Chapter 233 Bait
As the days and weeks passed, the people of the kingdom began to notice the changes.
The streets were cleaner, the markets were bustling with activity with abundant products, and the farms were producing bountiful harvests. Education was becoming more accessible and children were allowed to learn and grow in a safe environment.
Just like every other day, a group of women gathered in the town square to discuss the changes they had witnessed under Velian's rule, while their husbands are away trying their best to serve this kingdom.
"I remember when our fields were barren and we struggled to feed our families," said one of the older farmers.
"I remember those days, it's like a nightmare now,"
"But now, with our young king's reforms, our crops are flourishing and we have more than enough to go around."
"Did you try those new foods he introduced? Mashed potatoes and meatballs, they are really tasty," One of the women said while drawing her water basket.
"I heard it is a recipe by His highness, I really envy Lady Sariya, she really hit a jackpot with that boy,"
Another woman chimed in with a smile showing how happy she was,
"And let's not forget about education. My daughter was able to attend classes for the first time in her life, and now she can even read!"
"Yeah, they are renovating that previous academy building to a new one, I heard they plan to open an academy to both noble and commoners in one place, so they can become close,"
The group nodded in agreement, and a sense of pride filled the air. They all knew that their kingdom was finally on the right track, thanks to Velian's leadership.
Just then, a young boy ran up to the group, out of breath.
"Have you heard the news?" he exclaimed.
"Our king is visiting our area tomorrow after so long, we can see whether he is injured or not!"
Excitement rippled through the crowd as they eagerly awaited the king's arrival. And when Velian finally arrived, the commoners welcomed him with open arms.
"Your Highness, we cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for us," said one of the farmers.
Most of them took a half-day break to see this young boy with their own eyes.
Velian smiled seeing everyone gathering to see and decided to reply to some of them,
"It is my duty as your ruler to ensure that all of my subjects are thriving. And seeing your prosperity and health is the greatest reward."
The commoners cheered and celebrated, knowing that they had found a true leader in Velian. For them, he was not just a king, but a lifesaver, who had given them hope and a brighter future.
"Long live King Velian!" They chanted in unison.
Velian stopped to shake hands with a few of his subjects and to exchange pleasantries. However, he noticed that some of the commoners looked worried and concerned.
"What troubles you, my dear people?" he asked with a gentle smile.
One young woman stepped forward and spoke up with her voice shaking a little, with how nervous she was,
"Your Majesty, we are worried about your health after the assassination attempt. Are you alright?"
Velian chuckled softly and smiled at her without trying not to be too flirtish, but it was almost impossible for him since his smallest grin would look like he was trying to be charismatic.
"Do not worry, my dear lady. I am perfectly fine. Thanks to the bravery of my guards, the assassin was apprehended before he could do any harm and thank you for your concern."
The commoners breathed a collective sigh of relief and continued to express their gratitude and admiration for their beloved king, while some of the girls came forward trying to impress him hoping they would be invited to the castle, but they didn't know such things were not going to happen since Velian had so many caring women in his heart.
Velian raised his hand to silence them,
"My people, I have not come here just to bask in your adoration, even though I'm glad for this. We have a formidable enemy on our doorstep, and we must prepare to face them. But do not fear, for we will emerge victorious if we stand together and stay strong."
The commoners nodded their agreement and shouted their support for their king.
Velian continued,
"I know that times are tough and that we have many challenges ahead of us, but I believe in every one of you, and we will not bow down to any foe. We will fight for our kingdom, our families, and our future."
The commoners cheered loudly, their faces full of determination and hope.
Velian smiled at them,
"Together, we will face whatever comes our way."
The commoners echoed his words, and Velian continued on his journey through the city, filled with pride and gratitude for his people's unwavering loyalty and resilience.
He felt a little bad for deceiving them, but at the same time he knew anger and hate would be the best way, he can lead these people into another battle and he had no idea of letting it go away.
After a few hours, Velian decided to go back, so with Remi and the other knights that accompanied him, but before that, he called Naomi, who was hiding with his orders.
"Naomi, how many act suspicious?" Velian showed his true colour, showing his main aim for coming into the town and taking a big risk.
"Just like you told us, we captured every single one that tried to dig deep about you and some of them even tried to harm you," Naomi said but she was clearly dissatisfied with how Velian used himself as bait.
"Send them to Lyra and ask her to extract every single thing from them, from information to their family members,"
Velian had no idea of holding back so he decided to destroy everyone who wants to harm him and his family.
"And come back early, we are going to have dinner together with our little girl," Before leaving the place Velian requested her to which Naomi happily nodded her head.