Although the Empress in his memories had always been blunt and outspoken, the fact that she was this direct still caught Yu Lian off guard.
Of course, although the sudden attack had taken him by surprise, it wasn't enough to make an experienced old pirate slip up. After all, he had plenty of experience playing dumb in his previous life. So Yu Lian pretended to ponder for a moment, then sighed. "Oh, so he really is dead!"
"Oh? Yu Lian, you don't seem surprised at all." Brunhild smiled, her blue eyes tinged with violet and full of teasing, masking the sharp scrutiny beneath.
"After all, I'm a psionic, and I've learned a thing or two about sensing spiritual energy. How could I fail to feel it when a seven-ring demigod fell? What about you? Didn't you sense it?" Yu Lian asked in return.
Brunhild smiled without answering.
"Oh, I forgot. Your Highness is only three rings, after all. And the throne seems to command all beneath heaven, forging ahead without pause, so I suppose you pay a little less attention to your surroundings."
Brunhild caught on this time. He was mocking her, but instead of getting angry, she laughed. "That sharp tongue of yours feels just like that white-haired fox's. Yu Lian, you really weren't like this before! My great-great-great-great-great-grandfather told me that anyone who trusts a Belenkast will be corrupted by their fragrant venom."
Yu Lian acted as if he hadn't heard her. "But this sort of thing should be a state secret in your country. Is it really all right to tell me?"
"Heh. Just as you said, any psionic with even a little sensitivity could sense something like this. How could it be kept secret?" King Suliuka rested the fingers of her left hand on the table