The Knight turned to the others, then back to Rigel. "Why does she believe we need these escorts, and why has she arranged this for us without our permission?"
"Indeed. we are i search for something. and not a mission to purify things. it was just a mere coincedence." Zaria stood before Marina to protect her
"Your orb is something that is very valuable - it would no doubt be sought after by many thieves. The Duchess believes you need extra protection while performing the end of your deal," Rigel explained to Erik. He then turned to Zaria. "I believe that helping to purify the waters around Merlourn was part of the deal, in exchange for more information about what you seek."
"May we have a moment to discuss this on our own?" the Knight asked, trying not to let his inner panic show.
"Of course," Rigel replied before opening the door to make way for his exit. "If you require my assistance, you can ask any maid to call me from my chambers." With that, he finally left the room.
"I'm pretty sure they never said anything about it," Erik added. "Sure, our goals look like they overlap. But are we really just going to trust her having armed forces around us? However, if we do go alone, and the next band of thieves is far worse than the Wolves, that may pose a problem to us. Either way, I still can't help but be on edge about this whole thing."
Marina sighed, “We did make a deal with her. The purification of the waters in exchange for more information about Atlantis.” After being pretty quiet the entire time, Marco finally spoke up. “We’re going to need all of the help we can get in terms of protecting the orb, to be honest,” Marco said, looking at everyone else. “Now that the Scarlet Wolves are gone, the Cerulean Tigers are definitely going to become more rampant now that they are the only thief group around.” “However, I do have to agree that something just feels off about this situation.”
Outside the castle, the sound of horses and the gates opening shocked the maids and butlers. According to the given schedule, the King and the Princess were supposed to arrive at afternoon, but they arrived earlier than expected. The window that the group had in their chambers was the perfect vantage point to witness their arrival.
“I’ve no idea. Aren’t they supposed to arrive later today?” Marco asked, confused as to why they arrived early. “Either way, I have a feeling today will be really busy.”
"Well, we aren't here to serve them - we're just here to fulfill our part of the deal," Marina said, becoming quiet after. Shortly after the King and Princess' arrival to the castle, the doors to the group's chambers opened, revealing Rigel. "The King and Princess would like to meet all of you at the Grand Hall." Leaving the group no other choice, Rigel led them through the hallways of Natlyn Castle before arriving at the Grand Hall. There, the Lady June, Duchess of Merlourn, stood elegantly. The King of Invidia sat on the throne while the Princess of Invidia stood beside the Duchess.
Erik bowed, although his motion was much deeper - despite everything, this was still royalty he was dealing with. Royalty who ruled over the land he lived in.
“It is a great honor to meet you, your Majesty,” Marco bowed, showing respect for the King. Marina did the same, although she did not say anything. The King had an aura of authority around him, but Marina could tell that he was kinder than his predecessors. “I am Leo, King of Invidia. I asked for your appearance here today for we have some important matters to discuss.”
"Father," the Princess, who seemed impatient, spoke. "I think it would be best if we went straight to the point." The Princess proceeded to use her magic, waving her hand to form a white mist that shaped itself in the form of an orb. "The orb that the girl holds was a gift from the Atlantisians to both Invidia and Airenia as a sign of peace." She waved her hands once more, making the orb made from mist multiply into eight orbs. "Four orbs were given to each kingdom, but when the two kingdoms attacked Atlantis," she then waved her hand, the mist orbs slowly disintegrating, "the orbs suddenly disappeared." She then sighed. "As you may know at this point, both Invidia and Airenia have realized how much damage their attack against Atlantis made and have made efforts in order to relocate the orbs in hopes that they may somehow be able to return the lost city of the deep. However, these efforts were all in vain." "Believe me when I say this, but we are on your side," the Princess continued, looking into Marina's eyes. "Now that we have a lead, we will be happy to assist you in every step of the way in order to help bring back Atlantis and restore the seas to their former glory. We trust the Duchess of Merlourn wholeheartedly - and so should you."