"Are you defying the Senate?"
Caenis narrowed her eyes and said to Castorice.
Her fists clenched slightly, ready to attack.
Castorice said nothing, merely continuing to approach Caenis with her weapon.
Faced with Castorice's advance, Caenis produced a sharp blade. But just then, golden threads appeared, wrapping around her wrist. The threads tightened, preventing Caenis from moving further.
"Aglaea..."
Caenis gritted her teeth.
She knew very well who these golden threads belonged to.
Turning her head, Aglaea walked gracefully towards Caenis. Beside Aglaea was a panting Tribbie.
"Elder Caenis, I advise you not to continue," Aglaea said softly, standing before Caenis.
Meanwhile, inside the house, Derick woke up hearing the commotion outside. Walking to the door, he saw the situation and his face instantly showed confusion.
"What exactly happened here?" he asked Castorice, who was standing at the doorway, bewildered.
"It's nothing, just stand behind me," Castorice firmly shielded Derick behind her.
Seeing Caenis's anger about to reach its peak, Aglaea continued, "Regarding that child Derick, I have already examined his body. I can guarantee that even with the Senate's technology, you won't be able to find out what's wrong with him. On this point, I guarantee it with my demigod status."
"Whether we can find out or not is the Senate's business," Caenis persisted stubbornly, unwilling to give up.
"I apologize, but he is useful to our current Flamechase Journey, I cannot let him leave. The Citizens' Assembly granted power to the Golden Ones precisely for the Flamechase Journey." As Aglaea spoke, Caenis felt the golden threads tighten around her hand.
She knew she wouldn't gain anything by using force now.
So she lowered her hand and said angrily, "Fine, I'll leave now. I will tell the other citizens about this matter at the Citizens' Assembly. When that time comes, let's see what excuses you have left to delay."
"When the time comes, I will naturally explain myself."
Aglaea's expression remained calm.
Caenis and her group left.
Then Aglaea and Tribbie walked up to Castorice.
"Alright, I've dealt with the people from the Senate, you don't need to worry anymore."
"Thank you, Lady Aglaea," Derick and Castorice said in unison.
"This is all for the Flamechase Journey." Aglaea glanced at Castorice. "If I hadn't intervened, Okhema might have lost a Golden One."
Castorice pursed her lips and said nothing.
Aglaea was right. Just now, if she hadn't appeared, Castorice intended to charge out of Okhema with Derick.
As for where to go after charging out, she hadn't thought of it yet. But she wanted to protect Derick, unwilling to let him suffer harm.
Derick then asked Aglaea, "Then regarding the Citizens' Assembly, what does Lady Aglaea plan to do?"
The populace is easily swayed. The Senate holds enough speaking power and control over public opinion; Aglaea wouldn't have much advantage going to the Citizens' Assembly.
"Don't worry, I anticipated this. I thought of it the moment Derick arrived in Okhema. When the Citizens' Assembly comes, they won't be able to cause much trouble," Aglaea said with a light laugh.
"It's good that you're prepared."
Castorice breathed a sigh of relief.
"Continue resting. I still have matters to attend to, I'll leave with Teacher Tribbie first."
"Mm."
Aglaea and Tribbie left.
Walking on the road, Tribbie said to Aglaea, "Aya, were you telling the truth just now? If we hadn't come, would she really have left with Little Derick?"
"Yes, My Master, I could see clearly. If I hadn't intervened just now, Castorice definitely would have done so," Aglaea nodded.
Then, she looked at Tribbie and continued, "My Master, if you have the chance, I hope you can explain the importance of the Flamechase Journey to Castorice. The deeper her feelings for Derick become, the greater the tragedy will be in the future."
"Aya..."
Tribbie looked at Aglaea.
"My Master, you should remember the prophecy. At the end of this Flamechase Journey, only one Golden One can reach the end. And that person won't be you, nor me, and most likely not Castorice either. If their feelings deepen, I worry that when that day comes, the tragedy will be even heavier."
Tribbie, however, shook her head at this moment.
"I won't help you with this matter. Aya, I know you want all the Golden Ones to be completely rational to successfully complete the Flamechase Journey. But they are also living people. I won't break up their feelings. At the same time, I also trust Little Castorice and Little Derick; when that time comes, they will make the best choice for this world."
"They... are both very, very good people."
Tribbie walked forward.
After a few steps, she turned her head and smiled at Aglaea, "Aya, sometimes, you could actually show more emotion. Have more faith in the Golden Ones too."
"My Master, I cannot do that. I must maintain the most rational state to ensure the smooth progress of the Flamechase Journey."
She had long set aside her emotions. Only the Flamechase Journey existed in her mind. Carefully examining and guarding against Derick that day was like this, and helping him today was also done with the most rational analysis.
...
Meanwhile, Caenis naturally wouldn't give up her plan to get Derick.
Waiting until the Citizens' Assembly was too long; she couldn't wait.
So she found someone who could help her bring Derick over ahead of time.
"An elder of the Senate, what business brings you to me?"
A girl wearing a cat-eared hood casually asked Caenis, fiddling with a coin while crossing her legs.
"Cipher, I sought you out because I have a commission for you."
"Oh? What commission?" Cipher's pupils turned into the shape of coins. "Let me be clear first, my fees are very expensive."
"As long as you complete my commission, the cost is not an issue."
Caenis was not stingy when it came to money.
______________
Exciting News! 🎉 We've got a new goal! If we hit 50 SUPPORTERS on Patreon, you'll unlock a fantastic 5 BONUS CHAPTERS! 🤩📖
But that's not all! We're also running a Power Stone & Review Campaign!
For every 150 Power Stones OR 5 Reviews we receive, we'll release 1 EXTRA CHAPTER! ✍️💎 Your support helps unlock even more content!
Ready to join the adventure and help us reach these awesome goals?
Head over to: patreon.com/Walnutchan ✨ Every bit of support makes a huge difference! Thank you! ❤️