Hero of Harmony (Continued)

Chapter 273: Forced Stay?

After a long and uncomfortable amount of silence, Queen Vestalis finally opened her mouth, though only after forcefully suppressing most of her emotions.

"You say the one responsible for Grandaunt's death, but she was a powerful Adventure that frequented Dungeons; how do you know that the poison wasn't from a monster within said dungeon?" Asked Violet softly with an indifferent gaze as she looked at Alexander, prompting everyone to do the same, while several wiped their tears, attempting to remain professional.

"It's difficult to explain... I have no physical or even solid information to further justify my statement. As a matter of fact, Master had told me nothing regarding her inevitable death, not until two weeks before her passing, and during that time, she refused to elaborate on how she was poisoned." Replied Alexander softly as he raised his head and looked at Violet with an awkward expression, his words causing her and everyone else to furrow their brows.

"I suppose you'll just have to trust the words of a stranger who was more hurt at Lavender's death than all of you combined." Added Alexander with a wry smile as he gazed at everyone, prompting Violet to glance at Scarloc, who shook his head.

"He's telling the truth, Queen, but it matters not since, to us, it's merely a belief... A belief he genuinely believes in, but a belief nonetheless." Replied Scarloc lightly as he glanced at Violet, who gently nodded before shifting her focus back to Alexander.

"Since you've relayed your information, what items have you come to return?" Asked Violet with a raised eyebrow as she calmly looked at Alexander, who could clearly see her hidden emotions deep within her eyes.

"Y-Yes, everything she's mentioned belonging to her younger days is in this space pouch... Including this object." Replied Alexander as he gestured to the pouch in his hand before reaching into it, only to retrieve a staff, which shocked everyone.

"A-Aunts staff!?" Exclaimed Dahlia in shock as she gazed at the Staff of Ethos within Alexander's hands.

"Master had mentioned this staff was a family heirloom received from Goddess Eywa for doing something long ago; I figured it would only be right to return the object she initially stole. I'm also no Mage." Remarked Alexander lightly as he carelessly swung the staff around, causing everyone's eyes to twitch at his behavior

While twirling Masters staff, it suddenly vanished from my hands, causing me to furrow my brows in confusion as I looked around, only to see Scarloc holding her staff as if it were a precious item while approaching Queen Vestalis's throne.

'Well, I suppose it is considered a precious item. I would've liked to use it at least once or twice, though.' Thought Alexander lightly with a slight pout as he eyed Scarloc, only to shrug his shoulders.

"The Staff of Ethos, Queen Vestalis." Said Scarloc softly as he dropped to one knee just before Violet's throne, prompting her to lean forward and grab it.

"Just as I remember..." Muttered Violet with an ever so faint smile as she held the Staff of Ethos within her hand and pointed it to the sky.

After a few more moments of admiring the staff, Queen Vestalis handed it back to Scarloc, who promptly stood up.

"Store it where it belongs; that pedestal has been empty for far too long." "At least we know it was put to excellent use." Stated Violet and Scarloc, respectively, as the latter nodded before turning around and walking away from the throne.

While walking past me, Scarloc didn't say anything, but he did give a slight nod, which I could only assume was of gratitude. However, before I could think about it further, Queen Vestalis cleared her throat, grabbing my attention as I looked at her.