Following Lyra's advice, Reiji stepped out of his chamber and turned left, intent on seeing if there was anything he could do to help.
As he walked, he took in the sights around him. To his left, large glass windows overlooked the city within the kingdom. Though still in ruins, the people moved with unity, working together to restore their home.
"Felinials would be a great help in a situation like this," Reiji mused to himself.
To his right, the stone walls were adorned with framed paintings and intricately carved statues, showcasing the artistry that thrived within the kingdom.
At the end of the hall, a spiral staircase wound downward to the left, while an open path with railings stretched to the right, leading to what seemed like more chambers.
Directly ahead, an open space revealed the castle's grand interior, with a massive chandelier illuminating everything from top to bottom.
"So this is what castles look like on the inside, huh…" Another thought passed through his mind as he took in the majestic sight.
Reiji turned left and descended the castle's grand staircase, his thoughts wandering.
"This castle alone must consume an enormous amount of power… Are they extracting a lot of essence from the Darkspawns around here?"
Before reaching the ground level, he caught the sound of an intense discussion coming from one of the chambers.
"Is that Lyra?" he wondered.
Intrigued, he moved closer. As he approached, he noticed the sheer scale of the room ahead.
"That looked like a throne room."
To his right, more walls were adorned with intricate artistry, while to his left, the castle's open-concept design extended, revealing multiple levels.
Directly in front of what he suspected to be the throne room was a massive staircase leading down toward the castle's main entrance.
"Shouldn't this place be guarded?" he thought, his eyes scanning the area.
Then, reasoning with himself, he concluded, "They must be short on staff after everything that's happened."
As he inched closer, the voices inside became clearer.
"Yes, I know it was suggested by Xaren, but the topic was brought up by Lyrien herself!" a deep, authoritative voice rang out.
"Isn't that the king?" Reiji thought.
Another voice responded, firm but controlled.
"I know, Father, but Lyrien wasn't insinuating anything—she simply suggested it be investigated!"
"That's definitely Lyra… They're talking about Lyrien? What's going on here?" Reiji mused.
Reiji edged closer, glancing around to ensure no one noticed him eavesdropping. The tension in the throne room was building.
Lyra's voice rang out, sharp with frustration.
"Lord Chamberlain twisted the truth to make it seem like Lyrien's idea! I can't believe you're pinning all of this on her!"
King Theodorus' tone was firm, unwavering.
"You were there, Lyra. You heard Lyrien admit that Xaren's words were based on her suggestion. Stop twisting things to protect her!"
Lyra's voice cracked with anger.
"She only said that because she was cornered! Your council used her because they couldn't propose it themselves! They played her, Father! And why? Because she has nothing to lose? You've treated her like she isn't even your daughter!"
The king's voice thundered through the chamber.
"Enough of this nonsense! She will stand trial and answer for this devastation! The people deserve to see justice—those who lost their wives, husbands, brothers, sisters, and children!"
Lyra's breath hitched.
"Father, please! Don't do this just because she's Mother Eudia's daughter! Lyrien is innocent! Even Mother Eudia never committed the crime you all claim she did!"
The king's voice turned ice-cold.
"Do not call her 'Mother' again."
Lyra flinched.
"You disappoint me, Lyra. You're ruled by emotion. You should learn from your brother, Kaelin."
Lyra's hands clenched into fists.
"You're right, I am a disappointment! I was with the company that went to investigate Monolithia! If Lyrien is to blame for the Gromble attack, then so am I! Don't make her carry this burden alone!"
The king was unmoved.
"You've said enough. You nearly lost your life because of her reckless idea. Lucas! Confine Lyra to her chambers until Lyrien's trial is over!"
"You can't do that!" Lyra protested, her voice trembling with fury.
Lucas stepped forward, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Lyra."
Guards moved in to restrain her, but she struggled, shoving them back.
"Lyra, please don't make me use force," Lucas pleaded, his expression pained.
For a moment, Lyra's breathing was ragged, her fists clenched. Then, slowly, she lowered her arms.
She turned to the king, and declared, "Father, hear me now—if anything happens to Lyrien, I will never forgive you."
Reiji, still hidden, clenched his jaw. He whispered a chant:
"Terre, révèle ton shinri, Mechanika's Touch!"
The ability allowed him to manipulate marble, metal, and wood. He sank into the wall of the castle, leaving only tiny holes for air, completely concealed from sight.
Lyra walked past him with her tear-streaked face twisted in sorrow and resentment.
Lucas and the guards followed close behind, silent.
Once the hall was empty, a servant hesitantly stepped forward.
"My lord… Lyra brought a man to stay in the left-wing chamber on the upper floor. Now that she is confined, how shall we handle him?"
King Theodorus' expression darkened. "That fraud? The one who claimed he could restore Mortus and my late queen but failed? Throw him out of my castle."
Having heard of his verdict from the king, he told himself, "Not good,"
Then he thought. "Lyra should be fine, but I wonder where's Lyrien?"
King Theodorus' voice rang through the chamber.
"Arrest Lyrien and throw her in a cell. We will begin her trial after the ceremonies for our fallen. Bring a mage to seal her magic."
Reiji's fingers twitched against the cold stone. "Damn it. Using my spell to move within the castle wall will drain too much of my energy. I can't follow them yet."
For hours, he remained hidden, listening. Reports trickled in—preparations for the burials, discussions about his own disappearance, and other urgent matters.
As night fell and the castle dimmed, Reiji seized his chance. He emerged from the wall and slipped out undetected through the corridors and into the city.
"Lyra warned her father about Lyrien. She should be safe—for now. This kingdom's politics aren't my battle."
His stomach tightened at the thought, but he forced himself forward. He had another goal.
The metal he'd salvaged from the fallen Grombles was valuable. If he could sell it, he'd have enough money to survive in the kingdom.
The rest of the night, he scoured the streets, searching for a place to trade.