I took the portal to the Pallas Kingdom and found myself walking through the corridors alongside Myrcella Redhorah. As we passed, the knights and maids widened their eyes in shock before quickly bowing their heads with even more respect and reverence than before. My true identity had already spread everywhere, and Christina had likely confird everything. I was no longer seen as the Queen's niece but as the youngest son and Heir of the Kingdom. The fact that my face resembled my mother's and thus bore so likeness to Connor probably added to their shock.
"What was his na again?" I asked.
Myrcella, her face hidden behind a white mask, remained silent for a mont before replying. "Aslan Edenis Gabriel was leading the eting."
"Edenis Gabriel, huh?"
He belonged to the four great Edens, the Kings of Edenis Raphiel. He was also Miranda's uncle.
Aunt Olivia's face briefly flashed in my mind. She had sacrificed her own safety for the one she loved, and predictably, it didn't take long before she was targeted and killed by the Iris Project.
There was a reason why the Great Four Families of Edenis Raphiel stayed secluded on their island.
"Did he say anything about my mother's situation?" I asked.
"Lord Aslan said he will try to locate her," Myrcella answered.
"Tell Aslan to first think about a way to defend himself from . The next ti I see him, it won't be for greetings," I spat venomously.
"You are talking about a King of Edenis Raphiel and the Leader of Monarchs, Edward Falkrona," Myrcella warned, though there was no annoyance in her tone.
"And what? He couldn't even protect a eting between the highest nobles of this world. You earn respect from others, and I have none for that old man," I retorted, snorting.
Myrcella fell silent.
"Where's my sister?" I asked Blaire as soon as I saw her.
"I-I will lead you, Your Highness!" Blaire said, imdiately hurrying ahead.
"You've changed a lot since I last saw you, Edward Falkrona," Myrcella said, recalling the ti she saved during my fight against Pyres.
Pyres... That bastard responsible for Louisa's death. In the end, it all traces back to those Iris Project scum. Aunt Olivia, Louisa, and now my mother... I swear I will erase them from existence.
When I reached the doors, the two knights guarding them panicked at the sight of . Ignoring them, I swung the doors open.
Inside, the important nobles of the Kingdom were gathered, discussing matters with Christina, who still had swollen eyes but was diligently doing her job. Upon seeing , Christina's tired eyes lit up slightly. "Amael…"
"Everyone out. I need to talk with my sister," I ordered.
"Your Highness," they all greeted before leaving one by one.
In the end, only Christina, Myrcella, and I remained in the room. Christina silently put away the letters on her table.
She chuckled hollowly. "All letters from other nobles, offering their condolences."
"Tell them all to go to hell," I said, sitting down next to her.
Christina smiled a little. "You're so rash, little brother. I wonder what Connor would have said?"
I didn't like that. Seeing her so depressed made uncomfortably annoyed.
"Christina, what were you talking about?" I asked.
"You're aware that a war against Utopia is looming. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say Utopia against us," Christina corrected.
Of course, I was aware. It was a major event in the Second Ga, particularly the Second Part, which focused on the war against Utopia.
"You're thinking about what to do?" I asked her.
Christina nodded lightly. "Mother and I agreed to take part in the war, obviously. With the Holy Tree in danger, we couldn't just stay out of it, even though our Kingdom is strategically better positioned to avoid the conflict."
She was right. Utopia would attack from the sea, but Pallas was not a coastal kingdom. They would have to cross through other kingdoms to reach us. If we were truly self-centered, we could let the other kingdoms face Utopia's wrath and preserve our forces for the right mont.
"But now that mother is gone... We are keeping the news of her kidnapping from our people, but in case of war, her presence is needed. She's the Queen, and the reason our Kingdom is thriving today," Christina added.
She was right again. The Queen should be present to address the war and boost the knights' morale. Mother always led in tis of conflict. If we joined the war against Utopia, we would have to explain her absence, which would only cause more problems.
I personally intended to participate in the war. Everyone would be involved, and I needed to be there to ensure nothing deviated from what I had seen in the ga. But mother had disappeared.
"It's up to you, sister," I said.
"Amael…"
I stood up. "You know the Kingdom and its people better than I do. I will support whatever decision you make, even if you choose not to participate in the war. The choice is yours."
I reached out and pulled her into a comforting embrace.
"Y-Yes…" Christina sobbed, clutching my back tightly.
"Don't ever feel lonely, sister. As long as I am here, you will never be alone. Do whatever you feel is right, and I will support you as your younger brother," I said.
Christina looked up, stroking my face with teary eyes. "You look like Connor and speak just like Dad, don't you?"
I patted her hair before gently kissing her forehead. "Stay strong, sister. As you always have been and always will be."
"Hm." Christina nodded, and I stepped back.
Christina shifted her gaze to Myrcella and smiled. "Should we eat together, Myrcella? It's been a while."
Myrcella shook her head. "I... I have so work to do. Aslan called , but I promise I will co soon, Christina."
"I see…" Christina's eyes lowered slightly in sadness.
Myrcella nodded at and left.
"I'll leave you now, sister. Let's et at dinner," I said, turning to go but then rembered sothing and looked back. "Also, the Heads of the other Houses will probably beg you to join the war. Ignore those idiots."
Christina rolled her eyes and gently pushed . "Just leave, you idiot brother."
I smiled, leaving the room and following after Myrcella.
"Myrcella Redhorah."
Myrcella, who was hurrying ahead, stopped in her tracks.
"Are you in that much of a hurry to see daddy Aslan?" I asked with a scoff.
"It seems your character isn't the only thing that has changed in a year, Edward," Myrcella said, turning around.
"Do you know where my mother might be kept?" I asked, getting straight to the point.
I knew she was just planning to search the world to find my mother.
"No, but I will find her," Myrcella replied.
"How long will it take? A month? A year? Ten years? I guess you'll be just in ti for my sister's burial."
"You…" Myrcella's mask hid her face, but I knew she was glaring at .
"I know a way to find my mother," I said confidently.
"What? Are you telling the truth?" Myrcella asked, not believing at all.
"If I didn't have the ans to find my mother, I wouldn't be as calm as I appear right now," I said, narrowing my eyes.
I would have done sothing reckless if I didn't know that my father, no matter what he had beco, wouldn't kill my mother. Knowing I had so ti allowed to think carefully and rationally.
"Then what are you waiting for?" She asked, puzzled.
"I need so ti."
"We don't have—"
"We have ti. Whatever my father is planning won't kill my mother and will take ti. That ti will be enough for to find where she is. I need you with to take her back," I said.
"..."
"You can leave now if you want, but you will just waste your ti," I added without an ounce of doubt.
Myrcella clenched her fists. "What do you want to do?"
"Quite simple. Stay here with my sister until I find the way. You will have the entire palace to yourself. Isn't that great? Though I suppose not since you are a princess," I said, turning around.
But I soon stopped.
"One last thing."
"What?" Myrcella asked, waiting.
"You will have dinner with my sister."
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