Chapter 7

“Mia!” Lucian called out to his sister, who was only now stepping into the castle.

“Greetings, Brothe–”

“Are you alright!?” Lucian held her by the shoulders, looking for wounds. “What happened? Did anything hit you? Are you injured? Maybe we should go see a healer, just in case.”

“Um…” Mia fell silent after an uncharacteristic stutter. “I’m fine. A healer isn’t necessary for me. But some of the soldiers were wounded.”

Lucian raised his head and looked around at the rest of the group who entered alongside Mia. There was Teflyn and Lutz, along with the captain of the guard whose job it was to ensure her safety during the trip out to the city.

However, not a single one of them were injured, nor were any of the other guards who entered the castle. No doubt the bloodied men were redirected to the healer’s quarters, which was built outside the castle and meant specifically to treat the guards and soldiers.

There was another healer within the castle, one whose abilities surpassed that of those who operated the healing quarter the soldiers used. That man was Lucian’s personal doctor, who not only healed his injuries when needed but also looked after his general health.

Lucian waved his hand at a nearby soldier. “Get my healer.”

The soldier saluted and disappeared down a hall.

Turning back to Mia, Lucian once again confirmed that she had no visible injuries. Though he knew that being the target of an attack can leave more scars than just visible ones.

Still, he was at least relieved that she had no physical wounds.

I made quite a scene.

Lucian often acted with poise to ensure that he would be able to fulfill the expectations people had for their king. Though some of those expectations were only in his mind.

Being from Earth, he still had sizable gaps in his knowledge, hence why he often played it safe by keeping control of his reputation as a level-headed ruler, no matter the situation.

Yet he had shown a weakness, one that others could exploit. Any who bore witness to his reaction just now would know that they could force his hand by targeting his little sister.

Could it be that was the attacker’s goal? To abduct Mia and force me to do as they wish?

There were still many questions. But fortunately, he was sure he would get most of the answers he wanted from Mia and the others who were with her.

“Let’s discuss this in private.” Lucian cut his losses and moved on, motioning for a few people to follow him.

Mia, Emilia, Teflyn, Minerva, Aelia, and Lutz all fell in step with Almekia’s king, heading down a particular hallway.

At first, Lucian said nothing, only leading the way out of the castle’s entrance room and into the depths. Soon, however, the time came to talk. But the person he needed to speak to wasn’t one of the people he had following him.

No, it was someone who was coming from the opposite direction, heading toward the castle’s entrance room.

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“Thanks for arriving so quickly.” Lucian nodded to an aged man wearing a robe.

“Of course, of course.” His personal healer was already looking over Mia and the others, having heard the basic details from the soldier who fetched him. “Are there any injuries in need of healing?”

“Yes, but not for us. Some of the guards who protected Mia were injured, and I wanted to ensure they got the best possible treatment.”

“Ah, I can certainly see to them, if you wish it.”

“I do. And tell the men that I will be coming to visit them soon.”

“Alright. I’ll get on it right away, Your Majesty.”

The healer continued down the hall, alongside the soldier sent to retrieve him.

With the relative privacy that came with walking the castle corridors, Lucian began asking the questions he had on his mind.

“What happened?” He started with a general inquiry to allow for a full explanation to clear the air.

“Criminals from the gangs we’ve destroyed tried to take revenge on us.” Mia gave him the quick version.

“Were they targeting you?”

“I don’t think so. The one who broke into the carriage seemed surprised to see me instead of you.”

“Hold on.” Lucian resisted the urge to stop and face his sister. “One of them broke into the carriage?”

“Through the window.”

“Did Teflyn take care of him?”

“Ah…” The oni made a small sound.

“What?” Lucian eyed the young girl.

“I was outside. Fighting.”

Lucian understood with just that. There was no way Teflyn could resist a fight, so he envisioned her bouncing out the door and toward the thickest part of the battle.

That must mean…

Lucian’s eyes fell on a certain immortal next. “And you?”

Lutz shrugged. “I only dealt with a rude intruder.”

“I see.” Lucian gave him a nod. “Thanks for your help.”

The two weren’t being vague just because they were walking the castle halls. No, there was another reason why certain information couldn’t be said so casually at the moment.

And that reason was…

“Hey.” Archmage Vera interjected into the conversation, her eyes on a certain man. “I don’t remember you from the last time I was in this kingdom.”

“That’s because I wasn’t here seven years ago,” Lutz said.

“Right. I heard about some distant royal who came to Almekia. That’s you, isn’t it?”

“Guilty as charged.”

Vera’s eyes sharpened. “I’ve seen quite a bit of this world recently. Perhaps I know the kingdom you hail from, even if it’s distant. And if so, I likely met its king if I happened to stop by it.”

“Let’s see. Where was I born…?” Lutz made a thoughtful face.

“You can’t be serious right now.”

“Haha.” A smirk fell on his lips. “I’m joking, of course.”

“Right.” Vera didn’t sound the least bit convinced.

“Actually, I’m the nephew of King Galavan, ruler of Burvia. It’s a kingdom far to the west, past the Medina Sea. We really only get news from this part of the continent through the Trade Kingdom of Villnore.”

“Burvia…” Vera frowns. “I ended my journey just before reaching their borders.”

“How unfortunate. If you had stopped by, we might have met before today.”

Lutz’s words were lies, but he chose them for a reason. After all, he knew exactly where Vera had gone during her journey, so he knew his secrets would be safe by claiming to be a royal from a kingdom she had never visited.

However, it was clear to all that Archmage Vera still had her reservations. Though amongst the ones gathered, only Minerva truly understood why.

Lucian couldn’t detect it, but those capable of using ancient magic could feel that something was different with Lutz. Something small, yet undeniable. Even if he couldn’t sense it, Lucian did pick up on one important detail.

Lutz is getting her interest on purpose. His words, along with whatever suspicion is driving Vera, are both intentional.

But why…?

Lucian allowed the archmage to accompany him, despite not having motioned for her to follow. It wasn’t that he suddenly had a lot of trust in her, it was simply convenient for him because of a decision he had reached after reuniting with Mia.

“Vera.” Lucian made it clear that he was changing the subject. “You have your first lesson tomorrow morning.”

“Yeah, I’ll be there.”

“Good, because it’s even more important now.” He looked to his sister. “Since Mia will be one of your pupils.”

“I am?” The princess met his eyes.

“Even if it’s a little, being able to defend yourself is important. The events today prove it. Besides, you’re already a good mage. You just need an experienced teacher to bring out your full potential. And who better than one of our only archmages?”

Mia nods. “I intended to seek training, as well. It’s frustrating to always be protected by others.”

“Then it’s settled. Learn what you can from Vera, and I’ll handle your work for as long as you want to train each day.”

“Alright.” She agreed easily, the two having come to the same conclusion for similar reasons.

With the aftermath of the attack on Mia dealt with, Lucian stopped in front of a particular door.

Now, let’s make sure nothing like this happens ever again.