Lilia's Tale

Chapter 52: Watched

The rest of the ride was quiet as we didn't have anything else to talk about. We stopped for a night at some unknown town as the pegasi were tired from so much work in so little time, though nothing of note happened. The ride was mundane, a welcome change from my hectic life.

We eventually arrived at Glace two days later. While I was expecting to land on the bottom platform as we did last time, we instead kept flying high. My surprise was short-lived, as we descended next to the castle, likely inside its outer court. I felt a sudden surge of worry as I realized I was about to set foot inside the castle, and tried my best to be as upstanding as possible.

One of the jockeys came to fetch us from the carriage and brought us to what seemed like a barracks. I wasn't sure where our luggage was, but I felt it wrong to ask. We instead followed him all the way into a relatively small room, similar to the one I was interrogated in, before he left.

"Hopefully we'll be let go soon, I don't want to sleep on military beds anymore," Father commented.

"Are they that uncomfortable?"

"Do you remember the beds in the prison while you were under investigation?"

"I...don't really. All I remember is that it felt like I was sleeping on the ground with a rough pillow."

"Military beds are like this, but a little more comfortable. Maybe like sleeping in a bed of small, crushed flowers."

"That doesn't sound comfortable at all."

"It really wasn't."

As the atmosphere had relaxed a little thanks to this short talk, we waited in silence. Eventually, the door opened, and a familiar man clad in fancy, silvery armor, came in.

"The Great Summoner and his daughter. I am to understand your report over the magiphone was accurate?"

"Yes, General. The Fifth Imperial Division decided to stay on-site for additional days in order to investigate the matter further."

"I was told by the Flight Division Captain. However..."

His stare moved over to me, as I recognized him after thinking about it. He was the one who told me quite aggressively that I would have to meet the Emperor, the General of the Imperial Divisions. I did not remember his name, but I felt it unimportant.

"Y-Yes?"

"This collar... So you truly were a Yokai, weren't you?"

"W-Well, I myself learned of it recently. I have always believed to be human, so it came as a surprise."

His stare went from intense to menacing as my body increasingly tensed up. Despite being aware he would not be able to hurt me even if he tried, I was still scared for my life.

"As planned, you will be handcuffed during the meeting with His Majesty the Emperor Von Glaucia. However, as additional security, you will additionally be blindfolded and rendered deaf until arrived at the location."

"Hum...Okay."

He nodded and left, leaving us hanging on whether or not we would be able to leave. However, shortly after I sighed due to the lack of answer, the door opened again.

"Oh, the Captain Garni will lead you outside soon. Please wait here."

He left again, not leaving us an opportunity to respond or react. With nothing else to our disposal, we did as offered and waited. The man eventually arrived and cordially asked us to follow him. We did and were led directly out of the castle with our luggage.