A palace manipulator entered hurriedly and knelt before the High King.
"Your Majesty. The final inspection of the palace has concluded."
The High King looked up.
"Well?"
"Nothing appears to be missing. The treasury remains untouched, the royal vaults are secure, the archives are intact, and the sacred relics have all been accounted for."
A murmur spread through the room. Atheline frowned.
’Nothing at all?’
Then... Why?
Why launch such an enormous operation?
Why sacrifice so many people?
Why deliberately provoke every major race on the continent?
It made no sense. Unless... he stopped himself. He had no evidence, only instinct.
The High King slowly rose from his chair. Every conversation immediately ceased. His voice carried calmly throughout the hall.
"Today... The High Elven Kingdom failed."
Several ministers immediately looked up.
"Your Majesty..."
He raised one hand.
"I invited every nation here under my protection. Despite every precaution... People died."
His gaze moved across every delegation.
"I cannot undo what has happened, but I will not hide behind excuses."
The room remained silent.
"I offer my deepest condolences to every family that lost someone today. The High Elven Kingdom will provide compensation to every nation affected. We will also conduct a full investigation."
He quietly sighed.
"No matter how long it takes. No matter where it leads. If there are traitors... they will be found."
His words carried neither anger nor pride, only resolve.
The Beastkin representative stood first.
"We do not blame the High Elven Kingdom."
Several others nodded. Prince Lucifer folded his arms.
"If attackers capable of breaching this palace exist... They threaten all of us. This is no longer one kingdom’s problem."
The Dwarven envoy struck the floor lightly with the end of his staff.
"The alliance must investigate together."
One after another, the representatives voiced their agreement. The attack had not weakened the alliance. If anything, it had reminded every ruler why it existed.
Even so, the atmosphere remained heavy. Atheline found himself looking toward the window once more. The World Tree stood peacefully beneath the setting sun. Its eaves shimmered beautifully in the evening light.
He stared at it for several long seconds, then quietly looked away. He still couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed, somewhere no one could see.
The High King finally gave his final word for the day.
"Everyone will remain within the palace tonight. No delegation is to travel today, so we will take this opportunity to check for any other possibilities before you can leave. Please bear with us, your safety is our priority. "
The rulers and representatives silently nodded. One by one, they rose from their seats and departed the hall.
Outside, the sun finally dipped below the horizon. Darkness slowly spread across the capital. The palace settled into an uneasy silence, guarded more heavily than at any point in its long history.
.
.
.
The first light of dawn crept over the High Elven Capital, bathing its white towers and silver rooftops in a pale golden glow. Normally, the city would have awakened to the sounds of merchants opening their shops, children laughing in the streets, and nobles preparing for another day of festivities.
Instead, silence lingered over the capital. The attack on the engagement ceremony had changed everything.
The palace grounds remained closed as Royal Knights continued their investigation, while priests offered prayers beneath the World Tree for those who had lost their lives.
Black banners had been raised alongside the High Elven standards, a solemn reminder that the kingdom was now in mourning rather than celebration.
Every visiting delegation had reached the same conclusion. There was nothing more they could do here.
The investigations would continue for weeks, perhaps even months, but the rulers of every nation also had kingdoms waiting for them. Reports had to be delivered, borders secured, and preparations made in case similar attacks occurred elsewhere.
One after another, the foreign delegations began making their farewells before departing the capital.
Within the palace’s guest residence, Atheline quietly fastened the final clasp of his travelling cloak.
The room was strangely peaceful.
His bow rested across his back, his sword secured at his waist, while the white fox lazily stretched atop the bed before hopping onto his shoulder as though it had always belonged there.
It yawned, curled its tail around his neck, and comfortably settled into place.
He chuckled softly.
"So that’s where you’re riding."
The fox gave a satisfied chirp.
Lilith watched the scene with a faint smile as she adjusted the cuffs of her black travelling attire. Unlike the ceremonial gown she had worn the previous day, today’s clothing was simple and practical, suited for travel even though teleportation would take only moments.
"You’ve spoiled it."
"I have and so have you."
"It knows you’ll carry it everywhere."
"It would climb onto me anyway."
"...That’s true."
For the first time since the attack, the two shared a brief, quiet laugh that eased the heaviness hanging over the room.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Solaris entered first, followed by the High King a few moments later. Both men appeared noticeably more tired than they had only a day before.
Dark circles rested beneath their eyes. Neither had likely slept.
Atheline bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty."
Lilith inclined her head as well. The High King returned the greeting.
"There was no need to come to the audience chamber. It seemed more appropriate to see you off personally."
Atheline smiled.
"I appreciate it."
For a few moments, none of them spoke. There was little left to say about the tragedy. Instead, the High King broke the silence with a quieter tone.
"I regret that your visit ended this way."
"So do I," Atheline admitted. "I had hoped to stay until after the celebrations."
The High King sighed.
"Perhaps another time."
"I’ll hold you to that since I fully intend to return."
The answer earned a small smile from the older ruler. Solaris stepped forward and lightly punched Atheline’s shoulder.
"You always seem to attract trouble."
He rubbed the spot dramatically.
"I was thinking exactly the same thing about you."
"You arrived, and the palace was attacked. Coincidence?"
"I’d like to think so."
Solaris laughed quietly.
"It was good seeing you again."
"You too."
The two exchanged a firm handshake since neither needed lengthy farewells. Having grown up together, they understood each other well enough that unnecessary words only made departures more difficult.