Seraphina then added a key point. “Ira… Lina. Even the pronunciation of their names is so similar. This name is very likely a pseudonym she casually made up to hide her identity!”
Movira pondered. Seraphina’s analysis was basically conclusive. However, she still could not go downstairs and directly tell Dekalorin. No matter what, Lina was Seraphina’s person. So she still needed to ask what this “master” thought about the matter.
“So what do you think? Should we tell Dekalorin now?”
This question left Seraphina stunned. For a moment, she did not know how to answer.
If they followed what Movira said, that would undoubtedly be “privately executing” Lina. That was absolutely unacceptable!
But if they did not say anything, they might miss the key clue to uncovering Rusted Dawn’s conspiracy.
A moment later, Seraphina made up her mind. She truly could not bear the thought of Lina possibly looking at her with the eyes of someone looking at a traitor. “Forget it. Let’s go back after the new year and ask for her own opinion.”
Movira had no objections. This matter had little to do with her anyway, so she supported any decision Seraphina made.
“Alright. I’ll ask His Majesty to keep an eye out.”
“Good.” Seraphina nodded.
Afterward, the two went downstairs. They happened to overhear Astreya’s words. “Alright. I’ll ask Her Majesty to keep an eye out.”
The “Her Majesty” Astreya mentioned was most likely the Elf Queen. This made Seraphina realize that this professor actually had connections to the Queen.
Dekalorin nodded with gratitude. Then her thoughts turned to the horizon as she considered what connections she could use on the dragon side.
The human world, the Demon Realm, Miracle Forest, the Eternal Sky, and the Deep Blue Mystery Realm. This basically covered over ninety percent of the entire world. Although Dekalorin did not believe a powerless princess could have gone that far, having more people keep an eye out was still the right thing to do. It was also a good opportunity to strengthen her own network of connections.
The matter had come to a temporary conclusion. The atmosphere in the house also became much more relaxed.
Dekalorin thought simply about who she could use, then leaned back into the sofa and let out a breath.
“Alright. We’ve finished discussing important matters. Weren’t you going out shopping? Go ahead. It’s almost noon. It’ll be lively.”
She waved at Seraphina and the others. “I won’t go. I’m a bit tired. I’ll rest here and wait for you to come back.”
Movira’s displeasure was clear. Astreya nodded and gently pushed the still-wanting-to-show-concern Seraphina out without actually touching her. She was also avoiding Movira’s displeasure.
“Alright, alright. Let’s hurry and go.” She knew what kind of personality Dekalorin had. Those words of concern would only sound like mockery in her ears.
However, just before closing the door, Seraphina still said, “Dekalorin, rest well!”
The three of them then went out, leaving Dekalorin alone in the house to take a short rest.
The commercial street of the royal capital lived up to its reputation. Noisy voices mixed with various scents rushed toward them.
The stone-paved street was basically free of snow, with only a few scattered small snow piles along the roadside.
With the new year approaching, through the shop windows, one could see a dazzling array of goods displayed in the shops lining both sides of the street.
There were everyday items like firewood, rice, oil, and salt, as well as rare treasures from distant lands.
Seraphina noticed that Astreya was indeed extremely popular here. Every few steps, some vendor or shop owner would greet her.
Watching this scene, she could not help but whisper to Movira beside her, “Astreya is really popular.”
Movira’s gaze swept over those enthusiastic faces and let out a soft “Mm,” neutral and hard to read.
She still deliberately kept herself between Seraphina and Astreya.
Soon after, a rich, sweet aroma drifted through the air. It smelled like baked apples mixed with cloves, cinnamon, and the like. In the winter wind, it was especially tempting.
Movira casually bought a cup of steaming hot apple tea and handed it to Seraphina.
“Take it. It can also warm your hands.”
Seraphina accepted the slightly warm tea. The sweet aroma was right in front of her, warming her slightly cool fingers as well.
Astreya always maintained a distance of two or three steps from them. She introduced the local customs or shared some past interesting stories. She played the role of guide very well — not overly enthusiastic, yet not making them feel neglected.
At the same time, Seraphina noticed that whenever Astreya paid, she would quietly pay a little extra. When Seraphina asked about it, the other simply said that she already had more money than she could spend, and leaving it with her would just make it “die.”
Time quietly passed as they strolled. The sun gradually rose. As noon approached, the flow of people on the commercial street became even denser, and the noise grew louder.
Astreya looked up at the sky, roughly calculated the time, and suggested, “It’s getting late. Let’s head back. We still need to prepare lunch.”
“Alright.” Movira had no objections.
Seraphina had just come back to her senses from a shop selling rare treasures. She nodded somewhat reluctantly.
When they returned to the house with the small garden and pushed open the door, the interior was unusually quiet.
“Dekalorin? We’re back.” As Seraphina took off her heavy coat and hung it on the rack, she habitually called out into the house.
There was no response.
“Maybe she went to the study?” Seraphina guessed. After all, the only place Dekalorin would likely go was somewhere like that. The living room felt empty and far too quiet.
“She probably didn’t…” Astreya sensed the aura in the house and shook her head. “There’s no trace of her. However…”
As she spoke, she walked to the round table in the living room and reached for her staff.
“Reveal the original form.”
A faint green light swirled around the tip of the staff. It gently brushed across the tabletop. Following her movement, words gradually appeared on the table like ripples.
“There was an emergency. I returned to the palace first.”
The words were few and hurried.
Seraphina looked at the gradually fading traces and sighed. “Her injuries haven’t healed yet, and she’s still so busy.”
Movira rubbed her chin, pondering what this “emergency” could be. She had a feeling that at this time, nothing was a small matter.
Astreya waved away the magical words. She did not show any worried expression. Instead, she spoke in a still-relaxed tone. “Since she still has matters to attend to, let’s prepare lunch first. Mm, Movira, could you come with me for a moment? Seraphina can just wait here.”
Although Movira felt it was a bit strange why she was being called alone, she still followed the other into the kitchen.
“What’s wrong? Is there something else to talk about?”
Seeing her tense expression, Astreya could not help but laugh. “Don’t be so nervous. I’m not going to eat you. I called you here because I wanted to ask — do you know how to cook?”
“No.”
“Ah, saying it so confidently? Not knowing how won’t do. You have to understand, when pursuing a girl, the most important thing is to capture her stomach! For the time being, learn how to cook from me.”