The Storm (2)

I can easily guess why Rina asked me to make time for her. It was obviously to calm the storm that had begun raging after The Chronicle of Xenon went on hiatus.

But there was something I needed to think carefully about here: Rina hadn't summoned me through a representative; she had come to find me herself. Last time we'd met by chance, but in a situation like this, she could have sent someone to call me.

In other words, the situation was serious enough that Rina had to rush to find me and deal with it. According to the newspapers and what I'd heard from those around me, protests were breaking out all over the Empire.

Then again, the neighboring and rival Ters Kingdom had just experienced a major incident like the Jeyros Revolution, so the Empire could hardly take it lightly. Given these circumstances, it might only be natural for Rina, a princess of the Empire, to adopt a deferential attitude.

"But do you really have to be here?"

"How do we know what you might do to Isaac?"

For the record, it wasn't just Rina and me; Marie had joined us too. As I said above, Marie had come along because she was worried Rina might say something strange to me.

It didn't matter to me, but it did to Rina. Rina needed to discuss something secret, but since Marie was being stubborn, she couldn't help feeling somewhat irritated.

Of course, that was assuming Marie didn't know my secret. Perhaps Marie was aware of that point too, because she shot a sidelong glance at Rina.

Rina's trademark poker face was completely shattered, and she wore a chilly expression with her brows furrowed. Marie snorted derisively, then lifted one corner of her mouth and replied nonchalantly...