When Seren returned to the chapel to check on her students, she was startled to see Prince Dellain leaning against a tree nearby.
She quickly approached him after sending a message through her Magic Pod.
"You're pretty bold, showing up in broad daylight at a place like this," Seren said.
"This chapel only has Paladins in training and a few senior Paladins. Nothing I can't handle," Dellain replied nonchalantly.
"What do you want?" Seren asked.
"I just wanted to inform you—I'm heading to Sicilian City in Whiteford.
I've heard some strange rumors, and it seems some of the other princes are already preparing something concerning the arrival of the Deep Elves," Dellain said.
Seren understood that this was a valuable, though risky, lead.
"Alright," Seren replied.
Dellain vanished instantly. However, as he leaped onto the chapel's roof, Seren's eyes followed him, indicating that she could track his movements.
"Hm… not bad. She seems to have improved," Dellain muttered to himself before disappearing completely.
After completing the daily rituals and sending the young Paladins to rest, Seren summoned three of her captains, including Launcent.
"There's still no message from the Grand Master. Some of the other Martyrs are starting to express their concerns.
That's why I'm heading back to Fonta Aria tomorrow. There are some matters I need to discuss with the Martyrs and elders," Seren explained.
"Understood, Lady Martyr," the three captains replied.
Suddenly, another Paladin captain rushed in, asking for permission to enter Seren's chamber.
"Come in," Seren said.
The captain entered, his face filled with urgency.
"Martyr, we've received bad news," the captain reported.
"What's the matter?" Seren asked, her expression turning serious.
The Paladin captain handed Seren a Magic Pod, which displayed a video showing ships being destroyed in the eastern waters of Ivovnia.
"This was recorded by one of the expedition members.
Based on patrols conducted by the Loyal Swords Paladin Southwest Branch in Whiteford, they reported losing contact with the Paladins stationed at Pegasus Harbor in Merk.
The Grand Master has decided to investigate the matter," the captain explained.
"And along the way, the expedition forces discovered this," Seren said.
"Yes... the Grand Master has sent a message to the Martyrs to raise the status to alert.
Whatever is causing trouble in the continent of Merk and Pegasus Harbor may be headed toward Ivovnia," the Paladin replied.
"I need to contact the other Martyrs. Have they been informed?" Seren asked.
"Of the 45 Martyrs, 30 have been informed.
However, those stationed at the Northwest Branch and Eastern Branch haven't been notified yet.
Additionally, we've had trouble contacting the Blade of Mercy Paladins," the Paladin explained.
"It seems complicated," Seren commented.
"Martyr, why hasn't the Grand Master used Externum Lux to relay this information?" Launcent asked.
"Externum Lux?" one of the captains inquired.
"It's a sacred magic that only the Grand Masters can use to inform all Paladins of an emergency," Seren explained.
"You all have inscriptions on your badges, don't you?
That's called the Seal of Faith, which indirectly connects all Paladins.
Externum Lux utilizes this inscription to communicate with everyone during emergencies.
As for why the Grand Master hasn't used it…" Seren paused.
"Could it be that the situation isn't urgent enough?" one of the Paladin captains speculated.
"…There's a traitor among the Paladins," Launcent suggested.
"No, it's too early to draw that conclusion.
Considering the number of Paladins killed in recent years, it's possible the enemy has found a way to exploit the inscriptions to spy on Paladin movements," Seren clarified.
"Understood, Martyr. I'll take my leave now—my team is waiting for me to resume our duties," the Paladin said.
"Alright, be careful," Seren replied.
The Paladin left the room, leaving everyone else deep in thought.
"If my intel is correct, whoever caused that destruction is already in Ivovnia," Seren said grimly.
Launcent immediately turned his gaze to Seren.
"That person?" he asked.
"Yes, that person," Seren replied.
The other Paladins in the room looked confused but didn't dare ask questions.
"Does anyone know the location of the Martyr assigned to Sicilian City?" Seren asked.
"Martyr Risman S. is tasked with guarding that area, but he's currently on an expedition in the nearby mountain regions," one of the captains reported.
"Sicilian City doesn't have much defense, as most of Whiteford's forces are stationed at Jusaquires Castle nearby.
However, the absence of Paladins weakens the city's security," Seren said.
"Wait, isn't that area also guarded by the Spear of Justice Paladins? I heard it's a training ground for Justiciars," Launcent asked.
"You're correct.
While the Spear of Justice Paladins don't primarily focus on fighting Outer Gods and cultists, a Justiciar is still a Justiciar.
Their strength and combat abilities are no joke," another Paladin captain added.
"And besides…" Seren leaned back in her chair.
"Besides?" the three Paladin captains asked in unison.
"You all know that most of the Spear of Justice Paladins come from wealthy families, right?
The armor worn by the Justiciars is incredibly expensive.
Sister Taki once told me that a full set of their armor costs 25 million Verak," Seren explained.
"That's three years of my salary," Launcent muttered.
"Still, I can't shake this feeling of concern.
Launcent, I'll inform Sister Taki. I need you to oversee Katya Port for the next 3–5 days.
You two, prepare the senior Paladins who are ready to fight," Seren instructed.
The captains saluted Seren and left the room, leaving her and Launcent alone.
"Seren… are you serious about this?" Launcent asked.
"I am. If the Deep Elves are already here, we have no way to track them.
We don't even know how many of them there are.
And after what happened to the Balrog Empire, all eyes are on them, giving the Deep Elves the perfect opportunity to strike," Seren explained.
Launcent hugged Seren from behind.
"Launcent… this is still the headquarters," Seren said.
"I don't care where we are," Launcent replied, holding her tightly.
The two spent the afternoon in Seren's office in a tender embrace.
Later that evening, they stepped out of the room together.
"We really need to get better at separating our personal and professional lives," Seren remarked.
"You started it. I was just hugging you," Launcent replied.
"Eh? You were the one who hugged me first! Good thing no one was watching," Seren said.
"Ahem… well then, Martyr, I'll start preparing to lead the chapel here until you return," Launcent said as he straightened his clothes.
Meanwhile, Seren still looked only half-dressed.