BXBX NOVEL Chapter 219 218: Part 2
Val's reply was comprehensive, and the course of action he presented seemed appropriate.
One must know, before the Queen, there had never been a female who had sat on the throne.
Although it had been years since she ascended to the peak of the hierarchy, society was still male-centered.
Just the idea of a female running the kingdom was irksome to the countless male chauvinists in the kingdom.
If they knew she was putting their safety as well as the entire realm's safety at risk just for her selfish interest that could actually benefit them as well if she succeeded in her endeavors, they would no doubt stand up against her.
Basically, the kingdom was filled with those who'd gladly rally against the Queen with a nudge in the right direction
"Master, I think this approach will undoubtedly prove effective," Oliver said.
"I think so too," Lucious said. "I have all the cards in my hands. The Queen will either willingly accept my request or I can create circumstances that will press her into compliance.
"A victory against the shrewd queen, that's the dream of many men."
Saying so, Lucious smiled from ear to ear.
His gaze then shifted to Val. While smiling with his eyes, he asked, "Were you perhaps a strategist in a previous life?"
Val was taken aback by Lucious's question.
The implication hit too freaking close to home.
His eyes widened in surprise and his mouth hung open slightly.
This was one of those rare times when even his Emotional Impairment trait couldn't stop him from being genuinely shocked.
'Did I reveal too much? At just 17, I shouldn't possess a mind attuned to politics. A young man who looks wet behind the ears shouldn't be able to see the bigger picture so clearly. Is it this observation that led Lucious to possibly uncover one of my deepest secrets? What should I do to salvage this situation?'
As these thoughts swirled in Val's head, Oliver, seeing that Val was taken aback by the oddness of the question, elbowed him gently, whispering, "Master likes to joke occasionally."
Oliver's soft whisper made Val snap back to the present, helping him realize he was overthinking things.
Composing himself, Val chuckled, "Lord Lucious, you have quite the sense of humor. Even if reincarnation was real and I were a strategist in a past life, how could I possibly remember any of it after experiencing death and rebirth?"
"Didn't Oliver just tell you? I like to joke around. Don't take it too seriously," Luciois said calmly.
The more calm he looked, the more Val felt he had realized the truth.
The afternoon sun shone brightly in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the coffee shop's outdoor sitting area.
Illuminated by the light of the sun, the handsomeness of the three men was amplified to another level.
They looked otherworldly.
Passersby would stop and gawk at them for a good few seconds before feeling refreshed and proceeding with what they were up to. They were a sight for weary eyes.
Moments later, a figure walked out of the house on the other end of the street.
The figure belonged to a man that wasn't tall.
He was one head shorter than the average man. He was slim and wore a black trench coat.
He was slim and wore black gloves and a black trench coat that covered most of his figure.
He crossed the street and approached the three men sitting around the table of the local coffee shop with steady steps.
As he approached, three pairs of eyes turned towards him.
"Is he approaching us?"
The answer to Oliver's question was self-evident as the figure picked up the pace, approaching them more quickly.
"What's with him?" Val wondered aloud. "Does he want something from us?"
"Well, whether he does, we will soon find out," Lucious said.
The figure walked up to them and said, "Hello, my name's Lorel and I am a painter by profession. I know it's awkward to have a stranger walk up to you for something, but please bear with me. Here's the thing: I was inspired to draw a painting when I saw you three chatting under the afternoon sun and wanted to show it to you."
"Wait, did you say 'afternoon'?" Lucious asked.
The man nodded his head.
Unbeknownst to them, an hour had passed since they sat down at the coffee shop.
Lucious looked at his watch to double-check. It was already 13:00.
"Time truly does fly when one is in good company."
The man cleared his throat and continued, "Anyway, as I was saying, after finishing it, I felt it would be regretful If I didn't show it to my muses. I'd be grateful if you'd take a moment to look at it and tell me what you feel about it."
He was soft-spoken.
On top of that, his face was rather plain, but pleasant to look at.
He was the type of person you would feel relaxed around and quickly befriend.
Lucious's lips curled up into a smile. He accepted the painting from Lorel and examined it closely.
It seemed to fit his taste as his smile grew wider.
He looked back at the man and said, "You are a wonderful artist."
The man smiled broadly.
"My art is usually criticized. This is the first time I'm receiving such praise."
To receive such praise from Lucious, the man's painting must be extraordinary. Val found himself becoming increasingly interested in seeing how good it was.
"Let me see it too," Val said.
Lucious handed over the painting to him.
Also, Oliver leaned closer to Val in order to get a better view of the painting in Val's hands.
The painting depicted the trio - Val, Oliver, and Lucious - sitting beneath a large, lush tree with birds fluttering around them and a small creek next to them, all bathed in bright sunlight.