Normally, they weren't a significant problem, having reduced themselves to street urchins or thieves, easily handled by trained guards.
However, the fact that they were now uniting under one banner to disrupt the city was why the Council meeting was convened – to eradicate them once and for all and find a way to save the garden from its impending demise.
This was also one of the reasons why he was adamant about his daughter not leaving the castle, despite her desires.
"Also, instruct the guards to scout the area as we proceed," Queen Selene added. "It would be quite troublesome to face another sudden attack."
The middle-aged man nodded solemnly. "Understood," he said, closing the carriage windows' curtains before walking away.
After a few seconds, the carriage resumed its journey, and this time, it was remarkably calm and smoother than Orion had expected until they finally came to an abrupt halt.
Orion knew they had arrived when he heard a resounding voice from outside the carriage. "Princess Crystalia, Princess of the Prismerian Kingdom, heir to the Prismerian throne, and young mistress of the Crystalforge clan has arrived."
As the announcement rang loudly in the air, although he knew he wouldn't be introduced, he still felt uncomfortable, aware that he would be the centre of attention.
Suddenly, the crystal door of the carriage was pulled open, prompting Orion to drape the piece of cloth that Elysia had given him to conceal his identity until the King introduced him.
He tied the scarf under his neck in a manner reminiscent of an Englishwoman. Following behind the King and Queen, he stepped out of the crystal-forged carriage.
"His Highness, King Brylon, King of the Prismerian Kingdom and Clan Head of the Crystalforge Clan, has arrived," announced the herald.
Then, he introduced the Queen, "Her Highness Queen Selene, Queen of the Prismerian Kingdom and Clan Mistress of the Crystalforge Clan, has arrived."
Orion's gaze shifted to the departing carriage, moving out of the entrance under the command of the coachman whose hands radiated with a vibrant white light.
He redirected his attention forward, focusing on the young man in his mid-twenties who had introduced the King and Queen.
The man now stretched his hands toward the grand entrance, filled with rows of servants, both men and women, on both sides.
They were all dressed in lacklustre grey attire, their heads bowed low in welcome to the royal family.
Taking a moment to survey his surroundings, Orion noticed they were high up in front of a grand manor with a cave-like entrance. Crystal carriages were parked nearby.
Just as they were about to walk through the entrance, another row of carriages stopped behind them, causing them to halt and turn to see who had arrived.
The carriage door swung open, revealing a young, handsome man with long crystal-like locs cascading down his head. The man who had introduced the royal family raised his head once more and announced, "Master Zepyrion Gemheart of the Gemheart Clan has arrived."
As Zepyrion fixed his gaze on them, the door of the third carriage was opened by the coachmen. "Clan Head Garnet and Clan Mistress Elara of the Gemheart Clan have arrived."
Seeing that the royal family had just arrived as well, Clan Head Garnet walked over and greeted, "King Brylon, it seems you are also just arriving."
King Brylon nodded in response. Although his family had arrived at the Quartzwraith Clan's manor an hour late due to an unfortunate delay caused by a group of troublesome individuals, everyone was supposed to be seated and engaged in conversation, awaiting their arrival.
Therefore, the arrival of the Gemheart Clan at this time raised suspicions. It was either they had intentionally arrived late to showcase their stature at the banquet, disregarding the current Prismerian king, or they had faced unforeseen circumstances causing the delay. The latter seemed highly unlikely.
"Very well, let's proceed," Clan Head Garnet said, his gaze shifting between Orion, who stood alongside Princess Crystalia and Flintor, and King Brylon. He gestured for the group to advance.
As they moved through the halls, heading toward the heart of the Quartzwraith Clan Manor where the banquet awaited, Clan Head Garnet suddenly spoke up, "Oh! I nearly forgot to mention that we were attacked on our way here, which delayed our arrival."
King Brylon, his brows furrowing in concern, responded, "You were attacked? That's strange, as we too were ambushed on our journey here."
Clan Head Garnet's face took on a solemn expression as he spoke, "Though I didn't wish to be the first to talk about this subject, we must address these street urchins before they grow bolder and dare to mount an attack on the palace."
The rest of the royal family frowned in response, except for Queen Selene and Orion, who maintained neutral expressions. King Brylon nodded solemnly as he replied, "I understand your concern, Clan Leader Garnet, and I assure you that I will investigate and address the issue at its root before taking any action."
Despite his reluctance to see infighting among his own people, who were all trapped together in this cursed mountain, he recognized the necessity of restoring peace and concealing the chaos that lurked beneath the surface.
Garnet Gemheart nodded in acknowledgement, offering a faint smile as they followed the procession of servants leading them to the banquet hall.
The servants pulled open the grand door for them to enter once they arrived.
The moment they stepped through the door, the whole place became silent as a loud masculine voice announced their presence.
"The Royal Family has arrived."
"The Gemheart Clan has arrived."
As all eyes turned toward them, Orion seized the opportunity to explore his surroundings.
Before him, a magnificent stage adorned with golden-veined, crystal-clear marble commanded the centre of the grand chamber.
The squared expanse was surrounded by numerous expansive rows of elegant crystal seats, curving gently around the stage like an amphitheatre, ascending in tiers to offer an unobstructed view of the focal point.
