Chapter 31: The Queen's Envoy

Chapter 31: The Queen's Envoy

Kazuki's body felt as though it had turned to stone. Lady Arwen's gaze bore into him, her icy blue eyes glinting with a knowing look. The villagers had gone silent, their collective breaths held in anticipation. Elara and Tara stood close to him, their bodies tense, ready to act at any moment.

Kazuki swallowed, his mouth dry. His mind raced. Should he step forward and admit it? Should he lie? What if they knew already?

Lady Arwen stepped forward, her heeled boots clicking against the cobblestones. Her silver hair glimmered like moonlight as she approached Kazuki. The crowd instinctively parted, and Kazuki felt every eye on him.

"You seem nervous," Lady Arwen said, her tone calm but sharp. "Tell me, boy. Did you or did you not encounter the Alpha Dire Wolf?"

Kazuki felt his heart pound against his chest. Before he could answer, Elara stepped forward, bowing her head respectfully. "Lady Arwen, forgive my interruption. We were the ones who encountered the Alpha. But it was a group effort. Kazuki merely assisted."

Arwen's gaze flicked to Elara, her expression unreadable. "Assisted?"

"Yes," Tara said, crossing her arms defiantly. "We worked together. No one person defeated the Alpha alone."

Kazuki remained silent, his fists clenched at his sides. He could feel the power of the Alpha Command skill thrumming beneath his skin, as if the skill itself wanted to respond to Lady Arwen's oppressive aura. But he fought it down, keeping his head lowered.

Lady Arwen's lips curved into a slight smirk. "I see. Well then, Kazuki, is it?" She leaned closer, her face inches from his. "Tell me. Did you acquire anything... unusual from the encounter?"

Kazuki's jaw clenched. [Skill Alpha Command detected. Suppressing skill for 24 hours to avoid detection.]

Kazuki blinked, relief washing over him. He straightened slightly and shook his head. "No, ma'am. Just some minor injuries."

Arwen's eyes narrowed, her gaze penetrating. For a tense moment, Kazuki feared she could see right through him. Then, with a soft hum, she straightened up and turned away.

"Very well," she said, her tone dismissive. "However, the Queen's orders were clear. All Alpha-class creatures are to be reported immediately. The fact that you three took it upon yourselves to handle such a dangerous beast without informing the royal guard..." She paused, letting her words hang ominously in the air. "...is quite reckless."

Elara lowered her head. "Apologies, Lady Arwen. We will report all future encounters promptly."

"See that you do," Arwen said, flicking a stray lock of silver hair over her shoulder. "The Queen will not tolerate insubordination."

With that, Lady Arwen turned and strode away, her dark robes billowing behind her. The crowd slowly dispersed, whispers filling the air. Kazuki released a shaky breath, feeling his knees weaken.

"That was too close," Tara muttered, rubbing the back of her neck.

Elara's hand found Kazuki's arm, her touch gentle. "Are you okay?"

Kazuki nodded, forcing a weak smile. "Yeah. Thanks for covering for me."

"We need to be more careful," Elara said, her expression serious. "Lady Arwen is one of the Queen's top enforcers. If she finds out you have the Alpha Command skill..."

Kazuki swallowed hard. "I know."

Tara snorted, punching Kazuki lightly in the arm. "Well, at least you didn't piss yourself."

Kazuki couldn't help but laugh, the tension finally breaking. But even as they headed back to the inn, the weight of Lady Arwen's words lingered in his mind. The Queen's reach was longer than he'd thought. And now, he was on her radar.

[Skill Alpha Command suppressed. Time remaining: 23 hours, 55 minutes.]