Prelude

"President Benjamin... where is His Majesty?"

After contacting the tavern informant, Duke Colin hurried over half an hour later. The first thing he asked was the king's whereabouts.

"There's no need to worry, Your Grace." Benjamin smiled and spoke unhurriedly. "His Majesty is well. He has been staying somewhere safe, preparing to reclaim his throne."

Duke Colin immediately pressed, "Where is His Majesty? May we see him?"

Benjamin merely smiled without answering.

Duke Colin froze for a moment, then understood the implication—the king was in Benjamin's hands, and so was the initiative. Under such circumstances, he was no longer in any position to demand that Benjamin do this or that.

Thus, after a brief silence, he spoke again. "Then... what exactly must we do before you are willing to let His Majesty meet us?"

Benjamin nodded in satisfaction. "Actually, there is no need for you to be so anxious. How about this? I have a batch of goods waiting outside Crusader Gate. Before today is over, help me get them through the checkpoint. Do not let anyone see what is inside, and His Majesty should be willing to meet with you as well."

Duke Colin frowned in confusion.

"...What are you planning to do?"

Benjamin smiled. "In a few days, you will naturally see it with your own eyes."

This made Duke Colin feel a chill in his heart. He had heard plenty about Benjamin's exploits and had personally witnessed the terrifying sight of the Royal Capital Water Sphere. The young man before him was frighteningly bold. He never played by the rules when he acted; no one could predict what kind of plan he might have.

From the moment Benjamin vanished with the king, the nobles had realized that things were beginning to spiral out of control. Yet after