59 Not my fire (1/2)

Leon and his mother-in-law enjoyed a long conversation on lighter topics. They did not discuss unpleasant topics like the kingdom's corruption and state of the commoners.

As the top noble house just below the royal family, these matters shouldn't have escaped their ears and eyes.

The fact that they haven't done anything about it means that they must have their own ideas and plans... or so he thought.

Whatever plans they had, it should have been enacted long ago. They shouldn't have dragged it out for so long. Many commoners have suffered and the Lower District has become like a dried up lake.

If Rachel's mother knew his thought, she would have flushed with shame. They had realised the severity of the problem not longer ago.

The Lancaster Industries was a military enterprise. They had always been focusing on supplying weapons and equipments to the army, while researching more powerful tools at the same time. The airships were their proudest invention as it allowed the military to counterattack and not just sit behind the walls and stay on the defensive.

They had always looked at the bigger picture. If the wall was lost then it would spell the end of humanity.

They thought it was fine for some nobles to be corrupted as long as they didn't step over the boundary. After all, there would always be bad eggs among a bunch of good ones.

As long as they stood united whenever the war comes to them, which it will, they could turn a blind eye to some things. They had never once stopped preparing for the war that would come again.

But the years of preparation didn't prepare them for the war that would come from within. Their thinking was too naive.

Everyone had ambitions and when you give them room to grow their ambitions, they would no doubt betray you once they were stronger than you.

One could not rely on the words of promises and the rules they set to run the country. Rules are made by the strong and strength was the only absolute thing in the world. If one does not want to be betrayed, they mustn't give others a chance to betray them.

Amelia does not know how strong these corrupted nobles have become but considering they have not made a move, they must still have their misgivings. The metal palace was like an absolute death zone for those who treads inside with ill intention on the throne.

...

”What are you happily talking about, mother?”

”Oh I have some good news. We found the prince and I was just thinking of when to set the wedding date for you two, but I would have to visit your Queen aunty to discuss the details.” Amelia said jovially.

Boom* It was like an explosion had went off in Rachel's head. It was good news for her mother, but it was like earth shattering bad news for her.

”Why are you already talking about marriage?I I haven't even seen who the prince is.” Tears welled up in Rachel's eyes as turn around and run away.

”Wait. You know-” Amelia didn't finish her words when Rachel had disappeared out the front door. She was running away from home. ”Aiyah... this girl. Won't even let her mother finish.”

”I'll go fetch her...m-m-aunty.”

”Hm?” Amelia raised an eyebrow.

”M-Mom.” Leon sweated.

”Mn. Go.” Amelia nodded with a pleased expression. It was unknown whether she was in a hurry to hold her grandson or the prospect of establishing a stronger bond with Elizabeth's family.

Mia wanted to follow after Leon but was held back by Amelia.

”Be good and stay here. They will be back soon.” Amelia placed Mia on her lap and gave a good look. She was very adorable and grew increasing fond of her the longer she looked. Mia was very cute, a far cry from when Leon first met her. But she was able to draw the sympathy of others all the same.

Mia was alerted to be left alone with Amelia, but her guard was slowly lifted as she enjoyed the warmth from Amelia's touch.

It reminded her of her own mother and she grew emotional.

”There there, don't cry.” Amelia's maternal instincts kicked in as she gave her gentle rubs on the back.

A cold light glimmered in her eyes. The corrupted nobles couldn't be touched, but the same could not be said for their pawns in the lower districts.

She plans to cut off their limbs they have extended there so there wouldn't be anymore tragedies like Mia's in Lower District.

...

Rachel did not have a destination in mind when she ran out the house. Before she knew it she had already found herself lost in an unfamiliar place.

Unlike her parents, she had never been to the Lower District, despite her home being situated in a relatively close proximity to the entrance.