As Aizel dedicated himself to practicing and deepening his understanding of Sekki, a significant gathering unfolded within the walls of Felgura Castle.
The round table hosted not only the esteemed Sword Emperor but also the influential heads of the noble families. Yet, this time, it was the princess who took the lead in orchestrating the meeting.
A beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling of a somewhat small room, which nonetheless had enough space for everyone there.
The serious looks on everyone's faces mirrored the gravity of the situation; after all, the answers they were seeking were of paramount significance.
"So Yongiri, you said you weren't able to find the artifact that David had?"
"Yes princess, I searched every corner but didn't see a single trace of the artifact," Yongiri replied calmly.
"Sword Emperor,"
The Sword Emperor took a moment to carefully remove a black crystal orb from his ring.
Placing it carefully before Youngiri Balthazar, its size exceeded that of the conventional communication crystal orbs commonly utilized by mages.
"I know you won't lie, but I can't take any chances. Place your hand and release your core magic energy in the ball, and answer my question again."
Yongiri nodded, appreciating the gravity of the situation, and reached out with his right hand to touch the pitch-black ball. A definite coolness emerged from the ball as his palm made contact with its surface, sending a shiver down his arms.
"Now tell me, did you find the artifact?"
"No,"
"Did you steal it for yourself?"
"No,"
"Did you even see the artifact there?"
"No,"
"Did you see or meet anyone there?"
"No,"
There were no indications of life or force from the black crystal ball.
"You can take your hand back. If you didn't find it, does that mean that it got destroyed or got melted in the fire?"
"No princess, it was the artifact that had the power to vanish the mana itself. A mere small blast of that radius or fire can't destroy it," Elric Crestfall replied while stroking his beard.
"Can it be that a high-grade mage might have sneaked up and stolen the artifact?" Anthony Baroth asked.
"Yongiri would have sensed it if that's the case," Raigun Redmont replied.
"But what if the mage is in the League of the Sword Emperor? Then it is possible, right?" Anthony asked.
"So what you are trying to say is that there is a chance that a Grade VII or even a higher-level mage might have sneaked into our kingdom?" Princess asked, her eyebrows twitching as she glared at everyone.
"Not possible, Vespara would have sensed it." Sword Emperor said
"What do you think about the War Goddess? What if she had a hand in this?" Xavier Valtor said, his expression serious as he looked straight towards the sword emperor.
"Not possible; she was with me the whole time when we fought the Blood Dragon Mage."
"How can you tell so surely? You are still young, and she always had the upper hand on you.
"Maybe even you would have paired up with her to covet the artifact for both of you, Sword Emperor.
"Are you doubting me now, Xavier?"
As Xavier and the Sword Emperor stared each other down, the tension in the room rose. Their intense concentration cast a gloom over the room, making it feel as if it were going to collapse under its own weight.
"I won't trust a mage who easily falls in love with some lower bitch and then loses her in the end."
With blinding speed, Xavier's neck was in the path of the glittering white sword as it was unsheathed and pointed at its target.
The speed with which Xavier lifted his own blade to block the oncoming strike was equally astonishing.
Their blades clashed in a resounding clash, the clash of steel echoing through the room as their intense gazes locked once again, each prepared to unleash their full power in the impending battle.
"Now we are not here to fight each other; don't act like small kids." Elric quickly appeared in between them.
Quickly regaining his composure and authority, Xavier sheathed his sword and returned to his seat.
Like him, the Sword Emperor stowed his sword and resumed his rightful position.
"Xavier, you know I am still present, right?" The princess asked.
"I am sorry, princess; it won't happen again."
"Now, we still have to decide who should be the new head of the Eudora family. Rose had two sons, and for me, they are both scum.
"But one must become the head after the funeral. How should we proceed with that?" Zraeena asked, and she slowly sipped the wine while glancing towards everyone.
"Let them fight to the death with each other; whoever wins will be the new head," Yongiri said with excitement.
"It's a good suggestion; whoever dies one less scum will be there in our kingdom," Zareena nodded.
"By the way Yongiri, when are you going to prepare?" She asked.
Everyone in the room, including Yongiri, looked at the princess with bewilderment written all over their faces.
"Did you forget the interkingdom tournament is coming near?"
"Yes princess, but I participated only last year. This time it's Elric Geezer turn,"
"I am not talking about that; I am talking about your son.
"He will be participating, and he needs a weapon. And I am sure, he will come after you soon for your artifact," Zraeen said with a sly smile.
"HAHAHAH... I can't wait to watch that idiot Soren fight another idiot," Damian Goldwyn laughed.
"Oh Soren, ahahaha let him come. I am more than ready to fight him," Yongiri said, his eyes sparkling with excitement to fight his own son.
"Can't you just give him the sword for the tournament?"
"No! It's not a normal artifact, princess. It can only be wielded by the one who has the right to win it in a battle.
"The artifact has its own wishes, and it won't act if I just give him to Soren. It will be nothing more than a common-grade sword."
"What type of duel is going to be then?"
"A duel to the death, princess,"
Zareena got up suddenly, her eyes blazing with rage and fury as she fixed them squarely on Yongiri.
"I won't let that happen,"
"I am sorry princess, but if he wants to fight for the artifact, it can only be a duel of death, or it won't work."
As the tension grew in the room, the Sword Emperor discreetly shifted his gaze towards the princess, casting a sidelong glance to observe her reaction.
With keen eyes, he carefully studied her expression, seeking any hints or clues to decipher her true feelings at that critical moment.
Princess has fallen in love it seems, "Sword Emperor thought.
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