CHAPTER 599: THE KING’S INVITATION

TL: Rui88

Alda had established an office in Crystal Shrine long ago to recruit talent from all walks of life for the capital.

After arriving in Crystal Shrine, Paul and Malron stayed at the office. Some of the other lords stayed with their relatives in Crystal Shrine, while others had already purchased their own residences in the city.

In addition to the lords, Paul and Malron were accompanied by a large entourage, including Secretary Bernard, Minister of Agriculture Hansel, Ladi Sertia, Captain of the Guard Victor, and numerous guards. Bernard and Hansel were originally from Crystal Shrine, so this trip was a visit home for them.

After entering the city, Bernard and Hansel went to their respective homes to visit their families.

After settling in, Paul and the others, led by the office staff, strolled around the nearby streets before returning to the office to rest.

“An order from the palace.” When they returned to the office, the person in charge here, Garrix, told Paul and Malron, “If the two lords have arrived in Crystal Shrine, you are invited to be guests at the palace tomorrow.”

“So soon?” Paul was a little surprised. “Shouldn’t all the lords and envoys go for an audience with the new king together on a certain day after they’ve all arrived?”

Garrix said to him cheerfully, “Apparently, our new king greatly values his personal friendship with you.”

As the head of Alda’s office in Crystal Shrine, Garrix was aware of the special relationship between the new king, Rodney XVIII, and the Northwest Bay.

He was very happy in his heart after receiving the order from the palace, as it meant that his lord was very important in the king’s eyes.

Paul asked, “Have the other lords received any news?”

Garrix shook his head. “It seems not.”

…

The next day, Paul and Malron, along with Victor and Ladi, arrived at the main gate of the palace.

Everyone surrendered their weapons. To avoid trouble, they had left their firearms at the office. After undergoing another search, they were finally allowed to enter the palace.

A court attendant led them into a reception hall.

“His Majesty the King lives in a pretty nice place!”

Paul admired the interior decoration and said with a smile to Malron and the others.

“I’m glad you like my drawing room, Paul.”

A hearty voice came from outside, and the new king of the Kingdom of Ordo, His Majesty Rodney XVIII, walked in with a smile.

Paul, recognizing the voice, immediately bowed towards the doorway along with the others.

“No need for ceremony, no need for ceremony, everyone. Today, let’s just interact as we did in the Northwest Bay. Paul, Malron, and the beautiful Lady Sertia and Captain of the Guard Victor.” ṛÃΝȪBЕṢ

Besides Paul, Rodney XVIII called out everyone’s name, even though he had only met the others besides Paul a few times in the Northwest Bay.

“As you command, Your Majesty.”

Paul verbally agreed, slowly raising his head.

Oh!

He could clearly feel his heart tremble a few times.

Paul’s gaze was drawn to a figure standing just behind and to the side of the king.

She was a woman who could be called beautiful from every aspect. She had long, wavy hair of a brilliant gold, which fell smoothly over her shoulders and back. Her fair, oval face was perfectly adorned with a pair of sapphire-like eyes. Her eyebrows were slightly thick, revealing a heroic spirit not found in ordinary women. Below her straight, elegant nose were full, rosy lips that were somewhat alluring. Such a perfect face was supported by a gracefully curved, slender neck, and further down… ahem.

Paul withdrew his gaze. Staring at someone, especially a beautiful woman, would be considered offensive, and her identity was very likely to be a member of the royal family.

Maintain my image! Maintain my image! Paul repeated in his mind.

Of course, that astonishing fullness and those graceful curves were still firmly imprinted in his mind.

“Haha, please, everyone, take a seat!”

Rodney XVIII extended an arm in a gesture of invitation, but a playful smile touched his lips. He had been focused on Paul the moment he entered the room, so he had caught the distinct pause in the other’s gaze.

Everyone sat down again.

Rodney XVIII said to the group, “Let me make an introduction.” He gestured towards the woman by his side. “This is the daughter of the former king, Rodney XVII, my cousin, Princess Catherine Rodney.”

So she was the famous Princess Catherine. The group from the Northwest Bay greeted the princess with some reserve.

“Everyone, I am very happy that you could come to Crystal Shrine, especially at this time…”

Catherine responded to them gracefully, but her voice held a trace of sadness. She had not yet emerged from the shadow of her father’s death.

“It is our responsibility and our duty,” Paul replied on behalf of the group.

“This is Count Paul Grayman,” Rodney XVIII said, pointing to Paul and introducing him to Catherine.

Catherine’s eyes lit up as she looked at Paul. “So you are Count Grayman.”

“Yes, Your Highness Catherine. In the Northwest Bay, I have often heard of your deeds,” Paul replied, a little embarrassed.

“I have also often heard of your deeds, especially my…”

Catherine almost mentioned her younger sister but stopped herself. It seemed her sister had not yet revealed her identity to the young count.

“Thank you for the military rations and weapons you provided to the royal army during the civil war, and for the technology and market you provide now.” She promptly changed the subject.

“It is what I should do as a vassal of the kingdom.”

Paul replied somewhat formally, thinking to himself that he had also earned quite a bit from the royal family.

King Rodney XVIII introduced Malron and the others to Catherine one by one.

“It’s incredible,” Rodney XVIII said with emotion after the pleasantries were over. “Just four or five years ago, the western bay was an unknown place to us living in Crystal Shrine. Ah, I hope you don’t mind me speaking this way.”

Malron said, “Your Majesty is describing it objectively. We ourselves are well aware of the situation in the Northwest Bay in those years.”

The king smiled. “And now, the Northwest Bay is a land of wealth and opportunity. I must say, it’s a miracle. And as far as I know, the center of this miracle is you two counts.”

Malron shook his head and said honestly, “Your Majesty, it’s mainly Paul. I just made some investments according to the methods he guided.”

Paul immediately said, “Your Majesty, the Ganard family’s investment was a crucial guarantee for the realization of some of my early ideas.”

The king’s smile widened. “It seems you are all people of noble character. I am very happy to have vassals like you.”

He turned his gaze to Paul.

“Count Grayman, I hope to replicate the miracle of the Northwest Bay throughout the entire kingdom. What do you think?”

I’m speechless, why have I been making so many typos lately, and the title can’t even be changed…