Estini leaned back, returning to her previous lazy and casual demeanor. She looked at the sisters who appeared somewhat uneasy again after refusing to answer for the second time, shaking her head in resignation.
“Well, as I said, it was just a casual chat. Everyone has their own aspirations. But if you’re not willing to join... let me guess, is it because of that girl named Violet?”
Leila raised her head, her transparent blue eyes seeming to lack any oppressive force like the Empress, yet compelling people to involuntarily want to submit. She gritted her teeth.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Violet has shown us greatest kindness and is the person we most admire and cherish. My sister and I have long decided to dedicate our lives to following her. Unless, unless Lady Violet personally requests otherwise, we find it difficult to obey...”
With these words, the entire Feathered Emperor’s Palace, including the Royal Feather Guards lined on both sides, fell into a sudden silence.
Even if the Feathered Emperor was accommodating, Leila’s statement undoubtedly completely rejected the dignity of being the ruler, and in harsher terms, it could be interpreted as considering Feathered Emperor Estini far inferior to Violet.
This was a great disrespect, and those who always regarded Estini as the supreme Feather Guard naturally wouldn’t give them a good look.
The only one who remained unchanged was the silver-winged old man standing beside the Feathered Emperor, corresponding to the maid Ink. He still wore an expression of sleepy indifference.
Of course, the Feathered Emperor herself, with ample grace and deep composure, was the one who stood out the most.
“Is that so? I didn’t expect you to hold such a high opinion of that girl. I heard she’s quite powerful. It makes me really want to meet her...”
At this moment, Edwina, who hadn’t spoken since the beginning, suddenly spoke up.
“Your Majesty, I have a piece of advice, perhaps it’s a bit unpleasant. Would you be willing to hear it?”
Estini slightly turned her head, looking at the beautiful Holy Knight in heavy armor with flawless crystal-clear blonde hair.
“Yes, certainly.”
“Alright.”
Edwina didn’t hold back, speaking straightforwardly.
“Regarding Miss Violet’s matters, you can inquire and learn what she’s willing to let people know. However, it’s better not to delve deeper. Perhaps that kind-hearted lady herself might forgive you with a smile, but certain individual beside her won’t.”
“Oh?”
The noble Empress raised her eyebrows, leaning forward, and for the first time, her demeanor became lively.
“You two, aren’t you intentionally arousing my curiosity? Besides the lofty gods, is there anything in this world I can’t handle?”
Sensing the probing tone in the Feathered Emperor’s words, Edwina didn’t fall for it this time, just smiling slightly.
“I’ve said what I needed to. I hope you can make the right choice. Don’t make a mistake.”
“Heh...”
A meaningless snort escaped the Empress’s nose as she leaned back on her throne and waved her hand dismissively.
“You may leave now. If there’s anything, I will send messengers to summon you at the embassy. Oh, by the way, for the upcoming celebration in a week, I hope you, including Miss Violet, can attend. This small request shouldn’t be refused, right?”
Leila’s expression twitched, quickly nodding along with her sister.
“It’s our honor. As for Lady Violet, I will convey your message. Your Majesty, we take our leave.”
Estini nodded but didn’t say anything more. She rested her smooth chin on her hand, closing her eyes as if already asleep.
Edwina and the other two turned to leave. With a series of clicking sounds, the main gate of the Feathered Emperor’s Palace gradually closed. In the spacious hall, the radiance noticeably dimmed.
The Feathered Emperor remained silent for a long time, resembling a statue.
Her maid Ink, the silver-winged old man, and the Royal Feather Guards in the hall, all stood still as if waiting for something.
At a certain moment, Estini abruptly opened her eyes, and that gentle and casual demeanor had turned into a thunderous roar!
“Take action!”
The Silver Wing Elder forcefully slammed his cane on the ground, and intricate magical patterns instantly appeared on the walls, ceiling, and every white jade pillar in the grand hall, forming a colorful web that enveloped the entire space!
With a frail voice, he activated the magical veins.
“The grand formation, activate!”
A massive magic array covering the entire front hall emerged from the ground, and invisible radiance spread outward, sweeping through the entire space. Then, in a corner, a faint silver humanoid figure was outlined.
“There! Royal Feather Guards, capture the assassin!”
Maid Ink unfolded a pair of white wings in an instant, two sharp short daggers, completely mismatched with the winged combat style, agilely jumped into her grasp from under her skirt. She took the lead in rushing towards the exposed thief.
At least thirty more white figures followed closely, rising from all directions, surrounding the revealed silver figure trapped by the magic array, creating an impenetrable net of spears!
The individual seemed to realize her exposure, uttering a surprised “Wow!” However, what intrigued the cold-eyed Feathered Emperor Estini was that judging by the sound, this assassin was actually a very young girl, though the tone was somewhat blurred, probably obscured by something.
Ink didn’t care whether the intruder was male or female. Trespassing into the Feathered Emperor’s palace without permission, especially lurking near Her Majesty, was already an unforgivable crime. Even if she were to be directly killed here, it would be reasonable and lawful.
Therefore, she showed no mercy.
Although she used dagger-like weapons, as a winged person, or one of the legendary level experts known as the “Four Wings,” she would not engage in close combat with the enemy, utilizing their weaknesses. This tactic was entirely unsuitable for the agile and mobile nature of winged individuals.
Ink directly threw the two daggers in her hands towards the outlined figure by the magic array, as fast as lightning.
As a personal maid who spent most of her time by Her Majesty’s side, taking care of various daily needs, Ink naturally needed to avoid using weapons like long spears or bows and arrows that were not easy to carry and not elegant enough. That’s why she specifically chose short daggers that could be hidden most of the time but could be instantly drawn out during critical moments.
Of course, there was another reason.
Ink was a “Divine Gazer,” and her ability was quite peculiar—anything thrown by her hands would unfailingly hit the designated target within her range.
No escaping from it.
This characteristic often gave Ink the upper hand in many first encounters, catching enemies off guard.
But this time, the assassin seemed to be stunned by the sudden change and didn’t dodge or avoid at all. She just let the two swiftly flying sharp weapons head straight for her vital points?
Hey hey, those were legendary-level full-power attacks, this is getting too bold...
“Ding!”
Before her thoughts could pass, Miss Maid saw the two daggers abruptly stop in mid-air, as if colliding with some hard object. They shattered inch by inch, falling to the ground and turning into useless dust.
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“What!?”
At the same time, the dozens of long spears that followed immediately also thrust towards the silver figure that seemed poised to escape!