The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Alfred lowered his gaze, exhaustion etched deeply into his features. “This is the last extension I could manage,” he said quietly, his voice heavy with resignation.

Suddenly, he reached out and grasped Charles’ hand firmly. “Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for Hudson to assist you discreetly,” he continued, a flicker of hope in his tired eyes. “I’ve heard that Maxwell leads the Free Combat Club at school. He must be formidable. Hannah and Nova are both capable as well. Let all three of them take the test.”

Alfred’s voice grew grave. “If control of the family falls into their hands, they won’t be able to handle the underground factions or the international terrorist groups. If that happens, it will be the end of our family.”

His gaze became distant, as though he could already see the family’s downfall unfolding before him. The nearly eighty-year-old man trembled slightly, his eyes hollow and filled with a desperate kind of sorrow.

His eyes then shifted to the silent figure of Ghost-Hammer standing nearby. Like most of the main family members, Alfred assumed this was Nova’s personal bodyguard.

In his mind, Alfred thought, ‘Only a handful within the entire Blake Security Group could have subdued Harvey so effortlessly. This Ghost-Hammer must be extraordinary.’

A hint of regret crept into Alfred’s voice. “What a shame. He’s not one of us. He can’t take part in the ‘Ultimate Test.’”

Indeed, Ghost-Hammer was barred from participating, let alone ascending to the position of family head.

“Why should we simply accept your arrangement?” Hannah challenged sharply. “When my father was driven out, who stood by him?”

Maxwell, with quiet determination, declared, “I will follow my father’s decision.”

Ghost-Hammer said nothing.

Charles felt the weight of duty pressing on him, yet he understood the gravity of allowing his three children to enter the test.

They would be pitted against the family’s most brilliant combat prodigies, seasoned professional bodyguards, and young fighters trained in the ruthless international underground circuits — including a genius ranked 2099th on the mercenary leaderboard.

One wrong move could mean death. The thought silenced Charles, filling him with dread.

Just as the room settled into a heavy silence, a sudden voice cut through the stillness. “Is there payment involved?”

The unexpected question startled everyone. Without looking, they all knew it was Nova.

Except for Ghost-Hammer, who understood her style well, Maxwell, Hannah, Charles, and Alfred stared at her in stunned disbelief. No one spoke.

Hannah gave Nova a sharp glare, as if she had betrayed them. “Why are you asking about money? Now, of all times? How could there be payment?”

She was baffled, thinking to herself, ‘Do people who’ve been through battle really become this strange?’

Ignoring Hannah’s question, Nova turned to Alfred and said plainly, “If there’s pay, I’m in.” She lived by the mercenary’s first rule — money is king.

Though Alfred had intended for Hudson to assist Charles’ children discreetly during the test, his true hopes rested on Maxwell. He held little expectation for Nova.

Having researched Nova’s background and knowing she had been separated from the family as a child, Alfred said solemnly, “The position of family head represents control over wealth. If you win, all the family’s assets will be yours.”

A faint, confident smile curved Nova’s lips, a smile that suggested she already had everything under control. “Then it’s settled.”

Beside her, Ghost-Hammer thought silently, ‘No target Nova sets her sights on ever escapes. The Blake family is in serious trouble.’

“If Nova’s going, then so am I,” Maxwell declared firmly. “These people are dangerous. I won’t let her face them alone.”

It was Arthur Blake — twenty-four years old, the main family’s prodigy, ranked 2099th on the international mercenary leaderboard.

Walking beside Arthur was a towering Zoriaien, over six feet tall and powerfully built.

Those familiar with the scene immediately buzzed with whispered conversations. “See? The strong only associate with the strong. Look at the guy beside Arthur.”

“Who is that?”

“Bet you haven’t heard. He’s a top expert ranked within the top 2000 on the international mercenary leaderboard.”

“This is what they call ‘strong allies with strong.’ Arthur’s crazy strong, so he can hang with the elite. Together, they form a real power alliance.”

In contrast, some glanced disdainfully at Nova. “No idea how that worthless daughter who was kicked out has the nerve to come back.”

“And she dares to join the ‘Ultimate Test’? Is she asking for a beating?”

“Look at her — she’s copying Arthur by bringing a big guy along. What a joke!”

“Compared to Arthur, she’s just a loser.”

As the crowd mocked Nova, none noticed the legendary top-2000 elite’s eyes widen in shock when he spotted Nova and Ghost-Hammer among the participants.

Suddenly, as if confronted by something terrifying, he dropped to his knees before Nova and Ghost-Hammer, trembling uncontrollably.