The Silvermane Palace? Was it the Alpha King? If so, what was the reason he bought Tatyana out? Was it because of what he did at the Apex facility? Did he get found out?
All those questions rushed into Emery's head at once like raging waves, making him perplexed and anxious. Even though he had many unanswered questions in his mind, Emery was sure of one thing – this was no coincidence.
There was no doubt that Tatyana was taken because of him.
But still, Emery would not just go and charge head-on at the other party. First, he asked the fat man for more details
"Did they tell you anything? When did they take her?"
"T-This morning, just three hours ago."
Emery couldn't help clenching his fists, when he realized he was just a little too late. He felt responsible for putting the girl at risk, therefore he was more than determined to find her. He really hoped she was not hurt.
With that thought, he made his way toward the Silvermane Palace prepared for anything that would come for him.
For that reason, Emery told Morgana not to follow him and to return to the others in the residence. But once again, the red-haired girl insisted on staying with him, especially after seeing the troubled look on his face.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Don't ask again," Morgana said firmly. "I will still follow you, no matter what."
In the end, thinking there was a high chance he would be embroiled in a fight, Emery relented and agreed to bring Morgana along. Even though it probably wouldn't make much of a difference against the force within Silvermane Palace, two Magus were always better than one.
Heaving a sigh, Emery beckoned to the girl saying, "Alright. Let's go."
Of course, Emery wasn't stupid enough to come and storm his way into Silvermane Palace. Like any normal person, he arrived at the palace gate and formally inquired about the girl. To his surprise, the guards let him enter the place faster than he had thought, as if they were waiting for his arrival.
Walking through the gate, Emery and Morgana were greeted by two full squads of guards consisting of 6 magus, who promptly escorted the two of them inside. As soon as he saw such a reception, Emery was sure the other party was expecting his arrival.
The two of them were taken to the grand lobby of Silvermane Palace, which Emery had visited before, and told to wait.
Time flew by as Emery anxiously waited. An hour passed and yet there was still no one to welcome him. The cold treatment, coupled with being closely monitored by the guards, only added to Emery's irritation.
He was ready to rethink his plan when a figure finally appeared. Unsurprisingly, the approaching figure was the familiar Grand Magus Warwick, the right hand of the Alpha King.
"Elder, was it you? Were you the one who took her? Why?"
This was the second time he had been treated like this, so Emery couldn't help but feel irritated. However, one sentence that came out of the old wolf's mouth was enough to silence his words and quell his irritation.
"The girl was found guilty of espionage. You should be grateful that she's not dead yet." His sharp gaze landed on Emery as Warwick said, "Or anyone that is involved."
Emery naturally realized what the old wolf was implying with his words. However, unwilling to allow Tatyana to be punished for helping him, he quickly said, "It's me. She only did what I asked her to do. So spare her and punish me instead."
Unfazed, the old wolf spoke in a blank tone. "You have enough trouble already." He looked Emery in the eye saying, "Trespassing into the Apex facility, destruction of property and being in contact with a known rebel group. Just one of those things is enough to imprison you here for 30 years."
Emery tried to remain calm at those words. With a bit of observation, he deduced the other party didn't seem to know about his actions in the south with the Ironcrest clan and the Corvin mine.
"It's okay, Stay calm. This can still be fixed." Emery said to himself, trying to stay optimistic.
He promptly bowed respectfully at the old wolf and expressed regret for his actions, saying he did all that out of curiosity and his personal hatred of slavery. He tried to be as sincere as possible and said.
"I am willing to accept any compensation for the damage done by my actions and any other punishment, but please let the girl go."
Unfortunately for Emery, the old wolf didn't seem convinced by his words. He even frowned when he said, "I know you are hiding something else. I only need a few more hours with her and I'm sure I will figure it out."
Emery outwardly maintained his respectful attitude, but at the same time inwardly his mind went racing over the things he had said to Tatyana. He might be able to withstand the old wolf's probing, but the fox girl most likely couldn't.
But then, to his surprise, the old wolf's expression changed as he let out a long sigh. The words he spoke next brought him another shock.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Lucky for you, your past contribution earned you the king's favor. You are to meet with the king now. Come with me."
Receiving a gesture, the group of magus guards nearby heeded the old wolf's command and moved to take him away. Emery nodded in understanding, but when Warwick saw the girl and said.
"Only you. The girl can wait here."
Not wanting to be separated from Emery, Morgana growled at the approaching group of guards. It was apparent she was willing to fight if that is what it took to stay with Emery. So much so that even after the latter told her to stand down, the red-haired girl still conjured black flames on both of her arms.
"You have a wild one here," the grand magus said indifferently.
"Stop! Don't hurt her!" Emery shouted, when he saw the guards about to neutralize Morgana.
Knowing the situation could not escalate, Emery placed both hands on Morgana's shoulders. Such touch seemed able to calm her and with a sincere gaze he said, "Calm down... I need you to wait for me here, okay?"
Even though he could still see the reluctance in her eyes, the red-haired girl eventually nodded her head, before he followed the old grand magus.
Along the way, his mind was filled with questions. It seemed the situation was more serious than he thought. Hearing the words 'his past contribution' baffled him.
He could only think of one contribution that would allow him to earn the favor of the Alpha King.
The contribution of Emery Ambrose.