n

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nGrabbing both the ladies' hands, I tried to steady all three of us so we won't flop down to the ground like some dominoes. It was such a hard thing to do if I do say it myself. Supporting three weights while wearing heels while trying to maintain balance, I have no idea what you think about this but I am exerting too much effort here.

n

"Wha-- what is happening?!

" Estelle's friend muttered as she worriedly looked around.

nI was also looking at the wall in front of us, in case it suddenly collapsed or something. That would be the end of us… I felt both of their hands shaking, probably from fear, which made me sigh internally. My head, which was rather floaty just a while ago, suddenly became clear. Maybe because I'm in such a situation…

nThe trembling of the ground was still not stopping, what's more, the lights from the lamps and overhead, kept flickering like crazy. I could also sense fluctuations in the air for some reason, like waves and waves of pressure smacking me on my face. From where we're currently at, we could hear the commotion from the main hall. There was screaming and stuff, so I guess the people in there are all panicking as well.

n'Duh. What kind of thinking is that? Of course, they would be!'

nThere was another loud explosion again, and the ground shook violently, which in turn, made the two girls with me cower from fright. Both of them are currently holding onto me for dear life. One was tightly gripping my arm while the other one was crouching down as she hugged my skirt. I could even see for myself that the two are on the verge of crying.

n

"An attack?!

" The other girl exclaims.

n

"What are we going to do?

" Estelle whispered in horror.

nOkay, okay. First of all, let's calm down. I can't move properly if both of you cling to me like that. Estelle's hold on my arm is painful either and very uncomfortable. I get that they are scared but if you're both like this, we won't get out of here safely, you know?

nAhh… I didn't say it out loud…

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"Calm down… We have to get back to the main hall first,

" I said and touched Estelle's arm.

nBoth of them suddenly looked up to me with frightened eyes.

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"T-That's right…

"

nI looked down at Estelle's friend and offered my hand to her.

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"Get up, you're going to hurt your feet that way.

"

nAren't I such a gentleman? I feel like a guy at this moment, seriously…

nShe accepted my outstretched hand with a sniffle, so then I gently pulled her upward on the floor and smiled at both of them.

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"It's going to be fine. Let's go back to the hall, okay?

" I said.

nThankfully, Estelle and the girl stopped shaking and both seemed to calm down just from my reassurance alone, which is great. If they didn't stop panicking like the others, we could be stuck here for far longer, and would probably cost our very lives.

nI have no freaking idea what's happening outside the palace but judging from those two explosions earlier, there must have been an attack. For all the times, they chose to wreak havoc during such an important event.

nBut first, I have to go and find where my companions are. My brother and father might be even looking for me now, and the rest as well. Or they could be busying themselves on trying to settle everyone down and securing the royal family's safety. After all, it's their job as the Empire's swords.

nHeaving a deep breath, I glanced at the two as to tell them we are leaving. I was leading the way while they both tailed close behind me with neither of them seemed nervous. The three of us then broke out in the hall and saw chaos.

nYeah, chaos. Everyone kept making noises and are all currently trying to get past the scattered knights to get out of the hall. The knights in return were all doing their best to not one single soul leave the place. Even though some of the people were getting really violent on them, they still stood their ground.

n

"Move away! Let us out!

"

n

"Let us out! Move!

"

n

"Move!

"

nThey are a literal mess. I wouldn't be surprised if there would be a stampede if the door would be opened for them. Just from them raging on, I bet that some people have been knocked out of the way from their frantic pushing.

nI can't blame them all though, they are probably scared to death right now. Though I keep wondering why am I not in the least bit worried at all. I feel rather calm and there is no ounce of fear lingering somewhere in my heart. Is this what wine could do to a person?

nWhile everyone is busy pestering the knights on the door, the royal attendants and the elite guards are all surrounding the monarchs. I had spotted my father among them but there was no sign of my brother. They are creating a protective wall using themselves, acting vigilant. I bet some of them are persuading the Emperor to retreat to safety.

nThat's right, they have to make sure the parents of this empire are safe and sound. Though their protectiveness is kind of a stretch. Probably? I don't know but, I have heard that Emperor Kael is a powerful magic wielder. What else could be the reason how he obtained and conquered numerous kingdoms during his reign? In some history books, he was labeled as one of the most powerful emperors in the history of Rosenthal. Along with the first emperor whose information is inexistent.

nBut I guess, it's because of that which is why they are so vigilant.

nWell, as I said, I have no idea how palace affairs work so…

nI glanced at the two ladies with me.

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"Do the two of you have companions?

" I asked just in case.

nI know for a fact that Estelle came alone but it could be the other way around for her friend.

n

"Ah! I came here alone!

" Estelle's friend answered. It's so troublesome to not know her name but can't be helped…

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"Me too,

" Estelle seconded.

nThey are both alone huh. Should I leave them here and find my friends? It's not that I have something more to do with them… But they could be caught in the commotion and get themselves hurt… Damn it… Being a high-ranking lady sure is a dutiful position.

nWell then, I guess I should make sure they are both safe and sound… And just looking at their expressions right now, they don't look like they want to get separated from me.

n

"Nadia!

" A familiar voice called out.

nI turned around and saw my brother sprinting towards me. As soon as he got closer, he immediately grabbed me on my shoulders and checked me all over.

n

"Are you okay? You're not caught in the uproar, aren't you? Are you hurt somewhere?

" He babbled.

nOh gosh, he looks so worried!

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"I'm okay, brother. Are the others fine?

" I assured him.

nHe lets out a sigh in relief,

"Yeah. They are worried about you because you were gone for quite some time now.

"

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"What is happening? Is there an attack?

" I inquired.

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"I… We're still not sure but it is already being dealt with. You don't have to worry,

" Nathan replied and patted me on the head.

nI stared at his face for a moment while thinking to myself. He's not telling me the entire truth, I could sense it. But if he says that I don't have to worry, then I won't. I'm just curious as to what really is the situation that he can't even disclose it to me.

n