Elene asked cautiously, “Are you leaving now?”0

“There is no reason for me to stay any longer,” Ketal replied. “The rest is up to you.”0

It would be Elene and Barbosa’s decision whether to attempt diplomacy with the Lutein Kingdom or to confront them with force. For Ketal, his mission had been clear: escort Elene to the Denian Kingdom.0

Now that he had accomplished that and received his token of identification from the king, his task was complete.0

“If you request my assistance in the future, I might accept the job. But for now, there’s nothing left for me to do. From here on, the decisions are yours,” he added.0

“I see,” Elene murmured, lowering her head.0

Ketal observed her briefly before shifting the topic. “What is Aron doing?” “He’s locked himself in his room,” Elene replied. “He hasn’t been eating, and he won’t respond to anyone. From what I can tell, though, he seems fine.”0

Elene let out a faint laugh, though her words carried a bitter edge. “Maybe he tried to end his life, only to come back to life again… Sorry, that was inappropriate.”0

“There’s no need to apologize,” Ketal replied.0

Elene hesitated before speaking, “Do you remember when I said I would personally reward you for your help?”0

The mission had been more than just an escort. Because of her, the entire Lutein Kingdom had become Ketal’s enemy. Elene had resolved to give Ketal anything he wanted in return for his assistance, even if that meant offering...0