Dawn lingered faintly as mist cloaked Eastridge Town's bluestone streets. The central fountain stood silent, as if holding its breath in anticipation. Disguised as a common investigator, Evelynn donned a dark gray travel robe with her hood pulled low, slipping into the town's oldest teahouse—"Springwater Retreat"—behind Lucian and several Silver Oath guards. Lucian and the guards pretended to wait outside, while only Mei Xia, a loyal green-robed lady-in-waiting, accompanied her to relay messages covertly.
In a teahouse corner, the Earl of Eastridge conversed in low tones with his Church Restoration Committee representative. Evelynn strained to listen as the earl frowned: "Without leveraging Luo Han's allegiance to allocate more military funds and supplies, I fear I can't stabilize the local guard regiments, let alone confront potential bandits or rebels." The Church representative nodded subtly. "The Holy See will fund canal and residential repairs, but we require guarantees that church restoration funds won't be misappropriated." Their words, couched in self-interest, betrayed hidden fears about the new laws' unstable implementation.
Evelynn's heart jolted. Though the new laws had been promulgated with fanfare in the capital, grassroots resource allocation remained constrained by the old power structure. She sipped her tea, memorizing key points, and turned to leave—only for the earl's peripheral vision to catch her. His tone shifted: "Granny Mei, why does today's guest look so hasty? Heading to the mountain barracks again?" Mei Xia replied hurriedly: "No trouble, just town patrol." The earl, unconvinced, began to rise for inspection. Evelynn acted swiftly, bowing: "I was sent by my mother to deliver a message—forgive the interruption." Her voice, though soft, carried unyielding royal authority. The earl and representative exchanged glances, then let their doubts fade, allowing Evelynn to retreat to the door.
Outside, she reported in a low voice: "The earl and Church still control Eastridge's resource allocation. Local officials are more passive and self-serving than expected—they may obstruct livelihood projects." Lucian's brows furrowed. "If we don't intervene quickly, new discontent and unrest will fester." Mei Xia suggested: "Your Highness could summon town representatives again at a banquet, criticizing them implicitly to deter dissent." Evelynn pondered before resolving: "Hold an Eastridge banquet tonight at Springwater Retreat. Invite the earl, Church, and civilian representatives to discuss livelihoods—they'll reveal themselves without being named."
That night, Evelynn resumed her royal attire while Lucian posed as captain of the guard. They led their retinue to Springwater Retreat, where red lanterns illuminated silver tableware emblazoned with holy light crests. Townsfolk, nobles, and Church representatives attended, maintaining a harmonious facade. After proposing a toast to Eastridge's rebirth, Evelynn cleared her throat and gestured: "Today, we've seen Eastridge's deep traditions and the new policies' benefits. But focusing on the old while neglecting the new will starve canals and granaries in the shadows." Her gaze flicked to the earl and representative. "Some worry about unequal resource distribution; others fear fund misappropriation. Such fears reflect insufficient faith in royal authority and the Holy Confederation." By lamplight, both paled as the room fell silent.
Evelynn stepped down to the earl, her tone gentle but firm: "Earl Albert, the new policies' success doesn't rest on one man. To build a prosperous era with me, set aside private interests. Let more eyes supervise and more hands participate." She removed her holy light emblem and offered it to him. "This symbolizes justice and trust. Tonight, I entrust it to you. When livelihood projects are complete, raise it on the city walls to show the crown and people stand together." The earl stared in surprise, then bowed to accept it, his expression shifting from suspicion to respect. "Your Highness' grace—we shall not fail."
Turning to the Church representative, Evelynn said: "Your congregation's support is equally vital. Collaborating with civilian representatives to manage repair funds will win greater popular trust and secure the Holy Confederation." The representative nodded agreement.
The banquet ended on a peaceful note, though guests departed with mixed thoughts, all awed by the holy light emblem's symbolism. In the retreat's backyard, Mei Xia served tea as Lucian praised: "This won hearts without bloodshed—more victorious than battle." Evelynn smiled over her cup: "A true ruler dispels shadows in the dark, making trust the firmest foundation."
As the night breeze cooled the distance, Springwater Retreat's lights dimmed. Eastridge's future held challenges, but beneath the turbulent tides, Evelynn had used wisdom and resolve to steady the situation once more.