Chapter 1656: The Balance Restored

Inside the Luxemborough Presidential Office, Theodore slammed both hands onto the polished table. The sharp crack echoed through the presidential office, rattling the papers scattered across the surface.

"I want to know who did this!" His voice thundered through the room, raw with fury.

Across from him, Arlo Cawthorn remained standing with his hands clasped tightly behind his back, he was actually nervous but he hold it. As Theodore’s trusted secretary, Arlo had learned long ago that panic was useless in moments like this.

His expression remained composed, though the tension in his jaw betrayed how carefully he was holding himself together. "Everyone who survived gave roughly the same account," Arlo said in calm tone. "They described a man wearing a black robe and a white mask."

Theodore’s eyes narrowed. "Was it Zhao Li Xin?" he demanded. "That damn painter?" There was disdained in the name.

Arlo hesitated for only a moment before answering. "They couldn’t confirm it, sir. The witnesses specifically said the man didn’t used golden-flame and golden flame that used to associated with Zhao Li Xin.

Without that distinctive mark, the evidence isunfortunately will be... inconclusive."

"Inconclusive?" Theodore growl, "Then make it conclusive!"

Arlo’s expression tightened. "Sir—" ℯ𝔴ℯ

"People are laughing at us!" Theodore hissed, "Didn’t you read the news Arlo, our position was threatened, our plans were disrupted...again and again, how long will we let them get in our way?"

He stepped away from the table, then turned sharply, his face red with humiliation and anger. "They attacked one of our military installations, burned it down, and turned it into ashes, and the whole world watched as we tried to find out who did it." His fists clenched at his sides. "And that damn boy, Lucas, he must be laughing his ass off right now."

He could already imagine it, the haughty looks of Harland’s government, the whispered comments of the public, the annoying headlines questioning Luxemborough’s power. "We can’t let this continue, Arlo" Theodore said.

"We will accuse Harland of violating our authority. We explain that they launched an unprovoked attack on our military base." he gritted his teeth.

Arlo took a deep breath to steel himself, he knew it would make Theodore angry but he had to remind him, nonetheless.

In a cautious tone he said, "But, sir, we have no concrete evidence that Harland was responsible for the attack."

"I DON’T CARE!" Theodore’s voice boomed throughout the room. The windows seemed to shake because of it.

Arlo knew that would happen, so he let the silence settle before he spoke again. "Sir, if we accuse Lucient without concrete evidence, then public will question us. The international community will demand proof and reasones. If we make accusations and cannot prove them, then our credibility will be further damaged."

Theodore’s chest rose and fell heavily, deep down he knew what Arlo said was right. He knew Lucient’s biggest problem wasn’t their power only, but rather their impeccable reputation, and for a few seconds, he didn’t say anything.

Then, he slammed his fist on the table and cursed "FU*K!" The curse shook the room. He turned towards the large window overlooking the capital. Outside the glass, Luxemborough continued his life as usual, cars drove through the distant streets, in an unusual manner, people went about their lives as if nothing had happened and that made his anger increase further.

His reflection stared back at him from the glass as if mocking him. He had spent months speaking confidently about Luxemborough’s power, and ability to lead the world, but now he found himself standing in his own office with no name, no evidence, and no clear enemy to blame.

Behind him, Arlo remained silent. He knew that look and understood Theodore’s anger, but the man they were facing was no ordinary ruler. He is Lucient, a man considered the savior of humanity and a beacon of hope. ℯ𝐥.

They couldn’t just accuse men like that without any real evidence, what would people said about them?! So for now they could only swallow their anger.

_________________________________________

___At Cestine Palace___

Far from all the commotion unfolding outside, the atmosphere inside Cestine Palace was remarkably peaceful. Lory sat comfortably on the bed, her attention divided between the movie playing on the screen and the bowl of warm red-bean soup in her hands.

It was one of Zhao Li Xin’s creations that he thoughtfully stored inside her ring so Lory could enjoy it whenever she wanted. After all, he knew what kind of foodie he married.

Thus Lory certainly had.

Still, if she had a choice, she would rather have him sitting next to her while she ate. A small smile crept inside her at the thought that he never changed even after all this time, no matter what he did or did, he always thought of her first.

Then, suddenly, he felt a subtle change in the energy around her. A familiar energy she knew so well. Lory’s eyes lit up, and the smile on her face immediately grew.

Not long after, a figure appeared through the balcony doors.

Zhao Li Xin had returned. As usual, he flying straight into her room through the balcony.

"Welcome back." Lory tilted her head, looking at him with a warm smile.

The coldness that had clung on Zhao Li Xin like his second skin moments ago instantly melt away, the moment his eyes landed on her.

There she was, sitting peacefully on their bed, safe and sound like he had always wanted. The firm lines on his face softened, then without saying a word, he crossed the room in four long strides.

"How do you feel today, wife?" His voice was low and gentle, with a lithe hint of worry. He stopped in front of her and reached out, his fingertips touching her cheek very carefully, as if she were the most fragile thing in the world.

Lory grinned, "As you can see, I’m perfectly healthy." she raised the hand still holding spoon, as if showing it as proof.

Zhao Li Xin’s expression softened even more. He sat down beside her, then put his arm around her waist and gently pulled her against his body. Her other hand touched her stomach almost instinctively.

"How are the babies?" he muttered. "Are they giving you a hard time?"

Lory leaned comfortably against his broad chest. "No. They were quite obedient today."

"Hm, good" His palm remained on the small curve of her stomach.

Even though it was still barely visible, but the simple knowledge that their children were growing safely within her seemed to awaken something deeply protective within her.

He place his chin to the top of her head, holding her closer. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The movie continues to play in the background, slowly being forgotten. Lory leaned against his chest, finding a comfortable place to listen to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Then she suddenly looked up. "Li Xin, I heard what happened." A mischievous grin spread across her face. "You did a really great job there."

"They dare attack the palace where you and our children live. Do you really think I will let them go without consequences?" His voice was low and tender, almost soothing, a stark contrast to the bloodshed he had unleashed just a few days ago.

"I considered attacking another of their military bases later, and perhaps one of the monuments they are so proud of."

His hand continued to stroke Lory’s stomach, "I want them to understand what mistake they made when they decided to touch my wife."

"Hmm..." Lory lifted her head from his chest, a small smile touching her lips. Lory closed her eyes again, breathing in his familiar scent. "You are still as protective as ever, Li Xin"

"That’s true, I’ve never changed, Lory. Not one bit..." he said quietly. No one knew better what kind of man he was. He didn’t change, it was only for Lory’s sake that he put a leash on it, still, the monster never completely disappeared, only sleeping in the darkest part of his heart.

"I know, and that’s fine..." Her smile softened as she leaned against him again. "no matter what..." She pressed her cheek against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "You are still the man I love."

______________________________________

The next day, another breaking news report shook the world, spreading across the kingdoms like wildfire. Within hours, every major news network had interrupted its regular programming. Newspapers rushed out special editions, while discussions erupted across public forums, royal courts, military headquarters, and ordinary homes.

The reaction was anything but uniform. In most countries, relief came first.they glad that harland the one who take over the control once more. For nations that had long struggled beneath the S.A.I.N.T. Organization’s influence, and Luxemborough the news was met with cautious celebration.

But still there’s other who become wary, they demand for the identity of that person, Governments began demanding transparancy of the situation. Some called for independent investigations, while others quietly sent envoys toward Harland, hoping to establish contact before anyone else could.

Among those who took the strongest hits were Luxemborough and The S.A.I.N.T. organization. They had spent years carefully cultivating their influence using Saints.

But now, the two most valuable bargaining chips they had suddenly became less important, and with the balance of power beginning to shift before their eyes, they were finally forced to admit the truth—their carefully laid plans had gone awry.

Within the S.A.I.N.T. Organization, the atmosphere was considerably darker. The Saintesses had long been regarded as indispensable whenever toxic lands appeared. Their ability to purify the corruption had made the organization one of the most powerful institutions in the world.

Now, a single unknown person that come out of nowhere had challenged that foundation. Whispers began spreading through its halls. If Harland can truly purify the land without the Saintess... then what happens to the organization, to us? No one dared to say the question aloud.

But everyone was thinking about it. And while the world celebrated, questioned, or worried about what the revelation meant, one thing had already become undeniable.

The balance of power has shifted, back to the core, in the hands of the Lucient family. Inside the cestine palace in the Greenhouse garden Lory and Lucas were enjoying their time playing chess.

"Nice move, Luc" Lory smiled.