Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 378. Lies Or Truth?

Darius, however, wasn't nearly as amused. He exhaled sharply, crossing his arms as he gave the man one last assessing look before turning back to Angel. "Still… we can't trust what he said, Your Majesty." His tone was firm, careful, carrying his allegiance to Harmonia. "He could be lying."

Angel didn't disagree, but he also didn't dismiss the possibility that the man was telling the truth. He tilted his head slightly, thoughtful. "True. But I can understand why Prince Jake is curious about me."

Darius frowned, skeptical. "What makes you so sure?"

Angel chuckled lightly, leaning against the edge of the table. "We sparred once. It was brief, but enough for me to see that he isn't just another royal who sits on his throne and lets others do the fighting for him." He paused, tapping his fingers idly against the polished wood. "He's interesting."

Darius's expression darkened slightly. "You admire him?"

Angel arched a brow. "I acknowledge his potential. There's a difference."

Darius wasn't convinced. "Potential or not, it doesn't change the fact that this could be an attempt to drive a wedge between our kingdoms. If you retaliate in the wrong way, it could turn into something far worse."

Angel hummed thoughtfully, considering that. Darius wasn't wrong. He had to be careful, not just with his response but with how much he allowed others to perceive his next move. The political landscape between Euphorion and Harmonia was already delicate. The king of Harmonia's health was failing, that much was common knowledge among those who paid attention. With his decline, Prince Jake—the first in line to the throne—was already positioning himself for what came next.

Angel couldn't say that openly, of course. Couldn't acknowledge that he was already aware of the silent power struggles happening behind the scenes. But it made sense. If Jake was preparing for his eventual rise, then knowing who his allies—and potential enemies—were would be a priority.

And Angel was both.

Darius studied him carefully, his voice quieter when he spoke again. "You know how this looks, don't you?"

Angel glanced at him, his smirk fading slightly. "Of course I do."

Darius sighed. "Then you also know that if Prince Jake truly sees you as a threat, it won't end with just observation."

Angel's gaze sharpened, a flicker of something dangerous beneath the calm exterior. "I know."

Darius hesitated before exhaling again, clearly debating something in his head. Then, with a resigned tone, he muttered, "What do you plan to do?"

Angel let the question hang for a moment before finally answering, his voice smooth and deliberate. "Find a way out of this without bloodshed."

Darius looked relieved, but only slightly. "And if that's not an option?"

Angel smirked again, but there was no humor in it this time. "Then I make sure I'm not the one bleeding."

Darius groaned, rubbing his temples. "Your Majesty, please—"

"I'm joking," Angel said, though they both knew he wasn't entirely. "For now."

Darius shot him a pointed look. "Harmonia doesn't need instability right now. If this turns into something bigger, it won't just be our kingdoms that suffer."

Angel nodded. "Which is why I'm not going to make the first move."

Darius looked at him for a long moment before sighing. "And if His Highness does?"

Angel tilted his head, smirk widening. "Then I'll make sure he regrets it."

Darius groaned again, muttering something under his breath about how dealing with Angel was going to be the death of him.

Angel only chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Don't worry about that, Lord Darius. You are overthinking." His voice was light, but his gaze was sharp as it returned to the man sitting stiffly in the chair. Angel made a small, effortless gesture with his fingers, and the Black Devil soldiers moved in immediately.

The man tensed as they approached, but Angel remained where he was, watching. "Check him," he said smoothly. "I want to make sure he doesn't bring any surprises."

The soldiers worked quickly, their movements professional, and efficient. They patted him down, pulling out a small dagger from the inside of his boot and a thin piece of parchment from a hidden pocket. One of the soldiers held them up for Angel to see.

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