I gently pulled my hand away and advised, "Why don't we talk about this some other time, as we have more pressing matters to discuss?"
Sir Jeralia whimpered like a sad puppy before clearing her throat.
"Well, the demonic beasts were able to overrun the southern gate of the capital, which became a nuisance for our departure."
She sighed. "It would've been easier if we could depart from the southern gate, but it was inevitable to veer and head to the eastern gate instead if we wanted to arrive on time."
How did the demonic beasts reach the capital? We were able to delay their advancements toward money by defending the fortress. Just as I thought, they were scattered in different corners of the empire and only relentlessly attacked here because they had an objective.
I recalled the demon getting the mana stone. Was that their objective? Knowing that he could find it and didn't bother attacking the servants, he must have been looking for it urgently since I remember he said something after I killed all the demonic beasts.
"The capital is under investigation, especially the knights on gate duty during the invasion. We were able to silence the witnesses so it won't reach the public, but it will be a matter of time before the capital gets attacked again."
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, and I asked, "Why doesn't the emperor want to notify the public of the danger that awaits us? Don't you think it's more efficient to protect the citizens by informing them?"
Sir Jeralia shook her head and replied, "No, it will cause panic amongst the citizens. Knowing that the empire has been maintaining its peace for the past years, it'll affect the royal family and the order of the empire."
So, it's about the image of the royal family? Maybe it's naive for me to think that they are doing this for the sake of the citizens, but hiding the truth from them just because it may affect the image of the 'peace' that they've been protecting for so long isn't the ideal vision of which I've been hoping.
"I understand what you're thinking about, Lady Adel, but this is an absolute order from the emperor. We have no choice but to follow it," the commander said, consoling me about my worries.
"The emperor also ordered the commander of this fortress to report this event to him PERSONALLY. Lady Adel would also be joining us as she's also an important guest to the emperor."
My eyes widened in panic. "Why would the emperor want to see me? I'm an insignificant woman who can't recall her memories."
Sir Jeralia chuckled and said, "You don't have to be nervous, Lady Adel. And you're not insignificant! You also have your fair share of contributions to this battle, and I'm sure it brought great success."
Feeling troubled by the previous monster waves, the commander reasoned, "This fortress will be left vulnerable if I report to the palace personally. I have my aid, Leon, who can report to the emperor in my stead."
"They won't be able to attack anymore, commander," I reassured.
"How can you be so sure, Lady Adel? We still have no clue about their objective."
How can I tell them about how I saw the demon holding the gate's mana stone? It seemed like they had no idea it was missing in the commander's study room, which meant that they didn't expect it would be the demon's objective.
"I'm not positive with my hunch, but I am quite confident with my photographic memory. There was a mana stone on your table before the monster wave, and after your fight with the demon, he suddenly vanished."
I took a glance at the table. "The mana stone is gone, but I'm not certain how its disappearance is related to their objective. Is there anything special about the mana stone besides its purpose for the gate?"
They suddenly went silent. Did I say something wrong? Maybe I'm the only one who doesn't know how valuable a mana stone is, but why was it only on the commander's table if it was that valuable? Tsk.
"We also smashed the mana stone along with the gate, Lady Adel, so that mana stone is not usable anymore. Even if that demon was the one who took it, there's no reason for us to retrieve it as it doesn't hold value," the commander explained.
Then why did that demon take it? It seemed like he hated returning to where he belonged when Pygmy tried to seal him. Things are getting more complicated than they should be.
"Now that I've heard what happened, let's continue this talk with the people involved and the emperor. We'll depart for the capital tomorrow morning."
Before Sir Jeralia could leave the study room, I blurted, "Are they safe? I mean, the kids and the countess?"
I froze when she caressed my head. "They made it safely to the northern region, Lady Adel. By the way, I'm still not done with the whole saintess thing, but for now, I'll keep it between us so it won't stir any trouble for you."
Has she noticed I left some details out while telling them what happened? If she did, she chose to be silent about it and trusted her certitude in my association with a spirit. Maybe it's safe to tell her about Pygmy, and I could even get information from her!
With that, our brief discussion about recent incidents ended without a conclusion about Belial's true objective.
*****
"Don't strain yourself, okay? Always eat on time, even if you don't feel like eating. Don't talk to strangers, and stay close to the commander. Adel, are you even listening?"
I looked at him in disbelief. Since when did Averon become my guardian? We had known each other since I woke up in this world, so maybe he felt a familial bond between us.
Although I'm not used to it since I have family difficulties, I still appreciate his concern for my well-being.
"Really? Don't talk to strangers? What am I? Nine years old?"
Averon tittered and responded, "You are like a nine-year-old to me! You will still jump ahead to any danger without hesitation like you have plenty of lives to spare!"
He didn't allow me to interpose when he suddenly pinched my cheeks and stretched them like a piece of gum.
"If you don't want to be reprimanded, you should refrain from doing anything that may endanger your life. Do you understand?"
The previous battles were inevitable! What can I do about it? But I just nodded, and he released my pitiful red cheeks.
I glared at him. "Whatever you say, Viscount Averon," I mocked, rolling my eyes in annoyance.
"This brat—"
Commander Alberton tapped Averon's shoulder as an exclamation to what he was about to say.
"That's enough, Viscount. I'm certain that Lady Adel has understood your sentiment about her safety. So, cut her some slack, okay?"
Averon sighed in defeat. "I know, I know," he said, gazing at me. "Just... be careful, okay? Greet the countess on my behalf."
After all that bickering, we said our goodbyes before departing for the capital.