"Night has already fallen, and we find ourselves in the dangerous wilderness. Why not stay with us for a while and rest, my friend?"
The girl's voice was as clear and pleasant as a spring breeze, drifting into Dean Bruce's heart and making him feel at ease. "This way, if any danger arises, we can look out for each other."
Dean Bruce glanced around and quickly noticed that aside from the girl, the expressions of the rest of the group had turned cold and hostile.
Clearly, they weren't on the same side.
Dean Bruce hadn't intended to get involved, but the way those people were glaring at him, as if they were threatening him to leave, sparked a rebellious feeling inside him.
Whether he stayed or left was his decision, and he wasn't about to let anyone push him around.
Besides, he could tell that the group was holding back their true intentions in front of the girl.
Naturally, this piqued Dean Bruce's curiosity.
With a slight smile, he walked toward the campfire and said, "Since the lady has graciously extended an invitation, it would be rude of me to decline."
As soon as he spoke, the group's faces turned visibly darker, though none of them dared to speak up.
It wasn't until Dean Bruce reached the fire, its light casting a glow on his chest where the Soul Blood Oath mark resided, that the girl's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly turned away, shielding her face so Dean Bruce couldn't get a clear look at her features.
Meanwhile, the group seemed to hesitate. After a moment, the man dressed in the finest clothes among them finally spoke, "You're quite young to have earned the Soul Blood Oath and become an elder of the Magic Guild. Your family's influence must be substantial."
"I am Richard Kenneck, from the Starsea Empire. Might I ask where you hail from?"
His question made Dean Bruce raise an eyebrow slightly, as a sudden realization struck him.
Anyone familiar with the Soul Blood Oath should have recognized it immediately, yet the one who had controlled Miranda Joy's soul hadn't recognized it right away. It was only after some time that they figured out who he was!
That was far too strange!
Could it be that... Miranda Joy hadn't been possessed by that person after all? Perhaps they had been working together? And maybe it had been Miranda Joy's own soul that revealed his identity to the other?
But her soul had certainly shown signs of sadness—there's no way that was all an act, right?
"Friend... friend?"
Richard Kenneck's voice snapped Dean Bruce out of his thoughts, as he pressed for a response.
Suppressing his thoughts, Dean Bruce replied, "When you're out in the world, we're all just friends. There's no need to bring family status into it."
"Fair point," Richard Kenneck hesitated for a moment before smiling. "I haven't yet had the pleasure of learning your name!"
"Dean Bruce," he replied.
As soon as Dean Bruce introduced himself, the group, including the girl, collectively exhaled in relief.
They were clearly familiar with the Magic Guild and knew the names of powerful individuals, allowing them to gauge Dean Bruce's strength.
However, having lured the saintess into their fold, they couldn't forcefully drag her back to the carriage. The group exchanged glances, trying to figure out how to break up the conversation between Dean Bruce and Hannah Fields.
Hannah, entirely focused on Dean Bruce, didn't notice the shifting tension in the group. She eagerly asked, "Mr. Dean, can you read my future for me?"
Dean Bruce put on an air of contemplation, studying her for a few moments. His expression suddenly shifted, catching Hannah Fields' full attention and making her heart race with anxiety.
Dean Bruce sighed dramatically, "This is extraordinary—absolutely extraordinary! Judging by your features, you're destined for greatness. You'll be the queen of an empire, perhaps even a ruling monarch yourself. But there's one issue..."
"What issue?" Hannah Fields' voice trembled with anticipation, her throat tightening as she anxiously awaited his response.
Dean Bruce shook his head gravely and said, "The issue is that you seem to be heading down the wrong path. If you continue, you may end up causing a war between several empires, possibly dragging hundreds of duchies into conflict."
Hearing this, Hannah Fields froze in place, her face filled with fear.
Of course, Dean Bruce knew her true identity and the potential consequences of her actions. He had merely exaggerated the stakes to drive home the point.
This was the only way he could sway her. Otherwise, if the saintess decided to run away, capturing her would be a monumental task. Not only would he have to deal with the group surrounding her, but he'd also have to contend with the saintess herself—an effort far too troublesome.
"Enough!"
At this point, Richard Kenneck could no longer hold back his frustration. In a cold tone, he snapped, "You, we took you in out of kindness, and now you're trying to scare our respected Highness?"
"Exactly! Your Highness, you have nothing to worry about! The choice you've made is the best one. After all, you wouldn't want to see the Dragonrock Empire grow stronger and recklessly wage war on the surrounding empires and duchies, would you?"
Upon hearing this, a look of helplessness crossed Hannah Fields' face, her heart torn with indecision.
She didn't want to see any wars break out.
Dean Bruce remained calm, his voice steady. "According to the divination, the path you are on will lead to great turmoil. I don't know the exact details, and I'm not here to tell you what to do. I'm merely telling you the possible outcome."
His words deepened Hannah Fields' hesitation.
If Dean Bruce had outright declared his identity, she might have suspected him of trying to deceive her. But without revealing his identity, her judgment could falter.
"Bastard!"
"We welcomed you out of goodwill, and now you're ruining everything for us?"
Sensing Hannah Fields' growing uncertainty, Richard Kenneck and his companions all stood up, their cold glares fixed on Dean Bruce.
Richard's voice turned even colder, "Escort Her Highness back to the carriage immediately. Don't listen to this man's nonsense!"
"You, young man, do you understand that speaking recklessly comes with consequences?"
Shing!
In an instant, the sound of blades being drawn filled the air. The group closed in, surrounding Dean Bruce, while several others began escorting the still conflicted and hesitant Hannah Fields toward the carriage.
Dean Bruce remained completely unfazed. He spoke calmly, "Is this how you treat your so-called respected Highness? If you truly have her best interests at heart, why not let her make her own decisions? Or perhaps... are you simply deceiving her?"
"!!!"