As the group quietly continued eating, all eyes turned to Ian at once.

He took a bite of meat and replied, “He still has work to do.”

“You’re planning to use this civil war as an opportunity to fully uncover the truth behind the Round Table Parliament, aren’t you?” Elia said after a moment, her eyes widening slightly as she murmured the conclusion.

Ian simply nodded.

She continued cautiously, “Isn’t that too dangerous? If the civil war begins... even within the Great Church, surely—”

“He knows that better than anyone,” Ian replied calmly, meeting her gaze. “And by now, he should understand well enough that crises always come with opportunity.”

Then he added, “Besides, he’s made it this far on his own. I should trust him to see it through.”

Elia pressed her lips together tightly.

Ian watched her worried expression, chewing for a moment before a faint smile curled at the corner of his mouth. “I heard you’ve been meeting each other pretty often. Sounds like you’ve gotten close.”

“We sometimes met at your estate to share meals when our schedules aligned. Sometimes Her Highness joined us as well. The attendants there were always incredibly helpful,” Elia answered, lowering her gaze slightly.

Thesaya raised an eyebrow as she glanced between them, while Ian let out a chuckle.

“So the place was still being properly maintained even while I was gone,” said Ian.

“Of course. Mr. Gibson is incredibly capable and kind. It looked like he managed the household comfortably on your salary alone. Though Her Highness would occasionally provide additional funds.”

The face of the head steward, whom Ian had only met once, briefly crossed his mind.

I should properly repay him someday.

“Even after you disappeared, Sir Philip was certain you were still alive. He said there was no way he wouldn’t feel it, as your knight.”

After taking a sip of wine, Elia continued, “It might have just been to reassure us, but it really did give us comfort and strength. And from time to time, he’d bring back undeciphered ancient texts acquired during his missions.”

“Did he ever tell you what kind of missions the Church assigned him?” Ian asked, picking up his glass.

Elia shook her head. “I asked several times, but he always just said he was ‘driving back the darkness.’ He never gave a clear answer.”

“Figures...” Ian nodded, taking a sip.

Keeping mission details secret wasn’t surprising; it might also have been to keep Elia from worrying.

“However, it was clear he was being sent on dangerous assignments every time. The documents he brought back were all ominous, and he had more scars on his face and hands each time I saw him.” Elia added quietly, her tone tinged with bitterness.

Ian’s eyes twitched slightly.

“He must have faced death more than once,” said Elia.

Ian didn’t respond, only tilting his glass as he drank.

Miguel let out a low grunt.

“Shame that Half-Ear isn’t here. He’d probably have something to add.” Thesaya clicked her tongue, then glanced at Ian. “Do you think the people who hate Freckles might have been pushing him into especially dangerous places?”

Instead of answering, Ian merely shrugged one shoulder. It wasn’t something that surprised him—both he and Philip had expected as much from the very beginning.

“But even so, Sir Philip was always just as I remembered him. Warm, cheerful, and always putting others before himself.” Elia continued, her voice noticeably calmer now, “And as time went on, his gaze grew deeper, and even his words and actions carried a certain dignity.”

“He must’ve gone through a lot,” Ian murmured, setting down his now-empty glass.

That kind of change wasn’t something that came easily—it was the mark of hardship. It wouldn’t have been surprising at all if he had already used an elixir of life.

Elia nodded as she added, “So when I learned, much later, that he was called the Guardian of Silence, I was truly shocked. The quiet and stoic image people talk about—he never showed that side, at least not in front of me or Her Highness.”

Glancing at Thesaya, who let out a faint chuckle, Ian reached for the tin wine bottle at the edge of the table.

“You weren’t the only one surprised.”

“I’ve heard that the more dangerous the situation, the more he steps forward, proving his will through actions rather than words. That’s why more and more paladins and priests are following him.”

At that, Ian’s lips curled slightly as he refilled his glass. “When was the last time you saw him?”

“A few months ago. He even brought along the child you sent.”

“Shahin?” said Thesaya, eyes widening slightly.

Elia smiled and nodded. “Yes. He’s a bright child. Sir Philip seemed quite strict with him, but he was still very spirited.”

“He’s not the type to be easily discouraged,” Ian muttered, setting the bottle down.

Miguel leaned in slightly and whispered, “Is that the kid you gave your blessing to?”

“That’s right. A very promising sprout.” Thesaya nodded.

The smile on Elia’s round face grew a little brighter. “That child told me about what happened in the inner sea and the frontier. Truly, I lost track of time listening.”

Her gaze shifted to the gray orc seated beside her. “That’s also why I wasn’t too surprised when I first saw Mukapa. You were exactly as he described.”

Mukapa simply nodded, chewing his meat, unfazed. Judging by his reaction, it was clear he had already heard this from Elia before.

Turning back to Ian, Elia added, “Sir Philip said he would soon be deployed on a mission with Shahin. I don’t know if they returned safely... I left the capital with Mukapa before I could confirm.”

“Well, at least we know that he’s safe,” Ian said, lifting his glass.

With his left thumb, he lightly brushed the finger with his divine ring. “I can at least tell whether he’s alive or not.”

“That’s a relief. That’s enough for me. I left a message with Mr. Gibson, so he’ll know that I left after receiving your summons,” Elia exhaled in relief.

Ian nodded slightly. Saying he wasn’t worried would have been a lie. Still, knowing that both Shahin and Philip were doing well was enough.

Besides, with the Dark Prince stirring tension, the Great Church wouldn’t be sending Philip on dangerous external missions for the time being.

After lowering his glass, Ian turned to Mukapa.

“You said you’d be stopping by the guild. They probably already know what’s happening in the center. Did you receive any specific orders?”

“Yes,” Mukapa replied, setting down the piece of meat he had been about to eat. “I cannot disclose the details, but I am to return to my tribe first.”

“Then on your way back, would you take on one more request for me?” Ian asked.

Mukapa nodded without hesitation. “Yes, of course.”

He didn’t ask about the conditions or details. The war hammer he had left behind in his room and the sword now hanging at his waist were proof enough that he still believed the reward from the previous request had been more than he deserved.

Ian smiled and said, “Go meet Duke Jihandar with Thesaya. When a solar eclipse occurs in the south, the rocky mountains beyond the desert will collapse, revealing ruins that had been buried underground. And the creatures sealed within will be released into the world.”

Mukapa’s yellow eyes widened at last.

He stared at Ian for a moment before his tusked mouth parted. “Forgive me, but could you explain in a bit more detail?”

“That’s all I know. But if troops are mobilized now to support the center, then—”

“Not just the southern front, but your tribes could suffer serious losses as well, Snub-Nose.” Thesaya smoothly cut in, lifting her glass. Her swamp-colored eyes gleamed ominously.

Mukapa’s expression twisted slightly.

“Could it be... El Karam?” he asked.

“El Karam?” Thesaya echoed, raising a brow. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

“It is an ancient city spoken of in desert legends,” Mukapa replied quietly.

“...I remember reading about it. Back when the desert wasn’t as vast as it is now, and the Kalikram Mountains were covered in greenery, there were cities of heretics scattered across the land,” said Elia.

“That’s correct.” Mukapa nodded.

Thesaya, eyes gleaming, took a sip of wine and added, “So how did it end up buried underground?”

“You can hear the rest later,” Ian cut in.

As Thesaya paused, he picked up his glass and continued, “Since you already have a guess, that works out well. Go with the Elder, persuade the duke, and make sure your people prepare for any possible situation.”

“I will do so.” Mukapa bowed his head slightly, then hesitated before speaking again. “But this is something I ought to do regardless. I cannot accept it as a request.”

“It is a request. I also need you to make sure the duke doesn’t pull any tricks and detain the Elder.”

“I just need you to guard me until I board a ship back to the mainland safely,” Thesaya added immediately.

Mukapa narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment, then nodded. “Understood. I accept the request.”

“Good,” Ian said with a faint smile.

“Just so you know, we won’t be heading South immediately, Snub-Nose,” Thesaya added, raising a finger toward him.

She then continued, “My family’s fairies and kitties will be arriving here soon. We’ll meet them first before heading out. There are still a few months left until the eclipse anyway. At most, we’ll only be delayed by a few days, so don’t complain and accept it. Now.”

“Understood, Elder.” Mukapa nodded reluctantly.

Only then did a satisfied smile spread across Thesaya’s lips.

“By the way, how do you already know about something like that, Sir Ian? Even Her Highness wouldn’t be able to foresee the future of such a distant desert,” said Elia.

She never lets things slide.

As Ian took a sip of wine, his eyes narrowed slightly. Thesaya turned to Elia with a meaningful smile.

“What do you think, Half-Pint?”

“I... I don’t know. ...Wait.” Elia tilted her head—then suddenly froze.

Her eyes widened as she turned to Ian. “After reaching the level of a demigod, have you gained the ability to glimpse the flow of fate?”

“Who knows? I don't even know the exact reason.” Ian replied indifferently.

Lowering his glass, he glanced at Mukapa and then at Elia. “Either way, I think it’d be better if you went south with them, Elie.”

“Pardon?”