In the clearing, Rex quietly watched Chen Rui.
"Elder Stanwell, Elder Peilin, I'm sorry, but I have a few words I need to say to this gentleman alone."
Seeing that Chen Rui raised no objection, Stanwell immediately signaled Peilin with his eyes. The two bowed to Chen Rui and left the range of the soundproof barrier.
Emperor Rex had likewise witnessed the battle at the Holy Mountain. Stanwell knew that the Emperor had most likely recognized "Arthur." Of course, he did not think Arthur was Rex's son. Rex had cast that "son" out of the Empire long ago and had even reported him to the Church of Light—by now, even the Church itself had completely cleared up the matter.
But now, it seemed there might be some other connection between the two.
Only then did Rex speak to Chen Rui. "What a surprise. To run into you here of all places."
"I'm surprised too," Chen Rui replied calmly.
"Fier... misses you terribly." Rex shook his head. "No matter how I explain it, she remains convinced that you are her brother."
"At least it's a beautiful wish. Take good care of her."
Rex sighed. "Garfield is dead."
"Oh?" Chen Rui raised his brows.
"Luke," Rex said, naming the man.
"The Fourth Prince?" Chen Rui gave a disdainful smile. "He hid himself for so long, but finally couldn't hold back any longer?"
"He had always been colluding with the remnants of the Cloud Soaring Empire. The assassination attempt I faced was planned by him. He wanted to pin it on Garfield, then make it look as though Garfield had killed himself out of guilt. The result..."
"Luke died too?"
"No. I merely had him secretly imprisoned. He will spend the rest of his life in nothing more than a single courtyard." Desolation