70 Chapter 19: The Set Out 3 (1/2)

When the door opened, palace guards greeted us warmly.

We were led to a room where a long table of food is seen whilst we wait for an audience with their King, the warden of the South— Ifrit and Maru's father.

I was stuffing food inside my mouth with Eriol when Levi walked to us and spoke, ”I will conduct a search operation later when I get the granted permission of the Sultan, will you be coming along?”

I glances at Eriol.

'A goal of our own.' I remembered him saying.

I suppose I need to find Ifrit than tail Levi all day.

”I'll stay here and see what I can find about the symbols I'm curious about.”

Levi nodded.

Soon, we got an audience with their King. The audience chamber was grand as it was ornamented lavishly. A long violet carpet rolls out the length of the entire room, from the main door leading to the throne where a huge canopy stood over it. There were golden structures seen as well and windows are wide and tall, giving a light and refreshing ambiance to the place.

”I'm sorry to hear about what happened. We will do our best here in Ak'hilheim to help with the search.”

It seems like the news about my sister was covered as an abduction case. Father covered for her pretty well... I do hope he could keep such ruse for as long as he could. I don't want anyone finding out about my sister's element yet. Otherwise it would be hard for her to return.

”Aeroooon!” Someone hollered out to me in a singsong followed by sounds of hurried footsteps.

I turned and saw Ifrit running towards us. Palace guards are after her, they must've tried stopping her from intruding in the middle of our audience with his father but they're outright ignored.

”I didn't know you're going to arrive!”

Yet here she is.

News spreads fast, I suppose.

I watch her cup her face with both her hands as she sways side to side. ”I'm happy to see you again! If I knew you would arrive I could have prepared well!”

Prepare for what exactly? I wonder.

Ifrit is lively as usual. I'm glad there's someone who can smile that brightly.

It felt contagious so I just beamed back.

”Ifrit!” King Ulf grunted sternly, glowering at her. ”Forgive my daughter's rudeness.”

”It's alright, your majesty!” Levi answered.

”I heard what happened.” Her smile fades, ”I will do what I can to help as well so if ever you need anything, just say so.”

”Thank you, Princess” Levi bowed down, gallantly.

”Thanks!” I bowed down as well. She's a princess so I have to show my respect despite our ties as friends.