Chapter 84

The order issued by the Royal Guard Hall gradually quelled the unrest that had lasted for several days in the capital.

As the number of pedestrians and carriages on the streets gradually increased, a sense of unease still lingered over everyone.

The incident of the noble minister's death at the Royal Central Academy had long spread to the public, and such shocking and terrifying news made people understand the abnormal actions of the Royal Guard Hall.

People wanted to know what, and they learned something from certain channels.

But the explanation given by the kingdom stated that this incident was a riot incited by a small group of enemy forces lurking in the academy.

Would people believe it?

People had to believe it, even if they did not, they did not have the qualifications or courage to stand up and point out the kingdom's mistake.

The kingdom did not care whether people believed it; they just needed to provide an explanation.

Rumors and gossip spread through every corner of the capital, and everyone had their own speculations and beliefs. For those who hated the noble class, they undoubtedly celebrated, perhaps they did not need an explanation, but rather a channel to vent the long-hidden resentment in their hearts.

Tielante tried to awaken people's numbness with blood, but he did not know that a life of ease and comfort was far more important than an illusory ideal. Whether he would regret and suffer in some corner was unknown.

For several days, Xilan had not left the inn.

The horse forgotten at the academy gate, the strange looks from the inn servants... Xilan did not care, as he was still lost in the complex combinations of the "White Wolf Sword Technique." Occasionally, when he relaxed his nerves, his thoughts would drift to other places, to the fragmented plans that had been shattered by unexpected events.

It seemed he had not relaxed for a moment.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the inn room door.

A servant? This was Xilan's first reaction.

He looked out the window; it did not seem to be lunchtime yet.

Opening the door, he saw an unexpected visitor.

Novin.

"Lord Xilan, good morning."

Looking at Novin standing at the door, greeting him politely, Xilan still sensed a hint of anxiety on his face. Why did he always look this way every time they met?

"What happened that made you rush over to see me?"

Back in the living room, after the two sat down, Xilan picked up the teacup on the table and, looking at the fine sweat on his forehead, asked.

"Oh?"

Xilan gently placed the teacup back on the table, looking at him, his fingers unconsciously rubbing together.

"I am not surprised by the invitation from the Crown Prince, but the timing of this invitation seems to have a deeper meaning."

"Lord, I might know the reason for the invitation," Novin said hesitantly.

"Tell me about it."

"Lord, I heard that you were at the Royal Central Academy on the day of the school festival?" Novin asked nervously.

"Yes."

"Then how did you escape from the student riot at the school festival that day?" Novin asked again.

"That day? When the riot broke out at the school festival square, I was not there. After learning about it, I stayed to ensure the safety of the friends I had invited, and only left quietly after the situation calmed down," Xilan lied casually.

"When the news of the student riot at the Royal Central Academy spread, the Crown Prince and I were at a restaurant outside the academy. The Crown Prince mentioned you during the meal."

Novin could not tell if Xilan was lying, nor did he have the heart to verify Xilan's explanation. What he needed now was to explain his suspicions.

"What did he say about me?" Xilan stopped his finger movements and asked seriously.

"The Prince only said that you were in the academy and asked about my relationship with you..." Novin took a deep breath and continued, "I think the Prince already knows about our relationship, and his revelation of your purpose might have another reason, a reason that I believe you know."

Would I know?

Novin watched Xilan lean back on the sofa, silent in thought. He did not want to disturb his thinking and could only wait quietly.

"The time for the Crown Prince's invitation."

After a while, Xilan suddenly asked.

"It is... The Prince told me that if you agree, the time is set for noon today," Novin promptly replied, "The location is the Lilac Restaurant on Stone Street."

"Alright, tell the Crown Prince that I will definitely be there."

Stone Street... It seems I underestimated this Crown Prince, Xilan thought.

"Lord, is there any problem?"

Seeing Novin's uneasy expression, Xilan knew what he was worried about.

"Don't worry, this might turn out to be a good thing. You just need to do your part and don't worry about it affecting your relationship with Bilyn."

Hearing Xilan's last words, Novin blushed and hurriedly bowed to take his leave, "Thank you, Lord. I will go back and inform the Prince."

After Novin left, the room returned to silence.

Xilan was pondering and speculating about the Crown Prince's purpose in meeting him at this time.

...

The carriage slowly stopped in front of the Lilac Restaurant on Stone Street. The door of the carriage opened, and a young nobleman with a handsome appearance stepped out. Looking at the closed door of the Lilac Restaurant, the young man walked up and gently knocked on the door.

After a while, the door opened a crack, revealing a pair of wary eyes.

"Who are you?"

"The invited guest."

The eyes at the door disappeared, and with a "creak," the door opened.

The young man entered the restaurant, and the door closed behind him.

"Please follow me—"

In the quiet and empty restaurant, the young man followed the servant up to the second floor and into a room.

The door opened, and the young man saw a middle-aged man, an ordinary-looking yet dignified and noble man.

He sat at the head of a long table filled with delicious dishes, seemingly not surprised by the young man's arrival.

He raised the wine glass in front of him and looked at the young man, "You have come?"

"I am here as invited."

The young man sat at the guest seat of the long table and looked at him seriously.

"I have always heard that you are young, but when I truly see you, I realize how young you really are," the middle-aged man said, taking a sip of wine.

"Hello, former sword instructor of the Pabrodina Academy, now a high-ranking swordsman, Drank Xilan."

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