Drayce materialized in An''s study just as the Prince''s concern for Oriana reached a critical point. An, teetering on the edge of abandoning his study to pursue Oriana, was saved from taking that precipitous step by Drayce''s timely arrival.


    With a measured tone, Drayce proceeded to narrate the events at the temple to An. However, he strategically omitted certain details about Oriana, specifically her pivotal role in safeguarding against the wizard''s threat. Drayce painted a reassuring picture, assuring An that Oriana was unharmed and under the vignt protection of Yorian and yer.


    An, in turn, updated Drayce on the developments in the conference following his departure. Regrettably, the oue was unfavorable in their battle against the smuggling of banned herbs. The alleged culprit, the King of Thevailes, managed to evade any connection to the illicit activities. The destruction of evidence and the support from the Othinian King proved to be formidable obstacles.


    Mid-conversation, Rafal and Oriana made an entrance into the guest mansion. As soon as they learned of An''s presence, they hastened towards the drawing room. Rafal bore visible injuries, a testament to the struggles they faced, while Oriana, though appearing somewhat disheveled and paler, seemed otherwise unharmed.


    The unexpected sight of the King of Megaris left both the knight and the attendant taken aback, prompting them to bow in respect.


    An''s scrutinizing gaze swept over Oriana, as if determined not to miss any detail, marking a moment of intense scrutiny.


    Drayce offered him a meaningful gaze as the two had silent talk. ''I told you she is fine.''


    An gazed back. ''Will you trust my words when it''s about Seren and won''t check on her?''


    ''So admit that she is as important as you the way Seren is important to me?''


    An frowned, ''I don''t like it if someone else hurts my possession.''


    Drayce scoffed inwardly, ''You will make me sick with those same words.''


    "Your Highness, we have returned from our city trip," Rafal''s words drew their attention.


    Upon delivering their report to An, Oriana and Rafal were ready to departed. Despite Rafal''s reluctance, Oriana insisted on overseeing his treatment.


    Drayce patted Rafal''s shoulder as if praising him for protecting others, but Drayce''s intention was different. Rafal was affected by ck magic attack and by making a physical contact with him through patting, Drayce absorbed that ck magic from Rafal''s body. An noticed it and silently thanked his friend.


    After addressing crucial matters with An, Drayce made his way back to the guest mansion, where Yorian and yer awaited his return. Seren had also joined them in Drayce''s study this time, taking a seat beside her husband on the plush couch while yer and Yorian upied positions opposite them.


    "Wizards attacked today, attempting to abduct Seren," Drayce began, his arm protectively encircling his delicate wife''s shoulders, pulling her closer. He paid no mind to the presence of Yorian and yer.


    Seren, typically reserved about public disys of intimacy, didn''t resist Drayce''s gesture. She understood that his concern for her safety outweighed any reservations about being affectionate in front of others. She leaned into him, epting his reassurance.


    "Yes, that''s what urred," Yorian confirmed, "and judging by their formidable power, it suggests a more sinister force is pulling the strings."


    "Zaria Lynx. Who else could it be?" Drayce asserted. "The King of Thevailes may be aiding her."


    "I share the same suspicion," Yorian concurred, "I have not sensed her presence around yet that means she is concealing her presence really well if she is really here."


    Drayce nodded, "I tried it as well, but could not sense it. We can only get to know if we manage to infiltrate the guest mansions of Thevailes."


    "It might take a dangerous turn as Zaria will sure catch it. She is way more cunning and careful," Yorianmented.


    "But we might have to take a chance. It''s about Seren''s safety. We have to take measures before they n another attack," Drayce replied.


    "Then we will need someone who can enter the guest mansion of Thevailes and would not raise any suspicions. Also, smart enough to get information about Zaria."


    "We will n something soon. I cannot let that witch to have another chance to harm my wife," the pair of red eyes turned resolute, "If we fail to execute proper n, I will personally enter the guest mansion of Thevailes and get that witch out despite whatever consequences we have to face. My wifees first and the matter of this continentter."


    "I can only agree to it," Yorian said, turning his attention to Seren. "Your Majesty, for your safety, it would be prudent to remain within the guest mansion unless apanied by King Drayce."


    "I agree," Seren responded, a hint of guilt flickering in her eyes. "I don''t wish to jeopardize the lives of others along with my own. Today was dangerous enough, and if not for Oriana''s use of her powers, it could have been far worse."


    Drayce, offeringfort, gently rubbed her arm with his warm palm and turned back to Yorian. "Seren told me that Oriana possess divine power?"


    "Yes, King Drayce," Yorian''s countenance grew more serious as he continued, "Her true nature is not as it appears. We must delve deeper into her powers. Her divine powers seem to have been overshadowed by the attribute of darkness to not be seen easily," Yorian added, emphasizing the need for understanding. "She appeared utterly shocked as well.


    We must rify everything about her and help herprehend."


    Drayce turned his gaze to yer. "Summon Oriana here."


    "Of course, Your Majesty," yer affirmed, departing on the errand.


    Yorian, maintaining eye contact with Drayce, continued, "Today, I witnessed yer''s innate abilities firsthand, confirming my suspicions about him."


    Drayce''s expression darkened. "How did he react?"


    "He seems uninterested in exploring his true identity. During the skirmish, he fought like any other knight," Yorian replied.


    Drayce sighed, a weight of concern evident on his face. "We must shield him from such incidents. His existence must remain concealed. As for those wizards, did they manage to escape?"


    "Yes, they fled, having witnessed their failed attempts against yer. I understand your efforts to keep him hidden, but I had no alternative at that moment except to get the help from his extraordinary abilities."


    "One day, he will have to acknowledge his identity. This incident, we can consider it as a start of it," Drayce added with a tinge of resignation.