The talk of Adriel's engagement with the noble heir of another country spread like wildfire. In just a day, the whole of Aragon heard it.
It seems that Ace already prepared a letter to send to Rastus informing him of this engagement. But due to the incident of attack, he decided to wait and let Adam talk first. This will be another headache to deal with though.
Inside the room, a blushing Adriel together with Adam and one more person, Ruby was seated on the furnitures.
"Umm...was this fine, A-Addy..?"
Adriel asked nervously. Adam smiled and nodded.
"Yeah. I'll be honest with you. I knew about your feelings from the day we reached Aragon. Your father even asked me about it. But I rejected it. He asked me if I knew about your feelings. I said yes. But when he asked, I told him I would reject you if you were to confess. But, during this time, I thought about it. Everything was my selfishness. The decision of multiple woman in my life. It is my selfishness. The decision of me rejecting your feelings and anticipating our continued friendship. It is my selfishness. I wanted to reject others so that I won't hurt my partners. But I hurt the ones who I reject. It is also my selfishness."
He stopped for a moment. Both Adriel and Ruby seem nervous. It doesn't seem like Adriel is worried about his thoughts about rejecting her first.
He continued.
"So, I thought about it for a while. Everything I do is my selfishness. If so, why can't I be more selfish..? That's why I decided to accept those who have feelings for me. I want them all. I will return my feelings if they so desire. I want them to be happy. As long as that happiness is from me, I don't think there's any problem with me accepting them. It is my selfishness, after all." He said with a smile.
Both Adriel and Ruby was ensnared by his smile. They blushed bright red.
Then Adriel said, "Although I am a little angry about your decision to reject me, I am happy since you already accepted me!"
Adam smiled. Then the duo looked at Ruby. Wondering why are they looking at her, Ruby tilted her head.
"Do you really want him to say it, Ruby..? He said, he noticed my feelings. So do you think you can hide it well..?"
Ruby was startled by the mentioned of her feelings. Her feelings was that of fear, anxiety, nervousness, anticipation etc. But the next words of Adam opened her heart.
"Ruby, as I said before, as long as they desire it, I won't reject them. That includes you too. If you don't want to say it, I am fine with staying silent for the rest of our life. But remember, this is your life and decision. I... No, we will accept whatever it may be."
Ruby closed her eyes and began to think. With the change of time, her face also showed the crimson shade as she said meekly,
"I...I..I t-too would like...to....."
"I couldn't hear it~~?"
Finally releasing her whole feelings, Ruby screamed.
"I LIKE YOU..!!! Ah..?!"
As soon as she said that, her shyness increased by a tenfold as she hid her face using her palms.
"Finally! Now we are sisters, Ruby!" Free of her previous nervousness, Adriel exclaimed loudly. It seems it was a correct statement which states that watching someone else's nervousness ease oneself's nervousness.
"It's too early to be happy. We have yet to receive her father's permission. If we do not have it, then it's a no. Although I can forcefully change his decision, it may affect our future relationship. So, pray that your father will allow it."
Ruby nodded. After that, the trio went outside to say goodbye to the imperial family. Ace and Theodora came to see the reason for his last night's statement of being able to travel to Grania in a few seconds.
In Adriel's room, Ace, Theodora accompanied by Alora was watching with wide eyes as Adam opened a Gate to Grania.
"What is this..?"
Ace asked dumbfounded.
"It's called a Gate. It can be used to travel distant places easily. Of course only I can use it for now."
'Though I suspect that group does have a means to use teleportation. Just like the time at his village...'
He mentally reminded himself.
"Then, we are off." Saying this, Adam went inside the gate. Following him, Bella and Beta and Ruby also entered. Adriel waited for a second and turned towards her parents to say,
"I will return soon, Father, Mother, Older Sister!"
The trio smiled and sent her off with a warming smile. She too returned the smile and went inside the gate. As soon as she entered, the gate disappeared its size reducing into nothing.
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On the other side of the Gate, Celeste was waiting for Adam and the others to come. She was alone as there wasn't anybody else in the streets. The whole of Grania was in curfew under the order of the King.
"Welcome back, Adam. You two as well, Ruby and Alexandria."
"We are back." Though Celeste was confused by the increase in numbers, as she doesn't know about Bella and Beta, she decided to wait for Adam to say anything.
"Did they attack again..?" Though his tone was calm, there was a hidden glint in his eyes at this mention. Celeste shook her head to answer him.
"I see.. So, the kingdom is under lockdown until we know of their movements huh..."
While talking, they walked towards the royal castle to talk to Rastus. Though he wanted to see the girls, their safety is the first priority.
As they reached the royal castle entrance, the guards saluted them and opened the gates and led them to where Rastus was.
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Inside the Special Meeting room, the king of Grania and its other military leaders were having a discussion. The door to the room was opened after two knocks and a word from Rastus. Opening the door, Adam together with Damon and Celeste entered the room. Though the people inside the room were confused as to why a child was entering, since the king didn't say anything, they decided to wait. There was also some people who knew about Adam. It was the court magister as well as Royal Knight Captain.
"Welcome back, Adam. We can talk about the Empire later. For now, take a seat. You two as well."
He didn't specifically called them as to avoid getting the others to suspect him of why the leaders of two different races are here, in Grania. But hiding them forever doesn't seem to be a way.
"Please explain the situation once more, Jake."
The man behind Rastus nodded and came forward to explain.
"Yesterday, after the award ceremony for the winner of the festival tournament, an unknown group of people attacked whole of the country at the same time. The attacked places are, the Academy, Medical ward, Military storerooms, Cities belonging to Aldians, Malevier and others as well. We are not sure about the Elves. Almost all Noble families are attacked. Thanks to his majesty and two other unknown figures, they weren't able to deal much damage to us. When we were about to capture them, they mysteriously disappeared. The knights and soldiers are currently patrolling all over the capital city. There are casualties, but currently no one is reported dead. The only information we have about them is something they themselves gave out. Their name. They said, they are 'Truth Sanctuary'. That's all."
This series of information made Adam think a little.
'If they are a terrorist group, who are they and why are they doing this? If I relate this with the incident of Quon's Village, their aim was to kill people and use their soul for something. This group is very mysterious. No one has ever heard about such people all these years. No only that, one of them, or if I guessed correctly, more than one of them know how to use Spacial Magic. It is not possible with just this world's knowledge, unless they are from ancient times. But, then that day, he talked about.... also that name...'
As Adam was in his own thoughts, Rastus said,
"As he explained, fortunately there is no heavy casualties. And I don't know why, but it seemed to me that their aim wasn't this country. So what do everyone think about this..? This is the first time we hear about such a group. Truth Sanctuary.... Who are they? If anyone have the knowledge, explain it."
No one raised their hands to talk. However, Adam did after some seconds.
"Do you have any idea, Adam?"
He nodded to Rastus's inquiry. But someone else from the room snapped at this and asked,
"What can a young brat know..?! If you want to play, go and play in your room!"
The one who said that was a noble head from Grania.
Glaring at the man, Adam asked without minding his words, "Are you sure that's what you should be asking, Marquess Folgrino?"
"Hmph! Allowing a brat to participate in a strategy meeting! What are you thinking, your majesty..?"
Ignoring Adam, the Marquess asked Rastus. Although Rastus wanted to say something, he was denied when Adam said,
"Well, I'll explain everything then, on behalf of Marquess Folgrino. Your Majesty, do you remember about the incident that happened a while ago..?"
Rastus nodded.
Thus, Adam turned towards Marquess Folgrino and asked,
"Marquess Folgrino, do you know a village called, Guja?"
Marquess Folgrino flinched at this name. But he hurriedly said,
"Of course! It's a territory under my rule, after all."
Adam smiled and said, "Then, you remember about the incident that happened a few weeks ago, don't you? If I remember correctly, the whole village was slaughtered by an unknown group of people, only a few people being the survivors.."
At this late of time, Marquess Folgrino was sweating waterfalls.
"Of course I do remember that happened! What a tragedy it is..." He was trying to pity them.
Turning away from the Marquess, Adam faced Rastus.
"There are traitors among us, your majesty."
His words became thunder inside everyone inside the room. Rastus asked,
"How do you know that..? And how will you prove it?"
Although he trusted Adam, he can't believe anyone in this dangerous world, after all.
"I'll prove it. But before that, first I'll expose the traitor and make him say it by himself. Or.... Do you want to confess already, Marquess Folgrino, Count Dracoon, and Count Herlone?"
The three mentioned people hit the table hard and screamed,
"What..?! How dare you say that we are traitors..?!"
"You brat! We are loyal servants of Grania!"
"We've been serving this country for years! Why do you even think we want to betray our home..?!"
Their side was correct. He only said their names. Smiling, Adam called a name.
"Cel."
Hearing him, Celeste raised from her seat and stood behind him. Everyone was now waiting for him to continue.
"Ah. Just to be sure, I blocked off everyone's escape route using a barrier. Also, you won't be able to use telepathy during this time as well."
His words made the others face darken. The three noble head's flinched once again at the mention of a familiar word. Thus, they knew. Everything was over.
"Adam?"
Rastus asked.
Adam stood and pointed at Celeste before introducing her.
"Let me introduce you. This one here is actually, a spirit."
His words was something nobody expected. But he wasn't finished.
"She's not a normal spirit, as well. Meet, the Queen of Spirits, Celeste. My contracted spirit as well as, My Fiancee."
He just announced it. He knows what cards to use where and when.
"What did he just say..?"
"Spirit queen...?"
"And she's his fiancee..?!"
At this late of time, the three suspecting Noble heads understood what Adam is going to do. They can only grit their teeth now.
"I'll explain the details at a later time. For now, I guess you understand what I am trying to say, right? Marquess Folgrino, Count Dracoon, and Count Herlone?"
In the spirit race there's one special spirit. It was a spirit known by almost all important figures in the human continent. Why? Because it was born unnaturally, it only serves the spirit queen, the Spirit that rules over Principle, Esprite.
Even the spirit queen can't rule over principle which is Esprite's domain. Although it's said that it rules over the laws of principle, in the end, it is still a spirit. It is not omnipotent or even a God.
Nowadays it's not used, but during old times, humans would call forth Esprite as the judge against criminals. She would only judge others truthfully. But, humans nowadays are corrupt, thus by angering her, she resolved her contract with the humans.
"Shall i call her?" Celeste asked. Although, if it's Adam, he could call her, he wanted the mentioned spirit to consider them, her ally. He nodded to her.
(In the name.... My name as the Spirit Queen Celeste..... I call upon you, the one who rules over Laws of Concept, Esprite.)
She uttered in spirit language. Only Adam heard what she actually said.
Then, she was answered by someone invisible, however with a human like outline, appearing next to her.
(Its been a while, my queen~~!)
A bubbly female voice was heard, filled with happiness and excitement.
(Yes, Esprite. But let's talk a little later. For now, I want you to help my master.)
Celeste said pointing at Adam. The transparent human figure turned towards Adam. A second later, she asked,
(My Queen, who is that person? I can't see through him. And, he's your master? A human really managed to forge a pact with you, the spirit queen? He sure is a lucky one ~~)
Although she was talking normally, she flinched when Celeste added,
(I wouldn't disrespect him if I were you. He is stronger than you, me and not to mention, even our ancestor is not his match. Even our ancestor chose to serve him.)
(..!!??)
This was a sucking news to her. Although she can understand if it's just her queen, even the ancestor to serve a human, what kind of being should he be to do that..? Her invisible body glowed lightly and her figure appeared, showing a short but beautiful girl with Red hair as well as golden beast like eyes. Her face was full of kindness, and she excluded her bubbly self. Her body was that of a child though.
'Although her presence is telling me that she is a mature girl, I can only see a cute child' Adam thought.
The Spirit of Laws of Concept, Esprite stared intently at Adam with eyes full of intrigue and curiosity.
Ignoring the other presences inside the room, Esprite floated towards Adam and stared him in the eyes while asking,
"Are you my queen's master~~?"
This time she didn't use spirit language thinking he wouldn't understand.
He nodded to her question.
"Are you also our ancestor's master?"
She asked, and Adam nodded once again. Seeing no lies in his words, Esprite's eyes shone excitedly. Then, shocking the others for the third time, she kneeled on the ground, respecting him. Then she asked,
"If you are truly my queen's master, then you have the right to command us, the spirit race. As one of the servants of the queen, I request master, to order me...."
Her earlier bubbly self was nowhere now, as she was acting like a strict servant. Adam pulled her back on her feets with telepathy and asked,
"Everything you said is the truth. I do have the right to command the spirit race. But, I am not going to. This time, you can think of it like my request rather than command."
Esprite nodded. Adam, then turned towards the others and asked,
"In this room, is there anyone who doesn't know why I called Esprite here?"
Nobody said anything. They all know why. Adam continued.
"Since all of you know why, I will ask in her presence once more. Those who are loyal to the kingdom, raise your right hand!"
Everyone other than Rastus, Damon, Celeste and Adam raised their hands. During this short period of time, Esprite's eyes shone, as she eyed everyone who raised their hands. After doing so, she looked at Adam and he nodded. Seeing this, she said,
"You are lying."
She said as she pointed towards each one. Like Adam suspected, the three was indeed traitors. But that wasn't all. There was more of them.
Seeing this, Rastus asked in an angered voice,
"So, this is how you repay your country?"
His Magic King level pressure pushed the traitors to the ground.
"They were traitors..!?"
"How could they..?!"
"So, Lord Adam was telling the truth!
With this revelation caused those who doubted Adam before to respect him now. Even though he was only 18 yearl old, they called him using a title!
"Take them to the torture room! I want know everything they have knowledge of!"
Rastus ordered. But before his order could reach the ears of the guards and the others, one of the traitors just fell to the ground with a thud lifelessly. Only he was the one to fall like that. But, after a few seconds, each one of them began to follow him.
Understanding what is happening, Adam hurriedly created a barrier with time slowing effect.
"Stagnation."