Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world Chapter 514: The plan succeeded

A full week has transpired since those events.

Deep within the royal palace of Nacirfa, in a concealed chamber, sat King Stephanus Thorne. He was a man in his late fifties, tall and sharp-featured, with hair silvered at the temples and piercing gray eyes, positioned at the head of a grand table.

His demeanor was icy as he absorbed the latest reports.

To his right sat Minister Elandor, the chief of intelligence, his face etched with grim concern. Two other ministers were present, flanking him.

King Stephanus spoke, a slight frown creasing his brow, "He truly eliminated twenty of those brigands single-handedly?"

Minister Elandor turned towards him, his voice steady, "I have already advised you against interfering with the Goddess's companion."

Stephanus met his gaze. "As the rumors suggested, he appears to be a formidable warrior."

"However, there is no need for apprehension. I dispatched two hundred of my most capable soldiers, accompanied by Drakin. They are certainly capable of apprehending him when he is isolated."

"Furthermore, Minister Kaarthus is inside Eurasania’s castle, lending us his assistance."

Elandor's eyes flickered with unease. "Your Majesty, I implore you, heed my words. Our kingdom cannot withstand the Goddess's fury. It is far wiser to refrain from provoking her."

"I have personally witnessed her capabilities... I saw her vanquish those monstrous beasts on one occasion."

King Stephanus's gray eyes narrowed. "And yet, she now possesses a vulnerability."

"This man. Should we capture him, we can compel her to comply with our commands. With her power under our dominion, Nacirfa will transcend its status as a mere buffer state. We will emerge as the paramount force on this continent."

Minister Lirath interjected, "The strategy is bold, Your Majesty. But should we falter... the Goddess will show no clemency. What actions might she take if we were to succeed in capturing him?"

King Stephanus brought his hand down forcefully upon the table. "Drakin is among our strongest. Two hundred elite warriors. They will achieve success where the previous contingent failed."

The ministers exchanged meaningful glances and remained silent.

Before any further remark could be made, the heavy stone door of the chamber was flung open.

A soldier, his armor still bearing the stains of battle and his chest heaving for breath, rushed in and dropped to one knee before the king.

His hands trembled subtly as he bowed his head.

"Your Majesty! They have captured him!"

A stunned quiet descended upon the room.

King Stephanus rose abruptly, his throne-like chair scraping loudly against the stone floor.

"What?!"

The soldier maintained his bowed posture. "Lord Drakin's contingent has triumphed. They ambushed him when he was alone near the northern frontier. He fought valiantly, but they overcame him through sheer numbers. He is alive... albeit grievously wounded."

King Stephanus's lips slowly stretched into a triumphant, almost frenzied smile.

He struck the table once more, this time in jubilation. "At last! Where is he now?"

The soldier swallowed audibly before responding, "They are currently transporting him to the subterranean prison, Your Majesty. Lord Drakin has mandated the highest level of security protocols."

The king let loose an exultant laugh and turned to his ministers, "Do you see? I told you so! The Goddess's cherished companion is finally within our grasp."

"With him as our bargaining chip, Rheanne will have no alternative but to yield to our will."

Minister Elandor appeared visibly disturbed. His hands clenched into tight fists on the table as he fixed his gaze upon the King.

"Your Majesty... I beg you, reconsider. Securing him is one matter. Keeping him alive and utilizing him against the Goddess is another. Should she discover our actions-"

"She will discover them," King Stephanus interrupted curtly.

"And when she does, she will come pleading. The Goddess may wield immense power, but even she possesses a heart. She will not endanger the life of her precious companion."

He turned back to the soldier.

"Increase the guard contingent at the prison twofold. No one is to approach him without my explicit authorization. And dispatch a message to our operative within Eurasania; inform them that the plan is now in effect."

The soldier bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Majesty."

As the soldier hastily exited the chamber, King Stephanus resumed his seat, his fingers tapping an excited rhythm on the table.

Minister Lirath spoke with caution, "Your Majesty... should the Goddess ascertain that we hold him, she might forgo negotiation. She could, in her wrath, simply annihilate our kingdom."

King Stephanus's smile remained unwavering. "No, she is a benevolent woman. She would not harm innocent civilians."

"As for us, she will refrain from killing us for as long as we pose a threat to her companion's life."

"Should a single strand of my hair be harmed... her beloved companion will face a slow and agonizing demise. She will bend. They invariably do when their vulnerability is laid bare."

"The very future is now within our reach."

---

The imposing iron gates swung open as King Stephanus led the procession down the descending spiral staircase carved from stone.

Following behind the king were ministers and a detachment of elite royal guards, forming their escort.

King Stephanus’s eyes blazed with fervent anticipation.

They descended to the lowest level, where a fortified door stood at the corridor's end, attended by ten heavily armed soldiers.

Drakin, a tall man whose face bore numerous scars, bowed deeply as the monarch approached.

"Your Majesty. The prisoner is secured. The chains are holding firm. He has not yet regained consciousness."

King Stephanus gave a single nod. "Open it."

With a sequence of resounding clanks, the guards unlocked the imposing door.

A low rumble accompanied the sliding aside of the stone slab, disclosing a dark, circular chamber.

Brandon was suspended in the center of the cell, bound to a pillar with iron chains.

He dangled listlessly, his head bowed low.

King Stephanus entered the cell, followed cautiously by the ministers and Drakin, who maintained a respectful distance.

The King halted a few paces away and directed his gaze at Brandon. "So, this is the renowned Goddess’s Shadow."

"He battled like a demon, Your Majesty. He managed to slay nearly forty of my men before we could subdue him."

King Stephanus released Brandon's chin, causing his head to fall forward once more.

"Good. That indicates he possesses significant value."

He then turned to his ministers. "Prepare the interrogation chamber. We shall commence as soon as he awakens. We will extract all knowledge he holds regarding the Goddess's vulnerabilities and the towers. Afterwards, we will dispatch the first message to her... perhaps a finger. To demonstrate our resolve."

At that precise moment, Brandon lifted his gaze and murmured, "Oh... you've finally arrived. You took your sweet time."

Stephanus let out a scoff. "So, you've woken up, have you?"

Brandon's eyes shifted towards him. "I will not be speaking with you, you imbecile. I am addressing my 'savior', am I not, Rheanne?"

Huh?

Stephanus appeared bewildered, but then he turned his head, his eyes widening in sheer horror.

Rheanne materialized silently from the shadows, just inside the cell entrance.

Her lengthy white hair cascaded behind her, and her eyes were like chips of ice, entirely devoid of any leniency.