Just as Igni mentioned, Kael heard a knock on his door.
Kael opened the door, and the moment his eyes fell on the Stormhold siblings, he was surprised.
"Hmm? Why are you two here?"
However, instead of answering his question, the siblings just walked into the room and made themselves comfortable on Kael's bed.
"Do I owe you some debt or something?"
Kael questioned as he closed the door.
"Oh, come on, stop acting like a stranger~
You defended me so bravely in front of that old hag today. You even protected me from that beast's attack. Why are you acting like a tsundere now?
I already know you have a crush on me~"
Elira smiled brightly.
"You overestimate yourself, woman."
Kael quickly waved his hand, dismissing the absurd notion.
"Did you forget I can see people's age? I just called you young for the sake of it. In truth, you should know you are ancient. 28 is already nearing dea-"
"It is not wise to speak more than required, Dear Hero~"
Elira's smile brightened even further, her eyes, however, weren't smiling one bit.
Kael, very intelligently, closed his mouth.
"Alright, stop joking around. We do not have time."
Arlan spoke with a solemn look on his face, something that made Kael frown.
"The hell happened to him?"
He questioned as he glanced at Elira.
"It's about what happened today."
Elira spoke. The mage had already formed a sound barrier around them.
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"The reason why the guest list was changed at the last minute—we think someone did it on purpose, and we… might know who that someone is."
Elira answered, and Kael stared at the woman.
Elira revealed and Kael frowned in confusion.
"Didn't you say the King was an ally?"
"I just think there's a reason he invited everyone to the party so suddenly."
"What are you trying to say?"
"Usually, in such gatherings, a formal invitation is sent to the guests at least a month before. The guests then answer back with a list of guests who will appear, and only once the host accepts the guest list does the invitation finally get accepted and the guests join the gathering.
It's something done to ensure that there are no odd elements in the gathering that disrupt its flow. And in cases where the invitations are sent urgently…
This is nothing more than inviting trouble since the guests could send anyone they want as guests."
"Basically, Tower Head Selene is known for her behavior and usually isn't invited to such gatherings. However, the King sending the invitation last minute allowed Xenthalor to send her without appearing rude."
Elira tried completing her brother's words. However, the instant she saw Kael's lost expression, she quickly shook her hand and said,
"Just know that that old hag is known for her sharp tongue that creates trouble everywhere she goes. Someone like that isn't usually appreciated in gatherings, but this time…
The King might have sent the last-minute invitation on purpose because he wanted someone like her to be here."
The Court Mage simplified.
"Why would he do that?"
Kael questioned with a frown, even more confused.
Elira questioned back, and Kael started thinking.
What good came out of Selene coming to the part-
Kael's expression changed.
"Is it… the Princess?"
He spoke, and Elira's smile widened.
"He wanted a blabbermouth like her here so he could somehow bring the Princess's matter to light and let the Hero know about it.
This is probably also the reason why he arranged a meeting with you tomorrow.
The King is finally making his move in order to protect his daughter."
Elira spoke excitedly.
Clearly, this was very important for her.
"Are you saying the King already knew what was going to happen today?"
Kael questioned. Honestly, throughout the event, it felt like they were following Selene's whims. Everything went perfectly for her.
She not only sowed seeds of doubt in the Hero's mind, but she also showed Xenthalor's might and confused the entire world about what was right and what was wrong.
If… the King really predicted all that, then…
Arlan, however, shook his head.
"That's not the case. The gathering today was indeed Xenthalor's victory. They came prepared, and they got what they wanted. There's no denying it.
That is an entirely different matter that will be discussed at another time. Our focus is currently on what little victory we achieved."
Kael muttered, and the Commander nodded.
"The King was just expecting someone to mention the taboo. It didn't matter who, and the fact that it was Selene doesn't change anything."
Elira nodded, she then stared at Kael and said,
"You need to make sure you ask about her when you meet him tomorrow. If possible, try to get Lavinia's name out of his mouth."
The Mage then took out a bundle of papers from her sanctuary and passed it to Kael.
"I've written down a few ways you can get that name out of his mouth. These are all the things you should know without raising any suspicions. I've also written down a few probable ways as to how the conversation would go.
If the King really wishes for you to know about the Princess, he should say something along the lines of what I've written down.
It is highly likely that the Crown Prince will be there too, so you need to be careful."
Kael took the bundle Elira passed to him, somewhat overwhelmed by her preparation. But the moment the Crown Prince's name came out of her mouth, his expression changed.
"Do you… really think the Crown Prince is the enemy…?"
He questioned after a slight hesitation, and it wasn't just him. Even Arlan and Elira's reaction to that question was stronger than what Kael expected.
After all, the siblings didn't miss what the Crown Prince did today.
He practically saved Elira by putting his life on the line.
Was that man really an enemy…?
Honestly, the siblings weren't sure either. For now, however,
"We just need to focus on getting Lavinia's name out of the King's mouth. Whoever the enemy is, we will find him soon enough. But our priority right now is to save the Princess."
Elira answered, and Kael nodded in understanding.
There was indeed no other way out.
There were simply too many questions and too few answers to say anything for certain.