[Unique Quest: Avoid Arisa's Assassination]
[Penalty for failing: Death]
"What on Earth!?"
"Arisa's assassination!? What nonsense is this!?"
The Empress stood with her calculating and stern gaze on the princes, her eyes drifted to the sleeping infant in Arzoth's arms briefly, with disapproval flashing across her features. She clasped her hands more firmly in front of her while she said, "Prince Arzoth." Her voice was tight with fury, yet her expression remained composed as she glanced at Evren.
Arzoth barely registered Valmira's voice, lost in his thoughts about the unexpected quest. Evren glanced at his brother and placed his hand on Arzoth's shoulder, bringing him back to reality.
Arzoth looked at his brother with an unfocused gaze before he followed Evren's gaze to Valmira.
Valmira gave another sharp glance towards Arzoth and Arisa, and without a word, she turned her heel and walked away with heavy steps.
Arzoth watched her retreat in silence, his mind racing with different possibilities of danger.
"I am sure she didn't see Skor's dragon form; she wouldn't have stayed quiet otherwise," Evren said.
Skor looked back and forth between Arzoth and Evren, "The soldiers earlier still saw me enter the palace. Your Majesties will surely get the smell of it soon."
"That can be handled, leave that to me."
Arzoth stayed still, his focus only on Arisa, his hands trembling around her. He gulped hard, his throat went dry, and the blood in his face drained visibly.
Evren frowned while Skor looked at Arzoth with a faint smile.
"Arzoth, what's wrong? You look pale," Evren said, placing his hand on his brother's shoulder.
Arzoth didn't move his gaze from Arisa. "Evren.....why are you still here with me? After everything I did?" he asked in a low voice, as if questioning himself.
The crown prince froze, taken aback by the unexpected question on his intentions. Evren narrowed his eyes, his grip on Arzoth's shoulder tightened, "What do you mean?"
Arzoth blinked, coming back to his senses, "No, it's probably nothing." He said dismissively.
"No, I shouldn't suspect anyone yet. I have to calm down."
Evren asked, "Arzoth, what's. Wrong?"
Arzoth gave a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "Maybe just the long journey, nothing to worry about. I need to get her to bed as well, I'll take my leave."
Before Evren could say something, Arzoth walked away with purposeful steps, and Skor followed closely.
The crown prince stood there with his gut feeling screaming at him that something was up.
Arzoth halted in the middle of the hallway, his brows furrowed,
"Why couldn't Evren see my system window?"
[SystemNotice]
[The system window is hidden and can only be viewed by the user and Skor.]
[It was triggered after completing 10 daily quests.]
"Skor?"
Arzoth turned on his heel to face Skor, who was just behind him. The dragon gave a reassuring smile, which made Arzoth's eyes narrow.
"Why are you following me, Skor? The servants will show you your chambers."
Skor's smile only widened, "You need not fear me, Arzoth. I mean no harm to Arisa." Skor's smile faltered for a moment. "I know it's normal for you to suspect everyone, but you should be careful not to lose sight of the real danger."
Arzoth frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Find out who sent the bandits, maybe it can somehow help you tie the loose ends," Skor suggested.
****
Valmira's eyes were fixed beyond the head-to-toe glass window in the dining area. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, and her jaw was tight with fury. With a soft knock on the door,
Rehn stood in the doorway, his posture tensed yet composed, his hand hovered next to the wooden door, hesitant to knock. Valmira sensed the expected presence of the advisor, "Sir. Rehn, I don't wish to beat around the bush." She said firmly, "Why is he alive? And why is that half breed here!?"
Rehn's hand fell away from the door, he entered the room with his head lowered, his hands grasped behind him formally. He stood at a distance behind the empress and said, "The bandits were found tied up in the mountainous region, Your Grace."
Valmira turned around sharply, "They failed to get that thorn out of my way!?"
Rehn didn't react, his body remained still with poise, "Forgive me, Your Grace, but Crown Prince Evren is strong, few bandits can't-"
Valmira glared at Rehn, making him pause. "And that child? What is it doing here!?"
"Prince Arzoth brought it with him, Your Grace."
A long silence fell over the room as Valmira got lost in her thoughts. Soon, a slow smirk spread on her face, and she glanced at Rehn with the corner of her eye.
"I am sure you know what to do next, Sir. Rehn."
Rehn's eyes widened. At last, he looked at Valmira, "Your Grace, it's just an infant!"
Valmira's eyes narrowed. "You dare defy me?"
Rehn stared at the empress with conflicting eyes, his mind and heart were torn in two places, one his duty towards his kingdom and rulers, and the second his beliefs and ethics.
After a long agonizing moment, Rehn bowed his head hesitantly, "I'm afraid I have to refuse this request of you, Your Majesty. Please forgive me." Rehn lifted his head and walked away, without a second glance at the empress.
Valmira's blood boiled to its limit, her fists clenched tightly at her side. Her brow furrowed in fury before they relaxed. She looked at the empty doorway from which Rehn had left.
Of course, she expected nothing more from Rehn, she knew he would weigh his ethics and his duty at some point, while she first tasked him to send bandits behind the crown prince. But this was way earlier than she had anticipated. Either way, she had more ways to get her tasks done.
"I get what I want, Sir. Rehn. One way or the other." The empress muttered to herself, she faced the window again. Valmira smiled, "I will make sure nothing stands in the way of Arzoth and Eldrakai's throne."
"System!"
A blue screen appeared in front of the empress's face.
[System]
[System type: A]
[User: Valmira Draven]
[Status: Empress]
"Unlock the unique skill of manipulation level 98."
[Quique skill: Manipulation Lv 98 unlocked in exchange for 1200 EXP]
Valmira's smirk broke into a full smile, "Wait for your mother, Arzoth."