131. Easing
131. Easing
By the time Sinlai returned to the castle, dusk had completely fallen, and the last vestiges of crimson on the horizon were swallowed by the gray-blue night.
A few lights shone from the castle's spires in the dim light, like cold stars suspended in mid-air.
Gordon and Sylvie were standing at the door waiting for him, their shadows stretched long by the torches on either side of the porch.
"Your Highness the Third Prince," Gordon bowed slightly, offering a respectful greeting. His movements were as restrained and precise as ever, as if every curve had been measured with a ruler.
"Hmm, is there any movement from the city defense forces?" Sinley got out of the car, took the hot towel Gordon handed him, and slowly wiped his fingers.
The warmth of the towel carried a faint herbal scent, dispelling the weariness of the journey. His gaze swept over Gordon's shoulder, landing on the castle courtyard; everything was as usual, quiet to the point of being stifling.
Gordon took back the towel, put his hands at his sides, and reported in a calm tone: "Miss Alaya came to the castle a few days ago and dealt with matters concerning Miss Eve."
With Simeon's authority temporarily suspended, the city garrison's investigation has also been put on hold. No one dares to act rashly; everyone is watching and waiting.
"Hmm..." Xinlai nodded thoughtfully.
News of Simeon's downfall spread faster than expected, but this also meant that Simeon would be more cautious.
Power vacuums never last long; someone will always be eager to fill them… Galendra, who has fallen out of favor due to illness, might very well make a move.
He turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on Sylvie, who had been quietly standing by his side.
Today, Sylvie wore a deep red dress, the color of which resembled a ripe cherry or aged red wine, shimmering faintly in the firelight.
The shoulder flowers are woven from silver threads into a vine pattern, which perfectly covers half of her fair and delicate shoulder, hidden under her long black hair, rising and falling slightly with her breath.
The streamlined curves were perfectly outlined by the silky satin of the skirt, highlighting her slender waist and full hips. Even though only a tenth of her thighs were visible beneath the skirt, she still exuded an irresistible charm.
Her eyebrows were like distant mountains shrouded in mist, her eyes like autumn waters brimming with affection, her nose was high and straight, and her lips were full and slightly upturned, exuding a natural charm. Every frown and smile was stunningly beautiful, yet her eyes also revealed a hint of languor and indifference, as if nothing in the world was truly worth her attention.
"Your Highness," Sylvie called softly, her voice gentle yet crisp, like a mint candy coated in honey.
Xinlai stepped forward, naturally took Sylvie's hand, and covered the back of her hand with her other hand, patting it gently twice.
Her fingers were slender and soft, with distinct knuckles, and her palms were slightly cool.
"Let's go inside and talk."
The three entered the reception room one after the other.
Candles were already lit in the hall, casting a warm yellow glow on the dark marble floor and creating blurry reflections.
Several oil paintings depicting the family's battles hung on the walls. The eyes of the people in the paintings seemed to come alive in the flickering candlelight, silently watching everything in the hall.
Gordon instructed the servants to pour tea. The steam from the hot black tea rose gently in the cool air, carrying a hint of bergamot fragrance.
After the servants left, he stood upright in front of Xinlai and Xiwei, who were sitting on the sofa, with his hands folded in front of him, like a sword sheathed, quietly and sharply awaiting orders.
Xinlai sat on the dark brown leather sofa, her elbows resting on her knees, her fingers interlaced and supporting her chin, her eyes slightly narrowed as she pondered.
The candlelight cast distinct shadows on his profile, adding an air of unfathomable depth to his already stern face.
He quickly analyzed the current situation in his mind.
With their current abilities, he and Eve are more than capable of entering Hamilton Academy of Magic and taking their professional advancement exams.
It could even be said that if the two of them were to take the entrance exam together, it would most likely cause a stir in the college.
The problem isn't about ability, but about how to get admitted.
Hamilton Academy of Magic is the oldest and most prestigious magical education institution in the kingdom, and its graduates are found in every corner of the kingdom's power structure.
Most importantly, the academy's principal, while outwardly neutral, actually favors Galendr, the brother now infamous for a serious sexually transmitted disease scandal, within the royal family.
Now that Galend's affair has been exposed, the principal's stance has become uncertain...
Will he continue to side with Galund because of past feelings? Or will he assess the situation and switch sides to Simeon? Or will he simply choose to protect himself and remain neutral...?
If the headmaster sides with Simeon, then it's highly unlikely that he and Eve will be able to enroll.
Although Simeon doesn't have the same deep foundation as Galend, he's not foolish enough to send his opponent to the academy for training. That's not magnanimity; that's digging his own grave.
Xinlai rested her thumb on her chin and gently tapped her cheekbone with her index finger.
Another problem remains: although the city garrison's investigation has been put on hold, this sword of Damocles still hangs over their heads.
Simeon's power has been "temporarily" confiscated, which means he could turn the tables at any time if the opportunity arises.
You must complete your plans before that "opportunity" arrives.
"Gordon." Sinley raised her eyes, her gaze settling steadily on Gordon, then turned to look at Sylvie, her eyes lingering between the two for three seconds, as if making a final decision.
"Your subordinate is here." Gordon leaned forward slightly to show that he was fully focused.
"Eve is currently alone outside the city; her situation is rather unusual." Xinlai lowered her voice, speaking at a measured pace.
"I need you to prepare enough clothes and food for Eve. It doesn't need to be fancy, but it needs to be practical, enough for her to live alone for ten days to two weeks. After packing it up, have Sylvie take it to her."
Gordon paused for a moment, his eyes flickering slightly, before he understood the deeper meaning behind Xinlai's actions. He didn't ask any further questions, simply nodding crisply, "I'll go prepare."
With that, Gordon turned to leave, his steps steady and swift.
"Wait," Xinlai called out to him again.
Gordon stopped in his tracks, turned around, and waited quietly.
Xinlai tapped her fingers lightly on her knee twice, as if weighing her options once more:
"Take some of the remaining resources from the training room with you. Magic crystals, scrolls, potions—pick out whatever you can use," he emphasized.
"Make sure the items are in good working order when they reach her."
"Understood." Gordon's lips twitched slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just nodded again, turned and strode away. His figure disappeared into the shadows of the porch, his footsteps fading into the distance.
The reception room fell silent, with only the occasional crackling of the candlelight.
Sinlai's gaze returned to Sylvie.
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