"What do you have in mind?"
The question the Oroboros Queen asked stumped Emery for a moment, he wasn't sure how to answer it. He could only blame his lack of knowledge of the situation.
Hence, Emery calmed the turbulent emotions within him and decided to speak his thoughts sincerely.
"My apology, Your Majesty, I didn't mean to offend you. I was just thinking about the people who have trusted that item to me. Therefore, I can't help but feel responsible and need to know what you are planning to do with it."
There was a few seconds of eerie silence, as everyone present stared at him without muttering any words. However, this suffocating atmosphere was quickly broken by, unexpectedly, the queen who suddenly smiled and laughed.
"Hahaha… how interesting, brave, honest… and from what I have seen the last few days, you are also an astute young man with integrity. You are also able to give a good lesson to my naughty son."
The queen turned to Vizla with a faint smile and asked her dear son.
"How does it feel to lose to a rank 8 acolyte who is ten years younger and from a lower world?" The queen seemed to be having fun teasing Vizla because Emery could hear her chuckling.
Vizla didn't seem to have expected his name to be brought up in the conversation, therefore he quickly looked flustered. "N-n... No! It's not true… I mean…I didn't give my all in today's duel!"
The queen saw her son's reaction and chuckled. "Don't be a liar. You have much to learn from this young man here."
It was at this moment that Silva, who had been quiet, suddenly shouted. "Will you two stop it!? We are in front of guests!"
Emery couldn't help but be surprised, when he felt the pressure pressing onto him along with the cold demeanor of the queen suddenly disappear afterward.
This instance allowed him to see where Vizla got his character from. Moreover, Emery couldn't help but assume that putting up with the two's antics was what molded and made Silva angry all the time.
The queen once again turned to Emery and said, "Thank you for entertaining us; for that, I will answer your question."
She then started to speak about what she knew about the whole situation and what was actually happening. However, due to the order from the Serpent Clan patriarch, there were some that couldn't be explained.
Apparently, the rumor about a Snake Bloodline clan having proof of the Zodiac city culprit was true. It's just that the Oroboros never got their hands on it. It was solely held by the patriarch and as they never wanted to be involved in the matter, the proof had never seen the light of day. Making the last three years hard not just the Serpent Clans, but also for all 12 bloodlines.
It was the queen's mistake to tell Silva about this matter. Even more when she discovered that her little brother, who was Silva's uncle, Duke Syre, decided to support her endeavor, which led to the events that happened at Kulturmak Planet.
Having heard this revelation, Magus Michela couldn't help but become emotional again. "Your Majesty, this is the reason that you returning the spirit soul to the Zodiac city. You don't actually need another proof, do you? Then this really means those who died on the planet really died for nothing"
The Oroboros Queen sighed when she heard the magus' question. She explained that she would have stopped the mission if she knew the time.
But it was like a blessing in disguise, the action on Kulturmark really stirred up the real culprit and showed their hand. Because of it, now the Magus Alliance had put incredible emphasis on the matter and there would be some significant changes happening soon.
She then asked for Magus Michela and Heorgar to stay in captivity and lay low for now, as many things were moving in the background as they spoke.
"I am confident that everything will be revealed in a few weeks. For that, I sincerely thank all of you for the sacrifices you have made," the queen said with a slight bow.
The two Magus felt relieved, both agreed on the queen's suggestion and decided to return back to their captivity until everything was all over.
With the two satisfied with the answer, Emery also had no reason to be suspicious anymore.
Now that Magus Michela and Heorgar had left the hall, the Oroboros Queen returned her gaze to Emery.
"Returning you will not be as much of a risk as to the other privilege class' acolyte, but I would hope for your understanding and prolong your stay here until it's over"
Emery certainly wanted to return as soon as possible, but he knew a lot was at stake here. Therefore, he really didn't mind staying longer.
"Of course, Your Majesty. But if you don't mind, I have two requests"
The queen raised her eyebrows. "Oh? Go on,"
"Thank you, Your Majesty. First, I would prefer to stay with my wolves brothers and not be treated differently. And second, I would like to send a message about my situation back to the academy."
Hearing this the Queen replied.
"If you mean Headmaster Delbrand, you don't have to worry about it. He knows about your situation already, but he also couldn't talk about it until it's over"
Emery shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. My message is not for the headmaster, but actually for my friends."
Unexpectedly, this time the queen's expression changed and fell silent. Only a few seconds later did she open her mouth again.
"I would suggest not to, but I guess we could send one of our agents to drop a message secretly. However, you must not say anything about the events at Kulturmak or what you have heard here."
"I understand, Your Majesty." Emery smiled. "Thank you."
"Silva will help you with this small matter. However, I must reject your request to be transferred back."
Emery was surprised that such a simple matter was rejected, but the Queen explained with enthusiasm.
"First, you are a privileged class acolyte and second you are my daughter's special guest. Moreover, we have prepared a reward for you that will be hard to do if you are staying in the prison with the others."
"Reward?" Emery was genuinely puzzled.
"Yes, we understand that being from a lower world, your time in a privileged class must be very precious.. Therefore, as thank you for helping the Serpent Clan and making up for the time you will be wasted here, we would like to assist you in your development."