My queen is rebelling!

Cohen had previously informed Adair that he would be present at the first interview and assessment conducted by the Military Intelligence Agency.

Adair naturally had no objections to this, as allowing the core members of the Military Intelligence Agency to get to know their King would greatly benefit Cohen's future control over the organization.

However, upon hearing that the assessment would take place at the estate of Earl Middleton, a look of concern appeared on Adair's face.

Fortunately, Prince Hauge offered to accompany Cohen, and Adair agreed, but still requested that a Royal Guard unit be dispatched for secret protection.

For the leader of the guard, Cohen directly appointed Snape's nephew, his own guard captain, Don Middleton.

Don was also appointed by Cohen as the Director of the Communications Department of the Military Intelligence Agency, responsible for contacting secret agents and station chiefs nationwide in the future.

Accompanying Don was Asuna, a squire knight of the Queen.

The Queen wished for Asuna to also hold a position within the Military Intelligence Agency.

This was exactly what Cohen wanted.

Cohen introduced Herman and Don to each other, as they were among the few people in Florence who knew Cohen's true identity and background.

As they were talking, Nephthys said softly:

"Viser of the 'Pale Wings' is here."

Cohen nodded slightly and waved for Herman to hide in the back.

His identity was too sensitive and should not be revealed to Viser at this time.

Soon after, Viser walked in slowly.

This person, the head of the Florence branch of the 'Pale Wings,' rescued by Cohen from 'Black Tomb,' and the nephew of Mr. Modo, Viser Adam, seemed more composed and capable than before.

Viser entered and, seeing Cohen seated in the main seat, was momentarily stunned, then immediately became solemn and bowed in salute.

Viser was not yet aware of Cohen's true identity; he had received a message from Cohen to attend the personnel recruitment for the Military Intelligence Agency.

He did not know that the King before him was the famous 'Lord of Shadows'.

Viser had also heard about Effie's plan to establish a secret intelligence agency.

It had to be said that there were no secrets in Florence now; Viser himself had learned about Queen Effie's remarks at the cabinet meeting that morning from more than one source.

From the information revealed, this intelligence agency would have immense power, and many people would likely try to get in at all costs.

What he never expected was that shortly after learning about this intelligence, while still assessing the impact of the establishment of this intelligence organization on his work in Effie, the 'Lord of Shadows' contacted him!

The other party claimed to be the person in charge of this intelligence agency called the Military Intelligence Agency and hoped that he would serve as a director in the Military Intelligence Agency!

Upon hearing this news, Viser's excitement and agitation were beyond words.

He was both surprised by the 'Lord of Shadows' undertaking and thrilled to be completely trusted by the other party.

He had long known about the close relationship between the 'Lord of Shadows' and his young lady, so he agreed to the other party's suggestion without hesitation.

After receiving the instructions, he rushed to take office, but he did not expect to see the King of Effie upon entering.

This king, who had been struck by 'Memory Icelock' and had the mind of only a few years old, would actually personally attend this interview.

He also saw Nephthys in the distance.

Viser was also familiar with this sorceress beside the 'Lord of Shadows', knowing that she represented the 'Lord of Shadows'.

And Asuna, standing solemnly not far away, also made Viser feel nervous. He knew her identity as well; she was the squire knight recently appointed by the Queen, undoubtedly representing the Queen.

Viser suppressed his emotions, stood at attention, and looked respectful.

Cohen looked at Viser as he walked in, raising an eyebrow slightly. He had arranged for Viser to be the Director of the General Affairs Department of the Military Intelligence Agency.

Responsible for the Military Intelligence Agency's material procurement and allocation, living services, transportation, budget preparation and execution, expense reimbursement accounting, special facility construction, and personnel file management.

He was the veritable housekeeper of the Military Intelligence Agency, and it was most appropriate for Viser, an experienced executive of the 'Pale Wings,' to take on the role.

Cohen didn't even greet Isabella, relying on his status as a lover to dig into the 'Golden Wing Family' with peace of mind.

Before long, Prince Hauge and Snape also walked in.

Snape also brought a middle-aged officer with a stiff face and a restrained expression.

The officer wore a slightly worn but still neat armor, standing tall and with steady and powerful steps.

Upon seeing Cohen, the middle-aged officer immediately knelt on one knee and saluted respectfully:

"Basil Burton, Deputy Principal and Director of the Military Command Department of the Royal Military Academy, greets Your Majesty!"

Cohen sized up the general who called himself Basil Burton. The other party's eyes were firm, with embers of a post-war fire and unfulfilled ambitions.

However, his slightly trembling chin still betrayed the excitement in his heart, a complex mix of awe and a desire to be valued when facing the King.

Cohen had heard Snape mention this person before, as he was Snape's staff officer when he was in command.

He had the extraordinary cultivation of a sixth-order peak, considered to be relatively talented in the military.

Later, after Snape fell out of favor due to his disagreement with Prime Minister Angus, this General Burton was also subjected to exclusion and suppression, and had been frustrated ever since.

Recently, on Snape's advice, he took the initiative to apply to leave the front-line troops and return to the military academy to take up a post.

This was also the founder of the "One Heart Society," who had won over a large number of ambitious and passionate young people loyal to the Royalist Party for Cohen.

Cohen said sincerely:

General Burton's voice became impassioned:

"To serve the royal family, to serve Your Majesty, even unto death!"

Burton paused for a moment, his voice still impassioned:

"To be a lonely and unfortunate minister, to forge a loyal and unwavering heart, a loyal heart to pledge one's life, a loyal heart to illuminate the royal family!

Your Majesty, this is the fundamental purpose of our founding of the 'One Heart Society!'"

Cohen smiled inwardly. Good, good, good. This King lacks such fearless and loyal subjects!

Basil, a mere Major General, was naturally unaware of the high-level political struggle, nor did he know that the King before him had been struck by the forbidden spell of "Memory Icelock."

In his view, the other party had only been usurped of power by the she-wolf of the Angrian family and would regain royal power sooner or later.

At that time, those who had firmly stood behind the King early on would have the merit of supporting the dragon and would rise to prominence.

Snape, who was beside him, saw that General Burton seemed to want to express his loyalty a little more, coughed lightly, and gave the other party a look.

General Burton slightly recovered, realizing that it was inappropriate.

He, a mere Major General, should not take up His Majesty's precious time so much.

He secretly looked up at His Majesty, found that the other party was not impatient, and then he was slightly relieved, bowed again, and retreated to stand aside.

At the same time, he was also discreetly sizing up the people who had come here.

Besides Prince Hauge and Earl Middleton, who had entered with him, there were also two beautiful ladies and a composed man.

General Burton had heard Snape's introduction of the two beautiful ladies before.

Both of these people were ostensibly people beside the Queen, highly placed and not to be underestimated.

The young man was vaguely familiar, presumably having been seen at some banquet.

However, anyone who could walk into this room at this time must be the most trusted subordinates of His Majesty.

Seeing that everyone was almost there, Cohen gave Nephthys a subtle wink, and the latter understood.

Nephthys stepped forward, her expression serious, and said to the crowd in a deep voice:

"Those present are the future leadership of the Military Intelligence Agency.

I will briefly inform everyone of their future positions, and everyone can get to know each other.

Prince Hauge Corleone, you will serve as the Deputy Director of the Military Intelligence Agency and concurrently as the Director of the Discipline Inspection and Personnel Department.

Earl Snape Middleton, you will serve as the Deputy Director of the Military Intelligence Agency and concurrently as the Station Chief of the Florence Station.

Ms. Asuna Iliad, you will serve as the Director of the Cipher Room of the Military Intelligence Agency.

Mr. Viser Adam, you will serve as the Director of the General Affairs Department of the Military Intelligence Agency.

Mr. Don Middleton, you will serve as the Director of the Communications Department of the Military Intelligence Agency.

General Basil Burton, you will serve as the Director of the Action Department of the Military Intelligence Agency.

There is also a Comrade 'Deep Sea' who will serve as the Director of the Secretariat of the Military Intelligence Agency.

As for me, I will serve as the Director's Assistant and concurrently as the Director of the Finance Department."

After the positions were divided, Nephthys distributed several files to everyone and said:

"These are the outstanding students selected by Deputy Director Earl Middleton from the Royal Military Academy, and they are the ones we will be assessing this time.

According to the Director's intention, this time we will select at least thirty special operations teams to recruit enough manpower for our next operation.

This selection work must be strictly confidential, and each person's file will eventually be archived with Ms. Asuna, the Director of the Cipher Room, and must not be disseminated.

The security task for this work will be the responsibility of Deputy Director and Director of the Discipline Inspection and Personnel Department, Prince Hauge.

Please strictly abide by work discipline, notification complete."

Everyone was solemn at the same time.

Immediately afterwards, Prince Hauge's legendary aura also emanated, enveloping the entire Earl's Mansion, and no disturbance could escape his perception.

As soon as Nephthys finished speaking, she looked at Basil.

General Burton immediately understood that those being interviewed this time were all outstanding graduates of the Royal Military Academy, and they were his people.

More precisely, they were all core members of the "One Heart Society" that he had developed, so he would be responsible for the follow-up work.

Cohen then said:

"No need to bring them in one by one, bring in four people at a time. I have set up a small test here that requires four people to complete."

Basil's face immediately became serious, and he loudly replied in the affirmative, then strode out of the room and walked towards a side hall of the Earl's Mansion.

… …

In a reception room in the northwest corner of the Earl's Mansion, about forty or fifty young and upright military academy students, dressed in neat military uniforms, were arranged in orderly rows.

Although the living room had sofas and chairs for resting, no one was sitting.

This was the Earl's residence!

The residence of a cabinet minister!

These commoner students, at best young students from small landlords or minor nobles, had never seen such high-ranking officials before!

More than that, they had just witnessed their vice-principal, General Basil Burton, passing by the door, accompanied by someone they had only seen in official brochures.

Hogg Corleone!

His Royal Highness!

Their hearts were instantly filled with surging emotions. In the past, they had only heard Principal Burton say that the establishment of their "United Heart Society" was to defend the dignity of the royal family, and that they were all people of the royal family.

But they had never seen a member of the Corleone family appear. Sometimes, late at night, they would secretly wonder in their hearts, who were they truly loyal to?

Was Principal Burton deceiving them?

But today's scene instantly extinguished these doubts, leaving no further questions!

The students' young faces were filled with unease and anticipation, their eyes constantly darting towards the door.

Although they tried to keep their breathing steady, their slightly trembling shoulders betrayed them.

They had to consider whether this was the only opportunity in their lives, a chance to leap over the dragon gate and rewrite their family's destiny and future!

A student named Finger seemed particularly uneasy in the ranks.

His hands kept fidgeting with the buttons on his uniform, sometimes unbuttoning them and then buttoning them up again. Fine beads of sweat had already appeared on his forehead, sliding down his dark face, and he was completely unaware of it.

His rugged and sturdy physique formed a stark contrast with his nervous and uneasy expression.

In terms of family background, he was considered the lowest among the members of the "United Heart Society."

The newest novels are first published on Liu Jiu Shu Ba!

Born in the poorest mountainous area of western Effie, his parents died early, and he was raised by his grandfather who repaired shoes for a living.

Fortunately, God gave him a good brain and talent for cultivation.

Without any guidance, he had already cultivated to the peak of the third rank at the age of twenty-four.

His clever mind also allowed him to successfully pass the entrance exam to the Royal Military Academy and become a student of the Military Command Academy.

He was favored by General Burton and developed into a member of the "United Heart Society."

As soon as Finger joined the society, he quickly showed great loyalty and diligence, and was gradually regarded by General Burton as a core member.

Finger didn't think so much. Usually, even a wealthy household in the village could flaunt their power in front of him. Now, a general was actively extending an olive branch to him.

He had no hesitation and could only repay him with everything he had.

And now, he was about to face that small group of people at the very top of this country.

It was already a testament to Finger's outstanding psychological quality that he could remain calm and not faint from excitement.

"Finger, relax, don't embarrass our 'United Heart Society'!"

Not far away, a tall youth with a straight back, like a towering pine tree, spoke in a low voice.

Compared to the others, the tall youth seemed much calmer and more composed, quietly gazing ahead, his hands hanging down规矩 on both sides of his body. He had maintained the same posture since entering the room, like a statue.

Eric Burton, the president of the "United Heart Society."

Just looking at his surname, one could tell that his identity was unusual.

This person was a nephew of General Burton's family. Although the relationship was relatively distant, they were still blood relatives, and he happened to be studying at the Royal Military Academy.

After returning to the military academy to take up his post, General Burton immediately assessed this nephew and then handed over the "United Heart Society" to him to develop.

As a collateral member of the Burton family, Eric naturally spared no effort to fulfill General Burton's instructions. Eric's contribution to the current development scale of the "United Heart Society" cannot be overstated.

Finger responded nervously and asked:

"President, what do you think... what kind of big shots will we get to see today?"

A teasing female voice came from the side:

"Finger, if I told you that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen are waiting inside to summon you, would you faint from nervousness immediately?"

Several low chuckles immediately followed.

Finger's face also turned red.

The speaker was Lucia, a famous campus belle at the military academy.

Many people present had a crush on her, and Finger was naturally among them.

Eric coughed lightly, signaling everyone to be quiet, and then said in a low voice:

"I inquired indirectly yesterday, and the principal said he didn't know either.

He only told us to gather at the Earl's residence today.

You also saw just now that His Royal Highness the Prince has already arrived, but whether we will be able to see him later is another matter.

As for the King and Queen... have you been listening to too many third-rate stories fabricated by those wandering poets?

Are these the kind of figures that ordinary students like you and I can meet?

To be honest, even our Principal Burton... only received an audience with the late King when he followed Earl Middleton twenty years ago.

As for the current King, he hasn't had the chance to see him even once!"

Lucia stuck out her tongue and said:

"I was just saying it casually, teasing Finger."

Eric's expression remained blank, and he said lightly:

"Everyone is a comrade, a brother, so please don't make similar jokes in the future."

Lucia gave Eric a flirtatious look and asked in a soft voice:

"President, do you know what we've all been called here for this time?

Are we going to be assigned some kind of mission?"

Eric's eyes were very calm, and he said lightly:

"Lucia, we are students of the military academy, all active soldiers. Please maintain the most basic decency and attitude of a soldier."

Lucia rolled her eyes, went to Finger's side, bumped his shoulder, and said in a low voice:

"Silly boy, I heard that you're still repairing shoes for people every day?

Aren't you ashamed?"

Finger looked at the bright and beautiful Lucia with a strange gaze and said:

"What's shameful about me repairing shoes to earn living expenses and tuition fees?

Besides, everyone praises me for repairing shoes well. If you don't believe me, I'll help you repair your shoes next time they break, and let you see my craftsmanship."

At this moment, a strange voice interjected:

"Finger, do you want to repair shoes for Lucia, or take off her shoes?"

It was a slightly lewd joke, and the tense atmosphere in the living room immediately eased a lot.

Finger's face turned red again, and he said angrily:

"Hoffman, haven't I beaten you into submission last time?"

Hoffman immediately hid behind Eric and said flippantly:

"Just kidding, don't get so excited."

Lucia also looked displeased, glared at Hoffman fiercely, and then pinched Finger's arm hard, scolding in a low voice:

"Treating kindness as a donkey's liver and lungs, you're really a blockhead!"

Finger pursed his lips tightly, saying nothing.

He stood there like a black tower.

Eric shook his head slightly. He could clearly see that Lucia had some affection for Finger, but this kid was too used to being in the mountains and was too inferior.

He also had feelings for Lucia, but he just wouldn't give a clear response, silently burying this feeling in his heart.

After all, no matter how down on her luck Lucia was, her ancestors had generals, and now she was also a small baronet family, and her father was still a major staff officer in the army.

She and Finger, who was born into a poor commoner family, were not from the same world.

The gap between the two was too big.

Eric's sigh didn't last long before his whole body tensed up, and he said in a deep voice:

"Attention!"

The somewhat relaxed atmosphere instantly became tense, and everyone stood up straight.

Soon, General Burton strode in.

As soon as he entered, he said:

"Eric, Finger, Lucia, and Hoffman, the four of you come with me.

The rest of you, stand by!"

A trace of excitement appeared in their eyes. After giving a solemn salute, they followed General Burton out of the living room.

When they were about to arrive at the reception room, Burton suddenly stopped and instructed in a low voice:

"No matter what you see later, you must remain calm, understand?"

After speaking, before Eric and the others could react, he knocked on the door.

Just as Eric and the others were confused by these words, they heard a steady voice from inside the room:

"Come in!"

General Burton took the lead and strode in, with Eric and the others following closely behind with doubts.

As soon as they entered the room, several gazes shot towards them in unison.

Before Eric and the others could see who was in the room, General Burton in front shouted loudly:

"Your subordinate leads the students of the 106th class of the Royal Military Academy, Eric Burton, Finger Harvey, Lucia Crawford, Hoffman Charlie.

Greetings, Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, Special Envoy, Your Excellency Minister!"

A series of titles instantly stunned the four of them.

Your Majesty?

The four couldn't help but look up.

They found a tall and handsome young man sitting on the main seat not far away. His appearance was exactly the same as the portraits of the King and Queen on the calendars released by Effie every year.

The four of them trembled at the same time, and even Eric, who was usually calm, couldn't help but tremble slightly.

He glanced at Lucia, who was already frightened, and wanted to ask, Miss, your mouth is much more accurate than those charlatans from the Prophecy Church!

Good heavens, this was His Majesty the King!

The concept of divine right of kings was rooted in the hearts of these middle and lower class people.

For them, His Majesty the King was the eternally burning sun, the unwavering morning star, and the spokesperson of the gods.

They were actually able to receive an audience with His Majesty the King!

Almost everyone was about to faint from excitement.

At this time, Finger, who came from the lowest background, reacted the fastest and immediately knelt down on one knee and saluted deeply.

Eric followed closely behind, followed by Lucia and Hoffman.

Cohen raised his eyebrows slightly, looking at the dark-skinned, simple-looking young man who knelt down first.

His file also appeared in his mind.