The sealed Guild report remained suspended between the palace messenger and Leo.
To almost everyone in the Main Palace Meeting Hall, it contained nothing more than the answer to the question raised moments earlier: who were the two adventurers from Scutum?
G6 and Edmund knew better. Their eyes had already met once, and neither risked another glance.
Both appeared merely attentive to the report, though the situation inside G6's head was considerably less dignified.
Are we fucked?
Leo reached for the document, but Queen Euphelia spoke before he could take it.
"A moment, Leo."
She rose from her seat beside the King.
"Let me."
Leo bowed and stepped aside. The messenger approached the Queen instead, presenting the sealed parchment with both hands.
G6 watched her accept it, keeping her face perfectly blank.
Edmund. You're the worst fucking alias maker.
Queen Euphelia turned the document over without immediately opening it.
I buried Reise Worthon behind my codename and a dead man's surname.
G6 Arcadia. Simple. No direct trail. But him? Eddie Saiden?
G6 resisted the urge to look toward Edmund.
He used his fucking legal surname. He might as well have attached directions to the West Villa.
Amateur move.
Her irritation rose another notch.
I'm nowhere close to satisfying my inner demons.
I might accidentally kill someone if I am so pent up.
Still, panic would accomplish nothing. They had not been caught, and a Guild alias was not proof.
If the report became a problem, they could deny the connection, question the evidence, exploit inconsistencies, or construct another explanation. Another move remained possible.
Queen Euphelia broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. G6 watched closely as her eyes traveled down the report.
The Queen's expression barely changed, but faint amusement touched the corner of her mouth.
This damn witch.
She read several more lines before folding the parchment closed again.
"My dear?"
The King raised a brow.
"It appears our mysterious adventurers have made themselves somewhat difficult to trace," Queen Euphelia answered.
The remaining nobles became visibly more attentive.
"The pair registered as traveling adventurers from Scutum. According to the information provided, their public Guild registrations were deactivated shortly after completing the Oak Village request. They apparently intend to continue traveling."
G6 stared at her.
Bullshit.
Edmund was a regular adventurer, and G6 had registered only days ago. Neither part of the explanation matched the procedures she knew.
Queen Euphelia was lying.
"Did they not eradicate the horde only yesterday?" the Crown Prince asked, leaning forward.
"Indeed. The Guild states that the deactivation was requested afterward. Their remaining public records are therefore limited."
She delivered the lie so calmly that it sounded like tedious Guild administration. G6's jaw tightened.
She's covering us.
The realization offered no reassurance. If Queen Euphelia had decided to protect them, she already knew—or suspected enough to become dangerous.
What the hell is she plotting?
"If these two truly possess the strength described in yesterday's report, losing contact with them would be unfortunate," the King said.
"Precisely why I intend to pursue the matter," Queen Euphelia replied. "Leo will continue the inquiry. If they remain within reach, perhaps we may learn whether they would be willing to cooperate with the Crown."
Leo glanced briefly at her. G6 caught it.
And her dog knows too.
"Are you certain you wish to add another investigation to your responsibilities?" the King asked. "Captain Kepler has not fully returned to duty, and the recruitment has already demanded much of your attention."
"There is no cause for concern, my King."
Queen Euphelia turned toward Duke De Lune.
"Duke De Lune is already present. Prince Dio and the younger Pillars are capable of overseeing the remaining examination."
The Duke rose and bowed.
"As Her Majesty stated. Captain Kepler and the knights returning from expedition have already begun reporting back. The recruitment will not be neglected."
"Very well. I leave the matter in your hands."
The King nodded as Leo stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, the written examination should already be complete. The staff will presently be determining who proceeds to the next stage."
"Then we have kept everyone here long enough."
The King surveyed those remaining in the Meeting Hall.
"Remain vigilant. Until the irregularities discussed today are understood, any of you may be summoned without warning."
"We understand, Your Majesty."
The gathered nobles bowed together. The King descended from the dais, and the Crown Prince followed him toward the side doors. Once they departed, some of the chamber's rigid formality eased.
G6 waited approximately three seconds before walking directly toward Queen Euphelia.
Prince Dio noticed first, followed by Lord Earl. By the time she reached the Queen, almost everyone remaining was watching.
"Hey, Boss."
Silence settled over the room. Duke Worthon turned his head, Duke Nocturne blinked, and Duke De Lune's expression tightened slightly.
Lord Keith looked delighted.
Queen Euphelia merely smiled.
"Dear Reise. What is it?"
G6 stopped before her and stared for several seconds. Then she stepped closer and leaned toward the Queen's ear. Queen Euphelia did not move.
"Tell me."
G6 lowered her voice until no one else could hear.
"What the fuck are you plotting?"
The Queen's smile remained intact.
"Reise."
G6 straightened and turned toward Duke Worthon, who had risen from his seat and was approaching them.
Apparently, her father.
She stepped away from the Queen.
"How are you, my dear daughter?"
"I am fine."
His grey eyes examined her face before briefly settling on her dark coat and gloves.
"It is hardly proper to address Her Majesty in such a manner, much less approach her so closely."
The rebuke was gentler than G6 had expected. Queen Euphelia waved away his concern.
"It is quite all right, Duke Worthon. Reise and I are closer than appearances might suggest."
Her smile had become suspiciously pleasant.
Cunning witch.
"Mother."
Prince Dio approached after descending from the dais.
"Are you truly certain you wish to handle the two adventurers personally?"
"Of course, my son."
Queen Euphelia's gaze drifted toward G6.
"I have a great many… questions for them."
G6 stared back. Prince Dio either failed to notice the hostility passing between them or chose not to acknowledge it.
"If the investigation becomes burdensome, do not hesitate to ask for assistance."
"My. Aren't you sweet?"
The Queen turned her attention to him, making him immediately wary.
"Mother."
"So attentive lately."
"It is rather surprising, Aunt," Lord Keith interjected with a grin. "Prince Dio has been quite showy these days."
"Keith."
"What?"
G6 had already begun searching for the quickest exit.
Too many people.
Too much court nonsense.
She had not even eaten a proper breakfast.
"My daughter."
Duke Worthon's voice brought her attention back to him. He was still watching her.
"You have changed a great deal."
Unlike the others, he sounded neither amused nor entertained, making the observation more difficult to dismiss.
"People change, Father."
His expression tightened slightly at her flat answer.
"I have heard from your brothers that you have been well. Forgive me for not visiting sooner. My responsibilities have occupied much of my time."
"Don't worry about it."
G6 met his gaze.
"I am accustomed to handling things on my own. Needing help is not in my vocabulary."
His brows furrowed. It was the expression people made whenever she failed to behave like the Reise they remembered, and by now, G6 understood enough of the original woman to recognize what troubled him.
Lady Reise Worthon had been proud, difficult, and sharp-tongued toward outsiders. Her family, apparently, had been different.
Duke Worthon remembered a daughter who allowed her relatives into parts of her life she kept closed to everyone else.
G6 possessed no such instinct, nor did she know how to imitate it convincingly. He was waiting for warmth, and she had nothing useful to offer.
Duke De Lune interrupted before the silence could grow worse.
"We should allow the younger ones to proceed. The next examination still requires supervision."
"Quite right," Queen Euphelia agreed. "Forgive us for keeping you. Please proceed."
Duke Nocturne turned toward his children.
"Jester. Haile. See that your responsibilities at Omnia are not neglected while Lord Earl remains assigned to Bastion duties."
"Yes, Father."
Lord Jester and Lady Haile bowed. Lord Ray and Lord Ron approached Duke Worthon a moment later, providing the distraction G6 had wanted.
"Then I'll be leaving."
She glanced toward the Duke.
"See you around."
The casual farewell offered neither another Father nor any request that he take care. She turned away, and Edmund immediately followed.
"My dear Reise."
G6 stopped, her shoulders lowering almost imperceptibly before she looked back.
Queen Euphelia smiled.
"I will be speaking with you privately. Wait for my invitation. Leo will deliver it."
G6 gave no answer. She simply resumed walking toward the doors, leaving Lord Keith entertained, Lord Earl sighing, and Prince Dio watching her departure.
"I suppose we should go as well," Lord Earl said.
He bowed toward the remaining adults.
"Excuse us."
Lord Keith followed with considerably less ceremony.
"See you, Father! Aunt! Uncles!"
"Lord Keith remains as casual as ever," Duke Worthon observed.
"That is my youngest," Duke De Lune answered with a weary exhale.
Prince Dio bowed to the Queen.
"Then I take my leave, Mother."
"Of course."
The younger nobles gradually departed, leaving Queen Euphelia and the Pillar heads to their remaining affairs.
「MAIN PALACE — HALLS」
G6 strode down the corridor quickly enough that Edmund knew better than to attempt casual conversation. At the next turn, she stopped and faced him.
"Edmund."
"I know, Lady Reise."
"For now, we wait and see what she wants."
She crossed her arms and continued staring. Edmund immediately understood that Queen Euphelia was no longer the subject.
"Lady Reise—"
"Why would you use a name that close to your real one? You even used your legal last name."
He opened his mouth, but she stepped closer.
"Are you kidding me?"
"Who would have thought I would end up helping you sneak out of the palace?"
"Are you saying this is my fault?"
"No."
"That sounded like blame."
"It was an observation."
"Bad observation."
Edmund unconsciously retreated a step, then another. His shoulder collided with someone behind him.
"Oh! Edmund! What's wrong?"
Lord Keith caught himself and looked between them. The others had caught up, with Lord Earl walking beside Lady Brenda and Prince Dio, Lord Zen, and Miss Eliza only a few steps behind.
"Are you threatening Edmund, Reise?"
"Fuck off."
"Definitely threatening him."
Lord Keith grinned as Lady Brenda stepped past him.
"Pay no attention to that idiot, Lady Reise. Shall we proceed to the Grand Arena?"
G6 exhaled.
"Lead."
Lady Brenda smiled and took the front. They resumed walking, and G6 had almost reduced her irritation to something manageable when footsteps matched hers from the side.
Prince Dio.
Her expression worsened immediately. He noticed and approached anyway.
"It appears you and my mother have become rather close."
Lady Brenda's eyes narrowed from G6's other side.
"Don't talk to me. I hate opportunists."
"I have been meaning to ask about that," Prince Dio said. "You have called me one several times now. What exactly do you mean?"
G6 stopped. The others halted behind her while Prince Dio nearly continued another step before realizing she had turned to face him.
She stepped closer. He straightened, then took a small step back despite himself.
"W-what?"
"Dio is always the one who triggers the bomb," Lord Keith whispered to Lord Earl.
"Tell me about it. He simply cannot keep his distance anymore."
G6 stared directly into Prince Dio's amber-orange eyes.
"Why does the word opportunist bother you so much?"
"Because I am not one."
"Aren't you?"
"Of course not."
He lifted his chin.
"I am a Prince. I have dignity."
G6 regarded him for half a second before releasing a short, mocking laugh. Offense crossed his face, but her amusement disappeared as quickly as it had come.
"You shameless fucker…"
She moved closer again, and Prince Dio froze.
"THAT'S TOO CLOSE!" Lady Brenda protested.
G6 ignored her and lowered her voice.
"I know what you did."
Color immediately climbed across his face. G6 narrowed her eyes.
What the hell is wrong with him?
Does she know? Prince Dio thought.
His heartbeat kicked against his ribs.
Does she remember me kissing her? Is that why she's been especially violent toward me?
"W-wh—"
"WHAT?"
G6 stepped back before he could produce a coherent answer.
"Don't talk to me. Seeing your face ticks me off."
She turned and continued down the corridor. Lady Brenda followed immediately, pausing only to give Prince Dio a smug look.
"You heard her. Hmph."
"Can you not simply remain quiet as usual?" Lord Earl asked as he passed.
"You keep getting too close," Lord Keith added from the Prince's other side.
Prince Dio stared after them.
"Why are they ganging up on me?"
No one answered.
"They have lost their minds. I am a Prince."
"Forgive them, Your Highness," Lord Zen said, stopping beside him. "You know how they have always been."
"Shall we proceed?" Miss Eliza asked with a polite smile.
Prince Dio exhaled and followed the others. Only minutes earlier, he had been thinking about the mysterious adventurers and his mother's investigation. Now, G6's accusation had driven both matters from his thoughts.
Almost every conversation with Reise seemed to end with her walking away from him, and the realization remained uncomfortable.
Several steps ahead, G6 was considering whether throwing him through one of the palace windows would qualify as treason.
「GRAND ARENA OF THE MAIN PALACE」
Hundreds of voices reached them through the broad stone passage before the Grand Arena's entrance came into view.
Successful applicants from the written examination filled sections of the pale-sand floor while palace staff hurried between registration tables and temporary assembly points.
Royal knights guarded every major entrance, maintaining order as applicants were directed into their assigned groups.
"It appears a great many passed the written examination," Lady Brenda observed.
"Was it that easy?" G6 asked.
"The questions concern Einston's laws, civic regulations, and the basic responsibilities expected of anyone serving the Crown," Lord Earl explained. "Most citizens would know a considerable portion of them."
"Father also changed the selection conditions," Lord Keith added. "Adventurers are no longer being judged primarily by their magical affinity rank. Their Guild standing and practical records carry more weight."
"Which Guild ranks?"
"A through E may apply."
"And the minimum age remains sixteen?" Lord Zen asked.
"Yes."
G6's attention moved toward several women among the applicants.
"I thought this kingdom had problems with women entering military roles."
"Female adventurers are permitted to apply," Lady Brenda replied.
G6 nodded.
Of course.
Apparently, prejudice came with administrative exceptions.
"Lady Reise!"
Lilia's cheerful voice rose above the crowd. G6 turned toward the covered walkway running around the ground level and found the girl waving beside Tina.
The Grand Arena opened around them in an enormous oval of packed pale sand.
Imposing stone architecture supported a second-level gallery that overlooked the entire floor, while offices, equipment rooms, preparation chambers, and connecting corridors occupied the lower level beneath it.
"It appears Tina and Lilia arrived ahead of us," Edmund said.
"I'm going to them."
G6 walked toward the maids, intending to use the opportunity to escape the entire group. Everyone followed.
Her eyebrow twitched at the footsteps behind her.
Why are they still following me? No personal space.
"Lady Reise! We knew you would be hungry. Alistair packed breakfast for us!"
Lilia hurried forward and gestured toward a nearby table, where two large baskets waited.
G6 examined them before looking at the maids.
"You two carried those here?"
"We took a carriage," Tina answered, her mouth curving faintly.
"I was only asking."
"Of course."
"Don't delude yourself."
Tina's amusement deepened. G6 looked away. The two were too small to have carried such heavy baskets across the palace grounds on foot; that was the only reason she had asked.
Lilia took her hand.
G6 glanced at their joined fingers, then at the child's bright smile as she tugged her toward the table.
She allowed it without resistance, and no one commented on Lilia being one of the few people who could hold her hand without immediately being shaken off.
"What? Alistair prepared nothing for us?" Lord Keith asked as he reached the table.
"He did, Lord Keith," Tina replied, opening the first basket. "There is enough for everyone. Please eat before the next examination begins."
His expression brightened.
Still-warm pastries, fruit, small pies, fresh bread, and tea filled the table as the baskets were unpacked. Alistair had sent far more than G6 expected, and Lord Keith stole an apple pie before properly sitting.
"See? I told you Alistair wouldn't forget us."
G6 took a seat while Lilia poured her tea. She accepted the cup but ignored the food for the moment, studying the Grand Arena.
Entrances. Palace knights. Staff positions. Upper-gallery access. Applicant groups.
Her attention moved automatically between them until the conversation became background noise. Lord Keith spoke too loudly, Lady Brenda argued with him, and G6 contributed little beyond occasional grunts.
By the time the baskets were nearly empty, Tina began repacking.
"We should not keep the applicants waiting much longer."
Every noble at the table understood the instruction beneath her polite wording.
"She's right," Lord Earl said, standing. "The proctors should begin shortly. We ought to take our positions."
"Lady Reise?"
Lady Brenda looked toward G6, who rose and immediately stopped at the sight of Edmund.
"What the hell is that stupid getup?"
Everyone turned toward him. At some point during breakfast, he had put on spectacles with lenses thick enough to obscure much of his eyes.
"You look like a total geek."
G6 pointed toward Lord Earl.
"Even worse than this one."
Lord Earl slowly turned toward her while Lord Keith burst out laughing.
"Right?"
"You seem remarkably comfortable insulting me now that you no longer require constant assistance with your training," Lord Earl said, adjusting his own spectacles.
"Of course I still need you."
G6 smiled.
"Only time will tell when."
Lord Earl studied her expression.
"I prefer your usual flat expression."
Her smile widened slightly.
"That one is disturbing."
"What do you mean, disturbing?" Lady Brenda demanded. "Lady Reise's smile is beautiful."
Lord Zen shook his head, apparently deciding he had nothing useful to contribute.
"Enough. We should proceed," Prince Dio said, stepping away from the table.
"Lady Reise, Lilia and I will follow once we finish packing," Tina added.
G6 nodded and joined the others.
❈.❈.❈
A raised presentation area had been prepared along one side of the Grand Arena. Palace staff moved into position as the applicants gathered across the sand below.
"Everyone, quiet!"
An official stepped forward, waiting for the murmuring to subside.
"His Highness the Second Prince and representatives of the Three Pillar Houses are present to oversee the remaining selection process for those seeking appointment to the Royal Knight Corps."
Interest immediately stirred through the crowd. One man raised a hand.
"Excuse me! I have a question!"
"Speak."
"If we're accepted, are we required to remain here full time?"
"No. Registered adventurers will be issued communication artifacts and may continue accepting Guild work when not summoned. However, they will be required to report to the Bastion twice each week."
The official looked toward those without established combat backgrounds.
"Those requiring regular instruction will report to the Bastion daily and may be provided lodging within its facilities."
"The Bastion? Within the Royal Collegium?" another applicant asked.
The crowd stirred again.
"Isn't the Royal Collegium restricted to nobles?"
Prince Dio raised a hand, and the official stepped aside.
"You are correct."
His voice carried easily across the arena.
"The Royal Collegium remains primarily restricted to nobles registered through the Professional Guild. The Bastion of Phalanx, however, operates within Collegium grounds as part of the kingdom's military structure."
The murmuring began to quiet.
"Those accepted will receive identification granting access specifically to Bastion facilities. It will not permit unrestricted movement throughout the Royal Collegium."
Several applicants nodded.
"The same identification will serve as proof of your legal registration under the Crown's knight structure."
He surveyed the crowd.
"Any further questions?"
When no one immediately answered, Lord Earl stepped forward.
"Your Highness, if I may."
Prince Dio nodded.
"Many of you are undoubtedly wondering why the Crown has suddenly expanded recruitment beyond its traditional requirements," Lord Earl said.
Faces turned toward him.
"The full circumstances will be explained to those who pass today's stage before any final contract is signed. You will then be given the opportunity to decide whether you wish to proceed."
Some of the tension eased.
"For now, concern yourselves with passing."
Lord Earl adjusted his spectacles.
"And perhaps with the compensation."
Attention sharpened immediately.
"The pay is approximately twice what most of you would earn through ordinary Guild work or comparable civilian employment."
Whispers moved through the applicants, and uncertain expressions became considerably more interested. Lord Keith smirked while Miss Eliza turned toward Lord Earl.
"Offering twice the ordinary compensation is a considerable incentive."
"It should be," G6 interrupted. "They're risking their lives."
Several nearby applicants glanced at her, which she ignored.
Back in my day, dangerous work paid more than ten times what some corrupt government official could make sitting behind a desk.
The palace official returned to the front.
"Applicants participating in the combat examination, prepare yourselves. Observers and those already qualified through Guild standing may proceed to the second-level gallery."
"Combat exam?" G6 asked, looking toward Lord Earl.
"Five open rounds," he explained as they began moving. "The last twenty still standing in each round will pass."
"Only one hundred?"
"Adventurers holding C-Rank through A-Rank Guild standing have already qualified through their existing records and the preliminary review," Prince Dio answered.
G6 looked at him.
"So only those below C-Rank fight?"
"Correct. It prevents experienced adventurers from overwhelming less-established applicants simply because they were placed in the same group."
She considered the arrangement.
Hmm. Not bad, Snow White.
She would never tell him that. His confidence was already unhealthy enough.
❈.❈.❈
From the second-level observation gallery, the entire Grand Arena spread beneath them. Staff continued organizing the applicants around the temporary combat platform constructed over part of the pale-sand floor.
A palace staff member bowed as they approached the reserved seats.
"Your Highness. Esteemed heirs of the Pillar Houses. The front seating has been prepared for you. Additional guests and attendants may use the raised row behind and the side seats."
G6 chose one of the central front chairs. Lord Earl settled to her left, and Prince Dio immediately claimed the place to her right.
She slowly turned toward him. He looked out over the arena as though his choice had been accidental.
Farther down the row, Lord Keith looked personally betrayed.
Lady Brenda happily took the raised seat directly behind G6, with Lord Zen beside her. Miss Eliza settled behind Prince Dio, and Edmund chose one of the nearby side seats. Tina and Lilia arrived shortly afterward and sat near him.
Below, staff divided the remaining applicants into their assigned rounds. The first group gathered near the temporary platform while G6 leaned back.
At least this part might finally be entertaining.
❈.❈.❈
「MAIN PALACE — QUEEN EUPHELIA'S PRIVATE QUARTERS」
The complete Guild report lay open across Queen Euphelia's bed, with two names plainly visible: Eddie Saiden and G6 Arcadia.
A quiet laugh escaped her.
"Really, Edmund. Of all the names available to you."
She touched his alias with one finger.
The door opened several moments later, admitting Leo.
"Your Majesty."
He bowed, and the Queen looked up.
"What did you find?"
"I made the inquiries discreetly, as instructed. Janin and Alistair refused to provide anything directly."
"Naturally."
"However, one of the household servants confirmed that Tina requested a specialized ointment from Janin this morning."
Queen Euphelia's attention sharpened.
"Several of Alistair's assistants also confirmed that he prepared a recovery tonic last night," Leo continued. "The mixture is generally used for severe muscular soreness, extensive bruising, and prolonged physical strain after demanding training or field missions."
"So the injuries were not imagined."
"No, Your Majesty."
"And Edmund?"
"Minor bruising and scratches. Nothing that would have attracted notice beneath ordinary clothing."
"Reise?"
Leo hesitated.
"Considerably more."
Queen Euphelia tapped a finger against the parchment. Neither the aliases nor the injuries established much on their own. Tina requesting ointment and Alistair preparing a recovery tonic could both be explained without difficulty.
Taken together with the timing, the Guild report, and the departure from the palace she already knew about, however, the coincidences were becoming difficult to dismiss.
"You know Edmund's capabilities better than almost anyone."
"I do."
Leo's composure remained carefully controlled.
"Could he have eliminated the ordinary goblins?"
"Yes."
"Nearly a hundred?"
"If necessary."
"And the Hobgoblin?"
He took longer to answer.
"He could kill it."
"But?"
"He would not approach an opponent of that nature carelessly, particularly while accompanying someone with very little real field experience."
"And yet Reise returned with the more visible injuries."
Leo fell silent. Queen Euphelia looked at the report again.
"The Guild credited the completion to two adventurers."
"That does not necessarily mean both contributed equally."
"No," the Queen agreed. "But it also does not mean one of them stood aside while the other performed all the work."
"It remains circumstantial."
"Of course."
A faint smile touched her lips.
"I would be disappointed if the answer were already so easy."
She lifted the parchment while Leo remained silent.
"Whatever happened in Oak Village, Reise was involved."
Her attention settled on the second alias. G6 Arcadia bore no obvious relationship to Reise Worthon. Unlike Edmund's careless shortening, it established a completely separate identity, which interested her almost as much as the combat report.
"She did not simply leave the palace to sightsee."
"No, Your Majesty."
Queen Euphelia's fingers tightened slightly against the paper.
The Reise she had known months earlier would have considered a goblin-infested forest beneath her dignity. This one had apparently entered willingly and returned battered enough to require treatment, with no civilian deaths reported from the incident.
Her capabilities were abnormal; the classified appraisal had made that impossible to ignore. Possessing power, however, was entirely different from knowing how to use it in a genuine fight.
The report suggested field competence and combat instincts that Queen Euphelia had not yet accounted for.
Leo appeared to reach the same conclusion.
"Even knowing what we know of Lady Reise's current abilities, that degree of combat performance would be extraordinary for someone with so little formal experience."
"Extraordinary?"
He exhaled quietly.
"Absurd."
"That word does seem to follow her."
The Queen smiled as Leo returned his attention to the report.
"If it truly was them, we still do not know which of the two killed the Hobgoblin."
"No. And that is precisely what I want to know."
She folded the parchment carefully and extended it toward him.
"Seal the complete profiles with my private records. The explanation I gave in the Meeting Hall remains the only version permitted beyond those already authorized."
"Understood."
Leo accepted the document as Queen Euphelia rose.
"One more thing."
"Your Majesty?"
"The Guild examined the Hobgoblin's remains, did it not?"
"Apparently only the big ears of hobgoblin are surrendered by them."
"Ha... those two really can get away only if not for this failed alias."
Leo's gaze sharpened.
"You wish to determine whether Sir Edmund killed it."
"I know enough of Edmund's methods to recognize when something does not fit."
She crossed toward the window. The Main Palace grounds stretched beneath the morning light, with the distant structures surrounding the Grand Arena visible beyond.
"If the Hobgoblin died by a wound consistent with his swordsmanship, then we have one answer."
"And if it did not?"
Queen Euphelia's smile returned.
"Then perhaps we have been asking the wrong question."
Leo waited while she looked toward the arena.
"The question is no longer whether Reise left the palace. It is what she was capable of doing once she was outside it."
"You believe Lady Reise may have killed the Hobgoblin herself."
The Queen did not answer immediately. Then she gave a quiet laugh.
"I think I am finished assuming what that girl cannot do."
Queen Euphelia pondered for a moment, "I guess, we'll only get the answer through them who killed that monster."
—To Be Continued…—