The following morning arrived, casting a soft glow upon the room where Choi Han, Rosalyn, and the others had gathered.
Athanasia greeted Rosalyn with a compliment, "Miss Rosalyn, brunette hair looks good on you."
Rosalyn, seemingly surprised by the compliment, responded, "You think so as well? I thought it would make it easier for me to run wild."
Cale, his attention focused on the task at hand, continued the discussion, "Lock, you should be able to use the physical strength of a wolf without transforming, right?"
Lock, gently holding On and Hong, confirmed, "Yes, sir, it is possible."
Cale elaborated on the plan, "Miss Rosalyn and Lock will be one team. Choi Han and the dragon will form the second team. On and Hong will be the third."
Lock inquired about Athanasia's role, prompting all eyes to turn to her.
Zaphyr, perched on Athanasia's shoulder, shared his insight, "Athanasia has a frail body."
The dragon added, "Weak human."
On and Hong concurred, "Easily tired."
Choi Han chimed in, "Athanasia-nim has a weak body and can easily get tired if she overexerts herself."
Athanasia chuckled nervously at their assessments, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Cale assured everyone, "Don't worry, Athanasia will be by my side."
Rosalyn raised a question about Cale's participation, asking, "What about young master Cale?"
Choi Han hesitated, "Cale-nim, your physical strength is a bit…"
Zaphyr and the dragon completed his thought, "Weak."
Hong summarized, "Not needed."
On agreed, "Useless."
All eyes turned to Cale, who accepted the assessment with a wry smile, "I'm weak and would be nothing but baggage. Athanasia and I also need to prepare for the celebration as soon as the sun comes up. It would be difficult for me to accompany you."
Athanasia nodded in agreement, understanding the situation.
Cale handed a bag to Choi Han, signaling the start of their mission. He spoke cheerfully, "Alright, then please head to work."
A smile graced Athanasia's lips as she added, "Good luck, everyone," and gave them a thumbs-up gesture.
Choi Han and the others returned the smile, their determination evident as they nodded in acknowledgment. Rosalyn playfully interjected, "Remember, you're supposed to give me one after we dismantle them, alright?"
Cale's smile remained as he assured her, "Of course."
Rosalyn grinned, "That should be enough to pay for my services."
After That
Inside the carriage, Cale and Athanasia sat side by side, . Athanasia, as her custom, was engrossed in a book, while Zaphyr remained unseen on her lap. Amiru occupied the opposite side, engaging in conversation with Cale.
Cale's voice carried purpose, "I will discuss it with my father."
Amiru's response held a determined note, "We'll also send an official request."
After a thoughtful pause, Amiru shared another insight, "Though the whirlpools cause concern, they've been navigated for generations. Paradoxically, they can act as a defense, deterring foreign invasions. It's worth a try."
Athanasia, catching this exchange, cast a sidelong glance at Cale,
who was wearing a subtle smile. She let out a resigned sigh, aware of his intentions.
Amiru's gratitude flowed warmly, "Thank you, Young Master Cale."
Cale's self-deprecating humor slipped in, "You shouldn't thank a 'trash.'"
A slight shake of Athanasia's head was her response to Cale's remark.
Cale continued, his tone sincere, "I possess no significant power. My role is merely to relay your message."
Amiru's reply held conviction, "That's more than enough."
Amiru's gaze drifted to Athanasia, who was absorbed in her book. As she extended his hand for a handshake, Amiru extended an invitation, "When you have the chance, please visit the Ubarr territory, both Young Master Cale and Young Lady Athanasia."
A flicker of surprise crossed Athanasia's features; she had assumed the invitation was meant only for Cale,
given her seemingly limited purpose. Athanasia pondered, realizing this might provide an opportunity to reunite with Witira and Poseton, characters from the novel.
Cale's attention briefly shifted to Athanasia before returning to Amiru, his hand meeting Amiru's in a handshake.
Cale affirmed, "We will go when the opportunity arises."
Amiru's response was hopeful and earnest, "I hope that chance comes soon."
The carriage came to a halt, and Cale was the first to step down. He reached out his hand to help Athanasia disembark, and she accepted his assistance with a gentle smile. Amiru followed suit, aided by a butler who accompanied him.
Cale's gaze shifted to the clock in his hand, noting the time and calculating the schedule meticulously. "It's currently 8:30 o'clock.
The staff that prepares for events in the plaza would arrive an hour early, and at 8:30, the royal knights will allow people to enter, filling the plaza with crowds."
Cale turned his attention back to Athanasia, his voice low but reassuring. "Just stay close to me."
A nod of agreement was Athanasia's response. Standing side by side,
they prepared for the day's events. Eric's voice interrupted their moment.
"Oh, you're here," Eric remarked.
Cale released Athanasia's hand as Eric continued, "Looks like everyone is early."
Eric's reminder prompted them to maintain their composure. Athanasia nodded again, understanding the importance of adhering to the plan.
Attention shifted as Taylor stood beside Prince Alberu.
Surprise and disbelief rippled through the group as they tried to process this unexpected sight.
A soft smile curved Athanasia's lips as she observed Taylor. In the midst of the unfolding situation, her thoughts drifted momentarily.
Invisible on Athanasia's shoulder, Zaphyr's voice reassured her, "Athanasia, if something happens, I will protect you and the human."
A sense of gratitude filled Athanasia's heart, and she responded mentally, "Thank you, I appreciate it. And don't worry, I won't cause trouble."
Meanwhile, Prince Alberu's words signaled the next phase. From within the carriage, his command rang out, "Let us depart."
In the carriage, Athanasia sat beside Cale, with Amiru beside Athanasia. On the other side, Neo and Taylor found their places.
Taylor broke the silence, "Hello, nice to meet you all again."
Amiru responded, "It's nice to meet you. I am Amiru El Ubarr."
Athanasia nodded, "Nice to meet you."
Neo exchanged pleasantries, "Nice to meet you, Taylor."
Cale remained silent, staring out of the window.
Neo continued, "Nice to meet you, young lady Athanasia."
A forced smile appeared on Athanasia's face.
Cale thought to himself, "It won't be long until the chaos starts."But it was already chaotic inside the carriage
Amidst the unfolding interactions, Athanasia couldn't help but find amusement in Neo's perplexed expression. Her internal musings amused her further, "Neo clearly didn't anticipate Taylor's presence over Venion's."
With an air of genuine concern, Amiru turned his attention to Taylor, his voice carrying a gentle inquiry, "Young Master Taylor, have your legs now fully mended?"
Taylor's response was laced with gratitude, "Indeed, I am now fully healed, a true blessing."
Amiru's smile deepened, a genuine note of happiness threading through his words, "Congratulations, that is wonderful news."
Taylor's gratitude flowed forth, his appreciation tangible, "Thank you."
A sense of comfort washed over Athanasia, her smile growing more pronounced as the camaraderie in the carriage bloomed.
Neo's throat cleared, his gaze unwavering as it rested on Taylor, a question poised, "Now that your legs have mended, do you intend to return to the Marquis Estate?"
Taylor's surprise was evident, his voice infused with a touch of conviction, "Return? But that estate has always been my home."
His words held an undeniable confidence, "It is clear to me that my place is there."
there is a silence for a moment
A subtle flicker of amusement danced in Athanasia's eyes as she observed Neo's reaction, her thoughts echoing with wry humor, "How amusing."
Taylor's gaze shifted, fixing upon Athanasia and Cale, his voice carrying a mixture of sincerity and intrigue, "Young Master Cale and Lady Athanasia, there is something I am eager to share with you. It's quite an interesting story."
A genuine smile graced Athanasia's lips, and she nodded, her curiosity piqued and her anticipation evident.
Cale, however, released a soft, resigned sigh, his mind already piecing together the puzzle, "I can guess what he wants to tell us."
The carriage came to a gentle halt, and the group's anticipation filled the air. Neo, the first to step out, turned and remarked, "Well, I guess I'll be the one getting off first."
Amiru followed suit, determination in her stride. "Young Master Cale and Young Lady Athanasia," she declared, "I'll return shortly with Young Master Eric."
A nod was Athanasia's only response as Amiru left, leaving the three of them alone inside the carriage.
Taylor's voice broke the silence, his tone light. "Finally, just the three of us."
A smile tugged at Athanasia's lips as she replied, "Congratulations, Young Master Taylor, on mending your leg. Your commitment to becoming the head of the Marquis estate is truly commendable."
"Thank you, Lady Athanasia," Taylor acknowledged graciously.
Cale chimed in, his curiosity evident. "So, did you pledge your loyalty?"
Taylor shook his head, a glint of cunning in his eyes. "No, I struck a deal."
Cale nodded approvingly. "That's clever. Congratulations on regaining your mobility."
As the conversation flowed, Taylor handed a paper to Cale, detailing the terms of their arrangement. Cale hesitated, but Taylor insisted, "It's good to know, Young Master Cale."
Seated beside them, Athanasia pondered the dynamics at play. Her musings were interrupted as Taylor spoke again. "Cage will be excommunicated."
Athanasia smiled, "Because she does as she pleases?"
Taylor confirmed, "Exactly, and she's happy about it."
Cale thought, "Seems like she's embracing her role as the 'crazy priestess.'"
Taylor declared, "This is just the beginning. We will be victorious, Young Master Cale and Young Lady Athanasia."
Athanasia's smile grew.
Cale, however, couldn't help but question Taylor's choice of words. "Why include us in that 'we'?"
Cale's doubt was quickly dispelled by Taylor's confident response. "Because you will be victorious."
As the carriage came to a halt, Taylor prepared to disembark, extending an invitation. "We should all celebrate our triumph with a drink—Henituse wine, perhaps?"
Cale agreed, acknowledging the superior quality of the Henituse wine. Athanasia, while not saying a word, bid farewell to Taylor with a graceful wave of her hand.
Now, Cale's attention turned to the paper Taylor had given him earlier. He began to read its contents, absorbed in its implications.
The text on the paper revealed a significant revelation: "The crown prince wishes to avoid civil war."
Cale made a tch sound as he read it.
Athanasia looked confused at Cale, her memory gaps on the novel leaving her curious about the paper's contents.
Cale tucked the paper back into his pocket.
Cale turned his gaze toward Athanasia and advised, "Remember, just stay by my side, don't do anything dangerous."
Athanasia simply nodded in understanding.
Cale was the first to exit the carriage and extended his hand to help Athanasia down. Zaphyr remained invisibly perched on Athanasia's shoulder.
Under the open sky, the vibrant energy of the event surged as Eric's voice carried across the air, calling out to Cale and Athanasia.
"Cale, Athanasia," he called out.
Cale and Athanasia turned in unison, their gazes locking onto Eric, Amiru, and Gilbert as they approached.
Gilbert spoke with a hint of formality, "Shall we proceed, Young Master Cale, Lady Athanasia? It's our turn to make our entrance."
Athanasia nodded in response, a quiet thought drifting through her mind, Almost time to begin...
With their group in motion, Athanasia found herself walking beside Cale, their steps in synchrony. Her eyes flicked toward the towering clock tower, its hands pointing to 8:25.
A commanding voice rang out, "Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats."
Athanasia settled beside Cale as instructed, anticipation growing.
Eric's voice held a note of assurance, "Cale and Athanasia, hold steady."
Athanasia gave a simple nod, her thoughts focused on the events unfolding.
Cale's voice, laced with humor, cut through the air,
"Hyung-nim, today I'll be doing absolutely nothing."
Athanasia's gaze shifted to Cale, her expression caught between amusement and a silent caution. "You're jinxing yourself, Cale," she thought, a gentle smile tugging at her lips.
The atmosphere shifted as a hushed murmur spread through the crowd. "The stars of the Croosman family are entering," a man's voice announced, causing
Athanasia's nerves were tingling as the grand event unfolded before her eyes. Zaphyr's comforting words echoed in her mind, soothing her anxious thoughts. "Athanasia, if someone hurts you, don't worry. I will protect you and make anyone who dares to hurt you disappear. I'll also protect the human."
Her tension began to ease, and she responded gratefully, "Thank you."
In the bustling square, the anticipation reached its peak as Alberu Crossman,
along with the 2nd and 3rd princes, arrived in separate luxurious carriages. The cheers of the crowd grew louder, echoing their excitement.
As the carriages came to a stop and the king emerged, a hush fell over the crowd. Athanasia watched from her vantage point, her heart racing in sync with the rhythm of the event. Alberu, the 2nd prince, and the 3rd prince stood by their father's side on the stage, an image of unity and power.
With a commanding presence, the king raised his hand, and the cheers gradually subsided. He addressed the crowd with a sense of authority and warmth, his voice carrying through the square.
"It has already been 30 years since this kingdom has been blessed by the sun, allowing me the privilege to rule over this land."
Cale's inner thoughts interjected, his cynicism surfacing. "He truly looks happy, but unfortunately..."
Meanwhile, Athanasia's attention drifted to the time. "It's already 9:00."