Mordred Deploys Troops

"Your Highness, are you all right?"

Clotaire, standing guard outside the palace doors, hurriedly asked with concern when he saw Mordred emerge.

As he discreetly observed Mordred's condition, he saw that although the Crown Prince's brows were tightly furrowed, his every movement was steady and forceful, carrying an innate air of dignity. The gloom and terror that had faintly surfaced before were gone.

"I am unharmed."

A resolute expression showed between Mordred's brows, as though he had made some life-or-death decision in his heart. His face bore the calm ease of one who had resigned himself to fate.

After glancing around, he led Clotaire to the outermost level of the palace, where...