Everyone present, including Merlot, who had just spoken, looked at Arad with somewhat cold, even hostile eyes.
There was no helping it.
Orus was a city of the Principality of Libian. This was Principality of Libian territory, while Riezel and the others were distinguished guests who had come from afar, each of them of an identity far beyond what the Principality of Libian could compare to.
For a city in such a small nation to receive the honor of Riezel's group paying it a visit was practically an ancestral blessing.
And Riezel's group had indeed received the hospitality of the Principality of Libian, represented by Arad, and stayed in the guesthouse arranged for them.
But what happened?
It would have been one thing if they had been attacked on someone else's territory, but the battle had been so fierce and caused such an enormous commotion, yet the Principality of Libian's army had only arrived now?
This was no longer something that could be brushed aside with a simple excuse of being late.
"Commander Xavier, I now seriously doubt whether the Principality of Libian truly values His Excellency the Wielder's safety. I also seriously doubt your nation's capabilities." Merlot stepped forward, pressing aggressively. "His Excellency encountered danger here tonight, and even the Holy Sword was nearly stolen through the schemes of the Abyss Believers. Had His Excellency not turned the tide, the Principality of Libian would have become sinners!"
"I believe you cannot evade responsibility for this!"
At those words, Arad's hand clenched unconsciously.
"We were indeed somewhat late," Arad said in a low voice. "But the manor's security and guards were transferred into the hands of the two sides only at the request of Her Highness and His Holiness. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?" Merlot interrupted Arad without mercy, staring at him.