"Are the two of you okay with this outcome...?" questioned Ars, having called Will and Lyra to meet with him following the former's release from his inquisition. The King might have decreed that all investigations into Will's attempted assassination be concluded, but if he pushed for it, he could easily have it reopened.
"It's as His Majesty said. Now isn't the time for this kind of thing," stated Will, prompting Lyra to nod and add, "And after this incident, my younger brother and the persons backing him will be apprehensive about drawing scrutiny by openly antagonizing us. My fiance's attempted assassination aside, this situation has improved our position considerably."
Exhaling an amused snort, Ars adopted an appreciative smile as he rose to his feet, walked around his younger brother's desk, and clasped both Will's and Lyra's shoulders, stating, "Then I shall leave things to the two of you from now on. You've both grown into fine young adults..."
