While Kate was like some celebrity walking through a red carpet welcoming, the two princes' fates were much different.
Some enraged citizens could not hold their anger as they grabbed some tomatoes and lettuce to throw at them.
Of course, Lei Zhen had made sure the soldiers did not block the citizens from venting their anger. This was a necessary punishment for the two princes at the very least to know how foolish their actions were.
For their greed, numerous lives were lost and all they received was a splash of tomatoes and lettuce. That was already lucky compared to other major criminals.
"Kate, make sure to walk as slowly as possible." Lei Zhen told her. "The citizens needed to vent, and only then, would their anger subside and move on."
Although she didn't like to humiliate her two elder brothers, she knew this was needed and agreed with Lei Zhen. If she doesn't let the citizens even vent this little, then in the future, it would be hard to govern Yors Castle.
After all, citizens are the pillar of a country and if the citizens are displeased with the government, then another rebellion might rise, hoping to overthrow the royal family or the ruling party.
Thus, while Kate walked on the path of fame, the other two princes were walking in the path of shame.
Every few seconds or so, the princes' faces would receive a fresh tomato or raw egg to the face.
The other imperial guards escorting them had to move aside as well. Otherwise, they would have been hit as well, becoming unnecessary collateral damage.
"Can you walk any faster, Kate?" Prince Leon suddenly shouted. His current face was filled with egg yolk and tomato squash. As a dignified prince, this was the most infuriating treatment he had ever received, but he can't voice his anger either way.
The winner is the king whereas the loser is the bane. Now that he was a loser, he had no qualification to call for this ruse to stop, but there should be a limit at the very least.
It had been 10 minutes or so since their walk had begun, and with Kate's current pace and how far the royal palace was, it would take another hour or so to reach there.
Hearing the complaint, Kate turned a deaf ear and merely glanced at Lei Zhen, seemingly waiting for his decision.
When Lei Zhen saw her stare, he was silent for a moment before nodding his head, agreeing that it was time to pick up the pace.
Although he wanted to receive his reward as soon as possible, he wouldn't let greed blind his eyes and his decision.
Now that the effect of boosting Kate's reputation was completed and the two princes were completely disgraced, it was time to head toward the royal palace.
"We can pick up the pace," Lei Zhen calmly said.
"Alrighty, I also wish to meet with my father." Kate smiled and quickly hastened her speed.
Thus, the rest also had to hasten their movement to catch up to her.
ραпdα nᴏνa| сom Sometime later, they arrived at the gate of the royal palace.
"Only my chancellor, commanding officer, and my two elder brothers would enter the royal palace," Kate commanded the other soldiers.
Given that the royal palace was still a sacred ground commanded by her father, she didn't dare to bring in her own guards, lest her father might have misunderstood her.
Of course, it was an unnecessary action but Kate wanted to let her father know that she was not like her brothers.
As they stood outside the entrance of the royal palace, Lei Zhen's mouth nearly dropped at its majestic scenery.
The royal palace was a sprawling, opulent complex that sat atop a hill overlooking the city. It was surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, with paths winding through the greenery and fountains splashing in the sunlight.
Inside, the palace was even more lavish. The floors were made of gleaming marble, and the walls were adorned with gold leaf and intricate frescoes. The ceilings were high, with elaborate chandeliers casting a warm glow over the space.
The throne room was the centerpiece of the palace, a vast chamber with a high ceiling and a row of grand windows that looked out over the city. The throne itself was a massive piece of furniture, adorned with jewels and gold filigree. It was raised on a dais, with a red carpet leading up to it.
Overall, the royal palace was a symbol of wealth and power, a testament to the majesty of the royal family.
When Lei Zhen continued to follow in the footsteps of Kate, he could subtly understand why the two princes were so desperate to become king.
'Such a lavish palace and beautiful maids. Who wouldn't be tempted by this scenery?' Lei Zhen thought.
"Hmph, what a country bumpkin." Prince Leon took this opportunity to sneer at Lei Zhen when he saw him glancing left and right.
Lei Zhen's ear twitched for a bit before smiling slightly.
"Princess Kate, can I borrow your sword for a few seconds?" He asked.
"What do you want it for?" Kate asked while handing him the sword.
"Nothing much."
Lei Zhen grabbed the sword and using the hilt, smacked it at Prince Leon's mouth.
"Someone's mouth is just a bit dirty and needs a good smack." He then said, his eyes were ice cold.
Prince Leon's mouth started bleeding a bit as he became enraged. "You dare strike a prince at the royal palace?"
BAM!
Lei Zhen swung the sword again, this time with a bit more strength.
"Strange… how come the mouth is still a bit stinky?" He tilted his head.
Just when Prince Leon tried to speak again, Lei Zhen raised his hand, ready to swing the sword. His action prompted Prince Leon to bite his own tongue and kept quiet, unwilling to receive another strike.
Seeing how Prince Leon kept quiet, Lei Zhen finally returned the sword back to Kate.
"Ahh, the stink seemed to have disappeared now. What a relief, right? Otherwise, it would be bad if we meet your father with such a stink around us."
