"Mr Orion, once all of this is over, are you sure you can lead us to the Aegis of the Arctic Presence? Even if you can, the High King and his High Elders are too focused on retrieving the divine artefacts from Aegis of the Arctic Deity, so there's no saying whether any of this will end well or if it comes to the detriment of something else. So, are you prepared to handle whatever incidents occur during or after the meeting?" Guildmaster Alaric asked, his tone serious as he awaited Orion's response.
Orion realized that Guildmaster Alaric also knew about the Divine artefacts, which didn't surprise him considering the Guildmaster's authority and the fact that he is responsible for the well-being of the entire Garden.
"Don't worry about it, Guildmaster. Since I have chosen to take you all to see the Aegis of the Arctic Deity face to face, I'll naturally be ready to handle whatever incidents occur during or after the meeting," Orion responded confidently.
"Though I want to believe your words, considering my responsibility to oversee the entire garden along with my assistant, it's hard not to worry that any slight occurrence might destroy everything I've worked hard to care for for years," Alaric responded, sighing deeply. "But since you seem confident, Mr. Orion, I will choose to have faith in your words."
Even the Vice Guildmaster, standing behind Alaric, couldn't help but sigh in response.
"Lastly, Mr Orion, I would like you to answer this question truthfully," Alaric said.
"As I said previously, Guildmaster, my response depends on the type of question you are asking," Orion responded.
Guildmaster Alaric nodded. "Mr Orion, if there ever comes a time when there is a civil war within the Pixie Kingdom, I would like to know if you will be intent on stopping it or if you will side with the royal family to handle whosoever their opponents are," he asked.
He couldn't ask if Orion would merely watch a war erupt within the Pixie Kingdom without intervening, as that wouldn't be possible, so he didn't consider such an option. Instead, he was more curious about whether Orion would stop the war and focus on resolving the conflict peacefully on both sides or if he would willingly join the royal family's side to crush their opponents.
Hearing Guildmaster Alaric's question, a surprised expression couldn't help but emerge on Orion's face.
A civil war within the Pixie Kingdom! If any other person had asked him such a question, Orion would have merely brushed it off as an assumption.
However, considering that the person responsible for such a question was the Guildmaster of the Gardeners Guild, overseeing the entire Garden, Orion couldn't help but feel there was some hidden to this question.
Witnessing Orion's surprised expression, Guildmaster Alaric exhaled deeply. "There is no reason to be surprised about such a thing. After all, you have only been here for a brief time. You can't be aware of the turmoil brewing within the Pixie Kingdom," he said.
"So, Mr Orion, what is your answer?" he added, awaiting Orion's response.
"If the Pixie Kingdom were to ever descend into civil conflict, I would have no choice but to intervene and ensure a peaceful resolution to any conflict on both sides. As the territory where the Garden and the Pixie Kingdom currently reside belongs to me, I cannot simply turn a blind eye to such an occurrence," Orion responded.
Understanding the implications of supporting the royal family, Orion knew this was the best action. Depending on the reasons for the civil war, he might even have to take direct action regardless of which side he was on.
Guildmaster Alaric nodded in understanding, his smile widening. "I see. I could not have expected any other response from you, Mr Orion. It truly lives up to your reputation and all we know about you," he responded, clearly impressed.
Orion nodded, interpreting Alaric's words as a compliment. "I'm curious why you asked such a question, Guildmaster Alaric. Do you have personal knowledge of this matter?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at the Guildmaster.
Guildmaster Alaric maintained his smile. "The crisis within the Pixie Kingdom has been brewing for some time. Regardless of my knowledge, it's only a matter of time before it erupts. It has the potential to divide the entire Pixie Kingdom. So, my question shouldn't suggest any personal involvement," he explained.
The door suddenly swung open before he could say more, and High Prince Kael and Fourth Prince Alden entered the room.
"I apologize for the interruption, Guildmaster Alaric, but I need to guide Mr Orion so he can complete the rest of his tasks before the day's end," High Prince Kael interjected.
Guildmaster Alaric shook his head reassuringly. "No need to worry; our meeting has ended," he replied. Turning to Orion, he added, "Thank you for your time, Mr Orion. I hope we can continue our discussion another time."
Orion nodded. "Of course," he replied.
Guildmaster Alaric smiled warmly. "Prince Alden, I understand you had some issues with your identity plaque. Why don't you take the opportunity to resolve it before you leave? Maeve will assist you personally," he suggested, shifting his focus to Prince Alden.
Prince Alden, appearing more defeated than before, wore an expression that suggested he'd rather be elsewhere at that moment. Despite this, he managed a wry smile and nodded in response. "Thank you for your assistance, Guildmaster," he responded.
High Prince Kael also nodded, silently expressing his gratitude to Guildmaster Alaric for the help.
Guildmaster Alaric returned the nod before turning his attention to Maeve. "Before you return to work, you can assist Mr Orion, the High Prince, and the Fourth Prince with processing their identity plaques to make things easier for them," he instructed.
Maeve nodded solemnly. "Understood. I'll take care of everything, Guildmaster," she responded before walking toward Orion and the others.
She gestured for them to follow her as she led the way forward, with Orion, High Prince Kael, and Prince Alden trailing behind her.
