Damn.
That was Tales's first thought as half his face was pressed against the cold stone floor, dust and pain grinding into him.
From the prince forcing his way into the chamber and putting a sword to his neck, to his own carelessness and capture, the situation had changed in the blink of an eye—far beyond imagination.
The entire Ballad Room was stunned, too shocked to react.
Mariko, the focus of the room, tightened his grip on Tales's twisted arm, took a deep breath, and reported to King Kessel with an exhilarated expression:
"Your Majesty, the intruder has been captured!"
King Kessel did not answer immediately.
He merely stared deeply at Tales on the floor.
His expression was as heavy as the sea.
No one knew what he was thinking.
The Royal Guards were about to rush forward, but Captain Adrian, frowning deeply, promptly raised a hand and stopped them five paces away.
Only then did many people come to their senses and breathe sighs of relief.
"Is it over?" Sodor stared blankly at the prince, who was pinned down so firmly that he could not move.
Gilbert said nothing. His face was ashen, and his eyes were red.
Prime Minister Cullen likewise remained silent, lowering his head in deep thought.
"My God, thank heaven, thank the Sunset Church, I knew..." Qiu Ke, the steward, wrenched free of Sodor's hand over his mouth. Still shaken, he had clearly been terrified.
Noisy, chaotic, and restless, the atmosphere in the Ballad Room finally became less oppressive.
But Mariko keenly noticed that his superior, Adrian, standing beside His Majesty, had a solemn expression and shook his head at him.
The king's voice rang out, making the room fall silent once more.
"Looks like," Kessel said thoughtfully as he stared at Tales, who had