Chapter 186 - Ducal discussions
Scarlett observed Dame Leandra as the knight circled the armchair behind which she had stood guard and settled into the seat where the crown prince had previously sat. She placed her sword’s sheath against the chair with a casual yet unmistakably focused movement, and her brilliant white armor allowed for a surprising range of movement while producing barely any noise.
The woman rested her helmet—crowned by a miniature golden dragon—on the table between them. She briefly met Scarlett’s gaze before glancing back at the door. “You and Dame Iyana seemed to know each other. Are you acquainted from before?”
Scarlett arched an eyebrow. They were starting with that? “I crossed paths with her during the Tyndall Ball in Windgrove. We had the opportunity to become familiar with each other at that time, though I will not claim to be particularly close to her.”
A flicker of surprise showed on the knight’s expression. “Dame Iyana tends to attract plenty of attention as a Royal Guard member. Can’t say I’ve ever seen her bother extending much courtesy to others while on duty, though. You must have made an impression.”
“Perhaps. In my opinion, she left a more lasting impression, but I suppose that is to be expected from one of the empire’s most skilled swordswomen.”
Dame Leandra returned her focus to Scarlett, studying her with keen eyes for a moment. “If you say so.”
“Shall we proceed to the matter at hand?” Scarlett asked.
The knight’s demeanor shifted slightly, growing more serious as she nodded. “His Highness has already briefed you on the crucial details. Her Highness Princess Regina is missing, and I have been entrusted with overseeing the efforts to find her. I need the location of these nearby ruins you spoke of so that I can determine whether Her Highness has been there or not.”
“And if she has?” Scarlett folded her hands in her lap. “What do you intend to do from there? As I mentioned, it is unlikely that Her Highness still remains in those ruins, so ascertaining traces of her presence will not necessarily aid your efforts.”
“It’s the best lead we have. Whether it’s likely to yield results or not is secondary. From what I’ve heard, Zuverian ruins often harbor undead and other dangers, so if the princess has been to that location, I at least have to make sure she wasn’t injured.”
“…Do you believe the princess could have overcome such obstacles alone?”
“I don’t know. If she tried and couldn’t, that’s even more reason for me to reach the ruins quickly.”