Chapter 283
The carriage quickly passed through the palace gates. Today, the armor of the guards at the entrance seemed to gleam even brighter, as if in anticipation of the foreign guest rumored to arrive.
Glancing away from the stern-faced guard holding his spear, Sebelia asked,
“The welcoming banquet is about to begin, but have they still not revealed which country the guest is from?”
The banquet, personally arranged by the Emperor, was shrouded in secrecy from beginning to end. Even the identity of the guest was under a strict gag order.
Sebelia couldn’t help but wonder what the Emperor was thinking. Dehart drew back the curtain fully and answered,
“Everyone’s guessing they’re from across the southern sea, the southern continent.”
“Could it be… related to the late Empress’s…?”
Dehart only nodded in reply.
“I see. If that’s the case, his behavior isn’t so hard to understand. His Majesty does love a bit of drama, doesn’t he?”
The carriage slowly rolled through the darkness blanketing the palace grounds. In the distance, the brilliant lights spilling from the Emperor’s palace painted the night sky.
Soon, the faint sounds of music drifted in through the window. Sebelia opened it, hoping to catch the evening breeze.
“Sounds like it’s starting.”
But the moment didn’t last long. Before she knew it, the carriage had stopped at the tower. Rising out of the shadows, it seemed even more ominous tonight than usual.
Maybe it just feels that way, seeing it contrasted with the palace’s splendor.
With Dehart’s arm for support, Sebelia stepped out and looked up at the tower, its windows glowing faintly in the dark. Perched in a remote spot, it was always a chilly place—but at this late hour, it felt downright eerie.
But there was no choice. Sebelia followed Dehart and knocked at the door.
“Welcome.”
It was the same guard as before. His unfriendly gaze made it clear he wasn’t happy to see her.
But this time, Sebelia greeted him with a bright smile.
“We’re counting on you again tonight.”
“….”
The guard hesitated at the stairs, then glanced back—his eyes flickering strangely for a moment.
What was that?
Before she could get a better look, he turned away and hurried up the stairs. Something didn’t sit right with her. Sebelia quickly followed him up.
“Excuse me—”
“This time, you’ll have three hours. If anything happens, just pull the bell cord inside. That’s all.”
Before she could say anything more, he pressed a key into her hand and all but fled. Sebelia stared blankly after him, but Dehart came over to ask,
“Shall I bring him back?”
She looked up to find Dehart’s golden eyes burning with a dangerous light. Instinctively, Sebelia shook her head. Something told her that if she said yes, there would be blood spilled in the tower tonight.
“No, there’s no need. We don’t have time to waste detaining a guard.”
She could question him after the interrogation was done. Sebelia tried to shake off the uneasy feeling as she inserted the key.
With a soft click, the door opened. Sebelia entered, heading straight for Nathan.
“….”
“Nathan?”
Maybe he’d learned something from the last interrogation; this time, Nathan was sitting quietly, facing the door. Still, he made a show of being uncomfortable, occasionally letting out muffled noises—though he looked healthy enough.
“Mmmpf, mmph!”
“You don’t want to get knocked out again, do you?”
Sebelia sighed, and Nathan seemed to realize his position. He quieted down. Behind him, Dehart fiddled with his cuff looking slightly disappointed.
“Still, the security has arranged something special for you today, to take your health into account.”
With that, Sebelia pulled the bell cord. Soon, footsteps descended the tower, and the door opened.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Cahill, here to assist with today’s interrogation.”
The man in the hood had been assigned by the security after hearing how they’d had to knock Nathan out last time. It wouldn’t do to leave the sedative in Sebelia’s hands again.
“Thank you.”
Sebelia and Dehart stepped back as Cahill administered the sedative to Nathan’s arm. Nathan shuddered for a moment, then went limp, sinking into a deep sleep.
“He may wake up unexpectedly, so I’ll remain here. Don’t worry about me—I know my role.”
With a bow, Cahill withdrew to a corner. Sebelia nodded, then rested her hand on Nathan’s shoulder.
Flash—!
A wave of blue light filled the room.
Nathan’s eyelids began to flutter.
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