Chapter 26: A Debt of Favor
The atmosphere in the palace had changed drastically these past few days.
Hurried footsteps, hushed whispers in the corridors, and the anxious looks on the maids' faces all caught Emilia's attention.
"Helena," Emilia set her teacup down, her voice soft yet heavy with command.
"What's going on in the palace? Everyone seems frightened lately."
Head Maid Helena froze for a moment, then bowed slightly.
"I… I'm not certain, Your Highness. I only heard that the royal magicians were urgently summoned to Venus Palace. Even Lord Demian left the Magician Tower in the middle of the night and has stayed at Venus Palace ever since."
"Demian?" Emilia frowned. "Is something happening at the Holy Temple?"
Helena lowered her head even more, hesitating. "It's not about the Temple… It was Empress Sophia of Venus Palace who requested Lord Demian's return. It seems… to be related to Princess Milim."
The room fell silent.
