Inside the tent, the table had been overturned, with plates and food scattered everywhere. A sword lay on the ground. It looked as though a sudden, brief fight had taken place.
Gelo lay in a pool of blood on the ground, clutching his lower abdomen with a pained expression. He no longer had the strength to cry out, only letting out faint groans. When he saw Richard rush in, his lips moved with difficulty as he called weakly, "Save... save me..."
Richard narrowed his eyes. His earlier suspicion had been confirmed.
He walked toward Gelo, his mind racing as he considered what might have happened during the few short minutes he had been away. After a while, before he could even crouch beside him, Gelo could no longer hold on. His eyes closed, and he fainted. At the same time, the sound of many footsteps and hoofbeats rose outside the tent.
Rustle!
The tent flap was violently thrown open, and a large number of nobles rushed inside. Then they saw Gelo lying motionless with his eyes closed, and Richard standing beside him.
For an instant, the air froze. The tense, oppressive atmosphere was pushed straight to its peak without any buildup.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
In the blink of an eye, countless weapons had been drawn. Though they feared Richard, a Wizard, the apparent "tragic death" of Prince Gelo still ignited the nobles' fury. They glared at him fiercely, their shouts rising one after another.
"Damn it, you evil Wizard! You dared to assassinate the Prince!"
"Damn it, you killed the Prince! We'll burn you alive!"
"Wizard, don't run! We'll kill you and avenge the Prince!"
"..."
Richard listened to the clamorous shouting, raising an eyebrow slightly, but his expression did not change. He knew perfectly well that explanations were useless