"Maybe. I don't really know," Noland said with a dismissive wave. "For once, I agree with you, Porchet. Wizards may wander wherever they please; I won't restrict their movements, nor do I desire their constant presence. Just last night, I got up to pee and almost fell into the freezing Oluwo Fjord. Those damn portals!"

  "What a pity," Porchet replied with a malicious grin. "The orca pods in Oluwo Fjord missed quite the feast!"

  "'Deborah of Akazte has invited me to Brigar to discuss magical matters,'" Angela Disterin Lloyd said, elegantly savoring a slice of lamb. "I happened to be present when Dolores delivered this news to my father. I presume this is another piece of your grand design?"

  "Since we've reached this point, I suppose I should clarify the situation for everyone present." Royce's composure returned as he cast a sidelong glance at Moore. "First, I must emphasize that this gathering of mages was not initiated by my command. The true architect and director is Deborah Borealis, my magical affairs advisor and chief court sorceress."

  "So, your mage did this on her own?" Noland inquired with exaggerated laziness.

  "Not by my order, but with my blessing. Deborah Borealis requested permission to summon accomplished mages and sorceresses from across the North to discuss future strategies and prepare for potential conflict. I approved her proposal."

  "'Prepare for potential conflict?'" Porchet scoffed, crossing his arms. "What do you expect those oddities to accomplish? Form a magical battalion against the Godmans? You've clearly consumed too much inferior ale, Royce—it's addled your wits. Even the Godmans wouldn't rely on magical forces."

  "You're mistaken on that count, Your Majesty," Angela interjected, delicately dabbing her lips before flashing her most dazzling, sardonic smile. "During the Siege of Crividsylvan, a Godman sorcerer used lightning to destroy Sylvwood Hall. While mages may not constitute the primary force in warfare, they are unquestionably essential. Times have changed, Porchet. Since the New Era began, magic has taken root in our world. It's not just about swords and shields anymore. If you want to avoid bloodshed, you need to use magic."

  "But esteemed Princess," Noland interjected with a transparently ingratiating expression, "let us not forget that what ultimately destroyed Crivi was steel, blade, and very tangible, scorching flame."

  The princess merely shrugged in response.

  "Yet this doesn't diminish magic's strategic importance," Royce added swiftly, briefly glancing toward Moore. "Since the southerners have integrated magic as a supplementary force in their campaigns, we cannot afford to lag behind. Victory demands a comprehensive approach—we cannot neglect any potentially advantageous element."

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  "And what precisely do you intend for these mages to do?" Queen Shirley pressed.

  "That remains confidential," Royce answered frankly. "I don't interfere with Lady Borealis and her colleagues. You dislike having mages in your proximity, and they equally resent interruptions to their work. Lady Borealis will report any significant developments from their assembly directly to me. We've maintained this cooperative arrangement—it's both comfortable and efficient."

  "Hmph, let's hope it stays that way," Porchet muttered, tearing a swan leg from his plate. The kings naturally resumed enjoying their feast.

  The side door swung open as an elderly man with distinctively styled hair strode urgently to Royce's side. "Your Majesty," he said with a respectful bow before leaning in to whisper. The assembled monarchs watched with barely concealed curiosity.

  Royce listened in silence, his movements gradually slowing. Suddenly, Angela seemed to realize something. Though unable to hear clearly, she strained to catch what was being said.

  After a final bow, the old man departed as swiftly and silently as a viper through grass. It was hard to read Royce's face--serious, but with a strange hint of happiness.

  "Princess Angela," the King of Brigar leaned forward, his voice gentle. "Would you mind...?"

  "Is it true?" Angela fixed him with her emerald gaze. "Tell me it isn't true..."

  Royce nodded silently.

  The princess's eyes dimmed. She fingered the ruby at her breast, clutching it tightly. As she became the focus of everyone's attention, tears began streaming down her face despite her evident struggle for composure.

  Queen Shirley Farland left her seat and quietly approached Angela from behind. "I'm truly sorry..." she said softly, placing a comforting hand on the princess's shoulder. "I should never have spoken so thoughtlessly."

  The Princess of Ellytra shook her head, reaching for her handkerchief but accidentally dropping it. She resolutely wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. "I must remain strong," she whispered. "Now, would you honor me again?"

  Shirley Farland squeezed her shoulder reassuringly before raising her wine glass.

  "Let us toast to the Queen of Ellytra."

  "Nothing important," the redhead said with a casual smile. "Just reading Patrick's letter."

  "Oh? Really?" The tall brunette wore an elegant dark green gown that swept the floor, understated yet refined. Deborah Borealis's nose resembled a sharp, rigid bird's beak, and her low-cut formal dress glittered with pale yellow jewels—simultaneously opulent and diamond-hard. "Let me guess what that rascal wrote..." She feigned deep contemplation, furrowing her brow before breaking into a sly smile. "Hmm... I can only imagine it concerned my illustrious nose."

  "And you've guessed correctly," Monica Dunston replied, adjusting her bra strap. "He's been mocking your formidable nose since childhood."

  "What a beautiful body..." Deborah murmured appreciatively, settling onto the edge of the bed. The redhead instinctively withdrew. "Relax, Monica. I merely wish to assist you. We've shared intimate quarters since childhood, and I've helped you countless times before, like this..." She reached toward Monica's clothing, but the girl evaded her touch. "Why are you so afraid of me now, after everything we've shared?"