Chapter 191: Traitors are annoying

Julian fell silent as he listened to what Felicya said. He was about to open his mouth, but then thought better of it.

He only watched Felicya, who had just woken up in his arms.

’...I know.’

In truth, Julian had already realized that Cleenah was lying to him. Even before the girl finished explaining the journey with Garph, he had begun to suspect something.

And the reason was simple enough.

Oracle’s Revelation.

Although he didn’t have Eyes of Essence like Cleenah, Julian also had an ability that let him learn certain things through divination.

During their earlier conversation, he had quietly used that Skill to verify some of Cleenah’s words.

Especially when the girl explained why Julian and his group had to leave the Qiezhuran with Garph.

And the result?

Some of the reasons Cleenah gave did not match what the divination showed.

Julian hadn’t received a full explanation of her real purpose. But at the very least, he knew that the journey to seek support from other Clans was not the main reason behind her request.

Even without divination, he had already felt that something was off.

Julian felt a little amused when he remembered how the girl had tried to convince him.

Cleenah had said again and again that the journey would help the Qiezhuran. But every time Julian started to ask about her safety, the girl seemed to struggle to give a convincing answer.

What’s more, Cleenah had even asked for his consent in such a careful manner.

If someone was really constructing a lie to deceive another person, Julian at least hoped that person would do it with more confidence.

But knowing that Cleenah was lying didn’t mean Julian understood her whole plan.

He had considered using Oracle’s Revelation once more, this time with a more specific question.

Unfortunately, that ability couldn’t be used carelessly.

The harder the information he wanted, the more Mana he might have to spend. And Julian didn’t want to burn through his Mana just to try guessing at something that might not even be learnable through divination.

That was why he had chosen to accept Cleenah’s request first. After all, Julian didn’t feel that the girl had any ill intent toward him.

Cleenah had even explained that an attack might come during the Primordial Legacy Festival. Given that situation, Julian could imagine why someone might want to send Garph and his group away.

’...Maybe she wants to keep us away from danger.’

But if so, why hadn’t Cleenah said it directly?

That was the part Julian still didn’t understand.

He also had no intention of accusing Cleenah of lying outright, especially after seeing the girl cry earlier.

At the very least, Julian wanted to give her a little time. And now, Felicya was saying that Cleenah really had been lying.

"...Felicya."

"...?"

"You knew too?"

Felicya nodded.

"Yes."

Her voice sounded lazy and listless.

Normally, the girl wasn’t very interested in meddling in other people’s affairs. Even when Julian faced various problems, Felicya more often chose to stay in his arms.

’...Is she worried about something?’

Julian was a little curious. But before he could ask, Felicya opened her mouth again:

"...Just this once."

"...?"

"I’ll help that Dragon girl."

’....Alright, Felicya is starting to act strange.’

Now those words were far more surprising than the revelation about Cleenah’s lie.

Felicya wanted to help?

Since when had this little girl become interested in the Qiezhuran’s problems?

Julian was actually rather pleased to hear it. But he was also curious about the reason behind the change in attitude.

"...Why?"

Felicya answered without hesitation, without even blinking:

"Traitors are annoying."

"..."

The answer sounded simple, but he could understand what she meant, maybe?

Felicya wasn’t someone who easily showed interest in other people’s business. But if she truly hated betrayal, perhaps that was reason enough for her.

Well, Julian didn’t understand why Felicya hated traitors, either. Maybe she had been betrayed in the past or something.

Still a little confused, Julian let out a small sigh, set that thought aside for now, and focused on the Qiezhuran’s problem.

After all, the Qiezhuran’s problem wasn’t something that could be solved easily.

Some Dragon Clans might be involved in the attack, and Julian himself didn’t yet know how they would face that threat.

As for Felicya, although she had unusual knowledge and abilities, she was now in a condition far different from before.

Julian didn’t want the little girl to do anything dangerous just because she disliked traitors.

But before he could voice that worry, Felicya spoke again.

"...Only a little."

Julian turned his attention to her.

"What?"

"I’ll only help a little."

Julian blinked, took that in for a moment, then nodded. At the very least, Felicya didn’t seem to intend to meddle in the whole of the Qiezhuran’s problem.

And if she only wanted to give a little help, Julian felt he had no reason to forbid it outright.

But one thing still bothered him.

How could Felicya be so sure that she was able to help Cleenah?

Julian didn’t even know the plan the girl was actually making.

As if she knew what Julian was thinking, Felicya suddenly lifted her head.

"...I know the plan."

"...The plan?"

Julian looked at her again.

"The real plan?"

Felicya nodded.

"Yes, all of it."

’...Huh?’

Had Felicya just said that she knew Cleenah’s plan?

He already knew Cleenah was hiding something, but he didn’t know what the girl was actually planning.

And now, Felicya was saying that she knew all of it.

If that was true, everything might move in a different direction.

’...How?’

Julian began to recall the events of the past few days.

Felicya had almost always been in his arms. Even while Cleenah was handling her various duties, Julian had never seen the two of them speak in private.

Then how could Felicya know something that he hadn’t even managed to get through his own conversation?

Julian was actually quite used to the various oddities surrounding the little girl.

But knowing the entire secret plan of the Qiezhuran’s leader was clearly not something that could be considered ordinary.

"...Felicya, how do you know?"

There was no answer, as expected.

Felicya only looked at Julian for a moment, then leaned back comfortably again.

Seeing that attitude, Julian immediately understood that the girl had no intention of explaining her source of information.

’...Honestly.’

Julian was a little annoyed.

At the very least, if Felicya wanted to reveal something so important, couldn’t she give a little explanation?

But after considering it again, Julian decided not to force her.

After all, this wasn’t the first time Felicya had known something he didn’t understand.

And now, if Felicya truly knew Cleenah’s plan, that information might be far more important than how she had obtained it.

Felicya, who had been silent all this time, finally lifted her face again.

"...Hey."

"Yes?"

The little girl looked at him calmly.

"Do you want to hear it or not?"