Valon looked like a completely different person compared to ten years ago. A decade ago, Valon exuded charisma and a vibrant spirit, commanding dignity befitting a ruler.
However, the Valon today appeared frail and listless, looking like an elderly person nearing the end of life. This was despite him being only in his fifties. At his age, he was supposed to be in his prime. Why did he appear so aged?
“When did you get so good at talking, kid?” Valon chuckled.
“Well, this might be for the better. You’ve lost a little bit of edge and appear calmer. Seems like you’ve grown mature.”
Dustin lowered his head slightly, remaining silent.
Before the tragic incident that occurred all those years ago, both families had shared a close relationship. Dustin’s father and Valon even considered themselves brothers. They were able to talk about everything.
However, all of that had changed. Even though the Dragon Guard were the ones who plotted the assassination, it did not rule out the possibility that the royal family took part in it. That was why he still didn’t know how to act before Valon.
If Valon chose to be honest, they would be able to continue their conversation. However, if Valon chose to be evasive, then tonight’s meeting would be meaningless.
“Logan, are you curious about the reason I asked to see you tonight?” Valon suddenly changed the subject.
“I’m not sure what I can help you with, Your Majesty,” Dustin responded with a neutral tone.
“One of the reasons I sought you out was to resolve past grievances. I also have a favor to ask.”
Valon said truthfully, “I believe you’ve learned some truths from your visit to Scenic Monastery today. I might look mighty as the King, but there are many things beyond my control.
“When your family became the target of the assassination attempt years ago, I should have provided full support and stood by your father in the fight against the Dragon Guard.
“But I was too afraid. I have always felt guilty about this incident. For the past ten years, I have spent every day and night in regret and self-blame.
“If I had been a bit braver back then, perhaps your mother wouldn’t have died, and the tragedy of that year wouldn’t have occurred.
“Unfortunately, there’s no remedy for regrets, and every step I took was a mistake. I just wanted to let you know that I’m truly sorry,” Valon said, lowering his head in guilt.
“Father?” Grace was stunned.
She didn’t expect her usually strong- willed father to apologize voluntarily. It was unprecedented for a ruler to apologize to his subject.
“Your Majesty, the past is in the past.” Dustin’s heart was in turmoil, but he appeared calm on the surface. Valon’s apology had come as a surprise, and that had diminished the slight hostility he carried for the most part.
If he thought from his perspective, Valon hadn’t actually done anything wrong. He had only acted in self- defense. However, while Dustin could forgive him, both families would never return to how they were before.
“Logan, in fact, I also have to thank you. Even though severing the vital force had impacted the fate of the nation, it had also led to the destruction of the Dragon Guard.
“For the past ten years, I’ve been amassing strength in secret to overthrow the rule of the Dragon Guard. Unexpectedly, due to a twist of fate, you’ve helped me accomplish that ahead of time. So, I must thank you.
“Of course, although the Dragon Guard has officially been eliminated, there are still some of them out there. You need to be extremely careful in the coming days.”
“From the way they work, they will definitely come for you, seeking revenge,” Valon warned seriously.
The influence of the Dragon Guard ran deep, and it was impossible to destroy them completely. It wasn’t an exaggeration to claim that almost half of the court officials had ties to the Dragon Guard.
If he wanted to eliminate them entirely, having a good plan in mind was important.
