When Kenneth had left the palace gates and started his long journey, the atmosphere in the Diamond Palace, which was Queen Consort Helena's palace, was not as calm as the Ruby Palace, which had lost its prince. Queen Consort Helena did not stop fidgeting all the time, while her sons could not stop frowning either.
Although they had tried to gather the greatest adventurers and even enlisted the help of Queen Consort Helena's family's army to accompany the princes to the Audoran Forest, their plan still could not guarantee the princes' safe return. Even the notorious Mage Association was unable to kill the guardian. Now, what could the princes who were always in the palace do in that place?
Queen Consort Helena wanted to scold King Ducan viciously, every time she thought about it. Unfortunately, the King of the Lucano Kingdom had been nowhere to be found since yesterday. Even if the nobles lined up and begged in unison for King Ducan to rethink his decision to send the princes, the King remained unmoved and had no intention of changing his decision.
"Your Majesty, someone sent to Ruby Palace has returned with new news."
"What did he say?"
"Since morning, Prince Kenneth has left to begin his journey. Apparently, Prince Kenneth went alone as his attendants remained at Ruby Palace."
"That commoner left first!?"
Jarvis could not help but be surprised when he heard that Kenneth did not hesitate to go alone to the Audoran Forest. Everyone knew how capable Kenneth was among them all. Jarvis and Ervin began to feel uneasy. Meanwhile, Leroy frowned even more, while Queen Consort Helena felt even more uneasy after hearing the news.
They did not expect Kenneth would leave so soon without preparing much like them. The Audoran Forest was a dangerous place that they could not take lightly. But they also could not be sure that Kenneth failed just because he went alone to that place.
After all, Kenneth was not directly recognized by King Ducan if his strength was not extraordinary. Everyone started to feel more and more panicked. And only the knock on the door they heard not long after could bring their focus back.
"Who's there?"
From the words of Queen Consort Helena's attendant, the princes could tell their mother had not invited anyone to come right now. Jarvis was just about to stand up to beat the crap out of anyone who dared to disturb them in this annoying situation. But as soon as everyone heard the voice of the person standing behind the door, even Jarvis immediately stopped his footsteps.
"Your Majesty, I am a representative of the Mage Association, and have come to help the royal princes with their duty."
Queen Consort Helena chose not to answer the call and glanced at her children first. Jarvis and Ervin were probably confused as to why the group that put them in this annoying situation would suddenly want to help them. But Leroy, who had previously remained silent, finally gave his opinion to his mother.
"Let's hear what he has to say."
Queen Consort Helena nodded, then ordered her personal servant to let the person standing outside to enter. The figure of a man with a robe covering his entire face entered after that. The figure bowed respectfully in front of everyone and then expressed the purpose of his arrival.
"I know my presence here must make His Majesty and the princes feel suspicious. But you can trust that I have come with good intentions this time."
"Good intentions? I'm sure this whole mess was your idea, right?"
"Shut up, Jarvis."
After hearing Leroy's warning, Jarvis, who had wanted to get angry, was forced to calm himself down again. The person sent from the Mage Association also knew that he could already talk again, so he immediately continued his explanation after that.
"As a prince with a royal bloodline, we also think that one of the princes here should be the next King of Lucano. We suggested this as well to help the next prince ascend the throne. As for that half-commoner prince you hate... You can be sure that we will find a way to get rid of him once and for all."
A mocking smile from Queen Consort Helena made the representative stop his speech again.
"Then, why do you think we will listen to the words of someone who thinks he knows everything about us? You should not be so big-headed. Even though that child was born to a maidservant, he is still a prince directly recognized by His Majesty," said Queen Consort Helena. She hoped her words would repel the representative sent by the Mage Association. But in reality, the representative turned out to be more stubborn than she expected.
"If you are willing to cooperate with us, not only do we promise to help the princes, but we also promise to get rid of Prince Kenneth without provoking His Majesty's anger."
Queen Consort Helena began to feel indecisive when she heard the offer. Right now, it is undeniable that receiving help from the Mage Association will benefit them. But the problem was, they didn't know what the Mage Association would ask in return for this favor.
Queen Consort Helena did not want to take any reckless steps. But unexpectedly, the first to agree was her first son, whom she was very proud of.
"Let me hear what you have to offer."
"Leroy!"
"They promised to get rid of that annoying kid. Don't you want him dead as much as I am, Mother?"
Queen Consort Helena stopped talking when she heard Leroy's reply. The woman saw that her other children also didn't seem to oppose the decision of their eldest brother. So, Queen Consort Helena finally gave in thanks to Leroy's decision.
"Alright. Let's hear what you plan to do."
In the end, Queen Consort Helena could only accept the offer for the sake of her children.