"This means that they continued the experiments from the captor's hypothesis and a possible development may be connected as to why they were now interested in pregnant women. Another angle was that, those pregnant women are a substitute for the extinction of the Asani Clan..." Leon continued explaining the matter with a hint of angst in his tone.
"Just what was in those research records that made them crazy on doing this…" Grandpa Ben exclaimed, his voice trembling in apprehension.
"I have yet to ask permission to reopen this case from my Father Emperor, pardon me Grand Masters Reuben and Andvari," Leon explained apologetically.
"It's all good, let his Majesty decide regarding this matter," Grandpa Ben replied understandably. "However, I do think that this is an urgent matter to tackle, as innocent lives are in danger."
"Indeed, Grandmaster, I have already informed Father regarding this matter. I may have to go back to the capital right after settling matters... with Lady Elise," He said in a guilty manner, as he was reminded of how he made the lady cry.
"Speaking of that matter, how do you plan on approaching this, Your Highness, Third Prince?" Grandpa Andi inquired with a worried tone,
"Knowing that young Eli is possibly being targeted by The Spectre, for the marriage proposal…Your Highness,"
"Pardon this humble one for contradicting you, but for young Eli to marry Your Highness, will force her to reveal her existence to the whole empire…and to The Spectre,"
"Also, many aristocratic families would say something on this matter. They may question our young Eli's origins. Your status as a royal prince is still an attractive power source to aristocrats."
Grandpa Andi laid his concerns down with a careful tone.
Leon, on the other hand, listened well to what the Grandmaster was saying. His face showed focused expression, contemplating the pros and cons of everything.
Seeing that the Third Prince was considering his old friend's opinion, Grandpa Ben also added,
"Young Prince, you were known in the whole of the empire as a D class devourer. Showing us that you have the abilities of an S class mage, must mean that… Your Highness possesses the same legendary constitution as your late GrandFather.."
"Indeed, I possess the open paths constitution." Leon confirmed.
"Hmm.. Knowing this, Your Highness must be thinking that you have enough power to keep her from danger, that is why you impulsively requested for her hand in marriage, to keep her under your protection," Grandpa Ben looked at Leon in a reprimanding manner and continued,
"However, Your Highness, even with this ultimate power, you must understand that it wouldn't be enough to protect the people around you,"
"Your highness, you couldn't just literally stay by her side at all times. Certainly, you will need to be away to do your duties as a member of the Imperial Family. Enemies are everywhere, and they liked to strike the most when the protectors were not looking.."
"I mean to say that marriage will not be enough as a solution... It may or may not be the best answer out there. But Your Highness, I would like to advise you to hear our young Eli's opinion first."
"For we are protecting her and her little one's life because we all think that they were precious to us… She has all the right to know what's going on, and decide for herself.."
"This is also our way of protecting her. Hearing her opinion.. Respecting her wishes, and supporting her all the way."
Grandpa Ben very patiently voiced out his opinions on this matter.
Observing Leon's reaction, he could see that the third prince was listening. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
This prince is still inexperienced in matters like this. His old friend Ide had gone too soon. He was sure that if his Old Friend was alive, he would very much guide the young prince along with his brothers in matters like this.
As Leon listened to what the Grandmasters said, he remembered his Father Emperor's face when he was telling him that his power wasn't enough.. No wonder he was worried about him impulsively looking for Elise.
"My impulsiveness almost brought her more harm than good. How retarded must I be to not think of that?! It was such an obvious matter!!"
He dejectedly blurted his thoughts out. He was so embarrassed that he held his palm towards his face. Trembling as he tried to grab his blood red hair that naturally cascaded in front of his face.
"Your Highness, do not blame yourself with this matter, please. We all here did not even know the right answers on how to approach this matter, so please do not reduce yourself to this state." Grandpa Andi, seeing the frigid prince ridicule himself, was alarmed.
Their reprimanding never intended to point blame towards the prince, their aim is to guide him and Eli in approaching the matter at.
"Please know that we never intended to blame you on this matter. We are saying these things to Your Highness, because we wanted for you and Eli to receive enough guidance in matters such as this. In the end, we do not even desire that both of you do exactly what we say, but use our opinions to guide whatever decisions you may take." Grandpa Andi said in an earnest and gentle manner.
Leon looked gratefully towards the two grandmasters, and still with a troubled smile he responded, "I understand, Honorable Grandmasters, thank you for your words of guidance. I ask you to continue to guide me, as well as Eli towards this matter.."
"It is our pleasure, Your Highness, you are one of our Old Ide's precious grandchildren. I would also like to humbly suggest that you thoroughly consult with his Majesty Emperor for his opinion." Grandpa Ben replied with kindness on his face as he was feeling nostalgic upon mentioning his late friend.
Leon nodded as he acknowledged the grandmaster's suggestion. At this point, he admitted in his heart that he was indeed in need of guidance on this matter.
The rest of the conversation of the three men was about their discussion of the possible solutions on how to deal with The Spectre, and how the two grandmasters could give support in this matter.
The grandmasters' standpoint on these matters made Leon marvel at the wisdom and experience the two had. He found a new level of respect and reverence towards them. He also asked permission to use their opinion as an input on his proposal to his Father Emperor by the time he returned to the kingdom.
As they had all stepped into the array with the condition of upholding the Oath of Secrecy and oath to never hurt Eli, the grandmasters also discussed relevant things about Eli that they thought would be helpful for the third prince in knowing her more.
'For who knows? At the end of all these uncertainties, the two might end up marrying each other right? They must at least get to know each other well~~'
The two grandpas glanced at each other with this idea in their minds. If this matter did not involve The Spectre, perhaps they themselves would push Eli to marry the prince for they think it wasn't bad.
As for the cunning aristocrats? Tsk! It was just an easy matter with the head of the Farauld and Forgeworn Clan as her support!
Due to this, Leon learned from the two grandmasters the reason why they were fascinated towards Eli.
One of these was the discovery of the truth behind the cursed bear, who he had already witnessed, yet in the interest of the situation, he temporarily set aside. To think that the discovery of the cursed bear as a rare species came from Lady Elise!
As he slept through the night, he kept wondering. He regularly read the reports about her recovery and living in the Riverfort Hospital during those four years. He had the general idea of the subjects she learned under the hospital crew.
Studying rare species wasn't one of them.
Another was her ability to invent things, as advanced as embedding magic on a so-called 'system'. Again, he was sure that the Riverfort hospital crew never taught her anything about this subject, and the difference between his last encounter with her was just a matter of months.
How in the world could she learn these things on the level of an expert that she was able to create these groundbreaking concepts on her own?
Just what happened during the time she disappeared?
No matter how he thought of possibilities, he couldn't find the answer. He spent the night bothered about this and a lot of other things that were revealed today. He did not know how he managed to get some sleep despite the chaos that was keeping his mind active and heart bothered.
--
Morning came, and the warmth of the morning light gently filled a certain luxurious bedroom.
Eli, who had slept deeply out of physical and emotional exhaustion, gently fluttered her eyelids open. After coming from a very nice sleep, she woke up pretty satisfied, until she was able to fully realize where she was.
What she first saw was the sturdy vintage bed canopy, that she would only see on animes and movies portraying the noble and royal bedrooms during the middle ages. It was simple yet elegant, with its wood carvings and smooth brown varnish. The cream colored tapestry that was used as the bed drape added to the classic feeling of the bedroom.
"Where am I? What happened yesterday?" Still confused, she tried to remember the things that happened, gently rubbing her temples in contemplation.
However, before she was able to fully remember what happened, she felt a sudden movement under the fluffy quilt. A small 'bump' suddenly moved towards her from one corner of the bed.
Eli panicked, almost giving a loud shriek, but the 'bump' suddenly revealed a furry head of a teddy panda.
"Waaah master~~~ You are finally awakeeee!"
A tearful and plump teddy Bao ran on Eli's side, full of concern.
