Sloane along with her family and estate soldiers returned in solitude. The estate servants waited at the mansion gate to welcome their masters home.
She was tired enough to just go back to deep slumber.
Sitting on the sofa she sat wiping off the blood from her sword with a clean cloth.
-"The enemy soldiers by half have been killed mercilessly in front of the nation to teach traitors an unforgettable lesson. I wonder what they'll do with the rest."
At the moment she paused placing her hand in the pocket of her pants.
She felt beads rolling among her fingers as she felt them slowly taking them out.
-"The tassel?"She remembered the congratulatory gift Yulia made.
" I know just the right person in mind."She smiled.
"Cecile. I'll be going out for some business. So make sure the chef doesn't prepare anything extra."
"Understood milady," Cecile responded as she brought in a clean set of clothes.
" Sigh*I wished she was more ladylike. All she ever has are men's clothes filled in her wardrobe."The poor maid sighed heavily as she closed the wardrobe door.
"Oh and Cecile. Could you please do me a favor?"
"Your wish is my command, my lady." She humbly replied.
"I want you to go with Jack to his house. He has a sickly mother. I've asked for the herbs required for her treatment. Please visit there in my stead and give those to her."
"I understand. I will go on your behalf."
-"It's settled then."
"Milady, could you please specify what's this?" Cecile came out with a weapon in her hand.
Sloane immediately took the dagger from her hand without a word.
"...?"
"This is something I was to show father."
She felt the urge to see him that instant.
Leaving the room in a hurry she called out to her maid.
"Cecile carry out with the preparations now. You need to reach in less than an hour."
"Y-yes!Right away." She panicked.
Knock*Knock*
"Come in," Azriel said looking at his documents on the desk.
Sloane slowly opened the door so that he may not get distracted by the noise.
"Father?"
The marquess looked up at his daughter without a second thought.
"What is it, Sloane?"
"I have something important to discuss with you father." She said. Although she was hesitant about it but she didn't want to be burdened by this alone since she was a mere powerless child in their eyes.
She came forward and placed the dagger neatly wrapped in a cloth that she brought with her as evidence.
"This should explain half of the picture." She announced as her father picked it up and unwrapped it.
"..."
He examined the weapon carefully without a word.
"What do you think father. This isn't a fake, is it?" She was half worried about the fact that Nethilorians could go to any lengths to obtain what they desire.
"Where did you get this one?"
"In our mission during Knight's Ceremony, we were stationed at the foot of the mountain. We decided to take a risk of attacking our opponents from both sides. That's where we found a link."
"Link?" He raised his brow concerned.
"There was a cave where we took shelter during a thunderstorm. It was an advantage in gaining victory over the others. But who could've thought it linked to the other side."
"A self-constructed path." He mumbled under his breath frowning as he stared at the dagger.
He tapped his finger on the desk patiently listening to her story.
"That's what happened. Although we blocked the entrance with certain large stones.l can't guarantee how long will it last." she concluded her statement in a hurry."
He didn't reply nor did he look up.
"Alright, I understand. You may take your leave now."
-"Just like that?!" Sloane was dumbfounded.
"As you wish father." She opened the door taking one last glance at him.
Shut*
She stood in the hallway thinking about what happened to her just now.
- "Despite the explanation, he was calm."
"...Nevermind.I'll go see what's Nine up to."