Chapter 258: Politics
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Loya collected some of the nectar prepared by Liao Ning. “This nectar will be distributed to those severely affected by the poisoning. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to protect every citizen of the empire!”
Upon hearing Loya’s assurance, a multitude of people hurried to the castle gates.
Loya concluded the live stream gracefully, taking hold of a bottle of nectar with excitement. “Thank you for your hard work. Many lives are at stake, so please continue producing more antidotes if you can.”
She left the live-stream room promptly, clutching the nectar, and hurried to the king’s bedside.
At that moment, the Queen and the three princes were gathered by the bed, while several ministers were engrossed in discussions regarding the succession of the throne.
“Now is not the time for such discussions,” Loya interjected with an unusually cold tone. “Father is in a coma, and you’re already plotting the next heir?”
“No, sister,” the Third Prince explained. “They are simply concerned. How are you faring? Do you have the antidote?”
Observing the ministers fall silent and the others looking at her expectantly, Loya responded, “The antidote is ready. I have personally tested it on you, father, and it is completely safe. I will administer the antidote to you now.”
Although the king had been mildly poisoned, his advanced age and lack of proper care hindered his recovery. However, his mental faculties remained relatively intact.
Loya carefully fed the honey water to the king, and after more than ten minutes, his face reddened, and his eyes slowly opened.
Having overheard the earlier conversation, the king weakly and gratefully looked at Loya, his hands trembling slightly.
“Father, it’s all my fault,” Loya choked back tears as she grasped his hands. “If I hadn’t insisted on tasting the ancient food in your place yesterday, you would have been fine.”
“Sister, how can you say such things?” the Third Prince protested anxiously. “You were poisoned, yet you tirelessly worked on developing the antidote. It’s because of you that Father regained consciousness so quickly.”
The Queen, too, wept and added, “Loya, you are the Princess of Dawn, the beacon of our empire. Without you, your father might not have survived.”
Loya turned to the king, her voice unwavering. “That is my duty. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am, even as a princess. I would willingly sacrifice my life for you, let alone try the antidote.”
Tears welled up in her eyes, and her firmness evoked sympathy from those around her.
Indeed, her heartfelt words moved the king. He spoke with a trembling voice,
“Good girl, I will treat you well.”
Addressing the ministers by the bedside, he commanded, “From today onwards, the Princess of Dawn shall participate in governmental affairs. You, oversee the palace guards, and thoroughly investigate the poisoning incident.”
“Yes, Father!” Loya exclaimed, her excitement palpable. She had never anticipated becoming involved in politics.
Initially, she had hoped that saving the king would secure her position as princess. However, the prospect of being granted political authority changed everything.
Although men traditionally held power in the Empire, there had been countesses and queens in the past.
Suddenly, Loya blinked and lowered her head, feigning a sense of overwhelming emotion.
In that moment, a realization dawned on her. Sami had eliminated Ke Lang, and she herself was the sole daughter of the Sam family—the largest transportation and trading family in the empire, controlling nearly two-thirds of the transportation industry on Planet Empire.
If the Liao family refused to allow Liao Xi’s return, and Sami maintained connections with the Liao family, could it mean that the Liao family sought to gain control over Planet Empire, or even the royal family?
Lost in her pride, Loya failed to notice the Eldest Prince, who had remained unusually quiet. He spoke up, “Father, there is no precedent for a woman to partake in politics. Even the Queen of the Empire only became involved due to her status as the sole heir of the royal family. She assumed political responsibilities only after the old King passed away. It is not suitable for my sister to engage in politics.”
The Second Prince remained silent but nodded in agreement. The ministers behind them echoed the sentiment, urging against involving Loya in governmental affairs.
“Enough! Cough!” The king’s fury erupted, causing him to cough uncontrollably..