Celine continued walking, her steps asured and graceful, but her eyes remained sharp, observing Vane from the corner of her vision.
Hmm...
He is different from the other heroes.
Unlike the summoned heroes under Supre Goddess Zeyrinda, Goddess Maekaria, or Goddess Rafazelia, Vane is the only one my unit has investigated who does not openly sleep with won or treat them as playthings. The only woman who has been consistently by his side is Fayna.
She glanced around, her eyes scanning the area.
But I don’t see Fayna now. Nor any of his party mbers.
Her thoughts sharpened.
That’s unusual. From what I’ve gathered, his girls rarely leave his side for long. At least one of them is always with him or watching from a distance, especially Fayna. She is practically his shadow.
For her to be absent now... especially when a royal visitor has arrived... is suspicious.
Is he hiding sothing? Or is he simply being cautious?
Celine’s fan swayed gently as she continued walking, her expression remaining composed.
Where is she? And why is he walking alone without any of his usual companions?
Celine’s fan fluttered gently as she tilted her head, her voice light but laced with subtle curiosity.
"I must admit, Sir Vane, I am rather surprised to see you unaccompanied. I had heard that your companions are rarely far from your side. Especially the young woman, Fayna, I believe her na was? I trust they are all in good health?"
Vane bowed his head slightly, a calm smile settling on his lips.
"Your Highness is most kind to inquire. I have sent them on a separate scouting mission to gather intelligence on our enemy, particularly regarding Armand. They are well-trained and capable, and I trust them to carry out their duties without issue."
Celine’s eyes sharpened behind her fan, her tone still casual but edged with subtle testing.
"I see. And was this mission also ordered by your Supre Leader, Julius? Or was it a decision made on your own initiative?"
Vane’s smile remained steady, but there was a flicker in his eyes, barely noticeable, before he replied.
"It was a decision made in accordance with our overall strategy, Your Highness. Supre Leader Julius has entrusted with the operational command here, and I deed it necessary to gather more information before the next phase."
Celine opened her mouth to continue, but Vane gently interjected, his tone respectful.
"Your Highness, if I may be so bold... you must be weary from your journey. I shall have the soldiers prepare the finest building in the camp for your stay. It was recently completed by the laborers and is far more comfortable than the older quarters. Please, forgive my rudeness for not noticing your fatigue sooner. I should have been more attentive to your comfort."
Celine caught the brief flicker of hatred in his eyes before he masked it, a subtle but telling sign.
She smiled behind her fan, her mind already turning.
So he is hiding sothing. And he does not like being questioned about Julius.
Well... that’s not my problem to dig into.
Celine glanced around, pretending to inspect the base further, her fan swaying gently as she continued her thoughts.
I know the reason for his hatred. Julius tried to force himself on Fayna. That alone would make any man despise him. And if Vane hates Julius, then he won’t be too careful around , nor will he question my presence too deeply. That works in my favor.
She turned her gaze back to Vane, her voice calm and asured.
"I appreciate your concern for my comfort, Sir Vane, but I am not yet fatigued. My father, the King, sent here to personally assess the progress of our operations and receive a detailed update on the current mission. He has been providing substantial funding for this campaign, and he wishes to ensure that his resources are being put to good use. I trust you understand."
Vane forced himself to remain calm, his expression composed as he nodded.
"Of course, Your Highness. I have all the reports and docuntation ready for your inspection. Everything is organized and available at your convenience."
He turned to the captain, his voice firm. "Captain, prepare the finest building for Her Highness and her escorts. Ensure everything is to her satisfaction."
"Yes, Sir Vane!" The captain saluted, along with the soldiers, before they took three steps back and departed.
Vane turned back to Celine, gesturing respectfully toward his office building with one hand, the other resting behind his back.
"If you would follow , Your Highness, I shall present the reports for your review."
While walking, Vane kept a subtle watch on Celine from the corner of his eye, maintaining a calm, almost bored tone as he discussed the base’s progress.
"The supply lines have been stabilized, and morale among the troops is improving. We’ve also begun constructing additional fortifications along the eastern periter. It’s a slow process, but necessary."
He paused, his tone shifting slightly, as if making casual conversation.
"Speaking of progress, what are your thoughts on our Supre Leader, Julius? I’ve heard he’s quite popular among the nobility and the other heroes. I imagine you’ve had the chance to et him?"
He watched her carefully, noting the slightest flicker in her expression.
For just a mont, Celine’s eyes tightened, a flash of disgust and hatred crossing her face before she masked it with a polite smile.
"I don’t think much of him, to be honest. He is your Supre Leader, and I respect his position, but beyond that, I have no strong opinions."
Vane’s mind sharpened.
So she was not sent by Julius to investigate . She doesn’t know about my plans. And she clearly despises him as much as I do.
This ans she doesn’t know about my plans. She’s not here to expose .
But still... I have to be careful around everyone. Trusting soone based on a single glance is how people get caught. She could still be a threat to my plan. I can’t let my guard down.
He kept his expression neutral, nodding slightly.
"Of course, Your Highness. I understand."
( End Of Chapter )
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