A Plan to Leave the Royal Capital

Hearing this, Benjamin narrowed his eyes slightly.

To be honest, his mood was far from pleasant. No matter how many pretty words the other side used to dress it up, this behavior was no different from a fence-sitter. In fact... if he had fallen inside St. Peter's Cathedral back then, Duke Colin and the other nobles would have immediately turned to The Church, perhaps even using the matter to claim credit.

—The nobles did not care who won or lost. All they wanted was for the two sides to fight so that they could profit from it.

Such actions were understandable, but from Benjamin's perspective, he no longer intended to regard Duke Colin as one of his own. Perhaps Elizabeth knew nothing of what had happened here; perhaps she did know, but... no matter what, Benjamin had no reason to show Duke Colin any more courtesy.

Since the nobles wanted to make use of them, then they could return the favor in kind.

"If you truly care about His Majesty's safety, then keep sending people to cause trouble," he said slowly. "The Church has sealed the city now. No one can leave here without anyone noticing. I can force a breakthrough with His Majesty, but... that would mean completely exposing my movements."

At this, Duke Colin showed hesitation.

"...Your Excellency intends to take His Majesty away?"

"Yes. Otherwise, are we supposed to hide under The Church's nose for the rest of our lives?"

"No, no, no. My suggestion is that His Majesty should not leave Havenlight." Duke Colin immediately tried to persuade him. "The situation in the country is chaotic right now. It is the best chance to seize back power. We are planning a coup. Most of the nobles have already gathered together and greased quite a few palms.