"This journey was not only for the sake of Orivenia and Starhaven, but also for Nerathia. No need for thanks; rtions between kingdoms are always driven by mutual interests. It is only through personal friendship that true sincerity arises," Fan replied.


    Carissa nodded thoughtfully, but curiosity got the better of her. "Might I ask if you know my mentor, Adrian Russell?"


    Fan chuckled. "I do. He has been to Nerathia and even stayed at my training grounds for a time. My guardmander, Shadow, is quite close with your mentor. They would often drink together."


    "Ah, I see," Carissa mused, thinking back to the shadowy figures she had seen.


    She wondered which of them was the esteemed Shadow. It would be a great pity if she couldn''t meet him.


    As if reading her mind, Fan chuckled. "In three or five years, we''ll visit Starhaven. When the timees, I''ll introduce you to Shadow."


    Carissa was about to express her thanks, but Violet interjected, "Why wait three or five years? Couldn''t youe sooner? We''re all looking forward to you and Lady Elysia visiting."


    Fan smiled enigmatically, his expression holding a deeper meaning. "Now is not the time."


    Since he wasn''t offering any more information, it wouldn''t be right to press the issue.


    Meanwhile, Elysia was sitting quietly to the side. Though she hadn''t said anything the entire time, she had been eating the snacks in front of her with great concentration, savoring them as though they were a rare delicacy. In reality, they were nothing more than candied fruits and dried meats.


    Carissa noticed that beneath the table, Fan and Elysia''s hands were sped together, a quiet disy of affection. At first, she had thought they might discuss more diplomatic matters, but after a few casual words, they simply bid her and Violet farewell.


    Just before they left, Elysia said, "Commander Sinir, Ms. Spencer, we shall see you in Starhaven in four years."


    Carissa quickly nodded in acknowledgment. "Of course. We will await your visit with Prince Fan, Your Grace."


    After their departure, the door to the private room closed behind them. Carissa and Violet descended the stairs, both feeling perplexed.


    Fan had said they would meet in three or five years, while Elysia had specifically mentioned four years. What was the significance of these years?


    It didn''t feel like a casual remark. If it had been mere pleasantries, they could have simply said, "We''ll meet again when the timees."


    But one spoke of three or five years, while the other said four, giving the impression that something significant might ur during those years.


    Carissa remembered what Sebastian had said that he would do his best to prolong Salvador''s life for another three years. Could it be rted to that?


    She quickly dismissed the thought as absurd.


    How could people from Nerathia possibly know of such matters? Even many court officials were unaware with only Jeremiah and the six department heads privy to that secret. If someone from Nerathia did know, then one would have to question whether someone in court had ties to them.


    "What are they plotting?" Violet wondered, her thoughts turning more conspiratorial.


    Having witnessed the wars between Sandoria and Orivenia, her first thought was of invasion and piging.


    "I don''t know." Carissa shook her head, pausing to think. "But I''m certain they''re trying to hint at something. Could it have to do with His Majesty''s condition?"


    Violet''s eyes widened. "Do they know?"


    "It''s unlikely. I''m just specting," Carissa replied, her voice thoughtful.


    "If you''re right... Do they know about the king''s lifespan? Are they that powerful?" Violet murmured to herself.


    Carissa recalled the ease of the Nerathians movements through Victory Pass and the depth of their martial art''s prowess, but predicting the life of a ruler... How skilled would one have to be to aplish that?


    Still, it wasn''t entirely impossible.


    She remembered Adrian''s words about Nerathia having many gifted individuals. If they were merely making a rough estimate, it wouldn''t


    be too difficult, especially with a window of three, four, or five years.


    BUMS


    Yet, the certainty in Elysia''s voice when she spoke of four years stood out. That was a very definitive statement.


    -


    Before their return journey, Lisandra invited them to the pce. While her words were diplomatic, speaking of the hopeful future between their two kingdoms, Carissa could sense they came from the heart.


    Lisandra truly wished for the people to live better lives.