Knock Knock
While Elira was lying on her bed, reading her favourite book, someone knocked on her door. However, instead of answering like a woman in power would, she rolled away, placing her face on the opposite side of the door.
‘They will think I am not here and go away if I don’t say anything.’
She shrugged as she continued reading, but…
Knock Knock
The person outside the door knocked again.
Knock Knock
Then again,
Knock Knock
And then again.
Elira’s mouth twitched.
“You brute, do you not understand what it means when someone doesn’t answer!?”
The Court Mage snapped.
Yes, just a few knocks were enough for her to know who the person was and just as she expected, the moment she shouted, the door was kicked open effortlessly and a giant man walked in.
“Don’t you know that you are not supposed to barge into a lady’s room!?”
Elira shouted.
“Lady my ass. What lady reads that strange book?”
Arlan snorted.
“Don’t think I do not know that you stole one of my copies.”
“…”
Arlan momentarily turned silent, wondering how this witch knew. Soon, however, he shook his head.
He wasn’t here to fight or annoy her like usual.
Rather, he stared at his sister with a solemn look on his face, and without him having to say it, Elira understood what her brother wanted and with a wave of her hand, she created a sound barrier around them.
“What is it?”
Elira questioned, instantly dropping her casual attitude.
“You went to Kael’s room yesterday?”
The Commander questioned directly.
“How did you know?”
“So you did…”
Arlan muttered and Elira realized it.
“Fuck! That one doesn’t count! I was half asleep!”
She quickly defended herself.
“Why did you go?”
Arlan, however, wasn’t in the mood to joke around.
“Why do you ask?”
“Elira.”
Arlan’s tone changed. This, however, didn’t intimidate Elira.
“How did you know I went to Kael?”
“I didn’t. I just knew you had a talk with Kieran.”
“He ratted on me.”
Elira realized it.
“Elira.”
Arlan raised his voice.
“What? Did you not listen to Kieran’s story?
Kael is much more perceptive than we give him credit for. He found out he was being tailed, he also settled the matter with City Lord Sylas like an experienced leader would, and his performance back in Estwyn Town was nothing but exemplary.”
Elira then looked into Arlan’s eyes and,
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“He is ready, Arlan.
Do not underestimate him.”
“So you told him about the Princess…”
Arlan realized.
It was almost as if the brother and sister could read each other’s minds.
Elira didn’t seem surprised either, she just lowered her head and after a small pause, she nodded.
“…he deserves to know.”
“Elira, Princess Lavinia i-“
“You know she is innocent!”
Elira glared at her brother.
“Your bond with her was stronger than mine! You were the one who introduced her to me! You practically raised her!
How are you not affected by everything that happened!?”
“And what do you want me to do?”
Arlan questioned back.
“You think I love her more than the King? Or do you think the King isn’t trying to find a way to drop all those charges on his beloved daughter and bring her back?”
“…”
Elira turned silent.
“Elira, I cannot go against the King. I do not have the authori-“
“Oh yeah? And finding where she is right now isn’t going against the King’s authority?”
“How did yo-“
Soon, however, the Commander paused.
“Now I am awake.”
Elira grinned victoriously.
“So, where is she?”
She questioned directly.
“I will not say.”
Arlan shook his head.
“Just know she is safe.”
“You have your men protecting her?”
“I cannot move openly, but I know she is alive.”
“And well…?”
Elira questioned in a low tone.
“She is caged, Elira.”
Arlan didn’t say anything else.
“…”
Elira stayed silent as well.
“So you want the Hero’s help to free the Princess?”
Arlan questioned. He could pretty much understand his sister’s plan.
“I think the King plans to do the same.”
Elira started.
“What do you mean?”
The Commander frowned.
“What the King needs right now is authority.
There are too many people against the Princess, it is unnatural. Even though it isn’t apparent, I am sure the Crown Prince is behind it and he will make sure everything stays the same.
However,
Once the Hero’s reputation rises, he will have a certain say in the Kingdom. If the Hero stands together with the King, with their combined influence, the Princess could be brought back.
I am just… moving these plans faster and independently. I am sure once the King realizes what I am trying to do, he will secretly support me and even help me hide my traces.”
“This will involve Kael in this mess.”
Arlan spoke with a grim look on his face.
“He will be involved in this mess one way or another. He is looking for the Princess on his own.”
“He is?”
Arlan frowned.
“I confirmed it yesterday.
He tried to hide it but he wasn’t doing a very good job at it.”
“Well, he still doesn’t know how to hide his emotions.”
Not for a single moment did he doubt his sister’s words.
He knew it better than anyone else, Elira may act irresponsibly but she is extremely perceptive and good at reading people.
One could trust her judgement blindly and she would never fail you.
At least that is what Arlan’s more than 30 years of experience as her brother told him.
Soon, however, a question formed in his mind.
“How does he know about the Princess in the first place? He has only been here for two weeks.”
“I do not know how he found out, but he has been looking around for a while now. One way or another, he will be involved in this mess.”
“It will be unsafe.”
Arlan muttered.
At those words, Elira just chuckled.
“Let’s face it, Brother.
Kael was never safe to begin with.”
The Commander couldn’t help but smile wryly at those words.
“Now scram.
I already hate that I had to see your face first thing in the morning.”
“Heh, unlike you, I have my lovely wife I wake up to.”
Arlan grinned.
“Wife that I chose.”
“She was so perfect that you had no option but to choose her.”
Arlan just chuckled and at his words, Elira snapped,
“Just you wait, I’ll find a man too.”
“Sure, try it.”
The Commander narrowed his eyes menacingly.
“If you scare him away, I’ll burn you!”
Elira warned.
“If your man gets scared away by me, he never deserved to be your husband in the first place!”
Arlan snapped.
“Go away!
I need to get dressed for the party!”
“Huh? The Party’s in 4 hour-“
“Ladies need their time to get dressed!
I have no clue how Lyria hasn’t divorced a hard-headed fool like you! I was right, she really was too good for someone like you!
I am at fault, I ruined that angel’s life!”
“The only life you will be ruining will be of your future husband, I pity the gu-“
“LEAVE!!”
Elira raised her voice and started throwing pillows at her brother one after another.
“Alright alright! I am going, you witch!
And why do you have so many pillows anyway!? This is already the sixth one!”
“I keep them for men who secretly come to my room at night!
WHY DO YOU CARE!?”