Sword of Salvation-Chapter 52: - Pieces on Chessboard (4)

Delphia silently watched as Lasyana slowly descended the staircase. She had just informed her that Mariel was waiting in the dining hall. Lasyana said nothing; she simply smiled and walked away.

Delphia followed behind the empress. She had no intention of joining them but needed to keep watch.

Although Delphia didn’t sense any immediate danger from Mariel, her instincts told her something was wrong. She didn’t know what the young man was planning; Delphia couldn’t read minds. However, she had known from the beginning that Mariel was manipulative. She needed to ensure Lasyana was safe.

"This is far enough, Delphia. You may return."

Delphia halted her steps, allowing Lasyana to continue alone toward the dining hall.

There were no servants attending the fairly spacious dining hall. The food and drinks had already been prepared. Only Mariel and Lasyana were present. If anything happened, Delphia wouldn’t be able to act in time. She hoped Lasyana wouldn’t be swayed by Mariel’s manipulative words.

Delphia leaned against one of the palace’s support pillars, keeping her eyes fixed on the dining hall.

Her mind raced as she reconsidered what Mariel truly wanted. Delphia refused to believe Mariel was only interested in getting closer to the empress. He had shown interest in Lasyana—anyone would assume that. However, Delphia’s instincts told her Mariel had another agenda.

If she could use the spirit unification mode, Delphia would have done so to analyze Mariel thoroughly—she would be able to see what kind of person he really was.

However, despite knowing her spirit’s name, Delphia couldn’t activate unification mode. Wisdom King Raphael hadn’t told Delphia his name directly; she had discovered it by using her abilities on herself. Only Raphael’s permission would allow her to fully unlock the mode.

Mariel and Lasyana exited the dining hall more than half an hour later. There was no tension between them; they seemed relaxed with one another. For a brief moment, Delphia thought her instincts had been wrong, but she quickly dismissed the doubt. She couldn’t lower her guard.

Delphia stood upright and approached the pair—she needed to do something to ease her worries.

"Delphia, I didn’t ask you to wait."

Although subtle, Lasyana didn’t seem pleased. Delphia had to admit it was surprising. It was only the second day since they’d met—had Mariel really managed to worm his way into Lasyana’s heart? Impossible. Completely impossible. But Delphia’s eyes hadn’t deceived her.

"You didn’t," Delphia responded quickly, "but I need to speak with Sir Mariel. There’s something I want to discuss. If it’s all right, I’d like to escort him out."

"I don’t mind," Mariel interjected before Lasyana could respond. "Thank you for dinner, Lasyana. I’ll come again next week."

"Hm. I’ll see what I can do."

Mariel nodded at Lasyana, then turned to Delphia and gestured for her to follow. He walked ahead.

"Don’t take too long, Delphia; we have something to discuss."

Delphia nodded and followed Mariel. Within seconds, they were walking side by side. However, no words were exchanged. They walked in silence until they exited the palace.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Mariel asked a few moments after they stepped outside the palace.

"I don’t like lying, so I’ll be honest."

Mariel raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. He gestured for Delphia to continue.

"I haven’t found anything wrong with you; my analysis doesn’t show you have any harmful intentions. But my instincts tell me to stay cautious. Considering your interactions over the past two days, I believe you have a specific motive regarding Her Majesty. This motive isn’t just simple attraction as you’ve shown. It’s more than that."

"Ah, I don’t think you’d notice."

Delphia hadn’t expected Mariel to admit it so easily. She was surprised but didn’t let the shock linger. "...So, I’m right?" she asked to confirm.

"Yes," Mariel replied, tilting his head back with a sad expression. "You know, my father was killed early on. I saw my mother’s head chopped off right before my eyes. It happened here, on this imperial land. The previous ruler was incompetent, utterly disappointing."

Mariel turned to face Delphia. "My motive is simple," he continued. "I just want to ensure that Lasyana will lead Neiracia to a better future. I want to see what kind of person Lasyana really is. How likely she is to become like her predecessor; how likely she is to be a parasite to Neiracia. I want to make sure Neiracia won’t be dragged into ruin."

Delphia didn’t sense any deceit; Mariel truly believed what he was saying.

"I’m glad you asked, Delphia."

Delphia was surprised once again.

"Now that you know my goal, I want you to help me." Mariel turned fully toward her. "I know you’re loyal to Lasyana, but I also know you’re loyal to the empire. I want the best for the empire; Lasyana wants the best for the empire; and I believe you do too. So, I want you to be my eyes and ears when I’m not here."

"What do you mean, Sir Mariel?"

"As someone loyal to Lasyana, you wouldn’t oppose her. But as someone loyal to the empire, you wouldn’t stay silent if the empire were threatened. So, if Lasyana ever makes a decision that endangers the empire, I want you to inform me."

Delphia didn’t believe Lasyana would endanger the empire. However, as before, she might be forced to make difficult decisions. So, she understood Mariel’s reasoning. But wasn’t that still a form of disloyalty?

"We can only be loyal to one thing, even if we want to be loyal to many," Mariel said. "So, when your loyalties clash, you can keep your loyalty to Lasyana. Leave your loyalty to the empire for me to carry. What do you say, Delphia?"

In just two short days, Mariel had shown that he genuinely wanted the best for the empire.

No one could deny it. He destroyed One Eye headquarters; he freed the slaves; he brought Libertania to the palace’s side; and he agreed to dirty his hands with the blood of greedy nobles. Mariel’s contributions to the empire’s progress were undeniable.

"Very well," Delphia decided. "If that’s all, I don’t mind being your eyes and ears."

"I’m glad to hear it," Mariel said with a relieved smile, extending his right hand. "Let’s work together for a better Neiracia."

Delphia nodded and shook the offered hand. "For Neiracia," she added.

"Hmm..."

"What is it?"

"Can I take a closer look at your hand?"

Delphia didn’t understand but nodded. She allowed Mariel to pull her hand forward, holding it close to his face. He studied her hand seriously, leaving Delphia more confused.

"What’s wrong with my—"

Delphia’s words caught in her throat as Mariel suddenly pressed his lips to the back of her hand. She could only stare silently at the unexpected action.

"Your hand is soft, warm, but at the same time strong. Your smile must be just as warm as your hand if only you’d show it." Mariel released her hand and turned away. "Until next time, Delphia. It’s been a pleasure meeting you."

"..."

...If Delphia had to be honest, she was now more confused than ever. She had gotten answers, but they only made her want more. That boy...had he just toyed with her?

The desire to protect Lasyana from the young man’s sharp tongue surged significantly within Delphia. Mariel might not be a threat to Neiracia or Lasyana’s reign. However...

"...He’s dangerous in another way," Delphia muttered, staring blankly at the back of her right hand—the sensation of Mariel’s lips still lingered.