In the Third Prince's palace.
The palace had grown increasingly busy lately, with servants packing luggage.
Third Prince Sidney would be joining Michel on the expedition, and the departure date was drawing near.
Yet no matter how busy the servants were, several rooms in the palace had never been opened.
Today, Sidney was in one of them, looking displeased as he faced Lillian:
"Are you sure this will be an important historical node?"
"I'm sure. Damn it, I'm absolutely sure!"
Lillian's voice had lost all its former elegance. She raked a hand through her hair and looked at Sidney in agitation, speaking rapidly:
"He really refused? That makes no sense. Joining the expedition offers him so many benefits... fine, whatever the reason, he refused to join the expedition. We have to find a way to drag him along!"
"You, not us. I have no reason to insist on dragging him along on the expedition!"
Sidney's tone was already somewhat disgruntled. "Listen, if you care about some historical node, find a way yourself. I have no interest in that theory of yours. I'd rather write new history!"
"I've already tried. I sent him three requests to visit and two invitations. I even wrote him a blatant love letter, and he sent every one of them back. He even replied telling me not to interfere with his gaming!"
Lillian's face flushed red with anger.
Sidney burst out laughing and waved a hand, his expression easing somewhat.
"That certainly sounds like him... must you bring about this historical node? Isn't your next sacrifice supposed to be something you regret?"
Lillian gave Sidney a long look. "You certainly know quite a lot about the Hollow Cathedral... unfortunately, though, that isn't what I regret."
"Oh?"
"I once received guidance within established history. This regret of