Tina knocked three precise times on G6's bedroom door. Beside her, Lilia carried the morning tea tray with both hands.
"I wonder if Lady Reise is awake," the child whispered.
"She should be. Unless she's drunk."
Tina turned the knob and entered, then stopped when the bed came into view beneath the soft morning light.
G6 was still asleep. She lay on her front with one arm partly beneath the pillow and her face turned toward the window.
The position looked uncomfortable until Tina remembered how carefully she had moved the previous evening, stiff beneath clothing that covered her from neck to wrist.
"She's still asleep," Lilia murmured.
Tina approached the bed. Her first suspicion had been alcohol, but the sight of her mistress's face quickly displaced it.
The cosmetics from the previous night were gone, leaving the faint purple bruise near the corner of her mouth exposed.
"Lady Reise."
When she received no response, Tina leaned closer.
"Lady Reise!"
G6 stirred without opening her eyes. One hand emerged from beneath the covers and swatted vaguely toward the sound near her ear, exposing part of her forearm.
Lilia gasped at the fine scratches crossing the pale skin and the reddish bruises beneath them.
"Tina… her arm."
Tina's expression tightened. She had suspected the coat and gloves were hiding something; now the injuries confirmed it.
"Lady Reise? Can you hear me?"
G6 groaned into the pillow.
"What time is it?"
"It's already a quarter to seven, Lady Reise."
She shifted onto her side, only for pain along her back to draw an irritated sound from her throat. Her eyes opened to find both maids staring.
What? It's so early for drama—ugh, shit. My bruises.
G6 took a moment to assess herself. The soreness remained, particularly across her ribs and back, but it had eased considerably since the previous evening.
That tonic worked better than I expected.
The taste had been awful. Apparently, Alistair had compensated with results.
"What exactly are you and Edmund doing at the Utility Magic Department, Lady Reise?"
Tina crossed her arms as G6 pushed herself upright.
"I missed days of training. So, after I completed some tasks, I asked Edmund to spar with me in the backyard of the Utility Magic Department."
"And you pushed too hard?"
"I told Edmund not to hold back."
That part, at least, was not entirely fabricated. Tina's concern hardened into irritation.
"And he didn't?"
G6 regarded her for a moment. Apparently, Edmund's peaceful morning was already doomed.
"Can you draw me a warm bath? No fancy petals. Just warm water. We'll be late for that witch's summons."
Tina inhaled slowly through her nose.
"Understood. And please watch how you address Her Majesty."
She turned toward the bathroom, the sharpness of her movements suggesting that Edmund had acquired a problem without yet knowing it. Lilia stepped closer and offered G6 the tea.
"Here, Lady Reise. It's still warm."
"I need water first."
"Oh!"
Lilia hurried to the table, set down the cup, and reached for the pitcher. By the time she turned around, G6 was already approaching. Her measured steps concealed most of the discomfort, though not enough to escape the child's worried glance.
"Lady Reise."
Lilia quickly handed her the glass. G6 drank before looking toward the bathroom.
"Ah, I'll be wearing my coat and gloves again today."
"There is no need to worry about your garments," Tina called back. "They are already clean and dried."
After a brief pause, she added, "However, perhaps a gown with longer sleeves would be more appropriate for a royal meeting. The bruising on your arms is rather noticeable."
"That's the purpose of the coat, smarty."
There's no way I'd wear those pastels again.
Tina appeared in the bathroom doorway and gave her a look. G6 ignored it as Lilia settled beside her.
"Lady Reise…"
The child's voice had grown quiet.
"You promised you would take care of yourself."
G6 lowered the water and picked up her tea instead.
"Lilia. Pain is part of growth. You'll never grow if you don't understand the consequences of failure."
She delivered the explanation simply. To G6, it was obvious: failure hurt, sometimes physically and sometimes permanently. Learning that early kept people alive.
Lilia saw only the fading bruises across her mistress's skin, and her expression fell.
From the doorway, Tina watched them. The answer no longer surprised her, which was perhaps the most unsettling part.
The Reise she had known would have complained endlessly over a bruise. This Reise treated injury as information to learn from and a mistake to prevent next time.
"The bath is ready," Tina said at last. "Take it now. We will prepare your clothes and a light breakfast. Lady Brenda sent word that everyone understands there will be no proper breakfast together this morning. You are all expected to leave early."
"Good."
G6 finished her tea and stood. Before closing the bathroom door, she glanced back to find Tina still examining her injuries.
Once the door shut, Lilia turned toward the older maid.
"Do you think Edmund really did that?"
"I intend to ask him."
Tina's narrowed eyes made Lilia swallow.
"Should I warn him?"
"No."
Tina adjusted her glasses.
"Come. We need Lady Reise's clothes."
Lilia followed, but Tina stopped before they reached the door.
"And ask Janin for an ointment."
"Yes, Miss Tina."
They left together.
❈.❈.❈
When G6 emerged from the bathroom, the bedroom was empty. The bed had been made, but her clothes were not yet laid out.
"They haven't come back yet?"
She approached the full-length mirror while drying her hair, then paused.
"Let's see how good Alistair's Utility Magic in cooking and herbal tonic-making really is."
G6 loosened her robe enough to inspect her back. The deep purple bruising had already begun fading toward yellow and green, and much of the swelling had subsided.
She touched the edge of one bruise, finding it tender but far better than it should have been after a single night.
A satisfied smirk appeared.
Not bad, old fart.
A knock drew her attention toward the door. She secured the robe again.
"Come in."
Edmund entered and bowed.
"Good morning, Lady Reise."
Faint shadows beneath his eyes caught her attention immediately.
"Ah. Right. Tina might try to kill you."
"Pardon?"
G6 sat at the vanity and picked up her comb.
"She saw the bruises and scratches on my arms. I told her we had a sparring session and you didn't hold back."
Edmund stared, then slowly closed his eyes.
"I see."
The exhaustion in his voice suggested that Tina might nevertheless be the smallest problem of his morning. G6 studied him through the mirror.
"You look terrible."
"I spent most of the night in the Collegium Library."
Her comb stopped. Edmund stepped farther into the room and lowered his voice.
"I searched every record I could access concerning the markings on that paper."
"And?"
"The script strongly resembles surviving records associated with the Charnel Land."
G6 turned slightly.
"You're sure?"
"As certain as those records allow me to be. The writing structure, repeated symbols, and several preserved examples are consistent."
He frowned.
"But that is unfortunately where certainty ends."
"Were you able to decipher it?"
"No. The surviving texts are incomplete. Most discuss the writing academically or historically, but none contain anything close to a functional translation system."
His frustration was evident.
"So we know where the writing probably comes from," G6 said.
"Or at least what body of writing it belongs to."
"But not what the damn thing says."
"Precisely."
"Useful."
Her tone suggested the opposite as she resumed combing her hair. Edmund hesitated before continuing.
"There was another complication. The restricted materials I needed kept me in the library much longer than expected. And because the Cryomancy volume you asked about is stored under separate restriction, I could not remove it for you."
"Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it myself."
Edmund looked at her but did not question the statement. He had learned enough to recognize that particular tone.
G6's gaze moved briefly toward the drawer where she had stored the black paper before sleeping.
"How much does Alistair know?"
"About yesterday?"
"About what we're actually doing."
Understanding crossed Edmund's expression.
"Nothing specific."
G6 watched him through the mirror, waiting.
"He suspects your activities in the Utility Magic Department are not limited to domestic applications."
"Obviously."
"He has seen the rate at which your physical condition has been changing. He also knows I have been accompanying you regularly."
Edmund sighed.
"Alistair is not a foolish man. He suspects you are pursuing far more demanding training than you openly admit."
"But he doesn't know about the Guild."
"No."
"The forest?"
"No."
"The paper?"
"Absolutely not."
"Good."
G6 nodded just as two figures appeared in the mirror behind him. She recognized Tina's expression immediately.
"Oh."
Edmund turned, and his face fell.
Tina stood in the doorway carrying G6's garments. Lilia waited beside her with a small plate and a jar.
"Put that down," G6 instructed. "All of you, wait for me downstairs."
Tina entered with a perfectly polite expression that somehow made the situation worse. She arranged the clothes neatly across the bed before facing Edmund.
"Edmund."
"Tina."
He straightened.
"We will talk on our way down."
Her calm delivery left him looking as though he regretted every decision that had brought him here. Lilia hurried forward before the silence could become fatal.
"Lady Reise! It's only a sandwich. Alistair said bread would be best since everyone is rushing this morning."
She placed the plate on the table, then held up the jar.
"And Janin gave us this ointment. Please use it."
G6 looked from the jar to the child's hopeful face. Her silence seemed sufficient for Lilia, who set it beside the plate.
"Tina and I will wait downstairs."
"His Highness and the others are already preparing to leave," Tina added.
Her attention returned to Edmund.
"Come."
"If you will excuse me, Lady Reise."
Edmund bowed.
"Good luck."
His head snapped up at G6's reply, and the corner of her mouth twitched. Tina marched out with Edmund following and Lilia hurrying behind them.
Once the door closed, G6 looked at the sandwich and ointment before glancing toward the hallway. A faint smirk returned.
Poor bastard.
❈.❈.❈
By the time G6 descended the West Villa's grand staircase, everyone else was waiting.
Prince Dio stood near the entrance speaking quietly with Lord Earl.
Lord Keith leaned against a wall with the enthusiasm of someone who deeply resented being functional before noon, while Lady Brenda sat nearby, already dressed for the royal meeting. Miss Eliza occupied another chair with an attendant standing several paces behind her.
Edmund waited beside Tina near the entryway. He had survived, though his expression suggested the experience had been unpleasant. Lilia lingered nearby, looking suspiciously pleased with herself.
"My Reise."
Lord Keith noticed G6 first, his boredom disappearing as she reached the final steps. She continued walking.
"Good morning, Lady Reise."
Lady Brenda rose, her gaze moving immediately toward the black coat and gloves.
"You really do look good in dark colors."
"Obviously."
G6 offered her a faint smile. Miss Eliza stood as well.
"Good morning, Lady Reise."
She received a short nod.
Prince Dio had stopped speaking to Lord Earl. His attention lingered on G6 as he tried once again to reconcile the woman before him with the Reise he remembered.
Every new appearance reinforced how drastically she had changed and how little he could predict her.
G6 surveyed the waiting group.
"It's already late. Are we not leaving?"
"We have enough time, but not much," Lord Earl answered, adjusting his glasses. "There is one issue."
"What?"
"The Collegium transfer point has a limited capacity per activation. You may bring one attendant through with you. Zen and my elder brother are already waiting there."
"What? It can't carry more people? Why invent a useless thing?"
"It's not useless merely because it inconveniences you," Lord Keith remarked with a snort.
G6 ignored him.
"The activation can accommodate ten at most," Lord Earl continued, "and there is a cooldown before it may be used again. With everyone already expected at the Main Palace before eight, splitting the group would risk delaying someone."
G6 considered those around her.
"Then, I'll bring Edmund."
Tina turned immediately.
"Why not bring me this time, Lady Reise? Edmund is always with you anyway."
"That is true," Prince Dio said, glancing toward the butler.
Lord Keith slowly turned toward him, a grin spreading across his face.
"Someone's jealous."
Prince Dio stepped on his foot.
"Ow! You crazy—!"
Lord Keith hopped backward, but the Prince had already returned his attention to G6. She looked from him to Tina.
"Tina, I understand your concern. But you'll stay here with Lilia. Edmund comes with me."
Tina's mouth tightened, though the decision left no room for debate.
Edmund knew about the paper, their Guild operation, the forest, and every other problem currently surrounding G6. Tina knew some things, but nowhere near enough to replace him for this.
She exhaled and turned toward the butler.
"Edmund. Remember what I said."
"I understand. Such a thing will never happen again."
The pained assurance was followed by a bow toward Prince Dio.
"And Your Highness, please do not think poorly of me. I am merely the nearest and most capable aide available to Lady Reise."
The Prince's expression did not improve.
"Don't mind that opportunist, Edmund," G6 said.
Prince Dio stared at her.
Opportunist? What did that mean? he wondered.
G6 turned toward the exit, then paused.
"Tina. Lilia."
Both looked up.
"You can take the carriage and tag along. You won't make the first transfer anyway. Head directly toward the Main Palace and meet us there when you can."
Their faces brightened as she waved them toward the door.
"Hurry."
"Yes, Lady Reise."
Lilia nodded enthusiastically beside Tina. The two maids headed for the carriage court while the group bound for the Collegium took the secured path behind the villa.
The morning air remained cool. Lady Brenda walked beside G6, and Lord Keith had somehow inserted himself on her other side. Prince Dio and Lord Earl followed only a few steps behind, while Edmund and Miss Eliza's attendant maintained a respectful distance.
"Why don't you have a personal aide with you, Brenda?"
Lady Brenda looked mildly surprised.
"I manage perfectly well on my own. Besides, Janin already takes care of most of my needs at the Villa."
"Hmm. So not entirely pampered."
"I wasn't implying that you are pampered."
G6 glanced toward her, and Lady Brenda immediately became defensive.
"Having three servants around you is perfectly reasonable considering your position."
Only then did G6 seem to consider how frequently Tina, Lilia, and Edmund accompanied her.
"Ah. It's not that I'm keeping them with me because I need them."
She shrugged.
"They're just attached to me."
"So you're saying Edmund is attached to you?" Lord Keith asked, leaning closer.
Behind them, Edmund nearly missed a step.
"Come to think of it," Lord Earl added, "I heard Alistair was furious when Edmund disappeared after you initially dismissed him."
Prince Dio turned toward the butler.
"Edmund, are you attached to your lady?"
Lord Keith covered his mouth, failing to conceal his amusement. Edmund cleared his throat.
"You could say I am fond of Lady Reise, Your Highness. My loyalty is rooted in deep gratitude toward House Worthon."
The answer was smooth, diplomatic, and carefully devoid of anything that mattered.
That smooth liar.
Just tell them you sneaked out when they thought you were sulking.
"See? Don't harass him, Dio," Lord Keith said.
Prince Dio regarded him coldly.
"Why are you standing beside her?"
Lord Keith blinked and looked down at his position next to G6.
"Because I walked here."
Lady Brenda snorted. Prince Dio ignored the answer, but G6 glanced over her shoulder.
"I'd rather have this water gun beside me than someone who grabs opportunities when they see a blind spot."
His expression changed again. He still could not understand what she was accusing him of, while G6 faced forward with a small measure of satisfaction beneath her irritation.
"Is it… all right that I brought an attendant?" Miss Eliza asked from slightly behind.
"Of course," Lord Earl replied. "She was assigned to help you adjust to palace life."
"I simply feel somewhat awkward. Except for Lady Reise, none of you normally bring personal attendants."
"As I said, most of what I need is already handled at the Villa," Lady Brenda answered with a smile.
"Same," Lord Keith added.
Prince Dio offered no comment. G6 looked back once to find Miss Eliza apparently reassured by Lord Earl's response, and the conversation moved no further.
They reached the Royal Collegium shortly before eight and made their way through the secured grounds toward the library section.
A restricted transfer chamber had been prepared there, with Lord Zen and Lord Jester already waiting.
"Brother."
Lord Jester greeted Lord Earl, who acknowledged him with a nod. Beside them, Lord Zen bowed toward Prince Dio.
"Good morning, Your Highness."
"Good morning."
"Seven-fifty," Lord Jester said, checking the nearby timepiece. "We should proceed."
He approached a massive framed painting covering much of the chamber's rear wall. It depicted an old battlefield, but G6's closer inspection suggested that its purpose extended beyond decoration.
Lord Jester produced his Professional Card and pressed it against the lower edge of the gilded frame. Mana responded immediately, and G6 felt a substantial amount pass through him into the activation system.
Same weakness Edmund explained.
Teleportation was fast and useful, but the person activating it still paid the cost.
Reddish light spread over the painting. The battlefield distorted until its center opened into a luminous passage, and Lord Jester lowered his hand.
"Shall we?"
He stepped through first, with the others following. Prince Dio remained beside the opening and looked toward G6.
"Reise."
She examined the portal before stepping inside. Prince Dio followed, and Edmund entered immediately behind them.
The transition lasted only a moment before polished marble replaced the Collegium floor beneath G6's boots.
She looked around the Main Palace. Unlike the West Villa, it made no attempt to feel private.
Crimson silk, gold detailing, towering columns, and crystal chandeliers announced royal authority throughout the broad corridors.
Paintings of castles, valleys, military landmarks, and countryside lined the walls. G6's gaze moved between them while she assessed the routes, doors, and guard positions.
Important locations?
She stored what she could while Lord Jester led them toward an enormous pair of doors guarded by royal knights.
"Good morning, Your Highness. Esteemed guests."
Both guards bowed before opening the doors onto the Main Palace Meeting Hall.
The chamber was far larger than G6 had expected. High vaulted ceilings rose above stained-glass windows, and long formal rows faced a raised royal dais. It had clearly been designed for full councils rather than private discussion.
Court nobles, branch families, senior officials, military representatives, and members of the Three Pillar houses already filled the room. Their low conversations died quickly when Prince Dio entered.
G6 looked toward the dais.
The King sat at its center, his resemblance to Prince Dio immediately apparent. Silver-white hair and amber-orange eyes carried the same unmistakable royal coloring, though age had hardened his features into something more severe.
Queen Euphelia sat beside him. On the opposite side, the Crown Prince surveyed the chamber with measured attention. Older than Prince Dio and considerably more composed, he shared the same amber-orange eyes.
An empty seat awaited the younger Prince. He separated from the group and climbed the dais while Edmund leaned toward G6.
"Lady Reise."
He subtly indicated the right side of the hall. She followed the other direct heirs toward the front, examining the three men seated below the royal dais.
Their positions left little doubt that they were the Pillar heads.
The man bearing House De Lune's coloring carried himself like someone more accustomed to commanding a battlefield than attending court.
Beside him, Duke Nocturne remained observant even in perfect stillness, his green eyes taking in the chamber.
Duke Worthon's expression was measured. His grey eyes and familiar features belonged to the same House whose likeness greeted G6 in the mirror every morning.
Apparently, that man is my father now.
The observation produced no particularly useful feeling.
"My Reise."
A familiar attempt at a whisper boomed behind her. G6's shoulders lowered as Lord Ray and Lord Ron approached.
"Lower your voice," Lord Ray muttered.
Lord Ron ignored his brother.
"You look beautiful as always. That coat truly suits you."
"Can you not talk to me? You're embarrassing me."
Lord Ron looked wounded as she moved slightly away.
"Stay away."
"Don't be so mean," Lord Keith said with a laugh.
G6 looked at him. He immediately discovered something fascinating about the council hall.
Lord Earl, Lady Brenda, Lord Zen, Lord Jester, and several other senior heirs took their places near the front. Miss Eliza stood on the opposite side among the invited non-Pillar participants, looking noticeably less comfortable.
Several nobles were already assessing her with expressions G6 recognized. They were deciding whether she belonged before knowing anything about her.
What did you expect?
These arrogant nobles deem common blood unworthy.
"It seems everyone has arrived."
Queen Euphelia's voice carried through the hall, silencing the remaining conversation.
"I will not waste time with formalities. We received a report from the Adventurers' Guild last night."
G6 remained still. Several steps outside the formal Pillar row, Edmund waited with the other authorized attendants. Their eyes met briefly.
Here it comes.
Queen Euphelia turned toward Leo.
"It was reported that a large goblin horde was discovered and eradicated near Oak Village."
"The Guild considers the report highly reliable," Leo added, stepping forward.
Murmurs spread through the room.
"How reliable?" Duke De Lune asked, leaning forward.
"Couldn't even let the report finish," Lord Keith muttered.
His father either did not hear or chose to ignore him.
Leo gestured toward a side door. A servant entered with a cart carrying five coarse sacks, and the nearest nobles recoiled when the smell reached them.
The Queen's butler untied the first sack and emptied part of its contents onto a metal tray. Goblin ears spilled across the surface, several still marked with dried black blood.
"As you can see, the evidence is considerable," Leo said as disgust spread through the front rows. "The Guild counted nearly one hundred goblin ears."
"Impossible."
A court noble stood from the opposite row.
"There has been no recorded monster disturbance within the first five villages outside the Capital."
"That is precisely why you are standing in this room," the King answered before Leo could respond.
The chamber fell silent.
"This council was not called to debate whether the incident occurred. The evidence is before you."
The Crown Prince leaned forward slightly, studying the sacks as Leo resumed the report.
"The Guild's concern is increased by the recent bandit incidents affecting settlements nearer the Capital. The pattern is irregular enough to warrant investigation."
Uneasy looks passed between several nobles.
"But there is more. The leader of this goblin horde was identified as a Hobgoblin."
Leo allowed a brief pause.
"A new-type demon."
Even the Pillar heads exchanged looks this time.
"Monsters are normally encountered much farther from the Capital," the Crown Prince said. "Greenhill Village and the regions beyond it are where the risk begins to rise."
His expression tightened.
"A Hobgoblin appearing this close is not normal."
"Especially with such a large horde," Prince Dio agreed.
Duke Nocturne kept his attention on Leo.
"Which party accepted the task?"
Neither G6 nor Edmund allowed any change in expression.
"The Guild states that it was completed by a two-person party," Leo said, consulting the written report.
For a moment, no one responded.
"Two?" one of the nobles repeated.
"Against that many?" another asked.
"Surely that is incorrect," a third protested.
One court noble scoffed openly.
"You expect us to believe two Adventurers eliminated nearly a hundred goblins and a new-type demon?"
G6's eyes narrowed slightly.
Yes.
"That number strains credibility," Duke De Lune said.
Queen Euphelia raised a hand, and the chamber quieted.
"The Guild has no reason to fabricate the composition of the party. Their report is explicit."
She looked toward the evidence.
"Two people."
G6 remained motionless.
It's not that hard anyway.
Basic crowd control and target prioritization.
"We will investigate the circumstances," the King said, leaning back.
His gaze passed across the officials.
"For now, I want all town teleportation systems checked and all emergency rune links confirmed operational. If something unusual is moving through our territory, I will not discover afterward that our response infrastructure was neglected."
Several officials bowed.
"Did the Guild provide the identities of this party?" Duke Worthon asked.
G6 looked toward him. Something about the way he scanned the chamber left her mildly inconvenienced.
Why do I feel like he's searching the room?
"Not yet, Duke Worthon," Leo answered. "Their complete profiles were requested this morning."
He glanced at the report.
"Initial information indicates that both are registered as coming from Scutum."
"Scutum?"
Lord Jester's skepticism eased slightly.
"That makes the report somewhat less absurd."
Several people turned toward him.
"Those raised around Scutum live under constant pressure from the northern border regions. Even ordinary residents there tend to possess considerably more survival and combat experience than citizens raised near the Capital."
"That was also the Guild's assessment," Queen Euphelia said. "Whatever their identities, we should be grateful the task reached a capable party."
Her gaze returned briefly to the sacks.
"No citizens from Oak Village were killed."
A quieter murmur followed before her expression hardened.
"The current knight recruitment had already been accelerated because of increasingly concerning movements along the southern reaches of the kingdom."
G6's attention sharpened at the reference to the South and the original pressure behind the recruitment. The northern concern from the previous evening was a separate matter.
"This incident does not replace that concern," Queen Euphelia continued. "It adds another."
Lord Earl's expression grew serious. G6 glanced toward him, recognizing that his unease at dinner had encompassed more than a single problem. Apparently, the kingdom had several.
"And while everyone is suddenly fascinated by goblins," the King said, "we still have another confirmed threat that has remained unresolved far too long."
His voice sharpened.
"The serial killer."
The courthouse representatives stiffened.
"The Daily Gazette reports another murder in Second City Town. I have tolerated years of excuses. What is being done?"
An older representative stood and bowed deeply.
"Forgive us, Your Majesty. The perpetrator remains extraordinarily difficult to track. He leaves almost nothing behind, and every lead has ended before we could close the distance."
"I am not interested in how difficult he is."
The control in the King's voice made his displeasure more dangerous.
"I want him found."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The man bowed lower while the King turned toward the Three Pillar heads.
"And you. You will take responsibility for investigating the monster appearance and the recent bandit pattern."
"The timing of the bandit attacks?" Duke Nocturne asked.
"Precisely."
The King leaned forward.
"They repeatedly strike when large numbers of knights have been pulled elsewhere on expedition or patrol. I want to know whether this is coincidence, intelligence gathering, or something worse."
Quiet tension settled over the hall.
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Duke Nocturne bowed. The King examined the remaining court officials.
"Courthouses and branch representatives not directly assigned to the investigation are dismissed."
He paused before specifying, "Those attached to today's Bastion recruitment will remain. Lord Zen. Lady Brenda. Miss Eliza."
Rows of nobles bowed and began filing from the chamber. The cart carrying the goblin evidence was removed as well, much to the relief of several pale-faced attendees.
When the enormous doors closed again, the reduced gathering made the hall feel quieter and more exposed. The King turned his attention to Duke Worthon.
"One more matter."
The Duke stood.
"Have the northern barriers examined."
G6 listened more closely.
"Especially those nearest the approaches associated with the Charnel Land. I want confirmation that there has been no breach or failure."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Duke Worthon bowed. No one had claimed that a breach occurred or that the Charnel Land was responsible for the incident near Oak Village.
Nevertheless, G6 remembered the concealed black paper and Edmund's findings in the library.
Associated with the Charnel Land. Still not proof.
The King turned toward the younger generation gathered near the front.
"The recruitment beginning today is no ceremonial exercise."
His gaze moved across Prince Dio, the direct Pillar heirs, and those selected to assist.
"Those accepted will become part of the kingdom's military structure. You will be responsible for assessing them properly."
Lord Keith's expression lost its playfulness. Lord Earl nodded, and Lady Brenda straightened while G6 remained silent.
The King noticed, though his attention first settled on Miss Eliza.
"Miss Hanson."
She startled.
"Y-yes, Your Majesty."
"The kingdom remains grateful for your cooperation and your continued study of Benedictio."
Miss Eliza lowered herself into a respectful curtsy.
"I am merely fulfilling the responsibility given to me by God Eldrin, Your Majesty."
The King acknowledged her with a small nod before looking toward G6.
"And Lady Reise."
She met his gaze.
"The Queen has kept me informed of your recent activities."
Of course she has.
"I confess, I did not expect the future Grand Duchess to take such an interest in the Training Arena."
Several heads turned subtly toward her, but G6's expression remained flat.
"Nor did I expect you to begin spending so much of your time within the Utility Magic Department."
His eyes passed over her dark clothing.
"I only hope these new interests have not caused you to neglect preparations for your engagement ball."
What does he take me for? A doll to dress up for his son?
G6 looked directly at him.
"Your Majesty is kind to be concerned. I am aware of my duties. And if being a suitable companion for the Prince is one of them, then I shall apply myself to it."
Prince Dio's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. She noticed anyway.
Lol. I am no one's bride.
Behind her, Lord Ray's mouth twitched, and Lord Ron looked suspiciously close to laughing. Duke Worthon remained silent, his grey eyes fixed on his daughter.
Queen Euphelia gave a quiet laugh.
"My, my. I told you, my beloved husband. I have been taking excellent care of Reise."
Her gaze briefly met Duke Worthon's, perhaps offering reassurance. G6 had little interest in interpreting it.
A side door opened, and a palace messenger entered quickly. He approached the dais and bowed.
"Your Majesties. A response from the Adventurers' Guild has arrived."
Leo stepped forward immediately.
"Is that the information we requested?"
The messenger nodded. G6 went still, as did Edmund.
"It is."
He held out a sealed document.
"The profiles of the two-person party."
The announcement drew immediate interest from everyone remaining in the hall.
The mysterious adventurers from Scutum had eliminated a goblin horde and a new-type demon without casualties. They might be valuable recruits, useful allies, or the means of obtaining answers the council still lacked.
G6's eyes met Edmund's. Neither expression changed, but both understood how close the inquiry had come.
The separation they had carefully maintained between Lady Reise Worthon and G6 Arcadia now depended on what that sealed Guild report contained.
One piece of paper stood between their private operation and the royal council.
Has the game just started coming to an end?
Or the scheme will begin to deepened?
—To Be Continued…—