Knock Knock
Just as Igni ntioned, Kael heard a knock on his door.
"Coming."
Kael opened the door, and the mont his eyes fell on the Stormhold siblings, he was surprised.
"Hmm? Why are you two here?"
However, instead of answering his question, the siblings just walked into the room and made themselves comfortable on Kael's bed.
"Do I owe you so debt or sothing?"
Kael questioned as he closed the door.
"Oh, co on, stop acting like a stranger~
You defended so bravely in front of that old hag today. You even protected from that beast's attack. Why are you acting like a tsundere now?
I already know you have a crush on ~"
Elira smiled brightly.
"You overestimate yourself, woman."
Kael quickly waved his hand, dismissing the absurd notion.
"Did you forget I can see people's age? I just called you young for the sake of it. In truth, you should know you are ancient. 28 is already nearing dea-"
Flicker
"It is not wise to speak more than required, Dear Hero~"
Elira's smile brightened even further, her eyes, however, weren't smiling one bit.
"…"
Kael, very intelligently, closed his mouth.
"Alright, stop joking around. We do not have ti."
Arlan spoke with a solemn look on his face, sothing that made Kael frown.
"The hell happened to him?"
He questioned as he glanced at Elira.
"It's about what happened today."
Elira spoke. The mage had already ford a sound barrier around them.
"What do you an?"
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"The reason why the guest list was changed at the last minute—we think soone did it on purpose, and we… might know who that soone is."
Elira answered, and Kael stared at the woman.
"Who is it?"
"The King."
Elira revealed and Kael frowned in confusion.
"Didn't you say the King was an ally?"
"He is."
Elira nodded.
"I just think there's a reason he invited everyone to the party so suddenly."
"What are you trying to say?"
"Usually, in such gatherings, a formal invitation is sent to the guests at least a month before. The guests then answer back with a list of guests who will appear, and only once the host accepts the guest list does the invitation finally get accepted and the guests join the gathering.
It's sothing done to ensure that there are no odd elents in the gathering that disrupt its flow. And in cases where the invitations are sent urgently…
This is nothing more than inviting trouble since the guests could send anyone they want as guests."
"Basically, Tower Head Selene is known for her behavior and usually isn't invited to such gatherings. However, the King sending the invitation last minute allowed Xenthalor to send her without appearing rude."
Elira tried completing her brother's words. However, the instant she saw Kael's lost expression, she quickly shook her hand and said,
"Just know that that old hag is known for her sharp tongue that creates trouble everywhere she goes. Soone like that isn't usually appreciated in gatherings, but this ti…
The King might have sent the last-minute invitation on purpose because he wanted soone like her to be here."
The Court Mage simplified.
"Why would he do that?"
Kael questioned with a frown, even more confused.
"Why do you think?"
Elira questioned back, and Kael started thinking.
What good ca out of Selene coming to the part-
Kael's expression changed.
"Is it… the Princess?"
He spoke, and Elira's smile widened.
"Exactly."
She nodded.
"He wanted a blabbermouth like her here so he could sohow bring the Princess's matter to light and let the Hero know about it.
This is probably also the reason why he arranged a eting with you tomorrow.
The King is finally making his move in order to protect his daughter."
Elira spoke excitedly.
Clearly, this was very important for her.
"Are you saying the King already knew what was going to happen today?"
Kael questioned. Honestly, throughout the event, it felt like they were following Selene's whims. Everything went perfectly for her.
She not only sowed seeds of doubt in the Hero's mind, but she also showed Xenthalor's might and confused the entire world about what was right and what was wrong.
If… the King really predicted all that, then…
Arlan, however, shook his head.
"That's not the case. The gathering today was indeed Xenthalor's victory. They ca prepared, and they got what they wanted. There's no denying it.
That is an entirely different matter that will be discussed at another ti. Our focus is currently on what little victory we achieved."
"Lavinia…"
Kael muttered, and the Commander nodded.
"The King was just expecting soone to ntion the taboo. It didn't matter who, and the fact that it was Selene doesn't change anything."
"That is correct."
Elira nodded, she then stared at Kael and said,
"You need to make sure you ask about her when you et him tomorrow. If possible, try to get Lavinia's na out of his mouth."
The Mage then took out a bundle of papers from her sanctuary and passed it to Kael.
"I've written down a few ways you can get that na out of his mouth. These are all the things you should know without raising any suspicions. I've also written down a few probable ways as to how the conversation would go.
If the King really wishes for you to know about the Princess, he should say sothing along the lines of what I've written down.
It is highly likely that the Crown Prince will be there too, so you need to be careful."
Kael took the bundle Elira passed to him, sowhat overwheld by her preparation. But the mont the Crown Prince's na ca out of her mouth, his expression changed.
"Do you… really think the Crown Prince is the enemy…?"
He questioned after a slight hesitation, and it wasn't just him. Even Arlan and Elira's reaction to that question was stronger than what Kael expected.
After all, the siblings didn't miss what the Crown Prince did today.
He practically saved Elira by putting his life on the line.
Was that man really an enemy…?
Honestly, the siblings weren't sure either. For now, however,
"We just need to focus on getting Lavinia's na out of the King's mouth. Whoever the enemy is, we will find him soon enough. But our priority right now is to save the Princess."
Elira answered, and Kael nodded in understanding.
There was indeed no other way out.
There were simply too many questions and too few answers to say anything for certain.
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