Not only had the Gemheart Clan come dangerously close to assassinating the royal family and severely weakening the overall strength of the Crystalforge Clan, but they also remained in the dark about the foreigner's true limits.
As he contemplated the looming threat, Owen couldn't help but wonder how they should even begin to face such a monstrous adversary who had emerged from outside the mountain, or how many more might be waiting for them on the outside.
Nevertheless, despite the queen's weakened state and the significant damage dealt to the Crystalforge Clan and the royal family, Owen knew he couldn't make any hasty decisions, primarily because of the foreigner's existence and the shroud of uncertainty surrounding his true strength.
Owen couldn't help but sigh internally as he pondered the Gemheart Clan's next move. He had no doubt that the Crystalforge Clan would not passively accept the failed assassination attempt.
Sooner or later, they would launch a retaliatory strike against the Gemheart Clan, leading to a head-on collision between two of the five major clans. Such an event would send ripples throughout the entire Prismerian Kingdom, possibly marking the kingdom's first war in millennia.
Maya and Merida exchanged nervous glances as they absorbed the seriousness of the situation.
The foreigner had displayed strength comparable to the queen, but they had yet to fathom the full extent of his power. This led them to wonder if he might even be stronger than the queen herself.
'He was still holding back,' Merida couldn't help but think as she clenched both of her hands into fists.
She glanced at her younger sister from the corner of her eye, noticing how tightly Maya's teeth were clenched, and her body trembled. It was obvious that Maya shared the same thought.
"Until then, you must remain in your rooms, and if possible, do not leave the clan until the war subsides. If there is any other vital information I need to convey, I will send the guards. So, no matter what, do not leave the clan," Owen said sternly, his gaze fixed on his two daughters.
He then turned and left the room, opening and closing the door behind him.
Observing their father's departure, Merida gave her sister's dazed expression one last look before making her exit.
She had already made a decision, and whether a war was coming or not, nothing would deter her from keeping her promise.
…..........…
The Castle
"Princess, I don't think this is a good idea. What if the Queen or King suddenly comes looking for you?" Flintor said, concern etched across his face as he observed Princess Crystalia throwing a rope out of her window to sneak out of her room.
"No need to look so worried, Flintor. After what happened today, I doubt my mother and father have the energy for anything other than resting," Princess Crystalia called out loudly to Flintor as she descended.
"That's not what I meant, Princess. I was trying to say, aren't you supposed to be resting as well?" Flintor responded loudly, a weary sigh escaping his lips.
Princess Crystalia merely let out a wry smile. After witnessing such a scene today, how could she just go to sleep peacefully?
Sure, she wanted to drift into sleep and escape from it all until tomorrow, but how was she supposed to sleep with those ruthless scenes of Orion dispatching their attackers one by one with a single strike replaying in her mind, leaving her restless?
Princess Crystalia couldn't quell her curiosity any longer. She decided to head over to Orion's room right away, determined to uncover the depths of his strength and, if possible, find a way to help her mother regain her strength. She was confident that he harboured more secrets, and there was a chance he might possess vital knowledge.
"I'll be back soon, I promise!" Princess Crystalia said loudly before flinging open the window in front of her and making her swift exit.
Meanwhile, Flintor could only watch the scene unfold from above, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He left the windows wide open but closed the curtains, ensuring that the Princess's adventure went unnoticed in this section.
He then turned and walked towards a chair, intending to take a moment to rest while he waited for the Princess's return.
Flintor yawned widely, feeling a mix of relief that the assassination attempt had failed and concern about what might transpire next. Perhaps he should seize this moment to take a brief break and ease his mind, especially after the rough events of the day.
"Maybe I should just close my eyes and rest for a little while."
…..........
"Thank you for your assistance today, Madam Seraphina," Orion expressed his gratitude while gazing at the alluring Prismerion woman before him.
Just as he was on the verge of closing the door to retire for some much-needed rest and prepare to meet with the Queen the next day, the door suddenly became jammed.
Orion furrowed his brow in confusion, his attention now fixed on Madam Seraphina, who had wedged the door open with her hands.
"Ahem, I thought Mr. Orion might have forgotten to ask me for my panties," Madam Seraphina cleared her throat and quipped.
After all, having learned of today's events from the Queen, she had decided to seize this opportunity to strengthen her relationship with him, even if it meant parting with a few of her expensive undergarments that she had painstakingly acquired.
Nevertheless, even if it meant parting with more than just her precious underwear, she didn't hesitate. Not only was the young man before her as formidable as the Queen, but he also came from beyond the mountain.
In her view, the sacrifice was more than worthwhile.
Orion was surprised by her words. Given the length of her dress, he hadn't bothered to ask, assuming she'd provide the same response.
Today, however, it appeared that wasn't the case.
He couldn't help but wonder if it had something to do with his involvement in the day's events.
"I thought you'd offer the same reply, so I didn't bother asking," Orion said.
"Don't worry about it, it's not a big deal," Madam Seraphina replied, shaking her head in response.
