Chapter 254: Invitation to the Imperial Palace
Elysia only smiled wryly after hearing Evelyn's explanation of the aftermath of yesterday's events.
'Harumph, it's up to them to say it and take it at any rate. That doesn't mean we are bound by duty or obligation.' Elena expressed her protest and disapproval of the public who made that statement.
'Yeah, we can't be biased, and we'll still stand in the neutral zone. Moreover, I hope that no one bothers me for my master's reasons.' Elysia had the same opinion.
'Anyway, it's been two days since you exchanged messages with Sylvia. You've been giving that Devil Princess the cold shoulder more and more lately, Ely. Can you give that clueless girl a chance to prove herself? You can speak your mind and drag the girl to the light.' Elena changed the subject of the conversation while playing with a strand of her hair.
'Please talk about Sylvia again later, Sister Elena. After all, I can only exchange messages with that Devil Princess secretly.' Elysia closed the conversation about Sylvia at once.
'Okay, I'll remind you later when the time is right, Ely. Just give that silly girl one chance, and after that, I won't bring it up again if you want.' Elena nodded slightly. It would be a pity if she crossed out Sylvia from Elysia's list of potential friends without giving the girl a chance.
'Mm.' A brief response from Elysia, and after that, Elena didn't bring up any more conversation about Sylvia.
"--After that, I came right back here." Evelyn just finished talking about her activities yesterday.
"Hum-hum, so what about our Lavely Pizza? Is there a problem or issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible?" Elysia suddenly became somewhat anxious about their business. She heard Evelyn's words even though she talked to Elena in her mind.
"For that, Ayla and the employees have solved all the problems that may arise." Ella delivered a reassuring line with a smile.
There was nothing to worry about, the manager who was just appointed a few days ago served well and satisfactorily. Well, the discussion about opening a Lavely Pizza in another city would indeed be realized. The person in charge of the branch in this city was present as the first stage in the plan.
"You can breathe easy, Ely. Ayla is more capable than she looks." Evelyn patted her best friend's back in a relaxed manner.
"Yeah, she is talented." Elysia breathed a sigh of relief if there weren't any issues that needed more attention. Ayla was indeed pretty reliable, as expected from the human resources sent by Pope Alexander.
After that, Elysia looked at the clock. Time passed so quickly. Evelyn's story had already taken nearly 30 minutes. At that moment, Alexander was about to open his mouth to speak. Unfortunately, the entrance opened suddenly, and two imperial knights in light armor entered with courtesy.
One of the imperial knights gave a respectful bow with a smile, then conveyed the purpose of their arrival. "Elysia Avery, based on Emperor Arthur Griffith's behest... You are cordially invited to Aeddoterra Imperial Palace for a breakfast banquet with the Royal Family. You have the freedom to take anyone with you-"
Yet, the Imperial Knight couldn't finish his words. Alexander was there and interrupted without caring for anyone.
"It can't be done, turn it into a luncheon. Tell Arthur that it's a request from me. My granddaughters and I are having breakfast together this morning. We will go to the palace at lunch time." Alexander stood up from the sofa and faced the two imperial knights with an expression as if his words were absolute, nothing to argue with.
"We- We understand. We will convey your will to Emperor Arthur. Your arrival is very much awaited at the palace this afternoon." The other imperial knight stuttered a little.
He and his colleague were not too late to notice that the Holy Grandfather was also present in the room. Emperor Arthur had already given them a spare route and reminder if the breakfast banquet could not be held for any reason.
"With all due respect and courtesy, we excuse ourselves." After giving a respectful bow, the two imperial knights immediately left. They knew very well the weight of the Pope's words. Even Emperor Arthur himself would not possibly reject it.
"Grandfather, are we going to the Aeddoterra Palace this afternoon? Ely, Eve, and I will go with Rosie to Cuttexus City this afternoon. Didn't I tell you yesterday, and you agreed, grandfather?" Ella asked with a perplexed expression.
"I didn't forget, Ella. You will go to lunch at the palace before leaving. You also need to wait for Ariel to arrive as your companion." Alexander turned around while shaking his head and walked over to his granddaughter.
"Oh well, I understand." Ella nodded innocently and gave a beaming smile.
"Ella, Elysia, Evelyn, we are going to have breakfast together this morning. At the same time, there are some things I would like to discuss with you, Elysia." Alexander said his invitation while writing something onto a talisman and then burning it with Holy Magic.
"Evelyn, you didn't forget to ask your parents permission, did you?" Feeling himself being stared at by three pairs of curious eyes, Alexander suddenly questioned it, to make sure and for the common good. He intended to assign someone else to Evelyn if this girl didn't get a protector from the Mage Association.
"Um, yes, I didn't forget it, grandfather. I asked my parents for permission yesterday, in the afternoon. Soon, someone who was sent by my mother will come here." Evelyn assured swiftly with a small nod.
"Good, if so, let's have breakfast here together. In a moment, our breakfast will be delivered here." Alexander nodded slightly, and the girls only agreed with his invitation.
"All right, Elysia, while waiting for breakfast to come... Let's talk about yesterday's events in more detail." Alexander also took a stool and sat by the bed.
He wanted to ask about many things yesterday, but he held it back because Elysia seemed unwell. But, at this time, Elysia was fully recovered. So, he thought it was time.
"Gulp... Ye-yes, sure." Elysia knew she couldn't help but answer some of Pope's confusion.
"Is it true that your master can revive the deceased with her divine magic?" Alexander put on a neutral face, even though it was a sensitive question to ask.
For some reason, Elysia saw a glimpse of hope in Pope's eyes in the blink of an eye. She didn't know why Pope Alexander seemed to wish for something, and she became unsure about that too.
"I don't really understand it, but I can't call it magic to revive the deceased because I was still there, seeing Ella and Eve crying. But I was just a spirit at that time." Elysia shook her head with a hint of sympathy because it was the truth. She and Elena didn't know how to bring people back to life.
"I see..." Alexander sighed softly with a little disappointment, but it did not rule out the possibility of hope.
After that, he changed the subject of the conversation between the Goddess of Blessings and Elysia. He wanted to know more about what was conveyed by the Goddess of Blessing at that time... In case there was an implied message.
In response to Pope Alexander's great interest, Elysia was not stingy about sharing what she knew, despite not much. She also provided some details about accursed monsters in case anything was missed yesterday.
For the next few minutes, Alexander asked, and Elysia answered eloquently. She knew it was for the common good. In time, she hoped the information she shared could be useful in reducing the devastating effects of the accursed monsters.
"That's understandable. Those monsters are called cursed creatures, ahem, accursed monsters for an obvious reason. But the curse, hmm... Holy Magic, purification magic becomes very useful in that case." Alexander stroked his beard in thought but suddenly remembered what he was going to ask yesterday.
"Elysia, are you really still at the Apprentice level? It still surprises me that you wielded a high-level weapon and slaughtered the accursed monsters that came at you. You can even purify the curses that come at you?" Alexander asked in wonder, and it also intrigued Ella and Evelyn.
"Though it's hard to believe, I'm still at the Apprentice level. Maybe, because the magic I use is a bit different. It's hard to explain, but, yes, it is." Elysia observed her hands for a few seconds, then clenched and then loosened them.
"Yes, Ely doesn't need Hypmond to cast magic anymore. She can also use instant magic without a magic circle." Evelyn spilled the beans without hesitation. She considered Pope Alexander as an insider. Also, it was not a big problem to say because her best friend brought up this matter.
"Oh-ho? Is that true, Elysia?" Alexander sought confirmation, and Elysia just nodded. "Hmm, maybe it's magic from your world and different from magic in this world. Don't make a fuss about it. Everyone has their own dao of magic."
Shortly after that, four priests arrived with two serving trolleys. It was their breakfast that came at Pope Alexander's request. The priests took out a folding table and four chairs from the Space Bag. They swiftly set the table for Pope before excusing themselves.
"Well, let's have breakfast together." Alexander stood up and walked towards the emergency dining table. Meanwhile, the three girls and one cat just nodded before following him.
After that, they ate their breakfast in peace and continued with the tea party in serenity. They just chatted warmly with light and pleasant conversation until one of the two awaited people arrived.