Chapter 369 – The Little Princess and Benlajet

Driven by desperation and impulsive thoughts, the rather naive Little Princess Liwaqi and her royal guards rushed headlong into the battlefield. At this moment, the battlefield was still surging with countless elemental torrents, where even the seemingly mild colorful energy whirlwinds possessed terrifying power capable of tearing ordinary people to pieces.

Fortunately, before the chaotic elemental currents could engulf the last “army” of the Maple Leaf Kingdom and their Queen, Ben Lajie promptly noticed these “little ones” entering the battlefield.

“Oh heavens, Her Highness Princess Liwaqi, how could you just charge into the battlefield like this? The elemental torrents here remain lethally dangerous for months to come!”

Seeing the little princess eagerly leap down from the carriage, Ben Lajie—who had been frowning moments earlier—instantly adopted a grandfatherly expression. The disheveled plump old man quickly cast an “Archmage Armor” spell over the little princess.

“Grandpa Nokani…”

Upon seeing this kind, portly old man, Little Princess Liwaqi could no longer contain her anxiety. Right in front of all the royal guards, the little princess flew into the arms of the grimy Ben Lajie like a homing bird.

“Oh my little Liwaqi, who made our lovely angel cry?”

Gently stroking the little girl’s head, Ben Lajie now appeared no different from any ordinary elderly man.

“Grandpa Nokani, Grandpa King has passed away… sobs… The doctor uncle said he’ll never wake up again…”

“Is that so… His Majesty the Old King has departed…”

After hearing the little princess’s words, Ben Lajie could only crouch down to comfort the weeping child.

“Liwaqi, don’t worry. Grandpa King was a devout believer—he has now journeyed to the divine realm.”

Though aware he was spouting nonsense, Ben Lajie maintained a serious demeanor while comforting the tear-streaked princess. Seeing the little princess’s sorrowful face made his heart ache terribly.

Bathed in the morning light of Mila and Chikasa, the scene carried a warmth, though in the eyes of the stern old earl, their Queen acting like a spoiled child seemed rather improper.

“Ahem, Lord Nokani. According to the provisional Council’s petition, Her Highness Princess Liwaqi has now become the esteemed Queen of the Maple Leaf Kingdom…”

“Oh! Our little Liwaqi has become Her Majesty!”

Ben Lajie completely ignored the old earl standing nearby, beaming as he melted rocks to fashion a small crown for the princess. Watching the little girl’s spirits lift as she wore the crown, the exhausted Ben Lajie revealed a genuine smile.

Ahem… ahem ahem…

Well, seeing the Master-Level expert completely disregard him, the old earl was now genuinely coughing in frustration.

“Um… Lord Nokani…”Seeing the old and young pair about to start bantering in front of all the royal guards, the officer standing beside the old earl grew anxious. By now, the dust on the battlefield had nearly settled, yet the soldiers still hadn’t caught sight of the long-awaited General Zodas. No wonder the officer couldn’t resist questioning Ben Lajie.

The moment Joni Zordas was mentioned, the atmosphere turned heavy.

It must be said that among the nobles of the Maple Leaf Kingdom, Joni Zordas’ image had always been deeply contradictory. Countless passionate youths idolized this general who treated honor as his life, while many old nobles loathed this “honor-obsessed madman” whose recklessness had plunged the kingdom into misery.

But now, both admirers and detractors of Joni were equally eager to see the one-armed general appear on the battlefield. After all, a Master-Level Kingdom Protector formed the most crucial foundation of any kingdom. With such a powerhouse, even if a nation lost all its territory and population, reclaiming new lands and subjects would be inevitable. However, should a kingdom lose its Master-Level guardian… no amount of territory or citizens would prevent its eventual annexation by others.

It was precisely because of Joni’s complicated status that even the innocent little princess widened her sparkling eyes at Ben Lajie when Joni Zordas was mentioned. Though in little Liwaqi’s heart, “Uncle Zodas” was merely a stern elder.

“…………”

Facing the royal guards, Ben Lajie wouldn’t normally hesitate, but under the little princess’ gaze, the portly old man struggled to find gentle words to break the news about Joni. He knew exactly what place that “upright, serious Uncle Zodas” held in the little girl’s heart, and Ben Lajie truly didn’t want to wound the poor child further.

However… Ben Lajie wasn’t the only one concerned about little Liwaqi. Punk, who was slowly approaching the hillock, held no such reservations:

“Dead. What else? Do you really need to ask about something so obvious?”

The displeased Punk’s words dripped with irritation and indifference.

“…………”

Upon hearing Punk’s response, everyone—from little Liwaqi to the entire contingent of royal guards—stared in wide-eyed shock.

Though they had considered this worst-case scenario and deeply understood it was the most probable outcome… hearing Punk state this fact with such absolute certainty made despair surge uncontrollably in all present.

That Grand General who had protected the Maple Leaf Kingdom since its founding, who had watched this small kingdom struggle and develop in the barren lands of the Hoth Mountains, who struck fear into enemies on the battlefield and rendered nobles and kings speechless in political matters—the Level 17 Master-Level Holy Warrior Joni Zordas—was gone! Just like that, the Maple Leaf Kingdom had lost the most vital foundation of its sovereignty, its mightiest Holy Warrior Kingdom Protector!

“Hey, Cyan!”

Seeing little Liwaqi’s expression shift from utter shock to profound sorrow, Ben Lajie couldn’t help but turn and glare furiously at Punk.But Punk had no mind to care about whether a bunch of “ants” were grieving or not. Whether facing Ben Lajie’s fury or the despair of the royal guards, Punk didn’t even spare them a glance. The moment Ovakain’s draconic aura enveloped the entire battlefield, and the instant Joni Zordas died, everyone in the Maple Leaf Kingdom had lost their last shred of usefulness to Punk. If not for his reluctance to openly break with Ben Lajie, he would have long since obliterated these chattering “ants” disturbing his train of thought with a Kinetic Blast in his irritated state.

Now, seeing these noisy creatures finally fall silent, Punk simply ignored Liwaqi’s pitiful gaze and Ben Lajie’s displeased stare.

At this moment, his mind was racing through countless schemes at superhuman speed, his eyes fixed intently on the distant volcano—the Sleeping Dragon Volcano!

Finally got a recommendation spot, everyone please support with votes! The performance during this recommendation period directly affects future recommendation opportunities~

(End of Chapter)