The party of Calen and company arrived at the Judicial building shortly after their little non-fruitful research on the small district. Though they met resistance on the way, the party was more than enough to apprehend and destroy anything that comes in their way.
They were like an unstoppable force that propel forward with just their goal in mind.
The shield was now larger and shimmering with magical powers. They could feel the holiness once they passed through the shield.
"Is this...?" Aurelia was flabbergasted at the side as hundreds and thousands of tents were erected all over the place, with a good number of people already starting their daily chores.
"That was fast." Marcus chimed in.
"Well, at least the people are safe inside. I wonder what the inside looks like now?" Lumiere said, already feeling the pressure on the back of her head.
"I can pretty much guess this is going to be extremely political and we're perfectly walking inside whatever sinister plan they are hatching." Celeste absent-mindedly said. "No offence to the princess! I was merely observing the state." She added, finding the absurdity in her voice.
"None taken," Aurelia replied. "I know how it is. I know there are going to be meetings, strategies, tricks, and deceit. And we are going to be pawns for them to barter away."
"First come first serve, I guess," Lumiere said. "Whoever is absent there is going to take nothing home. Whoever came earlier will take everything."
"Not sure if I like the sound of that." Nevil stammered, suddenly feeling something was off.
"Don't be like that, shaggy, I'm sure this is going to be fun." Laila jabbed him, but she herself was feeling not too well. It was like deep inside she knew whoever was inside can determine their future.
"Dani? What do you want to do?" Daenys asked, seeing the complicated look on her sister.
"We go in. See if father and mother are there. We get out. In and out. Easy." Dani answered, still not entirely sure what she was supposed to say or feel about all of this.
"That is a good plan. I'll back you up. You have my word," Daenys said. "But..."
"Don't worry. Even if the Grandmaster orders me to stay, I'll leave here. You can come with me or not, your choice." With that, she stormed off to the large magical building.
The party looked at each other and shrugged, before following her to the building.
...
The walk to the building was not long, but the more they see the situation the poor people were in they felt more anxious and more eager to get inside.
When they finally reached the main entrance, the doors were already wide open and a line of people was slowly filing inside the building.
They saw the royal guards and the royal priests at the entrance, asking the people to register themselves.
"Halt! State your--- princess?!" The guard, guarding the gate, suddenly kneeled to the two princesses.
"Halt! State your--- princess?!" The guard, guarding the gate, suddenly kneeled to the two princesses.
Princess Aurelia and Princess Lumiere exchanged a surprised glance. The sight of the Holy knight kneeling before them was unexpected, especially considering the tense situation outside the building. Nevertheless, they maintained their composure.
"We're here to find our parents, the King and Queen," Aurelia replied, her voice steady.
"And also to offer our assistance in whatever way we can," Lumiere added, her eyes scanning the surroundings cautiously.
The guard nodded respectfully and motioned for them to proceed. "Please, go ahead, Your Highnesses. Your parents are already inside, attending an urgent meeting with the Grandmaster."
As they entered the Judicial building, they were met with a bustling scene of activity. Nobles, advisors, and officials hurried about, their faces etched with concern and determination. The air was thick with tension, and the weight of impending decisions seemed to press down on everyone present.
The party of Calen and company followed closely behind the princesses, their presence attracting some curious glances from those they passed. Lumiere, with her keen perception, sensed the underlying tension among the people in the room. It was a precarious atmosphere, one where allegiances and loyalties were uncertain.
In the midst of the bustling activities, they saw someone familiar. Someone with a wicked and dangerous smile striding towards them.
"Grand Inquisitor!" Barnie came forwards. Though his sound was loud, nobody seemed to care at all.
"Yes, my dear ex-knight, surprised to see you're still alive, my love." She patted the young knight on the back. Barnie scratched his head in embarrassment. " Then she looked at the other girl. "You're Daphne, right? I have heard about you from your superiors. Good work you have done on the northern Island."
"Thank you." Daphne bowed.
"Oh, don't worry, we're all friends here." The Grand Inquisitor clapped her hands together. "Everyone is our friend. Except for those idiots who lose fights to some noble kid."
"Gran-Grand Inquisitor!" Barnie cried out. "It was just that he was too powerful. That is it. It was not because of the skill, but he simply won because he had resources growing up."
"Uh..Damien only got powerful recently." Daenys interjected. "He didn't have the body constitution to train rigorously on magic or weapon arts. But somehow he got strong in the span of just one and a half years. It's still a mystery to me. What do you think, Dani?" She looked at her younger sister. For some reason, her face was twitching and red like she was really angry at something or someone.
"I think we're just wasting our time here." She approached the snake. It was like she wanted to rip apart this person. "Are my parents here? Or are they out there?"
"Oh? So sizzling!" Viper made a gesture by fanning herself. "And so much fire, but not enough to burn. I must say your parents are here, they are inside, attending a meeting with the King and the Grandmaster and the holy nun. Feel free to go inside."
Dani was about to walk away when she suddenly halted her steps. "By the way, miss young lady, where is your brother? Haven't seen him here? Don't tell me he's dead. It would be such a sad thing."
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