A good look

"We're finally here."

Natalia sighed a breath of relief, patting her dress down. She entered the large building, presenting herself with a curtsy bow to all the people she was meant to do so to.

Caelum was still thinking about his dream.

What if… it's trying to communicate with me? After absorbing its energy, maybe I absorbed too much. Trying to rack my brain around this is like trying to find a needle in a haystack! It's all so confusing… maybe I should take it as a nightmare, that's it.

"Someone's deep in thought."

Caelum tapped his shoulder, snapping him back to reality. His low eyes lost in thought opened up. Caelum cleared his throat.

"We need to be listening in. Let's go."

The vestibule was large and full of royals who could not enter the conference room. Food was handed out, music was played to keep them satisfied, and chairs were provided.

The expensive delicacies were placed on silver platters, handed to round tables by waiters dressed in an attire similar to what Caelum and Yezekael wore. It all gave the look of luxury. 

"The walls are surely soundproof. But mana application can go a long way."

Caelum grinned. Without bringing suspicion to himself, he brought his ear closer to the wall. Yezekael did the same.

.

"… and it's of utmost importance that our manpower is kept stable, if we're planning to constantly bombard them. The forces of Sar have amazing defense, and are holding up well, despite being outnumbered."

"The ships that had left, how many of them got through our blockade?"

"Unfortunately, a good amount pushed through, and are expected to hit the eastern shore in a day or two."

Even with us getting enslaved on a ship, and traveling all the way here, troops haven't arrived. I've finally found the reason for it.

Caelum got closer to the wall.

"… King, I believe that it would be in our best interest to withdraw from this war. If they're desperate enough, they'll accept our peace treaty. We've gotten the egg that we've wanted, right?"

"It was never about the egg."

The king's voice was able to shut off all the rest of the voices in the conference room. An imposing, deep voice. One that made Caelum's hair stand on end. 

Scary…

After a long pause, the king spoke again.

"If anyone disagrees with my way of doing things, as the king of Sar, I give you all the full right to duel me. If you win, I'll end the war."

Yezekael turned slowly, whispering to Caelum.

"I really wish I could see. I think a fight is about to start."

"No way."

"Hm? You're hearing their conversation too, right?"

"The king is an intimidating individual. A smart one as well. He didn't make that statement expecting anyone to get up at all. I'm sure of that. Nobody would want to step up."

"A strong king makes loyal subjects. So, he really doesn't want to stop the war. We have no choice but to kill him, right?"

"Thinking like that so quickly is wrong. First, we'll try to convince him. If it fails, then we'll kill him. No, scratch that. We'll capture him, use him as a bargaining tool."

"If the king is as strong as you say he is, won't that be a challenge?"

"It won't be just us. We aren't gonna be able to do all of this today. We'll get that crown off his head, of course."

"You make it seem like killing the king of a renowned kingdom, known for its talents across the whole continent, easy! You do it so well, that for some reason, I don't feel as uneasy."

Caelum chuckled, his ear not leaving the wall.

"Maybe it's a talent of mine. Heh."

The conference ended, and hundreds of diplomats, ambassadors, and members of the royal parliament, walked out. Caelum and Yezekael stepped to the side.

"For a kingdom that doesn't practice democracy… why are there so many of these guys?" Yezekael asked, very quietly.

"The king is very open-minded. I suppose," Caelum answered with the same level of quietness.

It was a bit noisy, as some of the members engaged in meaningless chatter.

Amidst the crowd of royalty, all wearing bright, glamorous clothing, one person had an imposing presence, sticking out like a sore thumb.

Because of his appearance, but also because a row of guards surrounded every corner, safely sending him to his carriage.

Of course, it was the king. He was fitted in a white shirt, tucked loosely into his black trousers. White silky hair that would've fallen down on his back, was tied up and concealed with black string.

Atop his head was the black crown.

Caelum's eyes lingered on the crown, before dropping down to study the king's face.

Entering the vestibule, he brought a refrain of sound. Besides the subtle gasps, silent whispers, nobody dared to really speak up.

From the whispers though, Caelum could understand a few things.

"The king… is even more dazzling in person!"

"Such elegance.."

"Amazing…"

Why don't I have any fangirls?

Caelum rolled his eyes.

"Caelum… your eyes are looking green. If it makes you feel any better, you're young. Maybe you'll at least grow taller than him," Yezekael quietly noted.

"Shut up!"