บท 411: Discreet Encounters

Blinking my eyes open, I stared at the ceiling tossed in my mind the daunting task that lay ahead - the quest to beat King James, who was seemingly powerful beyond measure. Not having any reassurance that the Scouter hadn't failed during the measurement of the King's power level was nerve-wracking.

Once my sleep-laden eyes picked up the first rays, I had the compulsive need to go back to the palace. I surreptitiously slipped out of the room, leaving Lillia and Mati - both of them in deep slumber without the slightest consciousness of my absence. Sliding into my shoes, with the Scouter handy, I approached the palace, driven by an intense curiosity and unease.

Halfway through, I stumbled upon an assembly of villagers, their murmurs hushed and faces pallid under the cloak of starlight. A clandestine meeting, by the looks of it. Blending with the shadows, I positioned myself behind a giant willow, peering at the assembly. A sense of urgency tinged their hushed voices.