When the four of them emerged from the royal quarters of the Emperor, their faces were pale, including Sternon, who had a translucent appearance to begin with.
"His Majesty…" Sternon gulped. "…is very protective of Ria."
"Yeah, that he is." Runark smiled wryly. "But don't worry, he's otherwise a very reasonable person outside of things related to Ria and Project Water."
"Project Water?"
"It's a whole thing." Runark heaved a sigh. "Anyway, let's get going. Ria sent me a message to have all of us meet up in the lobby. We apparently have a destination to get to."
"Do we meet with the Esoterist?" Misha asked with an unusually enthusiastic expression. "Come on, we don't have time to waste."
She dragged them along even though Runark guided them through the maze of the palace until they finally reached the lobby where a giant floating carriage awaited them.
