417 House Arrest
Selma Payne’s POV:
I didn’t know why, but when I heard about the jailbreak, my first reaction wasn’t anxiety or anger. Instead, I felt that ‘what was supposed to come was finally here’.
Was Locke a mole? He could dig a hole and run out no matter where he was locked.
This time, there were no ferocious mutated werewolves to support him. It was obvious that a spy had released Locke.
I took back my previous trust in the elves. For him to do something like this, he was either a demon’s lackey or had a blood feud with the elves.
The Elven Capital City was immediately put under martial law, and a search was launched throughout the city. The surrounding areas were also immediately searched inch by inch to prevent anyone from escaping. However, after a day of vigorous search, not to mention Locke and Kafka’s group, they didn’t even find a single strand of wolf hair.
As a result, I was delayed by another day. The Spring Rain Pack urged me to take action, but the current situation made me change my previous thoughts. Now was not the best time to leave the Elf Forest.
Putting aside this huge commotion, was I doubtful of myself now just because I was anxious to leave? Based on the fact that Locke escaped, based on my previous encounter with him, this b*stard must have left some cards up his sleeve. If I didn’t handle it well, there would be endless trouble.
I delayed my departure, but my companions didn’t understand.
“I have a feeling that if we don’t leave now, something bad will happen in the future.” Due to her connection with nature, Dorothy did not have the extra energy to use the Eye of Insight for the time being. She could not even make a single prophecy, but this did not affect her superior intuition as a witch of prophecy.
“But we can’t leave as we please.” Through the thick flannel curtains of the Embassy, I saw a constant stream of serious-looking, fully-armed soldiers hurrying past. “Now the entire elven race is in a state of wariness. If we leave now, we’ll undoubtedly be splashing non-existent dirty water on ourselves.”
Eve didn’t understand. “But if we want to harm the elves, we don’t have to help them at all. I don’t think they’re stupid enough to not be able to distinguish between friend and foe.”
“That’s true, but there are spies in the elven race. They can’t even trust themselves, let alone outsiders.”
As expected, trouble came knocking on my door before I could contact the Council of Elders.
A ‘temporary public order squad’ made up of soldiers, nobles, and representatives of the people came to the embassy.
It was obvious that this makeshift team had a clear hierarchy. The blond aristocrat boy with his raised brow was the leader, and the others were just subordinates.
“I’m sorry to inform you that the entire capital’s outer passageways are now closed due to a suspect’s escape. I’m afraid your diplomatic mission’s return plan will have to be delayed.” His words were polite, but his expression was completely different. “There will be a temporary public order squad taking over the security work of the entire capital. As the person in charge of this area, I am honored to serve you all during this special period.”
He kept looking at the green cloth and handcuffs on his belt. I did not doubt that, in his eyes, everyone in charge could be related to Locke’s escape. In short, we were spies.
However, this stupid brat still wet behind the ears wasn’t worth my attention. I ignored the crooked hand-drawn badge on his green cloth and directly asked, “We’re also sorry that we can’t cooperate with your work for the time being. As foreign emissaries, we will only listen to your government’s arrangements. If you have anything else to say, please bring the warrant of the Council of Elders.”
The other party had expected that we wouldn’t be obedient, so the golden-haired boy smiled. He took out a bucket-shaped package wrapped in silk ribbons and wax and handed it to me.
“As the first-in-line successor to His Majesty, the Elf King, at this critical moment, according to tradition, His Highness the Crown Prince has the right to temporarily act as His Majesty’s proxy. This is his approval for the temporary public order squad. Even if the elders are here, they can’t do anything.”
“The Crown Prince?” This was beyond my expectations. “But as far as I know, the Elf King handed all the power to the interim government before he fell asleep. Did the owner of your land change again without my knowledge?”
This golden-haired kid was furious. He forcefully stuffed the agreement into Eve’s arms and said, “No matter what, the Crown Prince’s right to govern the elven race is irrefutable. Please cooperate with us and don’t cause any more trouble. No one can guarantee what will happen in these troubled times if you insist on acting willfully.”
This could be considered a blatant threat. With a glance and smile, I stopped Eve, who was about to scold him. “Alright, I have no choice but to lower my head under someone’s low roof. If there’s nothing else, please leave. The embassy still has work to do.”