"Lady Ana!" an aged bearded man called out Lady Ana's name as he tried to catch up to her.
With an ethereal aura around her, Lady turned around to glance at the man. "Mr. Freeman? What's worrying you?" She spoke in a respectful tone.
Mr. Freeman, a significant figure in the city, spoke in a professional way. He said, "It's not really worrying; it's about the knights who will be promoted tonight."
"The knights? What is your worry for the knights, Mr. Freeman?" Lady Ana inquired with confusion certain in her eyes.
Mr. Freeman was in a panic, firing off questions one after the other. "Have they already prepared for the ceremony? What about Apollo? Is he ready? Did you notice any signs of nervousness in him?" I saw you leaving the rental room for the knights, and I was concerned because Apollo and the other knights seemed nervous earlier."
…
With time still remaining before the ceremony, Lady Ana, being the righteous lady she is, went to the rental room of the knights to help calm their nerves. However, one of Lady Ana's intentions was to have a conversation with Apollo about his current state of mind.
…
Lady Ana let out a slow sigh and responded, "Yes, I did talk to them, and none of them are nervous. They are men destined to protect this nation, and none of them would be nervous."
Mr. Freeman let out a sigh of relief before continuing, "Luca has given us his blessing. Lady Ana, I appreciate your response, but now I must return to my office to sign documents for the monarchy."
The elderly man with a beard slowly made his way back to his office. In response, Lady Ana let out a sigh and stated, "I wasn't entirely truthful. Apollo was feeling a bit nervous, but it was the right decision to prevent Mr. Freeman from becoming paranoid."
However, I have faith in Apollo. I trust that he will settle down by the time of the ceremony. Lady Ana slowly made her way back to the main room, where the ceremony would take place.
Also, it's almost time.
…
After the intense interrogation, the detectives made their way back to their agency headquarters at Lowfire Market, where Bane, Garnette, and Ms. Guinevere were asked to accompany them. However, Ragnar and Xavier chose to stay inside the bar they had previously visited.
"Ragnar, this is absolutely amazing!" They both savored every bite of the delicious meals in front of them and decided to order more.
As time passed, ten minutes flew by, and the plates started to pile up beside them.
"This is absolutely incredible. It's definitely one of the best moments of my life," Ragnar exclaimed with a sigh of complete relief before eagerly delving into another round of food.
"Thank you, Ragnar. But I'm afraid this will have to be our final order for the night," Xavier said, finishing off his drink. Disappointment flickered in Ragnar's eyes as he began to ask a series of questions.
Xavier rose from his seat, stretching his limbs. "It's because the knight promotion ceremony is about to begin. I promised Senior Albert that we would need to wrap up before it starts."
This sure stinks. Ragnar quickly finished his meal and then stood up.
He expressed his disappointment with a certain look in his eyes as he asked, "Why do we all need to accompany you to your headquarters anyway?"
Before the seniors left, they decided to take the witnesses with them for better security, excluding Ragnar. They also discussed the possibility of keeping the witnesses overnight in case the suspect attempted to assassinate them.
"Not my idea, but Senior Albert was certain that there might be a traitor in the royal palace. That's why it's even more dangerous for you to stay here," the young detective explained as he placed ten gold coins on the table.
"Anyway, here's the payment! It's right here on the table," Xavier said before heading towards the exit. Ragnar quickly followed, asking, "Why do you think there's a traitor here? How can you be so sure?"
As he pushed the door open, Xavier looked at Ragnar, indicating that he should go first. Ragnar nodded and waited for an explanation.
Finally, as soon as they were outside, Xavier revealed, "Ms. Guinevere informed us that the intruder knew exactly where the artifacts were located, without making any mistakes. It was clear that this person was no ordinary thief; he didn't even break a sweat."
Although all the people I encountered inside the royal palace were kind, that idea is actually possible.
"By the way, please keep this information between us," he said in a hushed tone.
"What? I had no idea it was meant to be a secret," Ragnar replied, surprised.
As they made their way outside the palace, they continued their conversation.
…
The ballroom was abuzz with anticipation as the moment for the knight promotion drew near. Excitement filled the air as everyone waited for the event to begin.
"Are all of the knights present already?" Ms. Seraphine inquired of Mr. Albie, one of the information officers.
With poise and respect, he responded, "Yes, I have accounted for all of the knights, and not a single one is absent."
On the opposite side of the stage, the knights kneeled before the visitors, presenting their blades as a gesture of respect and compassion. Despite their noble bearing, a palpable sense of nervousness hung in the air, evident in the beads of sweat glistening on their chins.
Among the nine knights being considered for promotion, eight were from different cities, while Apollo stands as the lone representative from their own city.
…
What Lady Ana told me earlier, I just wouldn't forget. He glanced at the crowd, cheering him on.
To think that I have come this far. From a mere peasant with no parents to an honorable Royal Guardian. Out of all the knights there, I was the one gifted with such rank. He glanced down at the floor.
I don't want to cry, but I want to. I'm a knight; tears are not the answer to this achievement. This sucks.
I have been kneeling for over a minute now. Will the ceremony even start? I don't even know; I'm consumed by my thoughts now.
"Mr. Apollo!"
He glanced at the crowd once again.
Who's calling me? The crowd is as noisy as ever.
I just couldn't forget her words. Somehow, those words keep echoing inside me right now, and I couldn't even hear the crowd.
…
"Apollo, you have blossomed into a remarkable young man," Lady Ana remarked as she entered the room where the knights were preparing.
Her presence exuded a captivating aura that could enchant anyone. Her smile reached Apollo's heart.
"Apollo, maintain that positive energy and smile. No one in this world can ever pass judgment on you," Lady Ana said, taking a seat beside him in an effort to comfort him.
Apollo responded with a bowed head, "It's not just that. It goes beyond simply being afraid of people in front of me." With a slight cough, he paused.
"Mr. Freeman mentioned earlier that my fear is of the crowd. But that's not entirely accurate. While I do fear it, it's not the fear that's causing this nervousness," he explained.
Lady Ana paused, peering into Apollo's eyes. She responded with a smile, "Could it be that you are afraid of the unknown?"
Fear of the unknown? Apollo was uncertain about the nature of the "Fear of the Unknown."
"The fear of the unknown stems from the anxiety surrounding unpredictable situations or events, such as this ceremony. Your apprehension may arise from a lack of belief in its outcome," she explained, offering a reassuring smile.
Apollo was perplexed by the concept presented by Lady Ana. He struggled to comprehend it fully.
"I don't think it's just about the fear of the unknown, Lady Ana. This anxiety goes deeper than that," Apollo responded, casting a glance at his trembling hands.
"What do you think could be beyond the unknown?" Lady Ana inquired.
Apollo responded, "Maybe it's similar to our Luca, a world where everyone has the ability to do anything."
As he finished speaking, Lady Ana burst into laughter, covering her face. In the midst of her laughter, she said, "You're not the philosophical type, Apollo. You're quite the funny person." Lady Ana continued to chuckle.
Lady Ana's laughter subsided, and her tone shifted as she spoke to Apollo. "Apollo, you're venturing into the unknown quite too deeply. Perhaps it's not the unknown that you fear, but rather what you believe you already know about it."
"You've been jumping to conclusions, haven't you? You're convinced that the outcome will be negative. But if you consider a wide range of possibilities for this ceremony, you'll realize that there is no one correct outcome."
She's totally right.
"Presently, Apollo, we find ourselves in the realm of the known," Lady Ana stated, leaning closer to him. A wave of warmth washed over Apollo as she let out a soft laugh.
"Apollo, make your choice: truth or dare? Will you seek the truth or fulfill a request from me?"
Truth? Lady Ana told me that I was no philosophical man. Instead, I was a funny person. I am a funny person who makes her laugh.
"I choose dare," Apollo answered.
Lady Ana chuckled and ordered him, "Close your eyes. I will cover it with my hand. I'll tell you when to open it."
Lady Ana's hand is so soft. This is beyond pleasure.
"Apollo."
That voice once again. It keeps calling me.
"Apollo, you are now mine."
Apollo's eyes fluttered open without the need for Lady Ana's command, a silent understanding passing between them. He was aware that this was the cue to awaken.
"What do you observe?" Lady Ana inquired as she positioned herself behind Apollo, who remained on his knees.
The area below the stage was filled with a sea of nobles and journalists. A smattering of individuals could be seen clapping, while the knights below were shouting his name and offering their support.
I see… the crowd.
Apollo rose to his feet, meeting Lady Ana's gaze with determination. Once more, he kneeled before her and spoke, "I am now yours, my princess." His words resonated throughout the room, ensuring that all in attendance could hear his declaration.
"I swear this oath of honor to you, my princess. I pledge to be your guardian for all time," Apollo declared, his voice carrying to the assembled crowd.
"As a man of ambition, I am committed to aiding anyone with a dream. I will support them in realizing their aspirations," Apollo proclaimed as he gently took Lady Ana's hand. He offered her his solemn pledge of protection and honor.
He took her hand with a light touch and tenderly kissed it.
…
The ceremony continued with the same knight bowing before Lady Ana, acknowledging her as a major and important lady in the region. After a considerable amount of time, all the knights had finished their declarations, and the room gradually emptied as people departed.
The nobles and distinguished guests chose to stay at the nearby hotel, while others headed to the Highfire District, where a luxurious five-star hotel awaited them.
As for the high-ranking officials, they returned to their offices to attend to paperwork. Meanwhile, Lady Ana made her way back to her mansion.
…
Ragnar walked across the deserted terrain of the Smith Property, feeling an unusual breeze of air brushing against his face. He turned around to see where the wind was coming from and was surprised to find Lady Ana standing on the opposite side, smiling at him.
Still puzzled, Ragnar continued to steal glances at her until Xavier noticed his strange behavior.
"Ragnar, what are you doing?" Xavier asked, stopping their progress out of the property.
Ragnar finally shrugged it off, breaking the eye contact between Lady Ana and himself.
I need to let go of that suspicion. There are still mysteries to solve.
The eye of the dawn awaited for the new mysteries of be solve.