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After seeing the couple reveal their Royal Knight badges, Edward's tense expression turned to reproach. He glanced at Mengdie, then pulled the couple aside and scolded, "You two! I don't mind Dubo sending people, but why keep it a secret from me? You're soldiers, you should know the kingdom needs manpower at the unstable borders!"
Sisco and Linda exchanged glances, and Sisco stepped forward, speaking respectfully, "Your Highness, the kingdom indeed needs manpower. But we suspect there's a spy placed close to you." He glanced at Mengdie briefly. Mengdie noticed but only huffed lightly, offering no response.
"You suspect Miss Mengdie?" Edward's face was clouded with anger, and his lips trembled with agitation.
Female mage Linda stepped forward and respectfully said, "Your Highness, our duty is to ensure your safety. We must be skeptical of any unknown factors. This girl is extremely beautiful but without a past. Her skills are exceptional; she's adept in terrain reconnaissance, battle setup, tracking, and exploration. It's hard to believe she would join this bandit suppression for a mere fee. Moreover, in the past two days, it seems she's been deliberately tempting Your Highness. We suspect..."
"Suspect what?!!" Edward's voice trembled with anger.
The couple exchanged a glance and said softly, "We suspect... she might be a spy sent by another country, trying to use her beauty to beguile Your Highness, thereby sabotaging your upcoming engagement ceremony with the princess of the Luweil Empire..."
Edward's lip twitched even more violently. He nearly clenched his sword hilt, trying to suppress the couple's conversation with his strength! He turned to ensure Mengdie wasn't showing any strange expression before sighing in relief and scolding them not to meddle in his affairs.
"But Your Highness! You've even handed over your personal dagger, which never leaves your side, to a strange woman you've known for only three days! We find it hard to believe you won't be swayed by her, disregarding national relations!"
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Edward huffed, "I've already discussed this with Dubo, I know my limits! Also, you absolutely must not mention my lineage in front of Mengdie. And don't give her a hard time! Otherwise, once we return to the kingdom, you two, including Dubo, will face consequences! Remember that!"
After reprimanding them, Edward forced a smile and approached Mengdie. Suddenly, Mengdie jumped down from the tree, put her hand on Edward's shoulder, and said, "Brother, sometimes I really think you should leave the royal family."
"What... what?!"
This statement surprised not only Edward but also the two mages! If Edward truly left the royal family, it would mean the Silver Moon Kingdom might face a future without a ruler!
Sisco crossed his arms, quickly conjuring magic. Soon, blue-purple lightning began swirling around his hands, and a pulsating purple-blue lightning ball formed between his palms! His wife Linda opened her hands, and the surrounding air became icy cold. Droplets of water gathered in her hands, freezing into iron nails!
Mengdie calmly watched the two, letting the magical wind blow her hair. She patted Edward's hand again, whispering only for him to hear, "There's some conspiracy in the royal family. You're not suited for politics and scheming. For your own good, it's better to abandon your identity and hide somewhere."
Edward, shocked, turned to ask, but Mengdie was already heading towards a smoky mountaintop. That was the small hollow she had deduced.
Yes, Edward should leave the castle. Since seeing that Silver Moon emblem, Mengdie had been uneasy. She thought of that night, the white cloak, and the old man getting off the carriage, handing a gemstone to the person in the white cloak. She didn't know what they said, but she was sure a storm might be brewing within the royal city...
"Mengdie!"
Mengdie sighed and turned around. Why was this leader so absurd? The mission had started, and he was still trying to chat?
"Anyway, keep the dagger," Edward thrust the dagger into Mengdie's hand. Then, his face turned slightly red, and he whispered, "You... you really don't want to attend the ball? Maybe that prince is a good person... you might... become a visionary queen, able to assist the king in becoming a great ruler..."
The two mages exchanged glances, their magical energy not dissipating. They understood Edward's last two sentences were meant for them. He was pointing out that despite the girl's unknown background, once married, she could be a crucial advisor in governing the country! In contrast, if another ambitious country married her, they could exploit her abilities to harm the Silver Moon Kingdom!
Seeing Edward's enthusiasm, Mengdie accepted the dagger and tucked it into her waist. But upon hearing him mention the ball again, she felt annoyed and casually replied —
"Uh, Lapona!"
Edward froze instantly. The two mages behind him were also stunned, their magical energy gradually dissipating. After a while, Sisco, holding his wife's hand, whispered, "Linda, are you sure... sure this girl is trying to seduce His Highness? If so, why did she call His Highness a fool and tell him to get lost? The tone doesn't sound like flirting but... a very formal insult!"
His wife Linda was also puzzled and clueless. It seemed they had no choice but to follow and see.
Slowly descending the slope, choosing shadowed areas, they approached the suspected hideout. About thirty minutes later, Mengdie and the others finally saw their destination — the Black Flame Snake's base.
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