News of Luo Han City's allegiance rolled through the valleys like spring thunder, sending shockwaves through the court of Rahlhelion upon reaching the capital. When the city gates reopened, the Snow Flame royal banner flew alongside the Luo Han military emblem on the palace walls, declaring the western border's return to the covenant. Yet even as praise for the new policies echoed, treacherous currents of old forces began to stir in the palace's depths.
At dawn, Evelynn received generals and regional magistrates from Luo Han in the Royal Study, reviewing their fortress construction reports and border pacification plans. Lucian stood by the door, ever the shadowed guardian. Noticing her furrowed brow, he whispered, "Is something amiss?" Evelynn set the scrolls on the sandalwood desk, meeting his gaze. "While Luo Han's victory is inspiring, the western border's rugged mountains and harsh frosts demand massive manpower and funds. Many courtiers may question such a drain on national strength." Her voice was calm, yet tension lingered.
Just then, Chief Justice Boros entered slowly, clutching a sealed edict. Evelynn beckoned him forward. Boros bowed deeply. "Your Highness, this confidential missive from Eastridge claims the local and representatives of the Church Restoration Committee have been in secret correspondence since Luo Han's allegiance, potentially violating the Holy Light Confederation. We request your judgment." Evelynn read the letter word by word, her expression growing graver. "It seems even as the realm changes hands and new policies take root, old forces already plot to sow discord."
Lucian spoke gravely. "If there is indeed unrest, should Your Highness dispatch investigators or visit the south personally?" Evelynn closed the missive, gazing at the rising dawn beyond the window. "No need to divide the capital's strength. I have plans." With a soft sigh, she rose to take his arm, her tone gentle yet resolute. "Tonight's banquet celebrates Luo Han's return and serves as my audience with courtiers. With your presence at my side, your prestige and my royal authority will still these treacherous tides with a single word."
As night fell, the Hall of Gold and Stone blazed with light, veils emblazoned with holy light crests shimmering in candleflame. Ministers and nobles in finery filed in, though representatives from Eastridge and the southern region wore neutral expressions, exchanging subtle glances. Before Evelynn could raise her cup to swear an oath, Lucian murmured, "Watch the Eastridge delegation's conversations—they may be probing my movements."
Once seated, Evelynn rose slowly, sipping from her cup. Her voice, though quiet, commanded the room's attention. "Luo Han's allegiance marks the new policies' ability to bear great responsibility, a reminder that my duty brooks no negligence. Just as water from Huainan must flow north, the realm's stability depends on united hearts. May the Holy Light Confederation not be a fleeting bloom, but a light upon every inch of our kingdom." Pausing, her gaze settled on the Eastridge delegation, tone firming. "Actions must match words. Those who seek private gain and disrupt governance will be judged by both holy light and throne."
Silence fell, followed by murmurs of admiration and surprise. Lucian noted the Eastridge representative nod slightly, while a Church Restoration Committee member beside him paled, a faint edge of menace curving his lips.
After the banquet, Evelynn and Lucian retired to the Royal Garden. Lanterns cast rippling reflections on the pond as she leaned against the stone railing, her gown and cloak disheveled yet unable to disguise her royal bearing. Lucian brushed a lock of hair from her forehead, whispering, "Your Highness cowed the court today, but this will only drive treachery deeper. Darker threats await."
[Note: The original text cuts off "Lucian" mid-sentence; the translation continues to maintain narrative flow.]
On the palace tower in the distance, a griffin statue stood alone in the night, as if gazing upon this new contest. Evelynn and Lucian, already adrift in these treacherous tides, prepared to meet the next storm.