Heiress Unmasked: Shaking the World With Geomancy novel Chapter 2118

Benjamin had reached out to gently pull Shannon forward the moment she came near.

Just as they were about to walk in together, a voice abruptly called out.

He turned slightly at the sound, but his hand never loosened its grip. Instead, he pulled her naturally to his side, and the two of them stood still.

In unison, they turned their heads toward the speaker, the courtier from the Ministry of Rites. Neither of them said a word, but their shared glance seemed to ask, "What exactly do you wish to say?"

Seeing the king and future queen standing shoulder to shoulder, both staring at him, the courtier suddenly found his voice stuck in his throat. For some reason, it felt as if he were being unreasonably difficult.

It was odd. Everyone said the king had just left the palace and met the Chosen One yesterday when the phoenix appeared in the skies. He'd been so moved by the fact that she could summon the phoenix that he'd issued a royal edict to crown her the queen on the spot.

Now, looking at the pair standing side by side, there was a palpable familiarity between them. It felt as though they'd known each other for a long time.

Still, after a moment of hesitation, the courtier from the Ministry of Rites mustered his courage to fulfill his professional duty. He stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, though the royal edict had been issued, Lady Ignis has not undergone the formal coronation ceremony.

"To see Your Majesty and not bow, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with Your Majesty violates proper ritual."

His voice had sounded trembling at first, but by the end, it had grown firm and unflinching.

The other courtiers subtly nodded. Yes, that was clearly improper.

Were they going to crown a different queen? Shouldn't Benjamin at least issue a clarification?

As the courtier looked hesitant, Benjamin's gaze darkened. He was ready to act and punish him as an example to warn the rest.

Just as he was about to speak, a soft pinch came from his palm. It was Shannon's signal not to go too far since they were using someone else's bodies.

Benjamin reined himself in and returned a soft squeeze to show he understood. Then, he swept his dark gaze across the gathered courtiers and said, "I issued a clear edict yesterday. The trueborn daughter of the Ignis family is the Chosen One selected by the phoenix and stands as my equal."

He turned his gaze to the offending courtier and instructed, "As the Minister of Rites, you disregarded my edict. You are to copy the 'Law of Ritual' a hundred times and hereby be demoted."