At the entrance to the Golden Princess's bedchambers.
Climb, clad in silver-white full plate armor, stood rigidly guarding the large door, his eyes carefully scanning the surrounding corridors.
Although such behavior was usually unnecessary, as no one would be audacious enough to trespass into the Princess's room within the Royal Palace.
But now, it was hard to say.
Climb couldn't help but recall the man he had seen yesterday; he had heard bad news from Gaguran, that Baron Lock was indeed an ambitious noble plotting against the Royal authority, and even possessed strength that the captain of Blue Rose couldn't match.
If it were out of admiration for Princess Lana, and he pressured the Old King for a marriage, Climb, despite his disapproval, wouldn't be so repulsed.
After all, with his status, being able to guard Princess Lana's side was already satisfying enough; he shouldn't ask for more.
But Baron Lock's actions, purely treating Princess Lana as a tool rather than out of genuine affection, would only plunge Princess Lana into misfortune!
The more Climb thought, the more indignant he became; all he could do now was try to prevent Princess Lana from being alone with such a dangerous person, as Heaven knew what he might do.
They're here!
Two figures slowly walked from the other end of the hallway; Climb, though inwardly vigilant, maintained a calm demeanor.
As the Princess's guard, he couldn't be disrespectful in front of any noble, as this would lower the public's opinion of Princess Lana.
"Baron Lock!"
Climb placed his right hand on his chest and saluted the approaching figures; although it wasn't from the heart, it was impeccable.
Lock nodded, then looked at the closed bedchamber door and said, "I have come to see Princess Lana."
"Yes, Princess Lana has already given instructions."
Saying that, Climb first knocked on the door to alert those inside, then slowly pushed the large door open.
"Ah, Baron Lock, welcome!"
The moment the door opened, Lock heard the Golden Princess's sweet voice; he saw her move to a position near the door, a gentle smile on her face, welcoming her guest.
But Lock's eyes merely swept over her, immediately noticing the other people in the room.
Lakyus, wearing a blue dress, now had a smile on her face, but it was slightly unnatural, and she seemed a bit flustered.
Beside her was a cute, blue-eyed maid, much more panicked than Lakyus, unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes.
Finally, standing beside the maid was the white-haired butler; he looked at Lock with calm, deep eyes, and his black butler's uniform gave him a resolute and upright appearance.
Lock was secretly startled; why was he here?
This neatly trimmed, bearded Old Butler was none other than Sebas Tian, the max-level NPC from the Great Tomb of Nazarick, whom Lock had been tracking yesterday!
"What's wrong, Baron Lock?" Lana looked at Lock with a puzzled expression, as if asking with concern.
Lock slightly recovered, first saluted Lana, then said, "I apologize, I was a bit distracted for a moment. Princess Lana, it is an honor to receive your invitation."
"Not at all, I am grateful if you don't feel disturbed." Lana tilted her head and smiled, cheerfully inviting Lock into the room. "Please sit, Baron Lock. Tierra, please prepare a cup of black tea for the Baron; this lady's floral tea might not suit the Baron's taste."
"Yes."
The maid Tierra, hearing Lana's command, cautiously walked out of the room, and only after leaving the room did she slightly relax, apparently the situation was still overwhelming for her.
Lock didn't pay too much attention to this pitiful maid; perhaps she had already found salvation.
Guided by Lana, Lock came to the reception sofa, smiled, and greeted Lakyus at the tea table. "Miss Lakyus, hello!"
"Good day, Baron Lock." Lakyus smiled stiffly, feeling an indescribable sensation when facing this man.
"Relax a little," Lock, of course, saw her unease and gently comforted her. "I'm not some monster; being overly tense will detract from your beauty."
"Ha… haha, thank you for the compliment."
I truly wish you were a beast, but unfortunately, you are a far more terrifying existence!
Lakyus smiled, but secretly grumbled inwardly.
For some reason, seeing her like this, Lock suddenly felt much better, and even the slight displeasure he felt upon seeing Sebas vanished.
"Lakyus, Baron Lock cared about you the moment he entered, completely neglecting me, the host." Lana looked at Lakyus with a smile, as if speaking with a hint of jealousy.
"Lana…"
"Princess Lana, I was rude," Lock said with a look of sudden realization, belatedly adding, "You look beautiful today too!"
"Thank you." Lana was only barely satisfied upon hearing Lock's compliment, then advised, "However, Baron Lock, to win a lady's heart, it's best to be a little more proactive; any lady placed second will not be pleased."
"I've learned a lesson." Lock nodded sincerely. "Then let's get to the point. Princess Lana, what is the reason you wished to see me this time?"
"You are quite direct!" Lana was a bit surprised that Lock had such a pragmatic style, and without much further pleasantry, she said, "This invitation is at my father's request to discuss the venue for the Royal Tournament with you…"
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