The vast hall suddenly erupted with murmurs and whispers.
"Haaa… I knew he did it. The Second Prince really committed something despicable by trying to murder the High Prince. Is he that hungry for the throne?" said a man, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Wait, doesn't that mean the Second Prince might also be involved in the High Prince's assassination attempt?" his wife asked, realization dawning on her face.
"Hmmm! You're right. It seems the Second Prince has dug himself into a deep mess," the man responded, shaking his head in pity.
Meanwhile,
"GUARDS! ARREST HIM AND LOCK HIM UP IN THE DUNGEON!" High King Eldric's voice thundered, echoing across the vast hall.
The guards instantly surrounded Prince Bran, chaining and dragging him into the air.
"FATHER!! PLEASE, FATHER!! IT'S NOT MY FAULT, I WAS DECEIVED!" Prince Bran screamed at the top of his lungs, struggling against the chains in a desperate plea for his life.
Despite his efforts, the guards remained resolute, prepared for any resistance given the high-profile nature of the banquet and the attendees. It took only several seconds for Prince Bran to realize the futility of his struggle.
High King Eldric raised his hand, signalling for the guards to halt. Stepping forward, he gazed down at Prince Bran as he was placed back on the ground.
"Father, please, I was…" Prince Bran began, but his words caught in his throat as he observed his father's frighteningly calm expression.
"The more you speak, the more I begin to wonder if you are truly the son I raised," High King Eldric said, his tone heavy with disappointment. "Nonetheless, I must inform you that we are already aware of your involvement with High Elder Dereris, Larwen, and Elder Larken in conspiring to murder the High Prince and Fourth Prince during their time with Mr Orion."
"This information was revealed by the sole assailant we captured. Despite her initial attempt to end her own life, our healers managed to stabilize her condition, leading to her eventual confession after hours of torture and interrogation."
High King Eldric shook his head, observing Prince Bran's expression. "If you believe this is all a setup, you are mistaken. Your greed drove you to attempt the poisoning of your own brother, fueled by the desire to claim the throne for yourself. Unfortunately, your plan not only failed but also led to your own confession," he continued, his voice tinged with regret as he regarded his son.
Finally, he turned away, unable to bear the sight of him any longer.
High Queen Rowena couldn't hold back her tears and wept heavily, her anguish almost causing her to collapse.
"Mother!"
"Mother!"
Prince Alden and Princess Morgana rushed to her aid, supporting her and guiding her to a nearby chair where she could sit.
They gently lowered her into the chair with concern etched on their faces.
High King Eldric watched the scene with a heavy heart, his sigh echoing through the tense atmosphere.
Turning his back to look at Prince Bran, he said, "You will remain restrained for eight hours until the healers arrive to tend to your injuries. Afterwards, we will decide on the punishment for your actions. Whether you survive until then depends on your resolve to murder your own brother and will."
He motioned to the guards. "Take him away and ensure he is securely locked up."
Prince Bran wore a blank expression, still processing everything he had just heard, as the guards lifted him into the air and carried him away from the vast hall.
Once they had left, High King Eldric shifted his attention to the woman who had saved High Prince Kael. "I would please like to see the individual who rescued my first son, the High Prince of the Pixie Kingdom, so that I may properly reward you," he stated, nodding appreciatively as he awaited her response.
Contrary to his expectations, the woman shook her head in response. "I am sorry, but I can't reveal my face due to my facial deformity. Nonetheless, I am grateful that I could do my best to save High Prince Kael. I'm sure any citizen of the Pixie Kingdom would have done the same. If you don't mind, Your Highness, since it seems my presence may draw unwanted attention to the banquet, I'll take my leave to avoid causing any disturbance," she responded.
As she prepared to step forward and fly away, the guards who remained to protect the royal family suddenly blocked her path.
"You needn't worry about attracting undue attention at the banquet. After all, you saved the High Prince's life, so much recognition should be expected. As for your facial deformity, I doubt anyone here would be so foolish as to ridicule you in my presence. Please, remove your mask and reveal your identity to us," High King Eldric said.
"Yes, my father is correct. In addition to his reward, I'll grant you whatever you desire for saving my life. Please remove your mask and reveal your identity to me. I must know who saved me," High Prince Kael said, sharing his father's sentiments.
He felt an uncanny familiarity with the person before him, suggesting they shared a personal connection. He felt she was also aware of happenings in the Canopy Castle's private affairs, for she could notice such a minor detail that no one else could.
Therefore, he was intensely curious to uncover her identity.
After hearing the words of the High King Eldric and High Prince Kael, the woman hesitated for a few seconds. Eventually, her shoulders slumped down defeatedly, and she agreed and slowly removed her mask.
As her true face was revealed, High King Eldric, High Prince Kael, Prince Alden, and the entire royal family couldn't help but widen their eyes in astonishment at the woman's identity.
"Celeria…" High Prince Kael uttered in disbelief as he gazed at the woman before him, his words laced with a hint of difficulty.
"You... you saved my life," he added, his expression mixed with shock and profound gratitude.
Meanwhile, in the less crowded area of the vast hall, the Princess of the Garden couldn't stifle a gasp as she witnessed the unfolding scene.
"Incredible," the Princess of the Garden whispered, her hand instinctively covering her mouth in astonishment.
Turning to Orion, she continued, "You were right; this is incredibly intense to watch."
