Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 234

 On the day of the ceremony, it seems that Seriana and the others returned home late at night.

I was asleep.

The next day... which is today, I discreetly observed them and I don't think they were informed about the attack. There were many visitors, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary, and no one asked me anything.

I didn't see Father, so I'm not sure about him, but Alex didn't say anything either, so I'm certain. As expected of the staff of the detached palace, perhaps? They haven't leaked anything either.

I was the one attacked, but the original target was Seriana. There's no way she wouldn't be informed about it. The delay might be due to ensuring there are no more dangers in the royal capital and out of consideration for the ceremony.

So, will it be tomorrow then?

"Oh? Seria, you're still up?"

As I was groaning in bed, lost in thought, Minaea, who noticed my voice, called out to me. She was talking to the maid Gina about something, but I guess she heard me. It seems these people don't know either...

"Just thinking about something... I'll sleep until noon tomorrow!"

Even through the curtain, I could sense their puzzled expressions.

Honestly, I don't know how Seriana will act regarding this matter. The fact that the Knight Commander got involved means it's a big deal and beyond my control. I'll leave the resolution to someone else.

◇

The underground detention facility at the Knight Headquarters.

It's a place where foreigners who have committed major crimes in the royal capital area are held until their execution on the first day of the commemorative festival. To prevent escape or rescue, it is built underground, and the interior is spiral-shaped. When I was attending the noble academy, I couldn't enter due to its location, but that's what I was taught.

The commemorative festival is over, and there's hardly anyone around. The sound of footsteps echoes in the corridor of the detention facility.

It's me, Elena, Liesel, and Karos. Knight Commander Yusef and two accompanying knights. And the three members of the royal guard who witnessed the attack.

There are more of us from outside.

"It smells musty."

"Well, it's underground... and a prison. Should we decorate it with flowers?"

Liesel dutifully responded to my casual remark.

"There's no need... Liesel. I heard about it this morning, but when did you hear about this?"

"I heard last night. Karos, who was summoned to the Night Palace, told me."

Liesel, walking right next to me, shrugged and said.

"I see... I should have suspected something when Seria headed to Mother's room earlier than usual last night."

Thinking back, she didn't ask anything about the ceremony.

Despite usually being interested in even the most trivial details of the ceremonies and their origins, she avoided asking due to the numerous visitors, or so I thought. But she was avoiding me. At night, she usually stays in her room until someone comes to get her, but this time she went on her own.

"Apparently, Alex knew... Yusef, did you tell him to keep quiet?"

"I didn't tell him to keep quiet, but I said I would handle this matter... that's all. Seria might not know, but Alexio was considerate of me."

Without turning around, Yusef answered my question. Considering his position, it practically means the same thing.

After a while of silent walking, we saw a large double door. Soldiers holding spears stood on either side of the door.

"Beyond here is the prison. Currently, only the four people we captured the other day are held here... It might be a bit intense, but are you okay with that?"

"Of course. Seria, are you okay too?"

Liesel lightly responded to Yusef's confirmation.

"Yes."

Of course, I am too.

"Then... Open it."

The soldier at the door placed his spear aside and began to open the door. Light gradually leaked from inside.

I was curious about the lack of a latch on the door leading to the prison, but it looked thick and heavy. It should be enough to hold them back.

Once it was fully opened, we stepped inside. There was a central passage flanked by iron-barred cells. Despite the small number of prisoners, the place didn't have the typical prison smell, though there was a faint scent of blood.

"It's quite bright for a prison."

The inside was as bright as daytime. The lighting, powered by magical tools, was quite strong, though I doubted they had the freedom to read books in there...

"Yes... It's brighter than Father's study. I wonder if there's a reason for that."