The Merchant's Daughter's shrill laughter still echoed through the corridor, gradually fading into the distance.
The two Bancia knights stared at the scene in stunned silence—at the black smoke scattering through the corridor. Male Sorcerer Sader swept them with a gloomy gaze. "What are you standing around for?" he said coldly. "Clean this place up."
The two knights, one old and one young, hurriedly lowered their heads and repeatedly acknowledged the order.
Sader turned around and looked Antitina up and down. The woman's words before leaving had made him feel that something was amiss. "You're this country's princess?"
Antitina met his eyes without fear. Her gaze was clear and resolute, but she said nothing.
Sader gave an inward snort when he saw this, realizing that his mental suggestion had failed. A wizard's spell for controlling the mind was powerful, but it had to be used against someone who was unprepared. If the target knew the caster's methods well, success became even more unlikely.
Afraid of damaging the girl's mind, he thought for a moment and decided not to continue. With a dark expression, he gestured for Antitina to follow him.
Although Antitina did not answer, she understood that pointless resistance would achieve nothing at this moment and silently followed him. The two entered a study. Male Sorcerer Sader said nothing either, taking a communication ruby from a drawer and rubbing it twice with his finger.
About a quarter of an hour later, a knock came from outside the door.
"Mr. Sader."
When Antitina heard that voice, she felt all the blood in her body rush to her head. Though she had expected this, she still trembled with rage. Male Sorcerer Sader tapped on the table, and the door opened by itself. Antitina looked toward the person outside, her furious gaze