Beyond the Throne: The Monarch's Return

Shock was evident on Johnson's quivering face. He couldn't believe it.

The Lord's entire body trembled heavily, and he struggled to speak.

"That… It can't be. That brat… he must be a serf… His mother is also a lowly…"

"Lowly?"

The Lord flinched at Ian's voice, his eyes locking onto the prince's gaze. Nathan, too, was unsettled, realizing he had underestimated the situation.

Nathan had knelt not out of reverence, but to mock the soldiers and the Lord. The presence of such a gaze, however, reminded him of the Republican Army's ideology—that anyone, regardless of their background, could ascend to the throne.

Nathan thought, He must have some royal blood to carry such a presence.

Despite his youth, Ian's calm demeanor was intimidating. Nathan dismissed it, thinking it might be a fleeting impression caused by Ian's striking eyes.

But Ian was wary of Nathan. The blue-haired knight had once been a formidable opponent and had been a significant threat in the succession war. If Nathan ever switched allegiance, he would become an enemy to be feared.

Ian remembered that Nathan had once almost cost him his life and reflected on the danger he represented. Nathan's reputation for being sharp and capable was well-known, and Ian had learned to be cautious around such figures.

If they remain loyal to the Duke, they will be formidable foes. But if I could win them over…

Galon was the Duke's most trusted knight, and Nathan was a sharp strategist. Winning their allegiance could shift the balance of power in the succession war.

Ian's thoughts were quickly interrupted.

"Prince, what should we do with them?"

Nathan's frivolous tone and sharp gaze conveyed his intent to deal with those who dared defy the knights and royal family.

He probably expects me to be overwhelmed by making such a decision.

Despite being a child, Ian knew he had to act decisively.

"Capture the sinners."

Ian's command was clear. He pointed directly at the Lord and Johnson, who reacted with outrage.

"I… What a rude bastard! How dare a mere serf like you—"

But his anger was cut short.

"I'll take your order," Nathan said, standing up and drawing his sword with grim satisfaction.

The Lord's protests were futile as Nathan prepared to execute Ian's command.

"No… You're kidding, right? Are you really listening to that lowly kid?"

Desperation overtook him as he realized the severity of the situation. The Lord tried to signal for help, but his trusted subordinate, Johnson, fled in panic.

"No! That can't be true! This is all a dream!"

As Johnson ran, the Lord chased after him, fleeing toward his castle in a bid to call for reinforcements.

Nathan laughed at their pitiful display. "It's really different. It's very fun."

The Lord and Johnson were swiftly surrounded by soldiers and mercenaries, who had arrived with a loud horn blast.

"Siege!"

The soldiers moved efficiently, capturing the fleeing men.

"Stop where you are. If not…"

The centurion, leading the soldiers, approached with a stern expression.

"I apologize for the delay, Sir Galon and Sir Nathan."

"Great job, Centurion."

The centurion addressed Ian. "I sent the signal to the Lord of this village. Is he here?"

The Lord trembled under the centurion's scornful gaze.

"Let me go! Do you know who I am? I'm the lord of this place!"

But his pleas were in vain.

"Everyone is being fooled! How can you call a lowly serf royalty?"

Before the Lord could say more, Galon silenced him with a powerful swing of his scabbard, shattering Johnson's teeth in an instant.

"What are you doing? Go ahead and execute them," Ian said coldly, his eyes unwavering.

The centurion was shocked. "The punishment for raising a sword against the royal family is summary execution, regardless of status."

"Even if one is a lord?"

"The law applies to all. It doesn't matter if they are mere officials or lords without titles."

"Then do it."

Ian's command was resolute. The centurion and soldiers were taken aback, but they obeyed.

"Pardon?"

Nathan's voice broke through the confusion. "Prince?"

Ian's cold gaze left no room for argument.

"You may exclude the soldiers."

The centurion shivered but complied, signaling the soldiers.

The Lord and Johnson, realizing their fate, begged for mercy.

"Please, save me!"

"I was wrong! Have mercy, Ian! No, Prince!"

Their desperation was palpable. Johnson even banged his head on the ground, pleading for his life.

Galon, Nathan, and the others observed, waiting for Ian's final decision.

"What are you doing? Execute them," Ian's command was firm.

The signal for execution was given. Just as the swords were about to fall, Ian stopped them with a single word.

"Stop!"

The swords halted above the necks of the Lord and Johnson. Nathan was taken aback.

"Prince?"

Ian's calm voice cut through the tension. "That's enough. We will leave the rest to the formal trial."

The punishment thus far was sufficient to demonstrate Ian's authority. The Lord's fear was evident as he nearly soiled himself.

Ian's thoughts were not of mercy but strategy. He had no intention of forgiving their past deeds but preferred to save the execution for a more fitting occasion.

"There is a better place for them," Ian said coldly. "Take them away."

The centurion, puzzled but obedient, led the soldiers away. Ian glanced at Galon and Nathan as he headed toward the carriage.

"What are you two doing? Are you not coming?"

Galon and Nathan bowed and followed. They understood Ian's true intentions. Even if the punishment was deferred, it would still be severe.

The knights had recognized Ian's strategic mind and were impressed by his ability to navigate complex situations.

The Duke said he was a mere country boy? No, he is a lion cub.

They understood Ian's approach and felt a shiver of respect for his cold efficiency.