The Bleak Choice

"Who wants to see me?" Benjamin immediately asked.

"This... I'm not sure either, but they seem to be very important. They came with many guards and specifically asked to see you." The servant hesitated before answering, "They're in the side dining hall now. If you're willing, you can go meet them."

Benjamin felt somewhat helpless, but he still nodded.

"Fine. I'll go see them."

Though he did not know who it was, after hearing the servant's description, he already had a guess.

It can't really be him, can it...

With mixed feelings, Benjamin walked through the palace corridors and arrived at the side dining hall. The usually deserted hall was now occupied by quite a few people. The man standing by the window turned around and gave Benjamin a small laugh.

It was the King of Caritas.

"Mage Benjamin, it has been a long time." He walked over, patted Benjamin on the shoulder, and said this.

"It has been a long time."

Benjamin smiled and nodded as well.

Who else could it have been? The news that he was currently in Regina had not been announced to the world. Few people knew he was here, aside from the two envoys he had sent back a few days ago.

Coupled with Ikor's current complicated situation, the king's sudden visit was actually quite expected.

—There was no doubt he had come for the succession.

"In just a few months, you have changed the course of a nation once again. Truly... not surprising in the slightest." The king looked Benjamin over twice more, fell silent for a moment, and said, "We have also heard about Scarlett attacking the academy. I want to know exactly what has happened to her now. Is she alive or dead? For the sake of our old friendship, do