Witch, Fireball and the Evil God of Steam-Chapter 817 - 149: Stay True to Your Original Aspirations

There must be some mistake.

Ilya knew her friend well, and she was certain he would never become a good person just because of a few words from a stranger. Coupled with the rumors quietly spreading among the nobles in the Imperial Capital, the more she thought about it, the more she felt there was a big problem with Ethan and that white-haired woman. However, after her previous setback with the Simpler Clan, she had to change her strategy.

She had already determined that these two outsiders were more formidable foes than the Demon King.

Before grasping decisive evidence, she couldn't act rashly; otherwise, the result would most likely be as awkward as last time.

Ilya still didn't believe she simply fell asleep that night and coincidentally dreamed of that crew member, obtaining all the truths she wanted to know from him. Looking back now, it was all too smooth, so smooth it seemed like a trap meticulously set up just for her.

And it appeared that the other party's goal had been achieved as well.

She had left an impression of "paranoid delusion" with Cedric and her former companions, causing her to be isolated and unsupported in the subsequent investigation. This time, the commander of the Imperial Army would no longer come to investigate with her in the middle of the night, meaning that even if she found any clues, she might very well be silenced during the investigation.

At this thought, a chill ran down Ilya's spine.

The whole Imperial Capital was now immersed in the joyous atmosphere of celebration; perhaps only she perceived the crisis lurking beneath the lively surface.

Ilya saw Ethan again outside the Royal Palace, diligently addressing the nobles' queries about the festival in his role as the celebration advisor. In reality, they were all there for the reward promised by His Majesty Henry; despite the slim chance, they were willing to give it their all.

Ilya decided to approach Ethan first; she stayed nearby and waited until the afternoon, finally getting a chance to speak with Ethan alone as he seemed about to return to his residence inside the Royal Palace, and she quickly followed.

"Mr. Ethan, do you have some time to spare?"

This time, she exhibited the demeanor of a noble lady as much as possible, even reverting to the demeanor she used to adopt when disguising herself in the Hero Squad.

"I would like to apologize to you for misunderstanding you last time." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

While speaking, Ilya was full of anxiety inside.

This was a perfect pretext—assuming Ethan did not harbor a grudge against her...

Alright, she admitted that this thought was somewhat unrealistic, especially if her previous accusations were substantiated—awaiting Ethan and that white-haired woman would be a sentence of death.

She could only pray that Ethan was still willing to maintain a semblance of peace—just like most of the nobles in the Imperial Capital, who, despite hating each other to the core, would still carry on smiling conversations when meeting at banquets.

"That's not necessary. Your suspicion is understandable; given the turbulent times for the Empire, it's always good to be cautious."

"Please accept my formal apology."

Ilya effortlessly showcased a delicate and pitiable expression, but before Ethan could respond, a familiar figure stood between them. The white-haired woman effortlessly linked her arm with Ethan's, casting a proud glance at Ilya. "Your Excellency the Holy Mage, what business do you have with my husband?"

Husband?

Ilya was momentarily stunned.

She instinctively looked at Ethan; she knew her sweet appearance and status were her innate weapons. Before, whenever she spoke this way, others would gladly agree to her requests, yet Ethan's expression remained unchanged—still that calm, businesslike demeanor.

"I wanted to specifically apologize to you both, if you have some time…"

"That won't be necessary."

Lindong interrupted Ilya's attempt at feigned vulnerability without the slightest worry for Ethan.

Because Ethan was already immune to such subpar tricks for eliciting sympathy, the tone when speaking was in need of adjustment, the attitude of supplication not humble enough, and more importantly, Ilya could hardly conceal her small ulterior motives.

The tactics were too low-level.

And her Ethan faced high-level encounters every day.

"Indeed."

Ethan responded immediately, "As the celebration advisor, meeting privately with you at this time might arouse suspicion, which would also be unfair to other participants."

This response left Ilya speechless.

Fairness?

In the Imperial Capital, it was a foreign concept to everyone. It was only used in the grand-sounding speeches directed at citizens before, and since she became an adult, it rarely even appeared in those speeches, considering the current state of the Silver Radiance Empire, always emphasizing it would inevitably come off as sarcastic.

Defeating the Demon King, fighting endlessly.

That was the slogan the Empire promoted later on, and the nobles and merchants indoctrinated the citizens from top to bottom with this idea—if they felt their current life was tough, there was no doubt that it was all the Demon King's doing.

As long as the Hero Squad could successfully defeat the Demon King, everything would turn for the better.

However, when Ethan responded to her this way, Ilya didn't know how to reply.

She could only watch as Lindong intimately took Ethan's arm, walked up the steps, and disappeared on the other side of the Royal Palace's great hall doors.