"Fiona, why are you holding me so tightly?" Tyrus said.

"So that you don't get kidnapped by a psycho again," Fiona muttered.

Fiona's arms were tightly wrapped around his body, her chest pressing against his back. Her hands were interlocked around his belly. Tyrus couldn't deny that she smelled pleasant, but the issue was that it made it difficult for him to breathe properly. He wouldn't dare voice his concerns, sensing that Fiona would simply ignore his pleas.

Blue Dawn—except for Fiona—stood shoulder to shoulder as they stood before Emperor Johan and his royal knights. They hovered near their emperor like a pack of wolves waiting to pounce on the first prey that wandered close enough. For whatever reason, the empress abstained from attending the brief meeting, claiming she had better things to do, not that it mattered. Ever since that lady opened her mouth, Tyrus hated her with all his being. It didn't matter how beautiful she looked; her personality was as rotten as a corpse left buried for days on end.

Aside from her and the attack against his psyche, Tyrus was glad it was over, for the most part. The emperor and his royal knights accepted him into Lethos and he didn't have to worry about them aiming for his life. He couldn't say the same for the nobles, however. He knew those evil people spouting hurtful words toward him were nobles because of how they dressed compared to the others.

Commoners wore garments similar to his, or simple dresses while the few explorers present wore leather around their chests and legs. The nobles were far more volatile than he thought, to where it made Igneal seem like a saint.

Speaking of Igneal, the Lockhart was oddly quiet ever since yesterday. His face was scrunched up in thought as he stared blankly into space. Sometimes Tyrus caught him stealing a glance in his direction. Tyrus didn't think too much about it, not like Igneal would bother him or anything. Then again, he might ask him a few questions relating to what was revealed during the deliberation. There was much to talk about to Blue Dawn after the audience with Emperor Johan was over.

"I apologise for Royal Knight Othelia's drastic action," Emperor Johan said with a chuckle. "There are a few times where she acts before thinking. I assume she neglected in reassuring you of where she was taking him."

"And that without a word, she almost pierced clean through not only Tyrus, but Grant with that spear of hers in the catacombs," Fiona added with an innocent look.

"She did what?" Sir Geroth asked incredulously. "I didn't hear a word about this."

Othelia stared blankly ahead. "Do not worry, Sir Geroth. I made sure to hold back just before I could strike the skin. I am quite confident in controlling my strength."

"That's not the issue," he growled. "You went for the kill instead of subjugation. As a royal knight, we ask questions first to gauge a person's threat. We do not attack without confirmation. Worst of all, it was toward my son!"

Captain Kalavan sighed as he brought a palm to his face. "Drop it, the both of you. Finish your little spat afterward. It's unbecoming of a royal knight to argue in front of His Majesty."

Emperor Johan chuckled. "Come now, Kalavan. Disputes between comrades are signs of a healthy relationship. I do not mind in the slightest. I'd be more worried if Sir Geroth was fine with it all, given that his son was involved. But enough about that. It's time I reveal why I gathered you all here today."

His expression grew serious as he spoke. "I would like to hear from Blue Dawn about their experience beneath the capital. Othelia has briefed me, but it's crucial to get the story directly from the source. Please ensure that no detail is omitted, including your encounter with Scourge."

Fiona begrudgingly complied and began recounting their experience, starting with the sewers. She mentioned the Subterraneans and how their supervisor, Arach, notified them of a tunnel recently formed by a stray cave worm. After they exterminated most of the rats and sewers running around, they decided that it'd be smart to locate where the beasts were spawning from and stop them from accessing the sewers, which led them to explore the breach.

She then spoke of them traveling through a long tunnel by following a slime trail, coming across more tunnels that were probably created by the same cave worm. Then she recalled how Tyrus led them toward one of said tunnels and came across a suspicious wheel-shaped door with Lethos' emblem engraved. As soon as she mentioned that the door only opened through Tyrus' ring, which he nabbed from a member of Scourge, the royal knights looked surprised, while Emperor Johan merely asked for her to continue.

After a moment of silence, Fiona began recounting their experience when they entered the first level of the Imperial Catacombs. Instead of encountering slimes as expected, they were greeted by coffins, cobwebs, and an army of skeletons that came to life when she triggered a trap in another room. Fiona described in vivid detail how they overcame the skeletons, emphasizing her own efforts. She then went on to talk about the intense battle between Blue Dawn and Scourge, highlighting Sezor's summoning of an earth spirit that ultimately led to his demise. Fiona explained how she, along with Igneal and Tyrus, worked together to defeat the spirit just as Othelia appeared at the end.

When Fiona finished speaking, the emperor closed his eyes in contemplation. A few moments passed by before he spoke, his eyes still shut. "Thank you for relaying your story. Hearing it from you truly differs from a second-hand account. I will have the builders patch up that breach by sunset. These tunnels you speak of will need to be dealt with as well."

The short royal knight played with her collar and said, "So, because of a cave worm, Scourge has been traveling beneath the city without a care in the world? They're a smart bunch, I'll give them that."

"You shouldn't compliment those fools, Nessa," said the one with messy hair. "They dared to invade places off-limits to the public, using it for their vile purposes. Captain Kalavan, I propose we send one of us alongside a few guards to explore the tunnels."

The captain crossed his arms and furrowed his brows. "I was thinking the same thing. We should act before they destroy any traces that could lead us to their whereabouts. Heade, gather a few guards and investigate the tunnels. Enter through the sewers and find the breach. Be quick about it. Report back to me about your findings."

"Understood. I will set off immediately. Excuse me, Your Majesty."

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Heade bowed to Emperor Johan for a moment and strode out the doors. The captain turned back to the group and asked, "You said an entrance to the first level of the Imperial Catacombs opened because of that boy's Scourge ring, correct? And that skeletons came to life and attacked your group? There should be no traps within the first level of the catacombs, let alone a ring that opens sealed doors. Scourge must have used runes to achieve such a thing."

"But if they used runes, then that means they have a Conjuration Sorcerer or two in their ranks," Nessa said. "That would explain how that Sezor guy summoned a spirit through an amulet. They must also be a wealthy group as well if they can afford Elemental Stones. Conjuration Sorcerers can only craft them, and they are terribly expensive."

He nodded. "Nessa, Othelia, I want the two of you to investigate the first level catacombs and search for these runes. We might be able to find traces of Scourge, or at least the culprit responsible for setting up the runes. Take the girl. It would be easier for her to find the location since she already has been there."

Fiona flinched. "Excuse me, Captain Kalavan, but am I really needed? I'm still recovering from yesterday. Defeating an earth spirit, freezing dozens of skeletons, and running around all day left me pretty tired."

The captain didn't seem convinced. "Fiona Lockhart, was it? You seemed fine enough to attend the deliberation and give a lengthy explanation on your little adventure. You will be doing this empire a favor by contributing to finding the ones responsible for your wounds. The sooner we apprehend Scourge, the less citizens that suffer from their actions. If that doesn't convince you enough, there will be a reward for your eff—"

Fiona's eyes shone, and she immediately stood up straight. "Thank you for the honor, Captain Kalavan. I would be happy to comply. Please take care of me."

"You have until sunset to conduct your investigation. There will be a group of guards stationed nearby as they await your return from the catacombs. It'd be wise to leave as soon as possible."

The royal knights gave their captain a salute and bowed toward the emperor. They then proceeded to strut out the door. Fiona was about to join them until she gave Tyrus's shoulder a quick squeeze.

"Let's meet up later at the guild, okay? Might as well get that conversation out of the way and not let it linger for too long."

Tyrus nodded, and Fiona flashed him a smile. He watched her leave the throne room, following in step with the other royal knights.

Emperor Johan looked over at Sir Geroth. "I would like to speak with the boy alone. Sir Geroth, escort these two young men back to the guild. This shouldn't take too long."

Sir Geroth glanced over at Tyrus. "Very well, Your Majesty. Grant, Reo, I'll take ya back."

Like the others, Sir Geroth bid his farewells and ushered the others away from the throne room. Tyrus didn't particularly like how their numbers dwindled in the heartbeat. Now he was stuck with a captain, an emperor, and an uncomfortably silent Igneal who still wasn't all there in the head. What did Emperor Johan even want to talk about anyway with just the four of them?

"Before I start, I would like to apologise for that sorry display you witnessed during the deliberation," said the emperor. "I assure you our interrogations are much more civilized. As you know, our relationship with the neighboring kingdom is at the cusp of war. Nobles are constantly arguing and bickering among themselves, which makes it difficult to find a common ground. Looking at their viewpoint, I can understand their frustration and anger, but their woes are misdirected."

Emperor Johan paused, studying Tyrus intently as if in search of an answer. "Your mere existence compelled me to swiftly conduct a deliberation to reassure the masses. I imagine you were not prepared for such a large audience, but it was necessary. I had to ascertain that you were of good character and not some bloodthirsty Beastfolk, all in front of a gathering. And once that was accomplished, it was unavoidable that both the nobles and commoners would spread word of a black tiger living within the walls of Lethos. I hope the commonfolk will view you in a more favorable light, but I have my doubts about the nobility."

Tyrus stood there, unable to find the right words to respond. All he could manage was a nod. To think that Emperor Johan thought so far ahead and even predicted what was going to happen, all while thinking of Tyrus' well-being. It didn't seem like the man was lying or had hidden intentions behind each word, which made it all the more surprising.

"Now, shifting to the actual topic," Emperor Johan started. "According to Sir Geroth, it seems that you two have had more encounters with Scourge compared to the rest. In his report, he mentioned a fishing village in the Wasteful Wetlands that was inhabited by Scourge members. You and a group of other explorers escaped by setting fire to the entire place while being attacked by lizardmen. Is there anything else you would like to add in terms of details?"

Tyrus thought about it for a moment. Selena probably told Sir Geroth everything that happened, and he relayed it toward the emperor. Tyrus was sure he mentioned every detail he could about their time in the fishing village and what happened afterward with the dark sorcerer. What else could he possibly be missing that'd be useful?

"Did Sir Geroth tell you about the dark sorcerer controlling the minds of the lizardmen and Beastfolk, Your Majesty?"

Emperor Johan raised a brow. "Controlling the mind of the Beastfolk, you say? That's the first I'm ever hearing of this. I was told that they were wandering the Wasteful Wetlands, mindlessly attacking whatever moved. Are you saying that the dark sorcerer purposely altered their behavior?"

Once Tyrus nodded, the emperor and the captain shared a worried glance.

"Anything else?" said Captain Kalavan.

Tyrus sifted through his memories of the Wasteful Wetlands. The bird Beastfolks words came to mind, but something within him told him to hold back on revealing it out loud, so he kept it to himself. There was also that whole artifact situation, in which he was glad they made no mention of, let alone suspected him. Then after a few seconds of more contemplation, a conversation from a while back hit him; the same day he entered the capital and snuck out at night for a little exploration.

"Actually, when I first entered the capital, I found a group of five holding a meeting inside a building at the harbor. Sezor with two guards, the dark sorcerer, and another man named Boyle—no, Doyle—were speaking privately about some sort of deal. They also spoke about businesses or something. The dark sorcerer also mentioned their master, but that's all I know before he spotted me."

Captain Kalavan cupped his chin and pondered. "Doyle... I've heard of that name before. A drunkard merchant who runs a shipping business dealing with trades across the seas. He's been under the radar for the past couple of years after his latest scandal. Was the man tall and lean?"

"Yes, and he wore a cap the last time I saw him," Tyrus said.

For the first time, the man grinned. "Perfect. I will deal with this Doyle, Your Majesty. I've always known there was something suspicious about that man. Merchants in which trouble follows everywhere are hardly trustworthy."

Emperor Johan returned the smile. "You may carry on, Captain Kalavan. I will trust in your judgement. Tell me of your findings after you're done. It'd be best to catch Doyle off-guard instead of letting him prepare a convenient excuse."

The captain left the room without looking back. The emperor reached into his garments and pulled out a golden bell, in which he rang. A chime resounded throughout the room. Moments later, Wes and Yuvial walked in.

"Escort these two boys out of the palace. They may have some trouble finding the way out. Also, prepare a carriage so the boys do not have to walk back to the guild," Emperor Johan ordered. "That will be all."

"Understood, Your Majesty," the servants said in unison.

Emperor Johan smirked. "Goodbye, Tyrus, Igneal Lockhart. You've done extremely well for someone your ages. I expect great things from the two of you. The next time we meet, I hope it is under better circumstances."

That comment seemed to have snapped Igneal out of his trance as a small flame flickered in his eyes. With an inkling of a smile, Igneal bowed and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty. The next time we meet, it will be when I have become the family head of the Lockharts."

"Oh? Then may Sthito grant you your wish."

Igneal nodded in agreement, and Tyrus followed suit. Soon, the servants guided them out of the room. As they made their exit, Tyrus took a quick glance over his shoulder and noticed Emperor Johan waving goodbye. He watched closely as the doors to the throne room gradually closed.