Death... and me

After traveling for half a month, the twins' group finally arrived at the Dalamu Sect. Although things happened far away in the capital, all the information was being sent to Dalamu every day through Mia's contacts in the capital. Because of that, she knew very well what happened there and who was coming back this time.

As soon as the twins stepped on the sect's territory, they received a message that they should go see Mia at the top of the mountain with Qia. After all, she was a princess of the empire. Droman and Old Worm also followed them.

"Welcome to my Dalamu Sect, Princess Qia."

Mia didn't act like the high and mighty Dalamu Sect Master she usually was. She knew that her status was still much lower than the girl in front of her.

"Sect Master Mia, please just call me Qia from now on. As you know, I was married off, so I'm now part of Rean's family. Naturally, I'm now a member of your Dalamu Sect as well. Please treat me like everyone else. Otherwise, others will definitely feel wronged by it."

Mia looked at Qia, who was holding Rean's hands.

"Is the princess really sure about that? I can still use my status to make a few exceptions for you. For example, I can get a private house for you two. Or perhaps, I can make it so that you don't need to perform any missions, take on duties, etc."

Qia shook her head.

"That's not what I want. Such a treatment would instead delay my own progress. Our Imperial Family puts a ton of importance on our own improvement. Those who fall behind will be ignored by others. I grew up in this kind of environment, so I hope it won't be different."

Mia nodded and didn't insist anymore. After that, she talked a bit more with Qia and got a disciple to guide her to her own room.

Old Worm, Droman, Roan, and Rean stayed behind, though.

"So... how did it even turn out like that? I received your reports about the events, but I still can't figure how the hell it has gotten to this point. In the reports, it was mentioned that Rean impregnated Qia, but I can totally tell that she isn't pregnant at all."

Droman raised his hand.

"The one who insisted for Rean to marry her was me, Sect Master."

Droman then explained all the reasoning he did to Rean in the past. 

"I see... Indeed. If he visits the Imperial Family in the future, his status as Qia's husband will become an advantage. So, this marriage is just a facade. But would Rean's status as your disciple be enough for a princess to agree to it?"

Rean shook his head as he responded.

"The Communication System isn't the only reason why she accepted it. We talked things through before the marriage. The main reason for her to accept this marriage was that she would be married off. Usually, others are married to the Imperial Family instead of the opposite. For her, this was a chance of obtaining some freedom."

Rean then began to discuss everything related to the reasons, what he hoped to achieve with this marriage, etc. Mia then pondered on the situation and nodded her head in the end.

"Very well. Let's do what you guys say. In any case, you got to join the Formation and Alchemist Guilds. That was your objective from the start, so that's great. Qia's presence will also guarantee a lot more safety for the twins. All in all, it was a good outcome."

Mia then looked at Old Worm before asking.

"Did you investigate everything?"

Old Worm nodded.

"It goes like this."

Old Worm then began to tell everything about the fight for the throne. Rean and Roan knew about it already, so they heard it as well.

"So that's why that girl called Calina was killed. I didn't expect that we could be on the verge of a war against Chrole. The only thing holding those two princes back is the emperor's will, as well as a few more variables."

"Splendid. I now know what I should expect. That feeling of now knowing what's happening is the worst thing. The Imperial Family won't allow us to stop the Communication System anymore, so Droman and Rean should keep an eye on its development. I'll do whatever I can in the meantime. Fortunately, it seems like we have at least a decade before anything major really happens."

The group then continued to discuss those problems for some time. 

"Alright. That's all for now. Rean, Roan. I didn't want to involve you two in these complicated things anymore, but it seems like you two dived directly into it on your own. Your low cultivation is what bothers me the most. The news about Rean's marriage to a princess will definitely spread soon. So, for the time being, you two should stay in the sect and focus on cultivating. If you really need to leave, make sure to use the same method as before."

Rean and Roan nodded.

"That was our plan, to begin with. It will be better for us to wait for the storm to calm down."

"Great! You already got your jade slips from those guilds, so study well. You two can leave now—the same for you, Droman. Elder Fauk, please stay behind."

Rean's group quickly bowed in response and left the room, leaving only Mia and Old Worm behind. A few moments later, Zuan appeared in the room as well. However, Old Worm didn't look surprised.

"Fauk. We've been allowing you to do as you wish for quite some time already. Don't you think it's already time to tell us more about it? I was quite surprised that you accepted our request to gather information about the Imperial Family. Why was that?"

Old Worm shook his head.

"You should worry more about the fight for the throne and forget about me. That was our deal, remember? I got you the information you wanted, so that should be enough. But don't worry, I have no intention of bringing disaster to the Dalamu Sect."

Old Worm then turned around and disappeared like a ghost.