Chapter 280: Logic And Pride

"...I would have made sure you would have paid the price for that first."

"..."

The room went silent.

The elves stiffened, their faces becoming unsightly again as genuine fear made them feel even more humiliated. However, knowing he was in the right, that powerful humans were around them, and that they were on their territory, they swallowed their pride and stayed silent.

The knight and City Lord Asad observed the exchange without a word, reaching a similar conclusion as Soren in their minds.

The elves had clearly acted rashly and let their desperation cloud their judgment. They had attacked first, endangered civilians, and damaged city property, all without solid proof. Even if their concern for Nuelia was genuine, their methods had crossed too many lines. If Soren and his wife hadn’t been capable of defending themselves, tonight could have ended with innocent blood on the elves’ hands. And that was something neither the knight nor Asad would forget.

’Why did the elves send this guy anyway?’

They both asked themselves the same question.

Lariel was supposed to be Nuelia’s guardian, but everything about his behavior tonight painted the opposite picture. He had let his target out of his sight for hours. Instead of controlling his subordinates, he started the chaos himself. And even now, he still seemed unable to let go of his pride long enough to think clearly.

’...How did he even become an Emperor?’

The thought crossed both their minds, though neither voiced it aloud. They exchanged a brief look, understanding each other without a single word.

"Mr. Everly is right." The knight finally spoke up. "And it matches his statement. But you... Didn’t you consider that the kidnapper had a way of erasing their own tracks and left Mr. Everly’s mana signature behind on purpose? To distract you and send you chasing the wrong person while they escaped the city or hid well enough?"

Lariel’s jaw tightened, but couldn’t find the words to respond.

"We welcomed you with open arms and showed the best hospitality we could," City Lord Asad joined the conversation. "But is this how you show your gratitude? I thought elves were friendly and wise, and here you are, attacking first and asking questions later."

He let out a disappointed sigh, and some of the elves hung their heads low, finally starting to realize how far they had overstepped.

"..." Lord Asad let the silence stretch a bit longer before continuing. "However, I am also partly at fault. I should have noticed it sooner and prevented these things from happening. For that, I apologize."

The elves were stunned by his words, their earlier hostility faltering as surprise took its place.

"I have a question." The knight cut in before they could respond. "Why didn’t you contact us first? Especially Lord Asad? He knows this city better than anyone. If you had gone to him the moment you realized she was missing, he could have responded properly and made everything easier. Instead, you took matters into your own hands and nearly started a war in the middle of a festival." His gaze landed on Lariel, full of suspicion. "So I’ll ask again. Why didn’t you ask for help?"

"..."

The room went deathly silent.

Everyone stared at Lariel, even his subordinates, whose eyes now held a mixture of confusion and doubt. They had followed him out of loyalty, but the question had struck at something they hadn’t dared to ask themselves.

Lariel felt like he was standing on the edge of a cliff with no way back. He looked like a cornered beast rather than a mighty Emperor. His mouth opened, but no words came out. Because... the truth was too humiliating.

He couldn’t tell them that he didn’t ask for help because of his pride and that he believed elves were above humans, and asking a human for help would have felt like bowing to a lesser race. It would have been a stain on his honor, a sign of weakness he couldn’t accept.

So he had chosen to act alone, trusting in his own strength and judgment. And now... that choice had led him here, sitting across from the very people he had looked down on, forced to swallow his arrogance in front of everyone.

Furthermore, deep down, he was afraid... afraid of what would happen if the elders learned he lost her on his watch and failed to protect her. He feared the shame and punishment that would follow, especially since this was his first big mission in the outside world after a long time. The elders had trusted him with this task despite his inexperience after he begged for the chance to prove himself.

And yet... he ended up failing!

If word of this reached them before he fixed it, his reputation, his position, everything he had worked so hard for, would crumble overnight.

That fear, more than anything, had pushed him to act rashly.

He had attacked first because he couldn’t bear the thought of returning empty-handed. He had accused Soren because he needed someone to blame. At least, that was what he told himself. If he could point the finger at someone else, maybe the elders would see him as a protector who had been outwitted rather than a fool who had failed his only duty.

But deep down, he knew the truth.

No matter how loudly he accused others, he was the one who had let her slip away. And now, because of his choices, he might never get the chance to make it right. The weight of that realization pressed down on him until even breathing felt heavy, and he could do nothing but sit there, silent and ashamed, as the others around him waited for an answer he couldn’t give.

"..."

’...I see. Thank you, dear.’

Soren had been talking with Ethea since he was free, and her insight was as sharp as always. And now, it was time to act on it.

"I would like to ask something too." He broke the ice. "Has it ever occurred to any of you that this might be an inside job? That there’s a traitor among-"

"You!" Lariel interrupted, seizing the opportunity to turn the attention away from himself. "Are you accusing us?!"