“Don’t tell me my sister’s brother’s mother’s ex-husband dived into a dungeon.” I know I was being a wiseass, but I couldn’t help it. I just dived into a dungeon, and now I am here. Which reminds me, I didn’t even get to let X7 out yet.
“What? No! The Prime Minister, along with a few lower noble families, have disappeared.” The Dean replied, which caused me to be very much confused.
“Diablo!” I called out. We had a shadow following that stupid man, so how did he just disappear!?
“Yes, master.” Diablo appeared in front of me.
“Is the shadow you summoned still following the Prime Minister?” I asked.
“It hasn’t moved for a long time. And is looking at the Prime Minister…. Wait… something feels off.” Diablo waved his hand, causing an image of what the shadow was seeing to appear in front of us in the middle of the room. “If I am not wrong, this is an illusion.”
“It is an illusion,” I said after watching the same motions happening over and over. “My guess is that the Prime Minister noticed the shadow a long time ago or someone close to him noticed it, and this was why he laid low. But when I left the capital to save my father, he took this chance to escape leaving this illusion that seems to be able to confuse the shadow’s senses. I think there is a person backing the Prime Minister….”
I did not like the thought that there might be someone lying in the shadows that we did not know about. If it is Azengrade, then we might be in trouble, but I do not think it would be him. I at least hope it is not.
“You can call the shadow back. There is no need for it to still be there. The Prime Minister, as far as I can tell, is no longer in the capital either. So we will need to wait to see what his next move is. Dean, have you talked with the King?” I asked. I was unsure if it was the Dean who was the first to find out or if it was the King.
“It was the King who told me to talk with you. He did not wish for anyone else to know of this except for you and those close to you and his own trusted people.” The Dean replied.
I nodded and turned to Adel. “Adel, we are going to the castle. To be safe, those of the royal family living in the castle will be staying at my house. Court will be held in the meeting hall of my house as well. Diablo, you and Iena are to stay by the King’s side. Right now, protecting his life is something we must ensure. Everyone who passes through my barrier will be scanned by it, not allowing those in with bad intentions. Right now, we are putting everyone on high alert.”
“Faith, is it necessary to go so far?” Adel asked. She looked confused and worried.
“Mmm… If I am not wrong. A civil war may break out at any time.” I answered. “I do hope I am wrong, but….” Just thinking of the dreams I have had, I think this is the most probable scenario. Whether it happens tomorrow or a few years from now. To keep those in power who care for the people, it is better to take them under my roof and protect them at all costs.
“I see… But I do not think my father will do as you ask…. Can’t you just set up barriers and stuff in the castle itself?” Adel asked. It was true that I could, but I still felt insecure. If I am not in close proximity and someone breaks my barriers, then what? I would rather him be under the continuous watch of Diablo and Iena, who can protect him around the clock under my roof where I can reach him faster.
“While what you say is true, the fact still remains that my estate is the safest place for him. This would mean all the heirs to the throne are under one roof, and unless it is Azengrade himself, no one can even get close to them. It is better to cluster together where the strongest in the kingdom reside, than be separated during this time.” I explained.
“I see… You will need to persuade him then because he will not listen to me.” Adel replied with a sigh.
“Hehe… I will just kidnap the King then!” I said with a bright smile. It would be very much amusing to princess carry the King for the entire capital to see.
Adel held her head as she gazed up at me. “Are you trying to take revenge for him appointing you as an heir to the throne!?”
“No!” I quickly looked away. That thought never crossed my mind. Well, maybe just a little…. “Let’s go!” I said as I grabbed Adel’s and Sohpie’s hands and walked out of the Dean’s office. Since I said I was going to do this, I was going to do it!
“Both of you hold on tight,” I said as I wrapped my hand around the two girl’s waists. I didn’t plan to walk to the castle since flying was easier. The two girls hugged me as I flapped my wings and flew through the air towards the castle. “When we get to the throne room, let me do the talking.”
“I didn’t plan to say anything anyway since I know he would ignore my opinion on it anyways. Only you can make him change his mind. Sometimes I wonder just who his real daughter is.” Adel replied with a bit of bitterness in her voice.
“I already have a father, so you can keep him,” I replied and stuck my tongue out.
“I don’t want him either!” Adel replied with pursed lips. “Ah, right. Sophie and I will move into your room. My father can take my old room.”
“Alright. It’s not like we haven’t all shared a room before anyways. Just know that Grace is strict. When the sun comes up, she will yank you out of bed whether you want to get up or not….”