Back in the banquet hall everyone was enjoying the festivities in an unchanged manner. But not everyone was drowning themselves in the celebration, some like the king of Akarn and Vazpin were discussing the future.

  "Two threats to our survival have been eliminated but a variable remains that matches those threats."

  Said Vazpin with an indifferent expression before sipping on the glass of wine in hand. To his right on the staircase leading to the second floor, was the Rune King, his gaze cast on everyone below with one hand on the railings.

  "You mean sir Hiro, there's no need to worry about him. I see no desire for world domination in his eyes nor do I see him as the type to serve under someone.

  From how I see it, he will disappear never to be seen again or stay in a remote place away from the people like a sage. In fact I've been watching his every move, for any indication of when he might leave."

  The Rune King said without a shred of doubt.

  "I also think the same it's just...."

  Failing to find the right words Vazpin deviated slightly from the topic.

  "I imagine it won't be anytime soon, seeing as prince Aleus, has been focusing on his work despite his growing interest in this so called power of wills."

  (That is what I think as well, hopefully we are both right. Since we can't ask him when he plans to leave, who knows, he might think we want him gone... Hmm, I suppose the interpretation wouldn't be far from the truth. Is that why no one dares to ask?)

  The Rune King perished the thought as he chuckled at the contradiction of his beliefs and actions. His cautious nature wouldn't let him sleep with ease when Hiro was around despite not seeing him as a threat to his rule, of course this was an exaggeration.

  After his chuckle he took a swig from his glass then responded to Vazpin, expressing one of his worries.

  "You see that action in of itself serves as proof our Savior will depart and this reckless son of mine plans to follow him.

  Why else would he not dedicate most of his time to learn about this will power? I doubt sir Hiro would express his intentions to stay to Aleus, only for him to remain quiet about it, not saying a thing to the rest of us."

  "I imagine that is not something you are simply going to ignore."

  Vazpin said with his eyes flashing with anxiety but with slight intrigue.

  "Indeed that is not something I'll allow my successor to do. But before the day of departure arrives, I'll leave him to his own devices, lest he devises more means of escape and is more careful about it after I foil the initial one.

  Only at the last step should I pounce on him, at that time he won't even have the time to rethink his approach. And would sir Hiro who is moments from leaving interfere or leave without him?"

  The Rune King wasn't confident of his understanding of Hiro's desired image of himself by others or even the fact that he cared how people perceived him. But his observations and gut told him Hiro wouldn't involve himself too much, let alone using his might to help Aleus with the escape.

  (It is just as I suspected, this was one of the possibilities I thought of when I learned that everyone in the palace working close to and engaging with Hiro in any way was to report to his majesty.

  To anyone who is unfamiliar with his Majesty, they would think he is wary of sir Hiro and is keeping a close eye on him, hence my deliberate question earlier.

  As for sir Hiro, the chances of him knowing he's being observed are low, nor will he act antagonistic after finding out. After all, every person reporting his daily activities isn't spying on him in actuality, merely taking note what they just happen to see while carrying out their duties without any deviations or deliberate observation on their part.

  Unless someone is a fool and does more than they were asked there is no reason for them to be found out.)

  Vazpin mused as he stopped a waiter that was passing by, he passed on his emptied glass onto the tray carried by the waiter then dismissed him.

  "Your majesty, the night is only half spent with many guests to entertain..."

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  Vazpin began bidding farewell when he saw a guard rushing in their direction. Judging from his his uniform, someone stationed on the Palace's periphery.

  Stopping in his tracks while descendin the stairs, Vazpin half turned his head to look at the Rune King as he casually asked.

  "The Minister or the king, who might he be rushing to report to?

  In case it's the latter, do I have permission to pry?"

  "Suit yourself."

  The Rune King answered simply, as he watched Vazpin resume his descent from the corner of his left eye.

  (His majesty was the target it seems. At this hour what could have happened that couldn't wait till tomorrow at least?)

  Vazpin began to seriously think of what the report was about, to bypass even him to be reported to the king directly, after seeing that the trajectory of the palace guard did not change. Not letting the change in mood affect him, he continued walking until he was a reasonable distance away.

  Not long after reaching his desired spot, the guard also reached the Rune King. In that time Vazpin had prepared a rune that amplified and isolated specific sounds.

  (With this, everything in the palace can be heard as clearly as though it was whispered directly into my ears.

  And for good reason, this rune isn't permitted to be used in such settings. And there would be consequences for going against this rule. But I, the minister of Akarn, how can be at a disadvantage from the rules we decide.)

  He thought as he activated the rune, unafraid he would be caught. Even if someone other than those affiliated with Akarn's state, raised the matter, to punish or not to punish was something the Rune King would decide. In such circumstances putting on a show to appease the crowd if necessary would be a simple thing.

  "Your Majesty, there's an urgent report."

  "I would expect so. What has happened?"

  The Rune King asked calmly without any sign of anxiety whatsoever, all those whose attention had been drawn failed to confirm their initial assumption of something of great importance having happened. Of course unlike Vazpin they couldn't hear a peep.

  "Like you had commanded your Majesty, that we should report all activity regarding Sir Hiro, especially any indication of his departure.

  As I speak Prince Aleus and Sir Hiro have boarded the Prince's personal sky ship.

  But that isn't all, moments earlier supplies and other necessities were carried by several palace staff onto the ship.

  Seeing all this and the Prince's gesture as they boarded, I and the other guards suspect Sir Hiro would leave at this moment, escorted by his Highness. Believing it could not be delayed, I was sent to report immediately after."

  The guard almost stammered from his increasing nervousness as he said the last sentences.

  The Rune King wanted everything related to Hiro reported to him directly, meaning it had importance. But was it important enough to deem the current events urgent to report without going through normal procedure, the guard wasn't sure.

  He was beginning to panic, more so when in recent days there was someone who was suspended for a week, due to an exaggerated report.

  The Rune King let out a silent sigh then said to the guard.

  "Your judgement was correct, well done. Go, prepare a handful of sky ships to fly out immediately."

  The king's tone was solemn as he instructed.

  (Phew, our judgment wasn't wrong. I have to prepare sky ships, does that mean his majesty plans to stop sir Hiro from leaving?

  What am I thinking, there's no way that would be true. I should quickly head out and ask the others to help.)

  The guard's thoughts stirred as he bowed to the king, then stormed out of the hall.

  "Vazpin, you know who's needed, assemble everyone at the docking area."

  The Rune King retracted his gaze away from the departing guard and faced Vazpin across the hall, confident he was still listening in. When they locked eyes, Vazpin nodded before disappearing from the hall.

  (I was sure Aleus wasn't aware, what happened?)

  Puzzled by this development the Rune King indiscernibly knitted his brows before they relaxed while a smile flashed across his face. He didn't stay on the staircase any longer and left for the second floor.

  Moments after he left and one by one, some people began departing from the hall. It was a few but their status made it very apparent, leading others to connect this occurrence to the report from earlier. Naturally their interest was piqued.

  "Does anyone have an idea of what's going on?"

  "You are still asking, I'll go see for myself. Let's see if they can obstruct me, soon to be father to a queen."

  "Wise words, but a noble should have some grace. Heh heh, aren't we simply going out for a mid night stroll, admiring the palace's garden while gazing at the stars, we only heard tale of before recently.

  Going in the same direction as them is merely coincidental, isn't it?"

  Another added following in the second's foot steps, his steps more confident and relaxed.

  "Sirs, wait for me, I too want to join this stroll."

  The first said as he gestured to a waiter but fearing he would be left to go out alone, he gave up on returning his glass. With it in hand he quickened his pace following after his mates, alongside others.

  Soon as though the action was ceremonious, waves of people matched outside. The first were not ordinary and could not be easily stopped when they moved as one together. With them in the lead even those lacking confidence to do such a thing were emboldened and did the same.

  As they stepped out some rubbed their shoulders from the biting cold winds, lamenting their actions of leaving behind their coats and cloaks in the heat of the moment. Most people of which were those unfamiliar with Akarn's cold nights contrary to the hot temperature during the day.

  "Were we mistaken?"

  Someone impatiently asked when they saw that nothing out of the ordinary was within sight, except those who suspiciously left the hall earlier were no where to be seen around their immediate surroundings, not far from the palace's entrance.

  "There's no mistake, the king didn't show it but there's clearly an unexpected element this evening."

  Someone retorted, soon they saw a small sky ship fly over them with incredible speed, before they could gasp in surprise or fully process the information, a few other medium sized sky ships flew over them. Giving chase towards the first.