Sometimes, defeating a powerful enemy doesn't necessarily mean killing them. Finding a way to turn an enemy into an ally is another kind of victory altogether.
Trig said, “I will support your ascent to the throne. However, you do not need to hand over all authority to me. Instead, we can work closely together to make this country a better place.”
Hearing this, Law Freya's lips twitched slightly. Another reason she wanted to hand over power was that she really didn't want to run a country!
Some might think that ruling a nation was a wonderful thing—eating and drinking the finest things every day, with subordinates hanging on your every word. It sounded incredibly satisfying. But in truth, only a tyrant or a fool could enjoy such a lifestyle. If one truly wished to govern a country well, a monarch would be extremely busy and utterly exhausted.
Most importantly, Law Freya knew that Trig alone could govern this nation perfectly. Why should she interfere? Wouldn't it be better to just slack off?
Thus, Law Freya said, “No, based on our initial discussion, I believe it would be best to hand over full authority to you.”
Trig countered, “No, no, no. I think maintaining a normal relationship between monarch and subject is much better. The future of the Kingdom of Tarapaca is still a blur to me. Honestly, I didn't have a solid plan on how to reform this nation after seizing power, but your words just completely opened my eyes! I believe that if you rule this country, you will do a far better job than I ever could!”
Looking at the dead-serious expression on Trig's face, Law Freya was at a bit of a loss. Oh, no. Her grand boasting earlier had backfired and dug her into a hole.
Was it too late to back out now?
Pausing for a moment, Law Freya decided not to linger on this topic. Instead, she listed a series of noble family names and said, “These are the people we can win over.”
“Particularly Duke Burns. On the surface, he is loyal to the King, but in reality, he is only loyal to his own power. He is a spineless fool who bullies the weak and fears the strong.”
“As for the last of the Three Great Dukes, Duke Holmes, he is far cleverer than Duke Burns. Moreover, rather than being loyal to the royal family, his family is more loyal to this nation. You can persuade them to remain neutral during our operation.”
After all, Law Freya had already lived through two coups d'état. She knew exactly who would stand with Trig and who would support the King. However, this information was somewhat ahead of its time for the current Trig. He nodded silently, committing her words to memory.
Finally, Law Freya said, “However, if I am to inherit the throne, there is no need to execute the other members of the royal family. Simply strip them of their power and ensure they have no means to resist.”
Trig had no objections to this. Strictly speaking, from the moment the two of them reached an agreement, Trig's operation was no longer a coup d'état. Instead, it was an invitation for the current King to voluntarily abdicate and allow the new monarch to ascend the throne.
Since it was a mutual agreement, there was no need for a bloodbath. Wasn't it much better to handle things peacefully and amicably?
Once they had finished most of their discussion, Trig suddenly realized something. “Right, I still don't know your name.”
Law Freya thought for a moment and said, “You can call me Kelydla. Kelydla Lawrence.”
Just like that, Law Freya settled down directly in the Ashworth mansion. When Duke Ashworth—Trig's biggest supporter—first learned that the plan had changed and that Trig would not be taking the throne, but rather this little girl who had appeared out of nowhere, his immediate reaction was, of course, to oppose it.
Normally, supporters of a coup d'état aimed to elevate their own status and become founding fathers once their chosen candidate became king. However, Duke Ashworth was different. He was already a Duke, holding one of the highest positions in the kingdom, second only to the King.
The reason he supported Trig was simply because he agreed with Trig's ideals and wanted to make this country a better place.
Thus, when Trig was away, Duke Ashworth approached Law Freya. He wanted to see what kind of capabilities this little girl possessed to make even Trig willing to serve her.
Duke Ashworth took the initiative to speak. “Since we are partners now, a basic exchange of information should be expected, right? May I ask, Miss Kelydla, what rank are you currently?”
Law Freya replied, “Rank Five Arbiter.”
Rank Five was indeed not weak, but Duke Ashworth himself was also Rank Five. Since they were at the same level, this Rank Five was not much of an advantage.
However, Law Freya tilted her head back slightly, tapping her chin with a finger. “Actually, I'm only an advancement ritual away from Rank Six. If I successfully ascend the throne, I can simply issue a decree and immediately consume the Rank Six potion.”
“R-Rank Six...” Duke Ashworth took a deep breath. That was indeed formidable. One had to realize that Duke Ashworth was already in his fifties and had yet to fully digest his potion. It was highly uncertain whether he would ever advance to Rank Six in his lifetime. Yet, Law Freya was practically poised to reach Rank Six the moment she ascended the throne.
Duke Ashworth remarked, “For you to be so close to Rank Six at such a young age is indeed incredible... Right, I haven't asked yet. How old are you?”
Law Freya looked far too young, almost like a minor. Though there were many methods in the extraordinary world to make oneself look younger, Law Freya's next words left Duke Ashworth completely stunned.
Law Freya said, “I'm seventeen. Hmm, my eighteenth birthday is in about two months.”
A question mark practically popped up over Duke Ashworth's head. He stared wide-eyed, his mouth slightly agape, freezing in that exact pose for nearly half a minute. “Huh?”
Hold on, seriously? Was she saying that she wasn't even of age yet, but she was already a Rank Five extraordinary, and on the verge of Rank Six?
This advancement speed was absolutely something Duke Ashworth had never seen in his entire life. Putting aside her qualifications as a monarch, her sheer talent as an extraordinary was more than enough to completely win Duke Ashworth over.
To be on the verge of Rank Six before even turning eighteen—didn't that mean her future was completely limitless? Would Rank Seven or even Rank Eight be within her reach?
With such a powerhouse backing them, even if Law Freya's governing abilities were abysmal, other nations would never dare to make a move against the Kingdom of Tarapaca.
Not to mention, when it came to governing, Trig was there to pick up any slack. What else was there to say? Duke Ashworth immediately declared, “This subject will support your ascent to the throne with all my strength!”
Law Freya tilted her head slightly, her expression a mix of confusion and a touch of cuteness. “Huh?”
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