Theodore and Dane walked through the schoolyard, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Theodore could feel Dane's piercing killing intent boring into his back.
"You're going to have to stop that," Theodore said calmly, without turning around. "Or are you planning to kill me in broad daylight?"
Dane immediately straightened up, his expression softening. "Ah, my apologies, Your Highness. Lately, I haven't been getting much sleep… something very precious to me is missing."
Theodore glanced over his shoulder. "That's unfortunate. I sincerely hope you find whatever it is soon."
"I hope so too," Dane replied, his tone low. "But first, there are a few questions I'd like to ask you, if you don't mind."
They finally reached the back of the schoolyard, a quiet spot surrounded by vibrant trees and blooming flowers. It would've been peaceful if not for the heavy atmosphere between them. Theodore turned to face Dane.
"Absolutely," Theodore replied smoothly, though his mind was racing.
Dane nodded and clasped his hands together. "Thank you for your time. Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Dane, a soldier from the Holy Temple. I was assigned as the personal guard of the Saintess…"
Theodore quirked an eyebrow. "Was?"
Dane's expression darkened. "Yes… I was her guard because the Saintess has been missing for six months now."
"Missing?" Theodore echoed, feigning concern. Internally, his thoughts were chaotic. (Damn it! He must be talking about Sky and Cadin!)
"Yes, Your Highness." Dane's sharp eyes bore into Theodore, searching for any trace of guilt. "I'm surprised you haven't heard. We've been searching tirelessly, but to no avail. They're even preparing to assign a new Saintess soon…" His gaze grew even more intense. "And yet, during the investigation, we found something rather… strange."
"Oh?" Theodore kept his tone neutral, though internally, alarms were blaring. (This is bad. Very bad.)
"We discovered your carriage roughly two miles from Skull Mountain, not far from where the Saintess was last seen."
Theodore's face remained calm, but his thoughts were a mess. (Belial! Why the hell didn't you destroy the carriage?! I shouldn't have pushed myself so hard back then…)
Theodore sighed, playing the part of the exasperated victim. "My carriage? Are you accusing me of harming the Saintess?"
Dane shook his head. "I'm not accusing you, but it's… suspicious. The lion insignia was clear on the carriage. We questioned the King, the Queen, and Prince Caden, but they all denied being near Skull Mountain that day. And according to your personal physician, you left the castle that day to purchase school supplies. Yet you returned without your carriage,only with your butler."
(Damn it. That blabbermouth doctor!) Theodore frowned, masking his frustration. "Dane, do you hear yourself? I am ten years old, sick, and barely able to use magic at that time . Are you suggesting I managed to harm the Saintess in my condition? That's absurd."
Dane hesitated. On paper, it was impossible for a frail child to pull something like that off. But something didn't sit right with him. "How do you explain your sudden progress then? You were weak, and now, within six months, you're…" He gestured vaguely at Theodore. "This."
Theodore shrugged. "I'm a late bloomer, Dane. It's rare but not impossible. Besides, I had the help of a very skilled private mage."
Dane didn't look convinced, but he sighed. "Fine. It's plausible. I suppose there's no concrete evidence against you. However…" He extended his hand. "May I check for traces of dark mana on you? It's standard procedure."
Theodore's heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to smile. "Of course." He stretched out his hand.
Dane closed his eyes, and a warm light surrounded them. For a moment, Theodore thought he might pass out from the stress, but the light dissipated, and Dane opened his glowing eyes.
"Good." Dane nodded. "No trace of dark mana. Only pure mana and aura. Perhaps you truly are blessed by the goddess Gaia."
(Blessed by Gaia? Oh, the irony…) Theodore thought, hiding a smirk. "I'm glad to hear that."
Dane still seemed troubled but nodded politely. "I suppose I'll report back to the temple that you're well. Thank you for your time, Your Highness."
"Safe trip, Dane. I hope you find her soon," Theodore said with a charming smile.
Dane paused, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Her, huh… Yes, I hope so too." He turned and walked away, muttering under his breath, "Maybe it's not him… but two people are missing, not just one."
As soon as Dane was out of sight, Theodore exhaled in relief. "Damn it, that was way too close. I need to tell Belial about this."
Before he could take another step, Elisa appeared, leaning casually against a nearby tree. She crossed her arms, looking thoroughly amused. "What did you do this time?"
Theodore glared at her. "Nothing that concerns you. It was just the Holy Temple checking in on me."
"Oh, really?" Elisa grinned, falling into step behind him. "I overheard some of your conversation…"
Theodore rolled his eyes and quickened his pace, but Elisa only matched his speed.
"My, my, prince," she said sweetly. "I'm just curious. Did you really do it?" Her green eyes glowed faintly as she studied his expression, trying to find any cracks in his composure.
Theodore stopped, turned, and flicked her forehead.
"Ow!" Elisa rubbed her reddened forehead, pouting. "So mean!"
"Stop asking stupid questions," Theodore said flatly and continued walking.
Elisa ran after him, grinning. "I was just joking! Don't be so serious. Besides, we're going to the same class, so I might as well follow you."
Theodore sighed deeply. "Of course you are," he muttered. "This day just keeps getting better."
She laughed behind him, skipping along like an annoying little shadow. This girl is going to be trouble, Theodore thought. I'll need to keep an eye on her.