Chapter 558 Silently Solidifying Their Strength

Chapter 558: Chapter 558 Silently Solidifying Their Strength

Since the two had already spoken, Levi chose not to add more words of his own. Anything further would only sound repetitive. Instead, he simply bowed alongside them, expressing his gratitude and respect through his actions alone.

His posture was humble, almost impeccably restrained, showing complete reverence toward the royal family. Even after becoming one of Princess Addison’s fated mates, he made it clear that he had not allowed the position to inflate his ego or make him forget his place.

And perhaps, out of the three men, Levi was the most conscious of that distinction.

Unlike Zion and Maxwell, who were both powerful Alphas capable of offering territories, armies, and political influence, Levi possessed no such background. What he had to offer was only himself — his loyalty, abilities, and unwavering devotion.

So in his mind, knowing his place was necessary, even if others might see such humility as lowering himself. Because to Levi, actions carried far more sincerity than empty words ever could.

"Good! Good! Good!" the Alpha King boomed with hearty laughter, his deep voice echoing throughout the palace entrance. "You all performed excellently during the mission in the West. Not only this King, but the entire kingdom is grateful that you prevented calamity from descending upon our people."

His gaze swept warmly over Addison and her three fated mates before he continued, his expression softening with unmistakable pride.

"Now then, let us put aside formalities. We are family, after all. Come, let us head to the banquet hall and celebrate this joyous occasion properly. Such honor and recognition are what all of you deserve." His eyes lingered meaningfully on the three men beside Addison.

"Especially the three of you. Even though you were not originally part of the mission, you still chose to accompany my daughter and lend her your strength. The success of this mission clearly would not have been possible without your contribution."

Then the Alpha King laughed again, this time carrying the warmth of a satisfied father rather than a ruler.

"As a future father-in-law, there is nothing that could make me happier than seeing this."

His words were spoken openly before the gathered nobles, royal officials, and countless citizens who had come to witness Addison’s return.

And that openness was intentional.

Although rumors and reports of what happened in the West had already spread throughout the kingdom, it carried a completely different weight when the Alpha King himself publicly acknowledged their achievements.

By praising Addison and her fated mates before everyone, he was not only rewarding them, but he was strengthening Addison’s standing in the hearts of the people, solidifying her reputation as a capable future ruler worthy of loyalty and admiration.

That was precisely why he had personally come to welcome them at the palace entrance instead of waiting formally in the throne room for their report.

This was not merely a reunion.

It was a declaration to the entire kingdom.

By personally waiting at the entrance of the Royal Palace instead of remaining seated upon the throne, the Alpha King was accomplishing far more than simply welcoming his daughter home.

To the citizens, it made him appear benevolent, approachable, and humble despite his status as ruler. And in times like these, when countless forces had already begun moving in the shadows, strengthening the royal family’s image among the masses was just as important as strengthening military power.

Because loyalty from the people was also a form of power.

As long as the citizens stood firmly behind the crown, then their support could eventually be transformed into another force capable of helping the Alpha King resist aggressors and traitors alike when the time came.

True, ordinary citizens were nowhere near as powerful as nobles, Alphas, or trained warriors, but numbers themselves could still become terrifying.

After all, even an army of ants could one day bring down an elephant.

And perhaps that was exactly what their enemies had overlooked.

Many of those plotting in the dark likely focused only on noble factions, military strength, and territorial influence while underestimating the importance of public support. Yet the Alpha King clearly intended to make use of the masses themselves if necessary, and when that moment finally came, the overwhelming loyalty of the people might very well become the element of surprise that shattered his enemies’ expectations.

"Alright..." Addison replied softly, smiling sweetly at her parents as she agreed to move the celebration to the banquet hall.

Though she clearly understood the deeper intention behind her father’s public actions, she made no attempt to stop him. On the contrary, she chose to support him fully.

Before leaving, Addison turned toward the gathered citizens and nobles once more. Then, with graceful composure, she lowered herself into a gentle bow, showing sincere respect toward the people who had come to welcome her return.

"Everyone," she began warmly, her voice carrying clearly through the crowd, "thank you for coming here today and showing me such love and respect. Truly... it makes me very happy."

Her gaze softened as she looked over the countless familiar and unfamiliar faces before her.

"But protecting our people and working for the kingdom’s future is my responsibility," she continued steadily. "So please rest assured that I will continue doing my best to ensure that our lives only become better from now on."

The moment her words fell, the atmosphere around the palace entrance seemed to grow even warmer, the people’s admiration toward her deepening once more.

"Yes," the Queen spoke next with a gentle, graceful smile. "To celebrate the Princess’s successful return and her contribution in saving the Western Territory from falling to the Locust Swarm, the royal family has also prepared gifts for everyone. Please line up properly to receive them, and afterward, enjoy the day and celebrate alongside us."

Even as she addressed the crowd warmly, her calm voice simultaneously echoed through the minds of her subordinates through the mindlink.

"Everyone, begin moving."

Almost immediately, servants from the Royal Palace began appearing one after another, pulling large carts heavily loaded with supplies.

The moment the first cart stopped near the palace entrance, the servants swiftly got to work. Male servants maneuvered the carts into position while female attendants moved efficiently beside them, pulling baskets from the back before carefully filling them with portions for each citizen.

Inside every basket were necessities like fresh baguettes, smoked bacon, one-kilogram sacks of rice and flour, small bottles of oil, dried fruits, preserved vegetables, and other food supplies.

It was not merely symbolic generosity.

The royal family was truly sharing resources with the people.

Addison turned back briefly and watched the scene unfold as servants distributed the goods one basket at a time. Soon, however, she was gently ushered farther inside the palace alongside the Alpha King and Queen while waves of grateful citizens bowed repeatedly toward the royal family, their faces filled with excitement and sincere appreciation.

The atmosphere buzzed with joy and admiration.

Yet not everyone looked pleased.

Behind the royal family, the nobles following into the palace wore varying expressions. Some genuinely appeared content and supportive, their smiles natural and relaxed. Others, however, looked as though they had swallowed something rotten whole.

Several struggled to maintain their composure, their stiff expressions betraying the discomfort and displeasure they felt watching the royal family win over the hearts of the masses so effortlessly.