Ketlan frowned slightly at Kran’s appearance.

He had only heard about Kran but was seeing him for the first time. Yet, he looked oddly familiar.

“I’m sorry to ask this suddenly, but… have we met before?”

“Perhaps we have, Your Majesty.” Kran replied steadily.

After all, the prince of the Keortia Kingdom was no longer around.

But even after over ten years, the fact that Ketlan remembered him spoke volumes about what kind of person he was.

“I regret that I remember our meeting but not your name,” Ketlan admitted.

“Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. Today, I represent Organization Ale as its acting leader, so there is no need to dwell on that,” Kran reassured him.

“Thank you, Kran. Please, take a seat,” Ketlan offered.

[But is it really okay for Kran to be here? Heint and Carson have seen him a few times, right?]

As Russell worried about this, Kran spoke up again.

“I currently work as the butler of the Chefran Mansion.”

Kran alternately looked at Carson, who was genuinely surprised, and Lucion, who was pretending to be surprised.

[Ah. It’s good to be shameless in situations like this.]

Russell finally chuckled.

Merely stating that he was the butler at the Chefran Mansion didn’t automatically link Chefran to Ale’s hideout.

“Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Carson Cronia,” Carson stated, his lips curling slightly.

“I’m Lucion Cronia, and I never anticipated our meeting to unfold in this manner,” Lucion said with a composed smile, his expression nearly impassive, leaving Kran surprised at his acting abilities.

Kran swiftly scanned the room, aiming to alleviate the tension, “It’s a great honor to speak with you.”

As Kran spoke the most natural words he could muster, Ketlan glanced at Lucion, clearly pleased.

“Indeed. Isn’t it incredible?” (Lucion)

In many ways, Lucion was remarkable.

No wonder he’d been wearing a hood at the banquet all this time.

“Yes. Although we have met before, it’s an honor to meet in this way.” (Kran)

Kran’s voice was sincere, filled with genuine emotion. He had long wished for an opportunity to officially meet Lucion.

Not hesitating, Kran expressed his concern, “You really should eat more,” observing that Lucion, despite resting, didn’t appear as healthy as he had hoped.

“I am eating a lot. Thank you for your concern,” Lucion replied, surprised that Kran would show such worry, almost frowning in disbelief.

“Mr. Kran, it’s a pleasure to meet you like this after only hearing your voice. I am Heint Tria,” Heint said, extending his hand to Kran.

“I can’t believe I encountered you at the auction, Mr. Kran.”

“I didn’t expect to meet like this either. I was really surprised,” Kran smoothly navigated the situation without showing any signs of embarrassment.

‘Really smooth.’

Lucion felt satisfied with Kran’s composure.

“Well, now that we’re all gathered here, let’s quickly discuss what we need to do, since we’re all busy people,” Ketlan interjected as the group settled in.

“My sister, Shaela Cronia, will be taking care of the overall guidance for the Magic Tower.”

Carson spoke up first.

“Does our sister know…?”

Lucion wanted to ask if everything was going smoothly, but he held back his words.

“Of course Shaela should know. Lucion. Since it’s not what you’re thinking, don’t worry.”

Shaela had already accepted the situation as expected and had asked Lucion not to come to the Magic Tower, but she couldn’t argue further after he expressed his desire for that choice.

Carson continued, “Right now, Shaela is carefully identifying those who possess items imbued with light without stirring up trouble among the rest.”

By excluding those with light-imbued items, they could compile a list of wizards who had already fallen victim to warlocks or were at risk of doing so.

“The imperial family holds internal information and the list about the Magic Tower, so please tell Lady Shaela to not overexert herself and to prioritize her well-being,” Ketlan instructed Carson.

Who would have imagined that the list intended for managing wizards during the tower’s construction would gain importance in this manner?

“Yes, I will convey that message,” Carson responded, and then Kran spoke up.

“The members of the organization in charge of combat are gathered near the magic tower in the east. They are currently dispersed to avoid attracting suspicion from the warlocks’ invincible eye.”

Seeing Ketlan nod in acknowledgement, Kran continued speaking.

“The light-imbued items are prepared, and as long as we know the entrance to the Magic Tower, we can launch the attack at any time.”

The vanguard of the organization, Ale, was to be led by the Reint Mercenary Corps.

“The 8th Order of the Knights is fully prepared. While I am the captain and should lead, as the only one with the power of light in the assault team, I seek permission to stand by Lucion’s side. May I have your consent, Your Majesty?” Heint humbly requested.

The priests could not accompany them on this operation due to the unique light that flowed through them, which would provoke a sensitive response from the warlocks in the Magic Tower.

“I grant you permission, Sir Heint. While the raid is important, the protection of the Saint is equally crucial.”

After all, the most powerful beings to oppose the warlocks were those blessed by the light, and Ketlan nodded in agreement.