When Richard descended the stairs into the first-floor hall, all the Personal Guard Soldiers were still guarding the various entrances and exits with extreme vigilance and tension, fearing that those outside might suddenly storm in. After all, they numbered just over twenty, facing an enemy force several times their size, which would be hard to withstand.
They had no idea what had just happened in the bedroom nor why the current situation arose, only that they guarded something unknown while earning meager wages at the risk of their lives.
One Personal Guard Soldier saw Richard appear and hurriedly approached, speaking quickly in a low voice, "Your Highness, the people outside likely have ill intentions, with many archers aiming at the palace entrance. Your Highness, you... you must not appear in their line of sight, or else it may be dangerous... um, by the way, where is Captain Edward?"
At the end, the Personal Guard Soldier asked in puzzlement.
Richard looked at him, his eyes flickering as he said, "Your captain has betrayed me, and I have killed him."
"What?" The Personal Guard Soldier's eyes widened instantly. "This..."
"To speak frankly, even your captain betrayed me for half of his family's interests, actually..." Richard said softly, "You, as his subordinates, need not protect me anymore. It's unnecessary and meaningless; you should disperse."
"I..." The Personal Guard Soldier opened his mouth wide, unsure of what to say, but he finally gritted his teeth and said, "No... I will always protect Your Highness, unless I die."
"Hmm? Why? Is it worth it?" Richard asked.
The Personal Guard Soldier hesitated, as he wasn't a noble, just a farmer's son who couldn't read and thus couldn't articulate his reasoning. He panted, "I... I don't know, but I do... do understand that leaving the Prince now is wrong. I... I don't know why Captain Edward betrayed Your Highness, but I... I won't betray Your Highness, even... even if it means death..."
"Bill," Richard said.
The Personal Guard Soldier shook all over, more surprised and astonished. Until today, he hadn't spoken with Richard, never expecting Richard to call his name accurately. He quickly responded, "Yes!"
"I have a task for you," Richard said calmly.
"Yes, Your Highness, I will accomplish it," The Personal Guard Soldier struck his right fist to his chest, kneeling with one knee and speaking aloud.
"You are now the captain of the Personal Guard. In the palace kitchen, there is a tunnel leading outside the city. Although it's a bit low, people can pass through it. Later, you will lead all the Personal Guard through the tunnel and escape. Don't rush to refuse; I know you are more loyal than Edward.
But... the highest loyalty isn't dying for it but striving, humbly, and arduously to live for it. A senseless sacrifice holds no meaning. If you are truly loyal, then escape and survive. Perhaps many years from now, I may find you again and ask for your service. I hope by then you haven't forgotten me."
"I..." The soldier named Bill widened his eyes at Richard. "Then... then Your Highness, won't you come with us?"
"Taking the tunnel is rather tiring; I prefer to leave through the main entrance. Of course, don't worry about me, I have my own plans. Also, I want to have a word with someone," Richard said, lightly tapping the Personal Guard Soldier on the shoulder before turning to walk outside the palace, his gaze sharpening.
Outside the palace, spears were densely arrayed, swords drawn and tense, filled with a murderous aura.
However, when all the soldiers saw Richard emerge, they were slightly stunned, showing bewildered expressions. This seemed somewhat inconsistent with the orders they had received.
Richard observed this, then spoke, "William, come out. If you don't come forward, your men won't dare to act. After all... I suspect... you absolutely wouldn't let them kill 'the Prince,' but rather 'the traitorous captain of the Personal Guard,' would you?"
With rustling, the crowd parted to either side, and the new King—William, in an exceedingly luxurious robe, stepped forward. The robe shone gold, with colorful patterns embroidered all over and embedded with many gemstones of varying sizes.
At this moment, William's expression was not angry but carried authority. After stepping out, he regarded Richard for a moment before suddenly smiling slightly.
"My dear brother, you actually came out alive. This means Edward... he betrayed once more? Not only betraying you but now betraying me too? Well, I'm a bit curious about how you persuaded him," William said squinting.
"Simple. I killed him," Richard said calmly.
William's eyes narrowed slightly, though his demeanor remained calm, "So, you knew of his betrayal in advance? Which means, you were prepared for him, and then had the rest of the Personal Guard Soldiers kill him? That would be logical, after all... given his swordsmanship, he could hardly defeat an ordinary Personal Guard Soldier. But I do admire your sharpness and intelligence!"
"But speaking of which, no matter how smart you are, you never expected today to happen, did you, my dear brother?" William's tone shifted slightly.
"Actually, I foresaw it long ago," Richard still maintained a calm demeanor.
"No! Not! Possible!" William denied, enunciating each word with open eyes.
"Heh," Richard said, "Do you need me to explain it to you again? In fact, I know far more than you think. For instance, the rumors from three years ago—I am well aware that you spread them. You instigated our respected father—the former King Donnas—to suspect me and create a Voodoo Doll curse on him.
The massacre throughout the entire palace, almost killing everyone from top to bottom... over a hundred lives; blood stained the plaza in front of the palace... then my six months of imprisonment, heh...
I think, back then, you were certainly very proud and assured, believing I would no longer be qualified to contend with you. Even if I wished to contest with you, our respectful father—King Donnas—would have reluctance in his heart toward me and wouldn't let go. But the thing is, from the beginning, I never intended to compete with you. I said, I have something very important to do. Though, three years ago, it did solidify my resolve to leave.
Frankly, if I weren't a Prince but an heir to a small noble in this world, things might be a bit better. The role of a Prince is somewhat high, attracting much attention, with many imposed responsibilities. I don't like these responsibilities; to better achieve what I want to do, leaving is the best choice. I will leave the Palace, leave Blue Lion City, leave the entire Blue Lion Kingdom."
William said nothing, looking at Richard, his expression somewhat strange, "You..."
After a long moment, he took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Even if you say this, I still will not let you leave."