Chapter 68: A Slap On The Wrist

Chapter 68: A Slap On The Wrist

The first banquet ended with as much progress as when it started. It was mostly used to get a feel for the atmosphere and to see who was a potential opponent or a possible ally. The attendees went to their separate dwellings, causing the hall to slowly empty.

Ira was in no rush to leave so he stayed seated and continued to eat. It went without saying that Avery stayed at his side, occasionally drinking a glass of wine.

You dont have to escort the Fourth Prince back to his dwellings? Avery asked.

Nope. Its not like someone is gonna kill him with so many people around. Ira said without worry.

When the hall emptied to a few dozen people, Rhys approached Iras table with her notepad in hand.

[You didnt have to do that.] She wrote.

Yeah, but I did anyway. No point in thinking about alternatives. Ira continued to eat.

Avery gave a short glance to Rhys before she turned back to Ira, Ive decided to train your silent friend when I have the time.

Really? Why? Ira asked curiously.

She can be considered your ally, right? As of right now, shes lacking in many areas. I aim to help her improve, nothing more. Avery said without a hint of emotion. The only people she cared for were Ira and the Valkyries, so there was no way that shed somehow become friendly with Rhys. Even Harper couldnt say that she was close to Avery, and Harper was essentially her sister-in-law.

Ira looked at Rhys, specifically her mask, he could see a lot of recent scratches on it. Good luck. he said before he resumed eating.

[Ira, can I show you something?] Rhys wrote.

Ira showed interest as he moved away from his plate, Go for it.

Rhys surveyed the dining hall and noticed it was mostly empty, she took a deep breath before she placed both hands on her mask. After a few moments of hesitation, she removed it and exposed her face. Rhys prepared to see, pity, shock, disgust, or just about any other negative emotion as she looked at Ira.

...Was that it? Ira asked with a blank expression. He examined the two parallel eye-catching scars that trailed down her face, before he made eye contact. If one word could describe Iras emotions after seeing Rhys actual face, it would be indifference.

Rhys stared at Iras face with a mix of scrutiny and disbelief.

Ira blinked a few times before he spoke, That was...That was really it? Honestly, he was expecting some sort of cool lightning related ability.

Rhys didnt know how to proceed when she saw Ira didnt care about the scars on her face. It went over her expectations of a slightly more realistic reaction.

[Is it not appalling to you?] Rhys wrote.

No. Ira answered while watching Rhys mouth open and close as if she wanted to say something.

If thats all, you should be on your way. Avery said. Rhys looked at her for a few seconds before nodding.

[Thank you.] Rhys quietly smiled before putting her mask on and leaving.

Ira looked perplexed at what just took place and looked toward Avery as if searching for an answer.

Wouldnt you know her better than me? Avery answered as if reading his mind.

When the attendant left, Avery spoke, Maybe he is curious about the Dark Elves or wants to say something about the Colosseum bout. Either way, dont agree to anything unless there is a direct benefit for us.

I got it. Ira nodded. He completely trusted Averys advice in matters he had no experience in.

Ira said his temporary goodbye and made his way up to the Princes quarters but immediately smelled blood before he had even arrived in the room. Ira didnt hear anything but then recalled something about a silencing stone being mentioned at the banquet, so he sped up and directly entered the room without knocking.

Leonard was sat on the floor bleeding, while Irving was sprawled out on a desk.

Youre still alive, right? So technically I didnt break my contract. Ira said as he looked around the room.

Ira...I need your help. Leonard said.

Clearly. Ira responded as he scanned the room.

Ira! Leonard shouted. Name anything and I promise youll receive it, just let me borrow your strength for a while.

I told thought I said you dont Ira trailed off as he thought of something. I have a request Prince, I need to get someone inside the conference tomorrow, with no questions asked. Can you do that? Ira asked.

It wont be a be problem. Leonard answered immediately.

Alright. What do you need me to do? Ira asked.

First...I need to get rid of the writing on...on Irvings chest. Leonard said.

Writing? Ira moved to Irvings body and saw the message carved into his skin. ...I see. Ira smiled as a few memories resurfaced in his mind. The black sigil on his hand began to slightly itch as he put unwanted memories into the back of his thoughts.

Ira tapped the sword sheathed on his waist and a short burst of kinetic energy rushed and scraped away the writing.

Its done. Ira said with a strange look in his eyes. If Leonard saw his gaze at that moment he would notice that Ira showed a few signs of being aggravated, albeit briefly.

Next, I need you to make it look like a bigger struggle took place in this room. There is no need to worry about the sound.

Ira complied with the request and turned the room into a complete mess in less than a few seconds.

Now Leonard slid the silencing stone to the middle of the floor. In a moment, Ill need you crush that stone and then throw Irvings body out of the window, but dont use your full strength.

Pretty heartless of you, Prince. Ira said with a chuckle.

Listen...Ive already seen to my injuries. Now we just need the story to go with it. Leonard ignored Iras inappropriate laugh and continued on.

The story the Prince created went along the lines of, stumbling onto a tortured Irving and being ambushed. The assailant wanted to kidnap the Prince, but then Ira interfered, resulting in a fight. The assailant attempted to flee and used Irving as a hostage. Ira didnt chase, but the assailant still killed Irving by dropping him out of the window as he fled. As to why the altercation couldn't be heard? The Prince's silencing stone would be labeled as the assailant's. That would create the image of someone investing heavily in attempting to hurt the Prince.

I got it. Ira nodded before he picked up Irvings limp body and held him near a window. Remember Prince, even if this doesnt work out for you, I want what I asked for.

Leonard nodded which Ira took as the signal to start. He tossed Irvings body out of the window, eliciting a loud crash which also served as an alarm. Screams began to ring out as a squad of soldiers and guards made their way over.

It was unknown what the Prince had planned, but he had hadnt faltered in his actions and would continue to without doing so. Whoever the culprit was, would be sure to suffer. He decided that there was no need to hide in plain sight anymore.