[Inner War Room – Minutes Later]
Inside the polished stone chamber, Caelen leaned against the table, eyes closed in thought. Then he opened them.
"It wasn't an accident. It wasn't a wild caster or a hidden ally."
He looked at Solin. Then at Ferrow.
"It was Selvine Virell. Aldoria's Level 8."
Silence. Solin blinked.
"The paladin-looking one?"
"The very same," Caelen confirmed.
Ferrow let out a low breath.
"I didn't sense magic on her at all…"
Caelen shook his head slowly.
"You wouldn't. That's the danger."
He turned his gaze to the window—where the royal tour passed through the lower market street below.
"They brought her to remind us what a level 8 veteran looks like."
_____________________________
A few days later
[Capital Courtyard – Late Afternoon, Departure Day]
The sun dipped just past its peak, casting warm gold over the polished cobbles of the inner courtyard.
The Aldorian convoy stood ready—carriages trimmed in royal gold, horses restless in formation. Selvine Virell stood to the side, quietly checking gear with the other bodyguards.
At the center, Prince Elric adjusted his gloves with ease while Princess Almeira offered a gentle farewell to local courtiers.
Guildmaster Hale approached alongside Duke Kerrel, followed shortly by Prince Caelen.
"We'll ensure a clean escort to the border. It was an honor hosting Aldoria's finest,"
—Kerrel offered with stiff politeness
"And quite the demonstration of it,"
—Hale added, with a nod toward Selvine
Elric's smile was effortless.
"We believe in traveling prepared. Especially when visiting friends who sharpen steel in the morning."
Caelen, quiet for a moment, stepped forward.
"Will Aldoria be sending someone for the conference next month?"
Elric didn't hesitate.
"We will."
"Whether it's my father or my brother remains to be seen," he said, tone casual, "but rest assured—someone from our country will be seated."
Caelen studied him, then nodded once.
"We'll be ready."
"Good. Because the there lots of discussions needed this time,"
—Elric added, voice softening.
"It may set the stage for what comes after."
---
[ Subtle Departures]
As the carriages began to roll, Selvine met Caelen's eyes briefly. No words exchanged. Just the mutual weight of capable people who don't like being underestimated.
The capital gates opened.
Aldoria left behind its message—quiet, sharp, and very deliberate.
[Royal Planning Chamber – Two Weeks Later]
The chamber was quiet, filled with the weight of preparation rather than debate.
Scrolls lined the table. National seals pressed into wax. Detailed maps of border zones and dungeon clusters lay side by side with guest lists and seating charts.
Prince Caelen, Guildmaster Hale, and Duke Kerrel stood around the planning table as a scribe quietly waited with a quill.
"So far, 3 kings have confirmed attendance in person,"
—Kerrel said, tapping the parchment,
"The other are sending their heirs or grand chancellors."
Caelen crossed his arms.
"Eight thrones under one roof. That hasn't happened in twenty years."
"Not without a war,"
—Hale muttered dryly.
The tension was low, but the implication was clear.
Stacks of sealed missives sat beside open dossiers. Floor-length windows overlooked the inner palace courtyard as torches flickered to life outside.
Prince Caelen, Guildmaster Hale, and Duke Kerrel stood around the table, finalizing the security protocol.
"We've cleared the outer ring. Noble retinues and foreign entourages will be housed in the diplomatic quarter,"
—Kerrel,
"but we'll need more than routine patrols."
Caelen nodded.
"Call in the Zero Knight Order. I want them assigned to mobile sweeps—outside and inside the inner ring."
Hale arched a brow.
"They don't usually doing guarding the parameters."
"They will now," Caelen said. "This isn't ceremony. It's conference with big shot"
Duke Kerrel scratched at his chin.
"And who's leading the personal protection inside the war hall itself?"
Caelen turned toward the table slowly and placed a single black-sealed scroll at the center.
"Commander Rell Thorne of the Zero Knights."
A beat of silence passed.
Hale looked up.
"You want Rell guarding the heads of eight nations? You think he'll agree?"
Caelen nodded once.
"He will. I'm not asking him to stand still and smile. I'm asking him to stop an assassination attempt before it starts."