the eye, and smiled bitterly at Meredith and the others who were feeling a little uneasy.
"Anyway, let's hurry up. We'll immediately prepare what the liberators need."
To change the mood, he stood up.
That night.
Meredy and the others arrived at the basement of the royal city. Also present were Serene, Albano, Morgan, Niberai, Princess Aniya, and Prince Swede.
After passing through a maze-like stone maze and going down about ten floors, I arrived at a large hall.
There was a security mechanism at the entrance. If anyone approached without the "former king's authorization," the ancient golem would activate. Alford effortlessly kicked it aside. "Dad, that's great!" Alford struck a triumphant pose at his son's praise.
At the other end of this hall is the entrance to the "Inheritance Room".
Under normal circumstances, the "Ceremony of Succession to the Throne" should be held after summoning the princes and announcing it to the people; but this time the ceremony will be held in secret, attended only by those present.
The presence of Serene and Albano would inevitably lead to conflict. If they were busy dealing with that conflict, Meredith and the others would be unable to obtain intelligence.
In addition, have the royal family really reconciled?
The fact that Albano is currently being held in the arms of Princess Aniya is the clearest proof of this.
Albano seemed to enjoy Princess Aniya's cheeks. "Great, Grandma!" he said, using the newly learned name, patting the princess's porcelain-white cheeks repeatedly, praising his father's active performance.
"Yes, Dad is great," Princess Aniya said with a loving look on her face. However, she had never taken her eyes off her grandson since she held him in her arms, so she didn't see her son's fight at all.
Actually, Swede hadn't had any children yet, so Albano was the princess's first grandchild. The emotion of holding her grandchild for the first time made her completely forget her thoughts on blood purity.
"So my mother would also have such an expression..." Swede widened his eyes and murmured in surprise.
Then, the group opened the steel door and entered the "Inheritance Room".
Inside was a cylindrical hall. As soon as one entered, the gemstones inlaid on the wall began to glow, and at the same time, a strangely complex magic circle appeared on the floor in the center of the room.
"That's it."
Alford walked into the magic circle without any hesitation.
Swede's expression looked as if he wanted to say, "Can't you just show some appreciation?" Morgan and Nibbler also had an expression that said, "Your Highness, we understand how you feel."
"Wow! Mom, you're beautiful!"
"Huh? Albano, tell me, is Grandma pretty?"
"Grandma, beautiful!"
"Hehe, thank you, Albano."
"No, Granny, he's not referring to a person's appearance, he's referring to the inheritance ceremony."
It seems the joy of having a grandchild has caused Princess Aniya's intelligence to decline significantly. Only after his daughter-in-law reminded him of this did his mind return to reality.
Hearing Albano's excited babbling, Meredith and the others couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
Just as Albano exclaimed, the scene before us was truly beautiful.
Phosphorescence was everywhere, and spirals of light surrounded Alford's body.
The brilliance of the magic circle continued to grow stronger, and then a beam of light spurted out.
A beam of light pierced the stone ceiling, illuminating the "Inheritance Chamber" in a sea of light. The scene, shimmering with light, was a dreamlike beauty, and Alfred, standing at the center, looked so majestic and heroic that it almost took one's breath away.
Such a heroic figure is very suitable for the title of "King".
This pillar of light should penetrate the entire royal city and rise into the sky, announcing the birth of a new king to the entire Kingdom of Dastia.
Finally, the light dissipated as if it dissolved into the air, and Alfred, who had originally frowned and closed his eyes, slowly opened his eyes.
Morgan and Niberai knelt unconsciously because of his glorious heroic appearance.
Princess Aniya narrowed her eyes in emotion. A look of relief crossed Swede's face, finally letting go of the burden he had so stubbornly forced himself to carry. But—
"So, who will inherit the throne? My brother or Mei'er?"
Even outsiders like Miledi were deeply moved by the birth of the new king, but the attitude of the person involved was surprisingly nonchalant.
It seems that he still does not intend to inherit the throne.
Understanding his thoughts, Princess Aniya lowered her eyes, and Swede's expression also turned sad.
"I obey Xiao Mi's decision. Our leader, do you need the power to rule over vampires?"
"unnecessary."
Meredith's eyes were not on Mel, but on Alford.
"All we liberators need is clues to defeat God."
The Liberator cannot bear the future of the Ghost Country—Milletti stated this clearly.
"Besides, handing over a country to Sister Mei is not a decision that anyone in their right mind would make."
"Xiao Mi?"
"That's true. I feel the same way, actually."
"Come out with me for a moment. You're being too arrogant as a younger brother."
A vein popped on Mei's forehead, and she reached for the scimitar in excitement. Both Rouse and Bandu held her back, restraining her from her impulsive behavior.
"That's how it is, my brother. The next king will be you—"
"No, wait a minute!"
The one who stopped Alford from naming anyone was none other than Swede himself.
"You should be king, Alfred."
"No, my Lord, it should be you. I've been saying this since I was first named."
"For the past two years...!"
Swede's forced voice echoed in the room. He looked at Alford with a pained look, one that anyone could see was filled with regret and guilt.
"Over the past two years, I've finally come to realize that I'm not fit to be king."
“That’s not the case…”
"Yes! Alford, I understand clearly. I am too weak-hearted."
He remains calm in any situation. Even when pressured to agree, he easily refuses. His will is firm and clear, and his character is as upright as a towering tree.
When he comes to the city, he seems to do whatever he wants, but in the end he always makes the people laugh.
Alford Ilu Dastia was just such a person.
Not only does he have strong fighting ability, he is also a strong person.
His strength deeply attracted the people.
Therefore, the people are still plagued by insecurity. Even with Swede leading the way, the people still feel that the throne is empty. Even if Swede can rise to the throne, this will probably remain unchanged.
"I thought I could get any answer through study. I always looked down on you for your reluctance to learn. But I was wrong. What we should learn is not just the knowledge in books, but also the reality. You learned what is truly necessary. I, on the other hand, am blind."
Swede said this, his shoulders drooping in frustration. Alford shook his head.
"No, my prince, you're just too serious. When it comes to responsibility and patriotism, no one surpasses you."
Alford frowned and said this in self-mockery. It was the first time Swede had seen his brother look like this.
"I value my one beloved more than my country. I am just that kind of man. I am no match for my father. I cannot give up Serene and Albano. For them, I would give up anything."
This is undoubtedly the biggest proof that he is not fit to be king.
"I'm not worthy of being a royal."
After saying this, Alford lowered his brows and looked at Morgan and Niberai.
"I'm sorry. I don't deserve your loyalty. You can be disappointed in me. But if I lose even our friendship, I'll be a little sad."
"Please stop talking nonsense. We never had much respect for you in the first place."
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