In the courtyard of Princess Alice, currently, Ray, Alice, and Aries were playing tag. Ray was 'it' and was running toward Aries to catch her. In this game, none of them were allowed to use formations or cultivation, so they were simply running around. Since Aries was only twelve years old, she was also giggling and running. They had taken turns being "it" one at a time.
When they got bored of one game, Ray would introduce them to a new one, like rock, paper, and scissors. He had to teach them the rules, and they would play with joy. He even made Uno with papers, and they enjoyed it. They spent so many hours playing that it had already become dinner time.
Finally, when it was dinner time, Rena came back with the answer. Whether Ray would stay or not depended on her answer. Alice and Aries looked at her with expectant eyes, and on the other hand, Ray also had expectant eyes—but for the opposite answer of Alice and Aries.
Seeing all their expectant faces, Rena could only chuckle and say, "The answer is still uncertain. But the answer will be given in the dining hall, where the third concubine is waiting at her courtyard."
They all followed Rena to the third concubine's courtyard. It was quite a luxurious courtyard. It also had a powerful formation surrounding it. Ray was watching the formation for quite a while. Alice and Aries looked back at Ray, who was staring at the formation. They also came by his side and looked at it. But after some time, they couldn't understand anything, so they went inside the courtyard.
Upon entering, they saw that the Third Concubine was inside the dining hall, waiting for them. They all took their seats one by one when the Third Concubine gestured for them to do so.
The third concubine of King Daymond was also from the Ravenscroft family. Her name was Alicia Ravenscroft. She was the sister of Duke Alexander Ravenscroft. She was a beautiful lady wearing a blue dress with a gorgeous necklace. She had brown eyes and black hair that complemented her beauty. She had a beautiful oval face and looked at them with a graceful smile.
Ray could only sigh and wait for the verdict on whether he would be staying or not. They started to take their food one by one. When Ray took a bite and started to chew, Alicia asked, "Ray, I heard you were the one who gave some ideas concerning to the noble family."
Hearing that, Ray almost choked and started to cough. He drank some water while looking at Rena—and only she knew, other than Norris. Rena could only smile back. Ray sighed and said, "No, I was just having a conversation with Butler Norris, and he managed to find everything. He also reported to the king."
Alicia chuckled and said, "Don't be modest. I have already heard otherwise from Rena. I also heard that you are an inventor."
Ray shook his head and replied, "I want to become an inventor. I haven't yet."
Alicia then asked, "So your point of view is—when an inventor's inventions get stolen by the king, the inventor has the right to protest?"
Ray didn't speak this time and kept eating, looking down, as if the answer was already there. And that was the reason Ray didn't want to be friends with Alice or Aries. Ray just wanted to leave after eating dinner.
"So why did you give us the idea then? Why didn't you stay quiet and let the kingdom get taken over by the enemy inventors?" asked Alicia.
"Only one thing needs to be changed: I do not want people to die unnecessarily. Either the idea about the rights should be abolished and let the inventor get to sell, or..." Ray didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.
Alicia looked at Ray with narrowed eyes and said, "Or the king should be replaced."
"I didn't say anything," Ray replied, shrugging his shoulders.
Alice, Rena, and Aries were listening to their conversation and were shocked. The discussion had escalated so suddenly and seriously.
This time, Ray asked, "Tell me. Suppose someday Alice made an amazing formation and it spread to the great worldwide. And everyone from the opposing kingdoms asked for this formation's production and selling rights from you—what would you do? How would you feel?"
Alicia had no answer to give. She had an answer, but she wouldn't say it—because she would do the same as those exiled inventors and their men. She would want to fight back or take revenge if their invention was forcefully taken.
Ray shook his head and said, "Please get me a carriage ready. I want to go home."
Ray believed this rule should be removed—or the king should be changed. He didn't want to stay or even share a meal with them. He found it offensive. They had no idea that this idea had already caused trouble in their families. Two families were already involved. The next one could be his granduncle attacking grandfather and them, and that could be a devastating move. Ray hoped that the message he left for his grandmother had already been received and that they would be on alert.
Alicia said, "Your father is already here. Why don't you wait a little while before you go?"
Ray nodded and didn't say anything, continuing to eat slowly. The dining hall had become awkward. Alice also became downcast after hearing their conversation. She could no longer change Ray's decision to stay.
Alicia looked at her daughter and niece, who were quietly eating with upset faces. She looked at Rena and saw that she too was disappointed with the outcome. Instead of making friends with Ray, the conversation had only made things worse.
Alicia also noticed that the conversation she had with Ray felt like she was speaking to an adult instead of a child. She had been influenced by this kid to talk so seriously. She couldn't believe it. The more she looked at Ray, the more she thought Ray was a genius. And if she let Ray go this time, she would probably lose the chance to make friends with him again. And Ray would likely not befriend her daughter and niece anymore.
Ray would ignore Alice and Aries after today. She realized the conversation had taken a wrong turn, and she needed to make things right.
Taking a breath, Alicia softened her tone, "Why don't you stay with us, Ray? It seems my daughter and niece are very upset. They enjoyed your company, and it seems our conversation has made things worse."
Alice and Aries perked up, eyes turning to Ray with cautious hope.
Ray looked at Alicia and said, shaking his head, "The king won't allow it. He was giving me killing intent because he must be stressed, with all the assassins coming for Alice. I don't think I'm welcome here. You were there—you should have noticed it too."
Alicia chuckled hearing that. "The killing intention he gave you was definitely killing intent. But it wasn't for the assassin's reason. You're just six years old. Why would he give killing intent to a kid like you? He gave that killing intent because you were taking his favorite daughter's attention more than he was getting. So of course, he would give you a friendly killing intent for that—but not like an enemy. He is just jealous, you misunderstood."
Ray nodded lightly, thinking that if Alice were his own daughter and was being taken away by another boy, he might do the same. The mood he had toward the king lightened a bit—but just a bit. The earlier conversation had still worsened things.
Then Alicia said, "So you can stay here tonight. I will talk with Duke Robert and let him know that you are staying here."
Ray had unknowingly walked into a trap and didn't know when. Ray wanted to say something. "I—"
But before he could say anything, Alicia said, "I have already made the decision that you are going to stay. This is an order from me."
Ray looked at Alicia with a surprised look. He thought, 'Like mother, like daughter.'
Ray could only sigh and nod.
"Yay!" both Alice and Aries cheered at the decision.