Max licked her parched lips, it felt like she was pushed to a corner. The thought of leaving Riftan’s side made her stomach twist. As she hesitated and couldn’t give an answer easily, Ruth, who was deep in thought, began to speak.
“I understand the intention of the princess. But it is a very sudden suggestion. If the lady becomes a World Tower wizard, the lady will have to live in Nornui for the next three or four years. Now is not the time to make such a decision. Give her time to think about it, please.”
“If it were possible, I also would like to have time. However, we do not know when the Duke of Croix will return to the duchy. The man was forced to come to this place because he could not overcome my father’s coercion. He must be thinking of leaving at the very least, after the negotiation is over.”
The princess tried to persuade her with an impatient attitude. Max didn’t know what to do and lowered her eyes. She said she would do anything for Riftan, and yet she couldn’t give an answer as to what she was willing to do. While she continued to hesitate, Ruth glared furiously at the princess.
“Can’t it wait for at least three or four days?! The answer shouldn’t be forced to be made now. Not only Sir Calypse’s future is at stake, but also of his wife’s.”
The princess whose eyebrows were furrowed in displeasure, nodded in disgust with a long sigh. “I understand. Think about this solution while the talks are going on.”
The princess rose from her seat along with Simon. Max couldn’t say a word until the princess left the room. She felt like she was balancing on one wooden leg. Uslin, looking at her pale face in fear, suddenly opened his mouth.
“You may refuse that option.” Max was surprised and her eyes widened, but he continued seriously. “The commander will probably protest against it. To tell you the truth… he’s already preparing to leave Whedon.”
“You mean he’s thinking of…going into e-exile?” She asked in perplexion.
Uslin nodded slowly. “From the beginning, the commander had no intention of going into trial. If these mediation talks fail, he plans to take the lady and go to Livadon immediately.”
“But t-then… Anatol, and the Re-Remdragon Knights…”
“Many of the members plan on following the commander. In fact, everyone wants to follow him in exile, but there are those who have to remain in Whedon due to some circumstances. Perhaps the Knights may be divided.”
Max sighed and looked anxiously at the faces of Ruth, Elliott, and the knights who were silently guarding the door. They had a calm face, as if it was a fact that everyone already knew: it was clear that Riftan had spoken to them beforehand. She could not bear the shock of it and sank into the chair.
Uslin added hastily. “I’m not trying to put a burden on the lady. It is not yet known how the mediation talks will conclude. We just assumed the worst that could happen and discussed it just in case.”
“If this mediation fails… Riftan… Anatol and the Remdragon Knights… he will lose everything.”
When she murmured vaguely, the man closed his mouth as if he didn’t know what to say. A heavy atmosphere surrounded them. At that moment, Ruth spoke seriously, grasping her shoulders with both hands.
“M’lady, it would be useless to think about this right now… better go and get some rest first. It is not something to decide just on impulse. Entering the World Tower means living as a wizard all your life. Whether or not you are prepared to do so, you should think carefully and with a clear mind before making any decisions.”
