Inev felt some confusion about the carriage.
Is such a grand display really necessary?
Glancing at Euphyllia sitting across from her, she silenced her doubts.
This woman was someone of true status and influence. Traveling like this seemed perfectly reasonable.
Although the specifics were unclear, Inev had distinctly sensed an overwhelming, regal aura from her during that brief battle. She had met many nobles and royalty from various nations, yet Euphyllia’s presence far surpassed them all.
Compared to Headmistress Mythina… it almost felt like she should be the one in charge.
Wait—why am I even thinking about such nonsense now?!
At any rate, Lady Euphyllia is awesome!
Cathy and Hetis were the ones driving the carriage upfront. Inside, only Euphyllia, Inev, and Lia remained seated.
Euphyllia had closed her eyes to rest the moment she entered, and Lia mirrored her posture. Their movements were eerily synchronized, as if there was some unseen connection between them.
Left alone with her thoughts, Inev couldn’t help but let her mind wander.
The fact that she still had the luxury to think like this was a rare stroke of luck.
Suddenly, Lia spoke without moving.
“Cathy, stop.”
“What’s wrong, Lady Lia?”
“Get off here. The teleportation array to Kestes is close.”
“Huh?”
“Go back to Kestes. You don’t need to go to Lystia.”
“But Lady Lia, I want to—”
“Your identity makes you unsuitable for this journey. I’ll find you later.”
Cathy sighed, then opened the carriage door and peeked inside. She gave Inev an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, I can’t accompany you any further.”
Inev shook her head with a smile. “You’ve done more than enough. I’ll remember this journey for the rest of my life. Goodbye, little cat.”
“Goodbye, little ice cube.”
Cathy bowed. “Farewell, Lady Lia. Farewell, Lady Euphyllia.” Then she stepped out and left.
“Um… I…” Hetis, who had been quietly present all this time, finally spoke up.
“Ah, Hetis, you should also—”
“We’ll need you to stay a little longer. Someone still has to drive the carriage,” Lia cut Inev off.
“Right. Okay.” Hetis closed the carriage door and resumed driving.
Silence returned. Without Cathy, the silence was even heavier than before.
Meanwhile, St. Ferris City was buzzing with activity.
Slightly after Inev’s group had departed, news of what happened at St. Ferris Academy’s gates had spread through whispers, and was now circulating further.
Some claimed that Headmistress Mythina had slain six assassins on the spot, one Legendary Rank and five Jade Ranks.
Others insisted that there were two Legendary Ranks.
A few even said that the battle had ended in a single move, lasting no more than five seconds.
Yet another rumor suggested it wasn’t Mythina at all, but another powerful elf hidden within the academy.
By now, the group had left St. Ferris City behind.
Suddenly, Yulia exhaled deeply and slowly opened her eyes, while Euphyllia did the same across from her.
“Um… you two…?” Inev finally couldn’t hold back her confusion.
Both women turned to her and replied flatly in unison:
““Communication.””
Inev’s mind filled with question marks.
I don’t get it. Is this how the strong communicate?
Actually, they were replenishing mana!
After all, Euphyllia was only a clone, with limited energy reserves. The earlier battle at the academy had drained her significantly.
Yulia left the carriage and sat beside Hetis to take over the driving.
Meanwhile, Euphyllia cast an isolation barrier inside the carriage.
She looked at Inev. “You must be wondering why we’re making such a conspicuous exit.”
“If it’s your arrangement, then I—”
“To put it simply, we’re fishing.” Euphyllia cut straight to the point.
It was a minor scheme, using Inev as bait to lure out their enemies.
“During the previous academy festival, you were attacked by outsiders. Those people belonged to an organization. Right now, I want to draw them out and eliminate them. It’ll also be safer for you.”
This was one of the few chances Euphyllia had to track the Celestial Feather Society’s movements. Although the enemy lurked in the shadows, she intended to seize the initiative.
Inev nodded. “I understand. I’ll cooperate.”
“Then tell me—what is it about you that draws their interest?”
Lia had asked this before, but Inev’s answer had been vague back then.
Now, she gave a clear answer.
“Aside from my status as princess and heir apparent… the only thing left would be this.”
She pulled out the pendant hanging around her neck.
Euphyllia didn’t touch it, merely observing.
“It’s an ancient artifact, capable of activating a decent teleportation spell—but that’s all. I don’t see anything particularly special about it.”
Hearing her nation’s royal heirloom being dismissed so casually, Inev choked back a protest.
But then again, to someone like Euphyllia, it was insignificant.
Not long ago, she had attempted to teleport, only for Euphyllia to interrupt it effortlessly. In other words, this artifact was useless in her presence.
Wait… didn’t something similar happen before?
That time, it was Lia who stopped it!
Before Inev could dwell on it, she continued.
“Its exterior may not be remarkable, but this is actually a key. A key to a Sealed Land.”
“I see. A Sealed Land… Is there a ruin within Lystia’s borders?”
Euphyllia faintly recalled Stanley mentioning something like this once.
“You’re correct. That’s the place.”
Everything clicked into place in Euphyllia’s mind.
Now it all made sense.
The Celestial Feather Society’s true target was the ruins within the Kingdom of Lystia.
To reach it, they had allied with Lystia’s Regent King.
The Regent King had sacrificed countless benefits and paid a heavy price, all to secure his throne.
Judging by how thoroughly Inev had been isolated before, it was likely that the Regent King had also struck a deal with the beastfolk.
Even the war between Lystia and the beastfolk nation might have been nothing more than a stepping stone, a way to sever the teleportation array connecting to St. Ferris.
The Regent King had once tried to eliminate Inev himself, but as time dragged on, his impatience grew. In the end, he had resorted to extreme measures.
“I understand now. I’ll handle everything other than the Kingdom of Lystia. St. Ferris Academy won’t interfere in your nation’s internal affairs.”
That said, once the outside forces were eliminated, the Regent King would be nothing more than a snake with its fangs pulled, no longer a threat.
So Inev nodded firmly, her face alight with gratitude.
“Thank you very much!”