Chapter 111

Since they had spent time together, it would be nice to leave after visiting the bustling streets tomorrow.

So that Little One could create a few more memories.

“Felix, do you want to come along tomorrow too?”  

“I think I’ll have to see tomorrow. Even if I can’t take leave, I’ll join in the afternoon.”  

“Hehe.”  

At the news that Felix would also join, Little One became even more excited. The child chattered endlessly about what he wanted to do tomorrow until they arrived at the palace.  

“I want to eat ice cream!”  

“Alright, let’s eat some.”  

“I want to draw pictures too!”  

“Sure, let’s do that.”  

“I want to make friends too!”  

“Really? Then I’ll introduce you to my friends.”  

As they chatted away, the carriage entered the palace grounds. When the carriage finally stopped, Elena and Little One were escorted down by Felix.  

After Felix helped her adjust her dress, Elena carefully spoke to Little One.  

“Philly, there are a lot of people inside, and it’s going to be crowded, so you must stay close to me or Felix. Got it?”  

“Yes!”  

“Promise.”  

“I promise!”  

After they hooked their pinkies once more, they entered the banquet hall.  

“Earl Christian, Lady Bellote, and Young Master Haite are entering!”  

As the attendant announced their arrival, all eyes in the hall turned toward them.  

Little One, unfamiliar with being in such a crowded place, hid behind Elena’s back.  

“Everyone is staring at us.”  

“It’s alright. They’re looking because Felix is famous.”  

Felix’s reputation, which had followed him during his academy days, continued even after he joined the Royal Knights.  

Though he was still a new recruit, his skilled magic had already helped capture criminals and protect the royal family.  

While Elena didn’t like the dangerous work he did, she was also proud that he was being recognized in his role.  

Because of this, Felix was undoubtedly the center of attention at the welcome party for new recruits.  

Before they realized it, the three of them were surrounded by people.  

And naturally, the topic of conversation was Little One.  

“Who is this child?”  

“Oh, he’s my cousin. I had no choice but to bring him along today since there was no one else to watch him.”  

The friendly knight smiled and bent down to the Little One’s level.  

“What’s your name?”  

Little One, though shy, answered clearly.  

“I’m Philly Haite.”  

“Nice to meet you, Philly.”  

Little One hesitated for a moment before shaking the knight’s outstretched hand.  

This repeated several times, and as more attention focused on him, Little One’s face grew increasingly pale.  

Worried that he might faint, Elena whispered to Felix.  

“Felix, I’m going to take Little One to see my brother for a bit.”  

“Should I come with you?”  

Elena shook her head. There were still many people who wanted to greet Felix, especially the nobles who seemed eager to establish connections with him.  

“No, I’ll go with Little One by myself.”  

“Alright. Let’s meet again when the party officially starts.”  

“Okay. Philly, let’s go.”  

“Yes!”  

Little One, excited at the prospect of leaving the crowded hall, cheerfully grabbed her hand.  

The hall was vast, and there were many knights in uniform. Though Elena had always thought her brother William was tall, the knights’ physiques rivaled his.  

Finding her brother wasn’t easy.  

Then, she spotted a familiar face. Instead of heading to her brother, she approached him.  

“Cedric!”  

Cedric turned toward her voice and smiled brightly.  

“Elena, I thought you’d be here.”  

“It’s nice to see you here.”  

Then something unusual happened. Little One, who had been shy around others, suddenly beamed at Cedric.  

“Uncle Cedric!”  

Cedric looked momentarily puzzled but soon laughed warmly.  

“Hello! What’s your name?”  

“I’m Philly!”  

“Nice to meet you, Philly.”  

Little One acted as though he knew Cedric well. Naturally, Cedric, who was meeting the child for the first time, looked at Elena questioningly.  

“Who is this child?”  

“Oh, he’s Felix’s cousin. His parents are traveling, so we’re looking after him.”  

As Elena and Cedric exchanged light conversation, Little One interrupted.  

“Uncle, Uncle! Can you bring my mom back?”  

Elena crouched down and asked Little One.  

“Philly, do you know Cedric?”  

“Yes! He’s Mom’s friend!”  

“Mom?”  

Cedric looked confused, and Little One quickly changed his words.  

“No, your friend, Sister! Sister Elly, you’re his friend, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”  

Though it was true, Elena wondered how Little One knew Cedric. 

Was it just because I greeted him?  

‘Maybe that’s it.’  

But as if to challenge her thoughts, Little One clung to Cedric, pleading.  

“Uncle, Uncle! Please bring my mom back!”  

Cedric smiled awkwardly, clearly unsure how to respond.  

“Well, I don’t think that’s something I can do.”  

“Philly, don’t do that.”  

Elena gently pulled Little One away from Cedric, who looked like he was about to cry.  

She hugged Little One tightly.  

‘I need to get him away from Cedric for now.’  

If this continued, Cedric might start asking questions.  

“Cedric, have you seen my brother William?”  

“Oh, Sir Bellote? He’s over there.”  

Following Cedric’s gesture, Elena spotted her brother.  

“Thank you! Philly, let’s go.”  

“Yes.”  

Taking Little One’s hand, she headed toward her brother—or tried to.  

“Good evening, my lady.”  

A knight blocked her path before she could reach him.  

The man, with brown hair and green eyes, was as tall as Felix and William. Though his face was kind, there was a sharpness about him that made Elena instinctively hold Little One closer.  

“Wh-what is it?”  

The unknown knight scratched his head awkwardly.  

“Ah, are you here with a partner?”  

“Huh?”  

Was it because I was wandering alone without Felix? 

Before she could mention Felix’s name, the man continued.  

“If you don’t mind, may I ask for a dance later?”  

Wait, was this a sign of interest? 

While she felt flattered, she was also at a loss.  

As she wondered how to decline, Little One suddenly jumped in front of her, spreading his arms wide.  

“Elly is Brother Felix’s!”  

Little One’s loud declaration drew even more attention from the already curious crowd.  

Elena quickly covered Little One’s mouth. Children truly were unpredictable.  

She smiled awkwardly.  

“I’m sorry. I already have a partner to dance with.”  

“No worries. I must’ve been out of line. Please enjoy the evening.”  

Once the man was gone, Elena scolded Little One.  

“Philly, you can’t say things like that.”  

“But…”  

“What’s wrong with what he said? That was perfect.”  

Felix appeared, having somehow escaped the crowd, and ruffled Little One’s hair. Little One puffed up with pride.  

“See? Even Brother Felix says I did well.”  

“Alright, I give up.”  

“Did you greet William?”  

“No, not yet…”  

They didn’t get the chance to. Just as they were about to move, the attendant announced loudly.  

“The King and Queen are entering!”  

Everyone quickly bowed. The King, with his dignified presence, took his seat and began to speak.  

“There have been many unfortunate events over the past year.”  

The “unfortunate events” he referred to were likely the acts of terrorism carried out by Anguis. Their leader had yet to be captured, and incidents continued to occur in various places.  

For this reason, Felix and the other knights remained on high alert, even during today’s party. After all, it was a gathering held in the palace, with not only the King but also the royal family in attendance, making it a potential target for Anguis.  

Of course, the security was so tight that the likelihood of such an attack was low.  

“I commend your hard work. I ask for your continued dedication to our Kingdom.”  

The King raised a champagne glass. Everyone else took a glass from the trays carried by the attendants.  

Elena and Felix also picked up champagne glasses, while Little One was handed a child-friendly cup filled with juice.  

“For the Kingdom!”  

Following the King’s toast, everyone echoed loudly,  

“For the Kingdom!”  

But at that very moment, the sound of shattering glass rang out.  

Simultaneously, one of the knights standing near the King grabbed a shard of broken glass and charged toward him.  

“For Prince Calypse II!”  

Another knight nearby intercepted him. The sharp glass shard pierced the shoulder of the intervening knight, and blood splattered.  

That was only the beginning. Suddenly, all the windows of the palace shattered at once. Men in black masks descended into the hall on ropes.  

“This Kingdom has no future!”  

“Follow Prince Calypse II!”  

It was Anguis.  

“Aaaah!”  

The party quickly descended into chaos. Elena instinctively shielded Little One in her arms. The knights moved systematically, as if they had anticipated such an event.  

Felix grabbed Elena’s hand.  

“Elly, let’s go.”  

Behind him, Cedric, William, and the other members of the Royal Knights could be seen protecting the royal family and guiding people to safety.  

Elena held Little One’s hand tightly and shook her head at Felix.  

“I’ll be fine.”  

“……”  

“Go. You’re a Royal Knight.”  

She knew the importance of separating personal matters from duty. Felix had just joined the Royal Knights, and it wouldn’t be acceptable for him to act on personal motives, even to protect someone close to him.  

Besides, Elena was confident she would be safe. Anguis wasn’t after ordinary people like her; their target was the King and the royal family.  

“Elly…”  

As they exchanged these brief words, more people rushed past them. The sound of glass breaking and the screams of the crowd filled the air.  

There was no more time to waste. Elena pushed Felix forward.  

“Hurry. I’ll follow others’ instructions and evacuate with Little One.”  

“But…”  

“I’d rather you prioritize the greater good than just looking out for me.”