Chapter 169 - A Kingdom’s Summons
Tave settled into the sofa across from the Imperial Knight, Elincia. He forced himself to sit upright and appear as calm as possible. She had made it clear—he was in danger. And yes... Tave had a feeling he knew exactly where that warning was coming from.
This time, he chose to stay silent, letting Elincia elaborate on her own terms.
"Whatever the reason behind the pact..." she began.
It was clear she had already heard everything from Vanya. How much detail Vanya had shared. How deep she’d gone into the reasons behind the situation. Tave couldn’t be sure.
But he trusted the crowned princess. In this matter, entirely. Because if there was one thing she wasn’t, it was foolish.
"You’ve clearly done something that won’t be forgiven easily," Elincia continued. "Not for the rest of your life."
"Lady Elincia," Tave started, trying to insert some explanation, anything to defend himself. "Is this because I’m human?"
Elincia gave a thin, knowing smile. "I assume you have enough sense and knowledge to read the situation for what it is."
She paused, then continued. "I won’t go into too much detail. That would overstep my authority. I serve under Her Highness, Princess Vanya. If she gives an order, I carry it out. Beyond that, the only authority I answer to is the king himself."
Tave went quiet at that.
Because he knew, at this point, it all rested on the Vensalor King’s judgment. A ruler who, by reputation, was wise and measured. But still... would he truly approve of what had happened if he knew the full truth?