The turmoil of the previous night was evident on people’s weary faces. Both Parma and Helen had the look of those who hadn’t slept well.

Helen, sipping her tea, remarked, “I’m finally starting to feel a bit more like myself. It was noisy all night, and it felt like the mountains were on fire. Even though I’ve been told things are fine now, not knowing why everything’s okay just made me more anxious. I didn’t want to bother Sophia or anyone else with questions and end up getting in the way.”

Parma, stifling a yawn, asked, “So, what about Saturn?”

Sophia, also sipping her tea, closed her eyes briefly before opening them again. “There was an ambush by Saturn, but we managed to fend it off. We were lucky—they attacked directly. Now we have some time to prepare.”

“Prepare?” Helen looked at Sophia blankly. Parma inquired, “Do you think there will be another invasion?”

“Yes. This invasion seemed to have been coordinated with Oberon. Or perhaps they wanted it to appear that way,” Sophia replied.

Parma’s expression shifted as if realizing something. “So, you think it was a fake ambush, and the real one is yet to come?”

“Approximately 500 enemy soldiers attacked Ariel, and 1,000 went for Umbriel. Their target was Prince Robert. The agreement might not have been with Oberon but with another party. We’ll know more once the investigations in Umbriel are completed. Oh, and Umbriel is fine, by the way. There was some initial chaos, but it’s been resolved. They even captured a lot of Saturnian spies.”

Parma commented, “Not the salt mines, but Prince Robert? That makes me think of Cressida.”

“Everyone would think the same. And if it’s not Cressida, then that’s a twist—and a serious problem,” Sophia replied.

Helen interjected, “What about Wiscombe? Wasn’t Philip Wiscombe highly suspicious? Or was he spared because of his ducal title?”

Parma said with confidence, “It’s certain that Philip Wiscombe knows something.”

“Hmm.” Parma pondered briefly before turning to Sophia. “What do you think about returning to the capital? After all, the culprit must be there. You’d probably excel at identifying them.”

Sophia laughed lightly. “We don’t know when Saturn will strike again. I need to stay in Ariel. Helen, you and Sol should return to the capital. Mrs. Finega likely won’t go because of the child and Ellie, but the two of you should. Oh, and Mrs. Finega plans to stop by Oberon briefly before heading to the capital.”

Helen pouted. “I heard from Father. There’s nothing to do in the capital. I’d rather stay here—I’d be too anxious to relax in the capital, wondering how things are unfolding here. Sol probably feels the same.”

She glanced at Parma, knowing full well that everyone in Ariel was aware of Sol’s infatuation with her. If Parma stayed in Ariel, Sol would surely refuse to leave as well.

But Sophia knew they couldn’t keep the two in Ariel indefinitely. Taking them to Oberon was already a favor they owed to the Finega family. With Saturn’s invasion looming, the two had to be sent back to the capital.

Sophia turned to Parma. “Do you know how long Sir Gareth plans to stay?”

“Do you need my brother?” Parma asked.

“Yes. I’d like to start training before the next attack. Ariel still doesn’t have a proper knight order. All we have are recent trainees and apprentice knights. I want to learn from Sir Gareth about establishing the basic structure and training processes for a knightly order.”

Parma replied, “He will probably want to stay in Ariel and await the next battle. He’s eager to overshadow Titan’s reputation. It’s obvious he’s doing it for the attention, but still.”

Helen turned her head away to stifle a laugh, but her gaze fell on the mountains. She suddenly exclaimed, “Is the fire from yesterday not fully out? Or does that smoke mean something else?”

At her words, Sophia rose from her seat and walked to the window. Parma and Helen joined her.

Smoke was rising from the mountain peaks.

Sophia said in a startled voice, “We have visitors from Saturn. How surprising. A visit right after an ambush… Do they take Uranus so lightly? Or is there another purpose?”

Watching the smoke, Parma remarked sarcastically, “A Saturnian envoy, huh? What’s more surprising is how you can glean all this just from the smoke.”

Sophia explained, “The Titanian Mountain Range is vast and high. Ariel’s border defense has just over 200 people. Managing such a large area with so few requires swift communication. That’s why a signaling system has been developed here over the years.”

“Interesting. I think this is the first time I’ve seen it,” Parma remarked.

“Each territory adapts to its own situation and terrain. We need to prepare to receive our ‘guests.’ I’ll also need to inform the Emperor about the Saturnian envoy’s visit. I doubt they announced their visit in advance.”

“Why?” Helen asked.

“The avalanche yesterday blocked the path from Saturn to Ariel. If they’re here, it means they crossed into Ariel before the avalanche—either before or during the ambush.”

Parma quipped mockingly, “So they’re not an envoy but stragglers from the ambush?”

Still gazing at the mountains, Sophia replied, “They’d never admit to that. They’ll insist they’re an envoy and claim to know nothing of the ambush. They might even protest that the envoy was misunderstood. Whoever they are, they must be quite bold to come directly to Ariel. I’ll need to ask Lady Gareth for a favor. The envoy will eventually head to the capital. Could I ask her to accompany them?”

“The Saturn delegation… I must admit, I’m curious. Let’s meet them first. If they’re loud and disgraceful, I’ll simply decline to deal with them,” said Parma with a light chuckle.

Sophia nodded in agreement, her smile lingering.

“If they’re such people, let’s send them to Umbriel. They probably thought Ariel would be an easier target than Prince Robert anyway, which is likely why they came here.”

Parma also nodded with a slight smile.

“Good choice.”

Parma had a sense of why Prince Robert chose Sophia Ariel. When he needed help, he asked honestly, without any roundabout manipulation or ulterior motives.

As Prince Robert had said, Sophia was a pragmatic person, and Parma appreciated that. Conversely, he could also understand why her brother might view Sophia with suspicion.

***

When Sir Gareth heard that Saturn’s delegation was descending from the Titania mountain range, he leaped to his feet, ready to capture them immediately. It took all of Alex’s effort to calm him down. Fortunately, Sir Gareth decided to abide by Ariel’s wishes.

Upon meeting Saturn’s delegation, Sir Gareth’s initial impression was straightforward:

“Unpleasant bastards.”

The Saturn delegation consisted of none other than the commander and vice-commander of Titan’s Order of Knights, whose whereabouts had previously been unaccounted for. Sophia couldn’t help but feel a shiver down her spine at Saturn’s calculated moves.

This is unnerving, she thought.

Even though they were now claiming to be a delegation, had their ambush succeeded, these men would likely be occupying forces and enemies instead of visitors. Their current appearance was likely motivated by a delay in their planned war. They’d probably come to gather intelligence and sow confusion in Uranus.

Sophia scrutinized the two individuals, curious.

They must be skilled operatives from Saturn—reliable enough to act independently as a pair in enemy territory.

Judging by Sir Gareth’s reaction, it was evident. The expression on his face when he greeted Sir Enceladus, the commander of Titan’s Order of Knights, resembled the look he had when encountering Philip Wiscombe.

While Sir Gareth openly displayed his disdain, the Marquis of Ariel and his family exhibited admirable composure.

The Marquis greeted Sir Enceladus warmly,

“I’ve heard that Sir Enceladus has led the Titan Knight from a young age. It’s an honor to have someone so esteemed visit Ariel.”

Sir Enceladus replied,

“I understand Ariel is in the process of establishing a knightly order. How is that progressing? Is there anything I can assist with?”

The Marquis responded, his tone gracious yet firm.

“We deeply appreciate your offer, but we’re managing with Sir Gareth’s guidance. His assistance has been invaluable.”

Sir Enceladus gave a faint smile.

“Ah, Sir Gareth. But relying solely on him might lead to missed opportunities. A knightly order is of little use if it cannot act when most needed.”

“Is that so? It seems Saturn’s next invasion is imminent, then. Thank you for the information. And for yesterday’s considerate assault—I’m sure it was handled gently out of concern for Ariel,” the Marquis replied with a hint of irony.

Sir Enceladus shook his head with a smile.

“An assault? I believe there’s been some misunderstanding.”

The Marquis of Ariel smiled, undeterred.

“If not for the sudden avalanche last night, we wouldn’t be here now, exchanging pleasantries with Saturn’s delegation. Truly, we must be grateful for Titania’s blessings.”

The vice-commander standing behind Sir Enceladus glared at the Marquis with a hardened expression. However, John, Jack, and Alex, who were standing behind the Marquis, returned the glare without flinching. The vice-commander eventually cleared his throat awkwardly and averted his gaze.

From that moment on, Sir Gareth decided he deeply respected the Marquis of Ariel.

Sophia Ariel too—these Ariels might look mild, but they’re far tougher than they appear. Even their stares are impressive.

Sir Gareth admired the people of Ariel for their resolve to defend their borders independently. However, his admiration soured when he learned that Parma planned to escort Saturn’s delegation to the capital.

***

Sir Gareth remarked,

“The Ariels look simple on the surface, but their scheming rivals that of capital politicians.”

Parma replied,

“You have to understand. None of the Ariel family members want to go to the capital. They believe it’s their duty to protect Ariel’s lands during times like these. So it’s only natural for outsiders to escort the delegation. Meanwhile, my brother helps train the troops and prepares for the battles ahead. By the way, didn’t you say that Sir Enceladus was insufferable? Sophia said you compared him to Philip Wiscombe.”

Sir Gareth nodded instinctively.

“Sharp observation. And that’s why she’s sending you alone to escort them. What about the journey?”

Parma answered calmly,

“They’re still a delegation visiting Uranus. Do you think they’d dare to act recklessly? And even if they did, it’s not like I’d let it slide. Don’t tell me you trust Sophia Ariel more than me?”

“Did Sophia Ariel tell you about Saturn’s plots and schemes? Just how deceitful they are? Do you really think they’ll head to the capital peacefully? They’ll definitely try something. Those kinds of people will sow doubts, maybe even make it seem like the Gareths are conspiring with Saturn.”

Parma replied, her tone casual.

“Then they’ll have to try pretty hard. I’m actually curious to see what Saturn’s men are like. I’d like to know how they plan to seduce me.”

Sir Gareth felt uneasy about sending Parma with the insufferable commander of Saturn. Both had polished appearances, starkly different from Gareth and his fellow soldiers.

And the deputy is unmarried too, he noted grimly.

***

Sophia Ariel visited Sir Gareth and Parma. Glancing cautiously at Sir Gareth, Sophia spoke.

“I didn’t expect Commander Enceladus to come as part of the delegation. It seems he personally directed yesterday’s skirmish. For them to enter Ariel less than a day after their failed ambush—such audacity. It’s clear they didn’t care whether the ambush succeeded or not.”

Sir Gareth frowned.

“I’m uneasy about sending Parma with Sir Enceladus. Can’t we do something about it?”

“I’ve already sent a letter to Prince Robert,” Sophia explained. “I’ve asked him to accompany Lady Gareth to the capital and keep an eye on the delegation. Considering the delegation’s leader is the commander of Titan’s Order of Knights, they’re clearly not ordinary. Prince Robert can handle them. After all, he’s been friends with Philip Wiscombe for years.”

Gareth thought for a moment before nodding.

“That seems reasonable.”

Sophia gave Gareth a meaningful glance, which he picked up on. Parma noticed their silent exchange and tilted her head curiously.

“What’s going on? Do you and Sophia have something to discuss in private?”

“Yes,” Sophia answered smoothly. “I need to consult Sir Gareth on matters concerning Ariel. Would you mind giving us a moment?”

Though curious, Parma refrained from asking further and left the room, leaving the two to talk privately.