Chapter 229

Chapter 229

However, facing this easily attainable power, Sara's expression remained cold, utterly unmoved.

He slowly looked up, his dark eyes as calm as a deep pool, his tone flat: "Your Majesty's generosity is appreciated. But I have no interest in politics."

As these words fell, Queen Mother Anne's smile froze slightly, clearly not expecting such a blunt refusal.

Even Lillian, snuggled in her arms, seemed to sense the change in atmosphere, stopping her play with the tassels and looking up at Sara.

Sara didn't react to Queen Mother Anne's surprise and continued, "Helping you eliminate those threats was merely fulfilling a prior promise. I've always been easygoing, disliking being bound by tedious affairs of state, and I'm no good at playing court games. Those positions, though desirable, would be burdens to me."

This was no excuse. Sara had always been a loner, accustomed to a life without constraints. The scheming and bargaining of the court would only annoy him. Moreover, he knew well that having killed so many nobles recently, he had planted hidden dangers within the noble circle.

Those nobles he had removed were mostly ancient families entrenched in the empire for generations, their connections intricate and far-reaching. Though no one openly dared to question his actions—for those nobles really did plan to rebel—behind his back, many nobles saw him as a threat, quietly opposing him and keeping their distance.

Not long ago, he had been invited to a noble banquet. At the banquet, the nobles were polite on the surface, but their eyes hid distance and wariness. A few even made excuses to leave early, not wanting to be around him.

Sara knew it well.

He knew that if he stayed at home, he would become the target of the noble circle.

The neutral nobles would band together to shut him out, the old officials of the former dynasty would secretly cause him trouble, and even with Queen Mother Anne's support, life would not be easy. He had no desire for power, so naturally, he would not plunge himself into endless strife for such illusory authority.

Thinking of this, Sara's mind naturally wandered to the distant colony—that young man named Evan should be busy near Pearl Island by now.

He remembered sending Evan to the colony in the first place to keep him away from the conflicts at home, allowing him to gain experience in a relatively stable environment.

His original plan had been that once he helped Anne and Lillian secure their position, he would summon Evan back at once to keep him by his side.

But now, he had changed his mind.

Since the noble circle at home had already rejected him, why not just leave Beckham and spend some time in the colony? This way, he could avoid the strife at home and also personally see Evan—to see how that timid yet resilient young man had grown.

An idea slowly formed in his mind. Sara's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at Queen Mother Anne, his tone still calm but with a bit of finality: "If you really want me to serve the empire, Your Majesty, I do have a request."

Queen Mother Anne's eyes lit up with renewed hope, and she quickly said, "Tell me, whatever it is, I will do my best to agree." She really did not want to lose such a powerful and reliable ally as Sara. Even if he was unwilling to stay in the homeland, as long as he could serve the empire, everything else could be negotiated.

"I'd like a transfer to the colonies, to serve as the Governor of New Nigeria," Sara said slowly, his voice calm but with an unyielding resolve.

"Governor of New Nigeria?" Queen Mother Anne paused, clearly taken aback. New Nigeria was a newly opened colony of the Sala Empire, remote, with a hot and humid climate, inhabited not only by uncivilized indigenous tribes but also plagued by pirates. Public order was chaotic, and resource development was just beginning—a real hot potato. Compared to any post at home, this colonial governorship was a hundred times better.

She frowned, puzzled: "Sara, why would you choose such a place? New Nigeria is harsh, far from the center of power, offering you no benefit."

In her view, Sara's choice was like demoting himself.

"To me, peace and quiet are the greatest benefits," Sara said flatly. "New Nigeria is far from the conflicts of the homeland. I can stay there quietly, also help the empire guard the frontier, suppress pirate and indigenous rebellions, and stabilize the colony's rule. Your Majesty mentioned earlier that the colony needed a powerful Supernatural to be stationed there, did you not?"

Queen Mother Anne went quiet.

She had to admit Sara had a point. New Nigeria indeed needed a powerful Supernatural to be stationed there.

Currently, the governor there was just an ordinary noble, lacking the power to put down internal uprisings effectively, which had made colonial rule unstable. The empire had to pour huge amounts of money and manpower into it every year to maintain order.

If Sara could serve as governor, with his supernatural power, he could quickly stabilize the situation in New Nigeria, securing the empire's interests in the colony.

Though she still felt it a pity—a pity that someone of Sara's talent was unwilling to stay home and assist her and Lillian—it was better to let him have his way and let him play a role in the colony than to force him to stay and risk making him discontent.

At least, this way, Sara would still be a subject of the empire, still a power she could rely on. And though New Nigeria was remote, it was still imperial territory. Serving there, he could still contribute to the empire.

With this thought, Queen Mother Anne's disappointment slowly faded. She nodded and said solemnly, "Alright, I agree. I will immediately issue a decree appointing you as the Governor of New Nigeria. I will allocate sufficient resources and personnel to ensure you can smoothly take over colonial affairs."

With Anne's consent, Sara nodded slightly, a trace of relief in his tone: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Queen Mother Anne looked at his calm expression and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

This young man, possessing immense power yet utterly indifferent to authority, even preferring a remote colony—such a character was rare in the treacherous court. She sighed softly and said, "Sara, rest assured. As long as you defend the colony well, I will not treat you poorly. When Lillian comes of age and assumes power, I will make sure she remembers your contributions."

"Your Majesty is too kind," Sara replied flatly, without excessive politeness. All he cared about was leaving Beckham and seeing the boy he had started to miss.

Lillian seemed to understand the conversation. She looked up, her big blue eyes blinking with curiosity: "Brother Sara, are you going far away?"

Her soft, sweet voice broke the slightly tense atmosphere between the two.

Sara's eyes settled on Lillian. A rare softness flickered in his dark gaze, and he nodded gently: "Yes, to a place with many seas and pearls."

"Pearls?" Lillian's eyes lit up. She gripped Anne's sleeve tightly: "Mother, I want to see pearls too! I want a pearl necklace!"

Queen Mother Anne smiled helplessly, gently tapping her daughter's little nose: "You're always thinking about playing. New Nigeria is far, and very dangerous. When you're older, I'll take you there."

She then looked at Sara, her tone carrying a note of entrustment: "Sara, when you reach the colony, if you come across fine pearls, do bring a string back for Lillian. Consider it a personal request from me."

"Alright," Sara agreed without hesitation. To him, it was a trivial matter.

The mood of the afternoon tea slowly relaxed.

Queen Mother Anne stopped mentioning trivial court affairs and instead talked with Sara about New Nigeria—its climate, indigenous customs, pirate distribution, etc., laying the groundwork for his future governance. Sara listened attentively, occasionally asking questions, his expression focused.

Lillian, meanwhile, quietly nibbled on a small cake, cream around her mouth, like a mischievous kitten. Occasionally she looked up, first at Sara, then at her mother, her little face beaming with a pure smile.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the three, adding a touch of tenderness to this afternoon tea that had originally carried undertones of power plays.

Unbeknownst to them, the sun set, and golden afterglow dyed the entire Crystal Garden in warm yellow.

Queen Mother Anne glanced at the sky: "It's getting late. I still have state business to handle, so I won't keep you. The decree of appointment will be sent to your residence by the Imperial Household Department soon."

Sara stood up and bowed slightly: "Take care, Your Majesty." His gaze swept over Lillian, noticing the cream on her mouth. After a moment's hesitation, he took a clean handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.

Lillian paused, then took the handkerchief, clumsily wiping her mouth before flashing Sara a sweet smile: "Thank you, Brother Sara!"

Sara did not respond, merely nodding slightly before turning and walking out of the garden.

His black robe billowed in the sunset light, his silhouette still distant and straight. His steps were light, his mood visibly brighter now that he'd settled on the colony.

Watching Sara's receding figure, Queen Mother Anne sighed softly, her expression complex. Lillian clutched the handkerchief, asking softly: "Mother, will Brother Sara come back?"

Queen Mother Anne stroked her daughter's hair, her gaze firm: "Yes. Once he has secured the colony for us, and when you grow up, he will return."

She didn't know if this promise could be fulfilled, but she chose to believe that someone as trustworthy as Sara would not easily betray her faith.

At that moment, Sara had already left the palace. He looked up at the setting sun, a hint of anticipation flashing in his dark eyes.

New Nigeria... Evan... He murmured these two names softly, quickening his pace toward his residence. He had to pack his belongings as soon as possible, wait for the decree, and then immediately set off for the colony.

He couldn't wait to see that young man, to see how Evan was doing in the colony, and to keep him safe and close, ensuring he no longer faced dangers alone.

In the streets of Beckham, the number of pedestrians gradually increased. Vendors shouted, carriage wheels rumbled, all blending together, filling the air with a vibrant, everyday atmosphere.

Sara walked through the crowd, yet still seemed aloof, out of place among the crowd.