"We believe this weapon is made by the black-cloaked group known as the Communion. Azul is one of the top members of that group. Unfortunately, the man has not given any information for the past three days," Reid said.

"Is it possible that there are other weapons like these out there?" one of the counts asked.

"It is highly possible. Therefore, moving forward, we need to be very careful. One more thing, the manaless state, so far is still not perfect. After someone is wounded by this weapon, their mana will return within a few hours up to a day," Reid explained.

The members of the meeting fell into deep thought. The situation was far more severe than they had expected. Many of them were already struggling to calm their own counties, where people had begun to grow agitated, fearing their homes might be attacked next.

"I know all of you are worried. But I have good news. A group of talented magicians is currently examining the material of this weapon and trying to find a way to reverse its effect."

"Ahh, is that so? If you need help, just ask. We will send our best mages to assist," Count Luis said.

"Yes. We will do the same."

"We will as well."

The counts were all ready to contribute, hoping to speed up the research.

"Thank you for your kindness. I will make sure your support will be repaid one day. And please pray that the process will succeed." Reid placed the blade back into the box and sat down again, signaling Edward to continue the next agenda.

"Thank you, Prince Reymond. Now, the last matter concerns the upcoming Guild Tournament, which is only a few weeks away. Because of the recent events, there have been voices calling for it to be postponed. Some even suggest canceling it entirely due to safety concerns. Therefore, I would like to hear your esteemed opinions," Edward said.

"I think I agree with that. We have no other choice but to cancel the event."

"But the investors have already invested millions of gold. They will not be satisfied with this."

"Life is always more important! Money can be earned again. Life only comes once."

"Postponing is a better option. If the event were months away, we could cancel it. But it is just around the corner. Many nobles have been waiting for this. What will their reaction be if we abruptly cancel it?"

The room filled with voices. Some argued with others. Basically, there were two groups, one supporting postponement and the other pushing for cancellation. As the debate grew heated, suddenly Prince Reid stood up.

"I truly appreciate all the concerns raised by the counts. It seems the King has indeed chosen very capable individuals to lead the counties. All of you truly care for your people. However... with a heavy heart, I must disagree with all of you."

"Huh?"

The entire room fell into shock, including Reymond beside him.

"I know that before this, I was firmly against holding the tournament. But the situation has changed. The people are in despair. Many have lost someone important in their lives, while others live in fear. This is a terrible state for the kingdom. Therefore, I believe the tournament should proceed as planned. I truly believe it will help bring people together again and help them forget their sorrow. At the very least, this is something we can give them. So let us do our best to make it a tournament they will never forget," Reid explained.

The counts exchanged glances. Then, one by one, they stood up and began talking to each other. Moved by Reid’s words, they agreed to proceed with the tournament as planned. Reymond promised to tighten the security to the highest level possible.

’Prince Reid is truly reliable and speaks with wisdom. If only he had been the firstborn, he would have made a great king.’ Edward thought as he looked at Reid, a faint sense of disappointment lingering in his heart.

The meeting then concluded, and each of the counts left the palace.

"What was all that about, Reid?" Reymond said as they were the only ones left in the room. He stood up and faced his brother. He felt betrayed.

"It is exactly what I said just now. No sugarcoating," Reid replied calmly as he remained seated, drinking his tea elegantly.

"I thought you were strongly against it before. You even had a heated argument with father. But suddenly, after everything that happened, you changed your mind?" Reymond asked. He had to admit that Reid was wiser than him, and sometimes he simply could not read what was in his brother’s mind. That was why he always felt there was an invisible barrier between them.

"Yes, I did. But now things have changed. You saw for yourself what happened there. And you saw what those two are capable of," Reid said.

"So all of this is because of Alan and Bob? What exactly are you planning? What is in your mind?" 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Reid remained silent.

"I don’t like taking the victory of others! Why didn’t you just tell them what actually happened? They sacrificed themselves to save me and Reika..."

"Just bear with it, Brother Reymond. All of this is for the glory of our house. I know it sounds harsh. But will people believe it if a Rank G adventurer saved the royalty? What will happen to the dignity of our house?"

This time, Reymond fell silent. Reid’s words were harsh, but true.

Reid placed his hand on Reymond’s shoulder.

"Don’t worry. That is why I planned to continue the tournament. This time, let us see what they are truly capable of." Reid smiled slightly before turning and walking out of the room.

THUMP!

Reymond slammed his fist onto the table. He didn’t know why, but he truly disliked what was happening now.

---

"Has Alan woken up already?"

"Not yet. The healer said he is stable. He just needs to rest."

"But it has already been three days."

"I once slept for a whole week straight. This is nothing."

"What?! You really can do that?"

"Shhh! You two, quiet!"

Bob and Evelyn were chatting when Maya silenced them, while Linus sat across the room. They were now inside a room in the infirmary at the center of Rose City. Lying on the only bed in the room was Alan. The entrance of the room was guarded by soldiers, as requested by Prince Reid.

Evelyn sat down near Alan when she noticed a flower beside his bed.

"Did Princess Reika come here already?" she asked.

"Yes. She just left a few minutes before you two arrived," Linus said.

"Aahh, I’m so jealous of this guy. A princess visits him every day, yet he still sleeps like a log," Bob joked playfully.

Maya’s eyes moved from the flowers to Alan. Her heart stirred as she thought about someone of a higher status visiting him. She had been denying it for a long time already. But right now, she admitted it.

She felt jealousy.