Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

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Author's note: Another surprise update! I wanted to write a small message regarding COVID-19 to all of my readers. Please take good care of yourself and wear the masks only when you are sick, practice good hygiene!

For those in lockdown, I hope it is going well for you on your end, you can use that time to enjoy your hobby, play video games, catch up on your shows or even start a new hobby!

Ah, and here is a bonus chapter to help all of you kill some time ^_^! It's a tough time for everyone, but just hang in there!

The banquet ended on an awkward note, everyone could tell the queen wasn't in a good mood after the encounter with the elderly couple. Gom was quick to tell the three students to prepare to set off, since he felt that something was wrong.

It would be better not to get involved with anything in this city.

Thankfully, the steward had already made room reservations for them at the most expensive inn in the city. Thus, they did not need to find their own room.

They agreed and planned to set off early tomorrow, back to the academy. They would use the remaining time to explore this beautiful city. However, just as Cecil, Hana and Xue was about to leave the castle to explore the city, Cecil abruptly said she had left something behind at the banquet area.

Hana nodded, "alright, we'll wait for you here then!"

"No, it's fine, you should go on and enjoy with Xue. I am...feeling tired, I would probably head back to inn where our rooms are to rest."

Xue furrowed his eyebrows, his expression unreadable.

"I think we should stay here and wait for Cecil though..." Hana pouted and to her surprise, Xue agreed with her.

"That's fine, if fifteen minutes passed and she is still not here, I'll head in and look for her."

The two of them watched Cecil's back growing smaller and smaller, disappearing back into the castle.

***

Cecil bit on her lower lip.

Something is amiss here, and it is bugging me like crazy.

She knew it had to do with elderly couple from earlier. Though, she didn't know why she was feeling uncomfortable about stranger that clearly didn't concern her.  

"Excuse me, where is the throne room?"

"Milady, you seem to be the guest that our queen has invited. Do you need to see her?"

"Yes, it is urgent."

"You may wait in front of the throne room, and only enter once our queen allows you to."

The guard directed her to the throne room with precise instructions.

Cecil found the throne room immediately, and stood in front of the door, until she heard multiple footfalls behind her. She turned and upon seeing the group of people behind her, she hastily bowed and stepped aside.

A man in his forties dressed in an extravagant manner, along with a group of servants at his side was behind her. His slanted, black eyes revealing a hint of anger.

A royalty?

It immediately clicked in her mind, that was none other than the king.

He never appeared in the banquet, the throne room and even in the novel. He was simply mentioned.