radicalducati 088. Past Events
088. Past Events
Seeing that Xinlai still maintained a high degree of caution towards the royal family, Alaya couldn't help but feel secretly satisfied.
This caution precisely demonstrates that he is not the kind of reckless man who can be easily swayed.
"His Highness the Third Prince is so intelligent, it's impossible that he couldn't understand the implication of my words."
With her left hand, she gently lifted the lid of the teacup on the table in front of her and slowly rubbed the tea surface with the edge of the lid, producing a soft rubbing sound.
"Simien is currently at the height of his power and has already gained 80% of the royal family's support."
Alaya's voice was calm and unhurried, "Moreover, Galend's venereal disease broke out suddenly like a flood, leaving him bedridden and unable to handle political affairs."
She raised her eyes and looked directly at Xinlai:
"If Marquis Tanstin is executed in the future, military power will fall into Simeon's hands. At that time, we, as representatives of the divine authority, will have no choice but to submit to him..."
Alaya makes a good point.
but.
"What is it about my dear second brother that makes you distrust him so much that you would rather help me than directly assist him?"
Sinlai's question was like a sharp knife, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
Alaya stared at Xinlai's heterochromatic eyes for a while, then slowly shook her head.
"Yes...why don't we choose to go and assist His Highness the Second Prince directly..."
Her voice carried a hint of bitterness and helplessness, as if this problem had troubled her for a long time.
What the hell?
Alaya's conflicted and troubled look made Xinlai realize that this woman was likely hiding something.
Moreover, the matter that was kept secret was related to him.
"It seems that His Highness the Third Prince doesn't remember much about the past..."
Alaya sighed softly, her tone carrying an indescribable meaning.
She then stood up, her face still bearing a cool and indifferent smile, dignified and impeccable.
"Your Highness, please reconsider. Anyway, if you ever change your mind, you can always come find me~"
The last syllable rose slightly, carrying a hint of teasing, yet also like a meaningful promise.
"Um……"
Seeing Alaya's attitude suddenly change and her about to leave, Xinlai didn't get up to see her off, but simply called out softly:
"Gordon, see the guest out."
The footsteps faded into the distance, and the door closed softly.
Xinlai sat alone on the sofa, her gaze fixed on the teacup that Alaya had just used.
The lid was still resting at an angle on the rim of the cup, and tiny ripples spread across the tea surface.
Does Aleya know anything about me from the past?
This was Xin Lai's first instinct upon hearing this.
The feeling wasn't like speculation, but more like certainty.
She must know something, and it concerns his lost memories.
Moreover, this intuition told him that what he had experienced in the past was definitely not something that could be discussed directly.
Otherwise, given Aleya's frankness, she could have just stated it on the spot. Why be so hesitant and roundabout?
Alaya's decision to give Sinlai ample time to consider is probably not just a simple "choice," but more like a "binding."
If Sinlai's past is indeed related to Alaya and the Church of Light behind her, and also has intricate connections with the royal family of Asgard, then from the moment Sinlai questioned and reflected on what had happened, the two were already inseparable.
Thinking of this, the system interface appeared in Xin Lai's mind.
The main questline still lay there quietly, reminding him to figure out what he had experienced as a child.
The matter of exploring the past seems to have been placed on the agenda by fate, and can no longer be avoided.
"Um……"
Xin Lai stood up from the sofa and walked to the window. The afternoon sun shone through the glass onto his face, warm and comforting, but it couldn't dispel the faint gloom in his heart.
He stood there, his long fingers pressed against the window frame, his gaze passing through the swaying shadows of the trees in the courtyard, looking towards the towering tower deep within the palace, where Bermelt's bedroom was located.
The king's health has been deteriorating day by day lately; this is an open secret in the palace.
The imperial physicians came and went, each with the same solemn expression on their face.
Even so, Bermelt still managed to handle government affairs, as if using his last bit of strength to keep the kingdom running.
Xinlai gently exhaled a breath of stale air.
He was not unaware that he might not get an answer from his father.
Bermelt was always taciturn, and his father never brought up his childhood amnesia. Every time he tried to inquire indirectly, he only received vague and perfunctory answers.
But we have to give it a try.
Moreover, Alaya's words today undoubtedly threw a stone into his heart.
The ripples had spread and could never be calmed again.
Xin Lai turned and walked to the coat rack, took down his outer robe and draped it over his shoulders. The dark blue silk shimmered with a dim luster in the sunlight, making him appear more composed and solemn.
Just before leaving, his gaze inadvertently swept across the bathroom door. The door was ajar, and the faint herbal scent of the bath lingered inside, along with that fleeting moment of ambiguity and awkwardness.
The look in Aleya's eyes when she finally looked at "Little Sinley"...
Looking back now, Xinlai always felt that there was some kind of emotion hidden in it that he couldn't understand.
It wasn't just shyness, nor was it merely the curiosity of a doctor examining a patient.
It's more like a... confirmation.
Or rather, what Alaya cares about isn't little Xinlai at all...
It was as if she had confirmed something she had always suspected by looking at a certain feature of Xinlai.
……
"What a nuisance," Xin Lai muttered under her breath, raising her hand to rub her temples.
He pushed open the door. The corridor was empty except for the flickering flame on the wall lamp.
Sylvie most likely went back to her room to take a shower, since she got a mess on the sofa earlier.
Eve is still training and it's estimated that she will break through to become a witch soon.
Fine, I won't take "Lady" to meet Father King. It'll be easier if I go alone.
When Sinley was ready to leave, Gordon had already prepared a carriage for him.
"Your Highness, Third Prince."
Gordon stood aside and helped Sinlai into the carriage.
"Just say what's on your mind."
Gordon looked calmly at Xinlai, saying nothing, but earnestly reminded her:
"Your Highness, please be careful."
"Know."
Xinlai pondered for a moment, then instructed, "Continue to gather information about my two good brothers, and keep a close eye on Eve."
"If her magic shows signs of going out of control, help her deal with it just like you helped me suppress her magic that day."
"Yes."
"The rest... you can figure it out yourself."
"Yes, ma'am."
Having arranged everything, Xinlai didn't think there was anything else she needed to remind her of, so she lowered the carriage curtain and let the carriage head towards the palace.