As dawn broke after a day had passed, Yuri stepped out of her quarters and hurried forward.
The message had come from the Crimson Feather. He had summoned her to his quarters immediately.
âCould it be?â
Her pace quickened. He had said heâd think about it for a dayâcould he have already made a decision?
âI was still trying to find a way to persuade him.â
The sudden news came as she was searching for alternatives, fearing rejection. Yuri forced herself to calm her erratic breathing.
She couldnât afford to show impatience. Even if much had already been exposed, she needed to maintain composure.
How far had she walked like this? Perhaps because of her haste, she found herself arriving at the destination sooner than expected.
As she entered the quarters, she noticed a group gathered in the courtyard.
Yuri approached them.
âYouâre here.â
The young man known as the Crimson Feather glanced at Yuri as she approached.
âI thought youâd be late, but you came quickly.â
âHow could I dare be late?â
âSpare me the flattery. Itâs not going to get you anything.â
His tone was sharp and insolent, as always. Yuri wanted nothing more than to give him a good smack, but this wasnât the time.
âHm?â
Forcing herself to maintain a neutral expression, she looked at him more closely. Something seemed off.
âHe looks tired.â
The Crimson Featherâs face bore clear signs of fatigue, particularly around his eyes.
Had something happened during the night? Yuri wondered but chose not to ask. That wasnât the priority right now.
As Yuri observed him with a peculiar gaze, the Crimson Feather spoke.
âWhat did you say yesterday?â
âPardon?â
âWhat exactly do you need me to do in the Northern Sea?â
ââ¦Ahâ¦!â
Hearing the question, Yuriâs eyes widened.
âBe precise. Make it clear.â
ââ¦Travel to the Northern Sea and lift the curse on the Lord of the Palace.â
âAnd nothing else?â
ââ¦Yes.â
After hearing her answer, the Crimson Feather stroked his chin as if deep in thought. Then, after a brief moment, he spoke again.