Chapter 234: To Ferderica’s Holy Land (1)
“What?” Milayna’s eyes widened in disbelief. She could hardly believe what she’d just heard. She asked Ketal, her voice trembling with concern, “You’re really... going to follow them? Are you sure you’re alright with this?”
“What choice do I have if I’m not?” Ketal replied, his tone calm and oddly cheerful. “Given the situation, there really aren’t any good answers, are there?”
Milayna faltered, searching for a response, but found nothing. He wasn’t wrong. Rumors about Ferderica’s order targeting her family had already swept through the entire capital. She had tried everything. She had even offered exorbitant sums to try to secure help, but every attempt had ended in failure.
“I’m sorry,” Ketal said quietly. “It seems you’ve suffered because of me.”
“No! Ketal, none of this is your fault! You haven’t done anything wrong,” Milayna protested, her voice cracking. “But... but...”
She glanced helplessly at Riltara and the other followers, unable to oppose them even as they trampled over all decency. Riltara was carrying out an unthinkable outrage, but there was no way to resist. Defeat settled over Milayna like a heavy shroud. She bowed her head, her shoulders shaking.
“I’m sorry. I was too weak... I said I’d rescue my master, but in the end, I failed,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“No. It’s alright,” Ketal said gently, offering a small smile. “I intend to make the most of this. There’s some enjoyment to be found, even in a situation like this.”
Something in his smile sent a shiver down Milayna’s spine. For a moment, she felt as if she was seeing a side of Ketal she’d never understood before.
Ketal had made up his mind. He would go with Riltara and her group to Ferderica’s holy land. The news traveled quickly. Maximus, ever the loyal intermediary, passed the word to King Barbosa of the Denian Kingdom.
The king groaned, gripping his head in frustration. “So, it’s come to this... Hmmm...”
Barbosa’s thoughts went straight to the Tower Master’s warning.