Because he had been focused on talking with Leisha, Shade had not specifically paid attention to how many people had left the room during this break.
Once the break began, he, Leisha, and the other two dark-haired young ladies had discussed whether the "prince" and "hunter" figures Shade had just mentioned were overly functionalized, and whether men serving as "objects of violence" and "saviors" in stories were contradictory yet unified roles.
At that moment, a knock suddenly sounded. Leisha looked towards the door in confusion and saw maids trying to stop three strangers from entering.
Others might not have recognized them, but Leisha knew they were Ring Arcanists from the Dawn Church stationed at Yodel Palace:
"Viss, let them in. Miss Detti, what is it?"
The Sorceress called Miss Detti, who led the group, was a High-Ring Arcanist. She first looked over everyone in the room, then spoke to Leisha only after confirming that it was safe:
"Your Highness, someone has broken into Yodel Palace. We came to inform you that, from this moment on, all doors and windows must remain shut. Do not let anyone enter for the next hour."
"But our companions went to the washroom."
Someone said this, but the High-Ring Sorceress shook her head:
"We will arrange for those ladies who have not yet returned to go to other rooms. your highness, safety is the priority now.
"Do not, under any circumstances, let anyone enter the room after we leave, even if they are your friends or companions. The intruder is skilled at disguising itself and imitating voices. Although its location has been confirmed to be elsewhere in Yodel Palace, Your Highness, you should still be careful."
As she spoke, she made a complicated gesture to Leisha. It was a gesture only members of the royal