My Substitute CEO Bride (Nash and Hera) novel Chapter 1914

Inside a grand and majestic palace, an elegantly dressed woman was sipping her coffee gracefully.

"Let me in!" A hoarse and almost tired voice came from outside the palace.

Several guards tried to restrain the person who shouted, but the man simply pushed through them. He ended up dragging two guards with him as he barged into the room.

"What is all this commotion about?" the woman seated on the throne asked calmly.

The man shrugged off the guards and then knelt solemnly before the woman.

"Your Majesty! Members of the Illuminion are not to be trusted! It's a conspiracy!" he declared urgently and then proceeded to recount his observations and his sister's plight.

"If they truly are messengers of the gods, how could my sister and the Knights of Stark meet such a fate? They're more like demons!"

"That's enough," the queen said calmly, setting her coffee aside. She closed her eyes slightly and leaned back in her chair.

"Sir Sven, I understand your concerns. However, had they not been acting of their own volition? Wasn't it their choice to join the Illuminion?"

"No! My sister, she... she must have been bewitched! Your Majesty, please believe me! They must have used some kind of magic! She couldn't have—"

"That's enough," the queen interrupted, maintaining her grace and solemnity.

"Sir Sven, in recognition of your past services to the kingdom, I won't hold you accountable for this transgression. Please stand down," she continued calmly.

"Your Majesty! But—"

"I said, stand down."

At that moment, soldiers emerged from both sides of the palace. Sven could do nothing but leave obediently. Despite everything, he had nothing but absolute loyalty to the queen. This might also be the reason for his current predicament.

Dejected, Sven walked back home.

"This is the Illuminion's slogan. I was once a member of the organization."

"So, you know something! Yes?" Sven challenged.

"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't be wasting my time here. My body is decrepit, but I know everything you want to know. Let's make a deal, shall we?" the old beggar proposed.

Sven observed the healthy-looking old man skeptically, but knowing he could not continue alone, he decided to take a chance. "Alright," he agreed.

"What's the deal?" asked Sven.

"I've heard of your bravery, Sir Sven. I believe you can overcome any challenge, so I want you to participate in a gameHeaven and Netherworld."

"Heaven? Netherworld? What's that?" Sven inquired.

"It's a game orchestrated by a god, one of life and death. The winner will receive..."