Chapter 827: 424 Only a Nod Away

「……」

Indeed, given the nobility's loyalty to the royal family… no, this thing never existed to begin with, so it doesn't even warrant the term "degree."

As long as I don't foolishly declare the abolition of all nobles, those whose core interests remain untouched will unhesitatingly pretend to be dead—and under clear enough circumstances, they might even switch sides outright.

After pondering Lyon's words, the Princess involuntarily bit her lower lip, her plump legs beneath the long gown pressing tightly together, twisting with nervous tension.

"I admit, it's not impossible…"

Taking a deep breath, nearly convinced by Lyon, the Princess pressed her fingernails hard into her palm, then said through clenched lips:

"But all you've described happens after success. Right now, the entire capital has only one army—I have no forces capable of storming the palace, and besides, he's my father. I really don't want to…"

"Ideas can exist. Forces can be assembled."

Interrupting the Princess, Lyon fell silent, withdrew the slightly trembling black goat from the Mirror World, then took her hand and communicated directly through soul-link:

【What I'm about to say next is safer this way… do you remember the rebels who attacked the boarding tower?】???

Hearing Lyon's words, the Princess instinctively tightened her grip, then exclaimed in surprise:

【You mean… you're connected to those rebels?】

【I've had a few contacts with them…】

Knowing the gravity of what he planned and how taboo it would be with the Cleanup Bureau, Lyon avoided direct confirmation and instead skipped the topic, proposing bluntly:

【The rebels have several hundred members with basic military training who can handle simple weapons, and even a few anomaly holders. So if you wish, I can arrange contact.

In exchange, once everything is over, you must issue amnesty to the ordinary members, pardoning those who didn't commit extreme acts.

Also, when our Virgin Division arrives and captures those anomaly holders, you must commute their death sentences and allow them to join the Cleanup Bureau.】

【…】

Wait… are you really that thorough?

Watching Lyon—who not only offered "rebellion guidance," actively helped her build psychological resolve, and even provided personnel, resources, and a flawless plan from start to finish—the Princess truly couldn't hold her composure.

【How are you so experienced?!】

Gripping Lyon's palm hard, the Princess, lips bitten, stared into his eyes, irritated:

【Everything you just said couldn't have been thought up in a day or two—you've been planning this for a long time, haven't you? Why… why would you even think about such things for no reason?】

【How could I not think about it? I even feel this isn't nearly enough!】

Holding her hand firmly to stop her from scratching him, Lyon took a deep breath and said calmly:

【Didn't you check my file? If you'd read it carefully, you'd know that before joining the Cleanup Bureau, my family was truly at the end of our rope.

But in the dossier you saw, it only says Anna fell seriously ill and I joined the Cleanup Bureau to save her—you'd never know what that simple phrase truly meant to me.】

Recalling the future shown to him by the Nightmare King—the one he feared most—Lyon's gaze dimmed slightly as he spoke of his past for the first time.

【Over four months ago, the military's welfare officer came to revisit and ruled I was now an adult, so under new regulations, they cut off our family's military stipend early. After that, Anna felt the household couldn't hold out, so she quietly stopped taking her medicine…】

…

Back then… there really was something like this?

As Lyon spoke, hearing how that small family had struggled for years under hardship, barely avoiding ruin, the Princess's grip tightened unconsciously, her delicate palm growing damp with sweat.

She had met Lyon's sister—gentle, beautiful, a girl who liked to tilt her chin forward slightly when she smiled.

Yet Anna, who appeared so sweet and gentle, always smiling, had actually proposed such a cruel request under life's crushing weight—it made the Princess's heart clench, and she unconsciously softened her breathing.

Only after Lyon finished his story did she finally exhale, then gripped his hand back, eyes filled with remorse:

【I'm sorry… if I'd done better, even just a little sooner, your family wouldn't have suffered this. Thank goodness you joined the Cleanup Bureau, otherwise…】

【Yes, thank goodness I joined the Cleanup Bureau—but how many Lyons got to join?】

Seeing the Princess's face turn pale, Lyon continued calmly:

【I escaped a terrible future by joining the Cleanup Bureau. But those Lyons without a Cleanup Bureau to turn to? They had to drag their sister's corpse through the night and dump it in the sewage river just to reclaim the stipend they shouldn't have lost—and even more Lyons never got even that chance.】

【Lyon… I… I'm sorry…】

Remembering her own role in this, the Princess bit her lips until they turned white, lowering her head for the first time, unable to meet Lyon's gaze.

【I'm sorry, truly sorry! If I hadn't investigated the military, forcing them to scramble to cover their deficits, your family wouldn't have…】

【No, you're not wrong.】

Lyon shook his head:

【You've always done the right thing. The fault isn't yours for investigating the military—it lies with those who caused the deficits and then turned to the stipends.

Moreover, if you're not wrong, then something else must be wrong… you asked why I thought about these things. This is why. I must change what's wrong.】

Squeezing her damp palm tightly, pulling her closer, Lyon fixed his gaze on her evasive eyes and said earnestly:

【I know you haven't yet decided to act. Asking you to break filial bonds and seize your father's throne by force is difficult—but I sincerely hope you'll seriously consider my proposal!

This stagnant kingdom has countless Annas still sick, countless Lyons without a Cleanup Bureau to join, waiting for a change that could save their lives!】

【Lyon… I…】

【I don't know how to be a king, nor do I have the power to be a savior—but you can!】

Recalling the future shown by the Nightmare King, Lyon's heart burned as he released the Princess's hand, lifted her chin, turned her face toward him, and stared into her anxious eyes, speaking slowly and clearly:

"Veronica, changing all of this only requires you to nod."