"Why was he even nearby here?" Lawrend asked in confusion.
In all sense, Junova should not have been in the surrounding area. It was like he was there before they even realized it.
"My Grandfat— I mean, the King and the Former King were both escorted to the Imperial Capital by several Grand Mages sent by the empire. In fact, they were discussing the potential invasion of the demons before they left," Humility explained.
"Hmm… Interesting. Does that mean that he returned now?" Lawrend asked as he held his chin in thought.
"I don't know. Let's go to the capital and capture him, Master. It'd be bad if he hinders your plan to take the throne," Humility replied.
"Alright. Let's all go back. Clova, take us home," Lawrend said.
And so, they rode on Clova Whitebird's fluffy back and flew back to the capital city.
"Master, what do you plan to do if he's not there? If he's smart, he will go hide," Aleshia said.
They watched the orange sunset in front of them serenely.
"I don't think he will hide. There are two other Grand Mage-level powerhouses in the capital. His best chance would be to team up with them and attack Aezel together," Lawrend replied.
"I hate it that I can't help you, Ren," Aleshia said.
"It's alright. I also can't help Aezel," Lawrend replied.
Several hours later, it was already nighttime when they arrived at the capital city. The bustling and lively night lights of the city made it conspicuous in the darkness.
Clova landed right outside the Undrasil Monster Forest.
"Thank you, Clova. I'll call you immediately if we need your help," Lawrend said to her in gratitude.
"Human, if you anger the empire, it will be your end. Even if this girl is much stronger than I am, she won't stand a chance against their numbers," Clova replied solemnly.
"I know. That's why I want to capture that old man. As long as I become king, it shouldn't matter to the empire, but if he requests for aid, then that would be a different matter. I'm guessing that the empire would support the king," Lawrend replied.
"I applaud your intelligence."
Clova nodded her head at him approvingly.
Lawrend waved his hand at her and walked towards the city gates with his maids.
"Master, I'm nervous," Humility said.
Lawrend turned to her and smiled.
"Give me your hand. If he's really back and he announced that you're expelled from the Royal Family, I'll be here to support you," Lawrend said as he took her hand.
"Yes, Sister Humility. As your sisters, we are here to support you too," Aleshia said.
"Thank you, Master and everyone," Humility replied and smiled at them.
"Mm." Lawrend nodded at her.
They then arrived in front of the gates.
"Halt! Why are all of you walking around like that?"
A city guard stopped them. He eyed each of them in confusion.
They were all dressed in good quality clothing, and he could guess that Lawrend was the noble here as almost everyone was wearing a maid uniform. Normally, he should be riding a carriage.
"Our carriage broke down. My guards escorted us away. They're out there fighting the monsters," Lawrend answered calmly.
The city guard raised his head and stared into the darkness.
"Alright. We'll send backup to your guards. Enter inside," the city guard said.
"Thanks," Lawrend replied.
They then entered inside the city whilst the city guard arranged a squad to follow him to the dark road.
"They didn't stop us?" Humility asked, confused.
"It's either he didn't lock down the city to lure us, or he's not in the city," Lawrend replied.
"Let's go to the mansion first, Master," Humility replied.
"Hm? Why?"
"He would be waiting for us at my mansion. If not, then he's at the Royal Castle," Humility explained.
"That's a good idea." Lawrend nodded his head.
…
Ramiela had been tagging along with them for a while now. She couldn't help but feel like she was just air. Nevertheless, she never said anything.
They arrived in the mansion, and Ramiela watched them ask the guards, but the old man they were looking for wasn't there.
To make sure, they entered inside and checked every room.
"Let's go to the castle," Lawrend said.
"Lawrend, he's not there," Ramiela suddenly said.
She didn't know why she said it herself. It was something she said out of boredom and to seek attention.
"Huh? How did you know?" Lawrend furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.
"I don't feel his aura. I'm an angel, and I'm sensitive to the aura of other beings," Ramiela explained.
"... Let's still go to double-check," Lawrend replied.
He wasn't fully trusting her, especially in a time like this. She could be scheming to lead them astray so they would mess up.
"Master, I'll go in alone. Please wait for me outside. If I still didn't return after half an hour, that would mean that he's not in the castle," Humility said.
"Sure, but take Aezel with you," Lawrend replied.
"Eh? Who's going to protect you then?" Humility asked in confusion.
"I disapprove of this, Master. I'm your protector," Aezel said.
"Let me come with you then. I'll follow behind like Humility's suitor," Lawrend replied.
"What about us, Master?" Aleshia asked worriedly.
"I don't think he will pay attention to you girls. After all, he will think that you're all just my maids," Lawrend replied.
"Just Master's maid…"
Aezel widened her eyes and started panting with a tinge of excitement in her eyes. She was getting excited by the fact that she was someone lowly to him.
"*Cough* Let's go. The rest of you can stay here," Lawrend said.
He noticed Aezel's expression and decided not to pay attention to it. He already knows what kind of a woman she is.
"Yes, Master," Aleshia responded, and the others waved their hands at him.
As for Ramiela, she furrowed her eyebrows. She didn't like the feeling that Lawrend didn't trust her words.