Chapter 392: Ilaris’s Doubt
After finishing the conversation, Daniel immediately returned to Andreas and Ilaris. Naturally, both of them were worried about him, but when they saw he was still unharmed, they let out a sigh of relief.
Andreas asked about what he had talked about with his aunt, but Daniel preferred not to say much and only gave a few vague hints.
Their discussion wasn’t something that had to be hidden, but there was no need to share it either—especially since he didn’t know that woman’s stance on the matter.
The fact that she hadn’t told anyone about her obsession showed that she wanted to keep it a secret.
However, he did tell them that the White Fang had agreed to support Andreas, which left Andreas completely shocked.
"Really? Aunt actually agreed to support me?" Andreas asked in excitement and disbelief.
Even though he didn’t know his aunt very well, he knew enough to understand that she usually preferred to stay away from all this family politics and leave such matters to his father.
And now she had agreed to support him? Even imagining that was hard for him, but Daniel had no reason to lie.
"As I said, she agreed to support you. There’s no need to ask why or how. She also said that even with her support, you’ll still need to defeat Lioran if you want to take that position," Daniel explained briefly.
"I understand. But if she’s agreed to support me, then other than Lioran, there’s no obstacle left for me to become the successor," Andreas nodded with a smile.
"What about Tormyn and Selera’s situation?"
"Terrible. Both of them tried to restore their reputation by climbing the Stairway, but they couldn’t even catch up to me. And then you stole all the attention. No doubt they’re furious right now," he laughed as he said this.
"Good. Then they’re no longer a problem. Even if they cause a bit of trouble on the way, they’ve completely lost their chances," Daniel nodded.
He hadn’t expected that he wouldn’t even need to carry out his plan. Without him doing much, Tormyn and Selera had already been pushed out of the competition, leaving only Lioran.
Though his instincts told him that Tormyn and Selera’s roles weren’t completely over yet and that they might cause some trouble, it wasn’t on a level that he cared about.
After that, the three of them continued walking while chatting. Ilaris spoke about her worries and how she had decided to become stronger.
Daniel wasn’t too surprised, but Andreas was clearly stunned by her words. Knowing Ilaris, it seemed sudden that she would suddenly express such a decision.
However, Ilaris explained her reasoning—she didn’t want to be a burden to the two of them. On the contrary, she wanted to find a way to help.
"The only path I can suggest for you is to return to the elves," Daniel said seriously.
"That could be dangerous! Who knows what they might do to her," Andreas said with concern.
He didn’t want to see Ilaris in danger.
"Are you sure? If I return to them, will I really become stronger?" Ilaris asked doubtfully, ignoring her friend’s words.
"You are destined to rule over the elves. They definitely won’t harm you. On the contrary, they’ll help you grow stronger—much stronger. And besides, if anything happens, Rynor can help you." Daniel then revealed Rynor’s true identity, that he was actually one of the seventy-two elf generals.
Naturally, it wasn’t easy for them to believe such a thing. Hearing that the elves were even sending people to capture Ilaris made them panic.
But this also made Ilaris realize how important she was to the elves. If she didn’t return, in the end, it might bring disaster to her two friends.
"Can you give me some time to think about it?" Ilaris said hesitantly.
"Of course. But it’s better if you make your decision before I leave this place," Daniel nodded.
This time, Andreas didn’t say anything. During their conversation, he had realized how much Ilaris wanted to become stronger. He wasn’t selfish enough to stop her. On the contrary, he would help her however he could.
After that, the three of them went to a restaurant within the Lionheart family estate to have dinner. Rynor left them and went to the training grounds to see if he could fully synchronize with his body during their stay here.
When they entered the restaurant, all attention turned toward them—or more precisely, toward Daniel. Everyone was staring at him as though looking at a living legend.
After all, this white-haired boy was the one who had managed to climb all one hundred steps of the ancient Stairway. How could he not attract attention?
Still, none of them dared to approach. The reason was simple: one of the Elders had warned them not to disturb the boy, or else they would be punished.
Daniel, Andreas, and Ilaris ignored the stares and sat at a table, ordering the best food the restaurant had to offer.
Soon enough, the dishes were prepared and brought to them.
After finishing their meal, they sat a little longer before leaving the restaurant.
The sky had completely darkened, and the sun had given way to the moon. Time had passed so quickly that even they themselves found it strange.
What was even stranger was that they hadn’t expected such a busy and exciting day, with so many things happening.
Andreas said goodbye and wished them good night. It was already dark, and he had to return to his residence.
Ilaris and Daniel also went back to their quarters.
"You’re not coming?" Ilaris asked in confusion when she saw him not entering the palace.
"You go ahead. I have some things I need to take care of," Daniel smiled.
Ilaris nodded and went inside, heading to her room. After she left, Daniel turned around and looked behind him.
Two beautiful women were standing there—one expressionless, and the other with a smile on her face, like a predator who had come to claim her prey.
"Good evening, Lady Selera. May I ask why you’ve come to me at this time of night?"