Chapter 94: Goals Aligned
"Alright, this is it, it’s right in here," Remarked Jules, as she came to a stop in front of a large doorway.
She’d led them through the city and into the Royal castle, and they were currently standing outside the throne room.
Despite knowing that this was unlikely to be a trap, The Irregulars couldn’t help but feel wary, their guards were up, ready to attack at the slightest hint that this was a trap.
"I sense a whole lot of people in there," Raven informed the others, as Jules pushed the doors open and walked in.
The Irregulars followed behind her, looking around cautiously as they stepped into the throne room.
At the back of the room, was the new Queen, Lyra Diamond, seated on the throne. The Pope was seated next to her, and there were several other notable figures lined up on either side of the room.
The group included the heads of the highest ranked Noble houses that hadn’t been imprisoned or executed, the Captains, Vice-Captains and several First-Class Knights of the Knight Order, along with the Vice-Commander as well.
All the windows in the throne room were wide open, a gentle breeze blowing into the space, as The Irregulars entered the room, the guards shutting the doors behind them as they followed after Jules and approached the throne.
"Hm, I see...those open windows, they’re probably to indicate to us that this isn’t a trap. They’re trying to tell us that there are plenty of escape routes if we need them. Plus, a lot of the Nobles here are noncombatants, they wouldn’t be here if the Knights really intended to attack us," Noted Aster thoughtfully, before thinking, "Still though, that’s no reason to completely let our guards down here, we should stay on high alert regardless. But, so far, it’s increasingly starting to look like this offer really was genuine."
"Welcome, let me start by thanking you for coming here, I’m sure that wasn’t a decision you made lightly," Lyra greeted The Irregulars with a smile, before adding as she looked around at them, "I can see that you’re all a bit on edge, and I can’t blame you for being wary. That’s why I’m grateful that you’ve come here, despite the doubts and uncertainties you undoubtedly harbored."
"Well, a significant factor in our decision to come here was everything you accomplished over the course of this last week. If we really do have the same goal, and if it’ll be accomplished more effectively by accepting your offer, then it’d be stupid to not at least hear you out," Said Aster in response.