Chapter Sixty-Two: Because Your Face Looks More Masculine Than Mine

In Twin Moon City, the mages stared, dumbfounded, as the carriage paraded through Florence. Every face wore an expression as if they'd seen a ghost; after much study, they were only now beginning to piece together the situation.

"The young prince is openly rebelling!"

"That chief astrologer is utterly spineless!"

"When did he discover the monster's true nature?"

Curiosity stirred among the mages, for at the root of Florence's chaos lay the appearance of the monster. Yet the young prince seemed to have uncovered the truth faster than the Guardians themselves.

"The Guardians?"

Their gazes turned toward the sphere of light.

The sphere flickered. "Cultivation magic—Linley’s research is ahead of ours. He’s mastered spells even I do not know."

The mages immediately began to curse.

"So it’s true! Why didn’t he tell us?"

"We handed over all our findings, and he concealed his own!"

"That little tyrant could never be so generous!"

In Florence, Linley and his companions slipped away from the carriage, finding refuge in a secluded tavern.

"Continue the resistance. The situation is in our favor!" In the tavern, Linley commanded ten officers, "Let the chaos persist as long as possible, but take care not to escalate matters. We’ve just captured the chief astrologer; now we must suffer some tactical defeats."

The officers looked confused. "What do you mean by tactical defeat?"

"I want you to feign failure," Linley thought to himself, these people are truly dim.

Florence was already in turmoil, especially with the chief astrologer’s capture. If disorder continued unchecked, the new king might resort to slaughter with the Wheel of Twin Moons. At this juncture, Linley needed to pretend defeat, making the new king believe that suppression would resolve the crisis, thus preventing him from using the Wheel of Twin Moons in desperation.

"Until we rescue the queen, Florence must remain chaotic—that’s to our advantage. Yet you must also show signs of being suppressed. I know it’s difficult to strike the right balance, so..."

Linley pointed to Eve. "The chief command belongs to Zero!"

Eve’s forehead creased in exasperation, her anger barely contained. This little prince dared to make such pronouncements—nearly ten thousand members in the organization, all thrown together in confusion! Now she had to mobilize these night elves, maintain Florence’s chaos, and ensure the new king didn’t act rashly. Easy to say, but far harder to execute.

Still, his strategy was sound, so Eve grudgingly accepted.

She quickly issued orders to the officers. After they departed, Linley and Eve entered a room and found Hera.

"Where is the queen?"

Linley unlocked Hera’s chains. Eve was already aware of Hera’s betrayal of the night elves, yet remained wary.

"The Hall of Order by the sea."

Hera stretched her limbs and donned black garments.

"She’s not in the palace. What’s she doing there?"

"There’s a hot spring beneath the Hall of Order," Hera replied. "The queen often bathes there. Last time, the new king seized the opportunity and stole the Wheel of Twin Moons while she was in the bath."

Linley, hearing for the first time how the Wheel had been stolen, cried out, "The new king snatched her weapon while she was bathing? How shameless—did he do anything else?"

Now gossiping, he thought this could make for a great news story.

"No. The Wheel must be officially transferred in the palace. The new king returned there immediately after taking it," Hera continued. "He ordered the princes to surround the Hall of Order, but the queen quickly realized something was amiss and set up a powerful magical barrier around the hall. The new king still hasn’t found a way to break through."

She paused. "But it’s only a matter of time. The barrier can’t hold forever, and the night elves inside might turn traitor as well."

Linley nodded. "Then we must hurry and rescue our elder sister."

He made preparations at once. Deep into the night, Linley led his forces in a surprise attack on the Hall of Order.

"Are you sure you won’t learn astrology from me? I know a shortcut," Hera asked Eve along the way, genuinely impressed by the girl.

Eve remained impassive. "What shortcut?"

Hera confided, "I used to be a mage—ever since I fell for that scoundrel, I kept divining ways to pursue him, and before I knew it, I’d become the most powerful astrologer. Love is the shortcut to astrology."

"...No," Eve replied, her face dark. "I think only you could achieve that."

"Enough, you two. Quiet now," Linley reminded them. "Our attack has been discovered."

By the coast, a grand hall of pale marble rose high. Bathed in lamplight, the avenue outside was lined with a thousand night elf guards, a silent forest standing solemn and orderly—they wore matching, ornate armor, their eyes shining with indomitable resolve, their presence overwhelming and fierce.

A burly man stood at the forefront. His face was sharply defined, his posture imposing; if not for his white hair betraying his age, Linley might have taken him for a young man at first glance.

He planted a sword upright before him and, facing the approaching night elves, closed his eyes, unmoving as a mountain.

The night elves halted, some awe in their demeanor toward this man.

One night elf approached.

"Your Highness, please let us pass," he called out. "The new king’s reign is ending—look at his atrocities in Florence; he will lead us to ruin! Your Highness, we are a just organization. Let us through!"

The man opened his eyes, cold light flashing.

"I see no justice—only chaos," he replied, fixing his gaze on Linley. "Are you their organizer?"

"This matter has nothing to do with these night elves. You know nothing of the Wheel of Twin Moons’ terror. The new king’s wrath will destroy all of Florence. Young man, if you are a true man—then don’t involve others. Let us settle this between ourselves!"

The prince raised his sword toward Linley. "Beat me, and I will let you pass. If I prevail, you dissolve your organization."

Linley shuddered—what a show-off this guy was!

"He’s so handsome! Lord Elray!"

Suddenly a squeal rang out. Linley turned and saw the chief astrologer clutching her chest like a schoolgirl.

"I wish I could force myself on him!"

Linley was stunned, then burst out laughing. "All right, let me fulfill your wish!"

He waved his arm grandly. "Brothers, stand back. Let me face him myself!"

Linley ordered the night elves to retreat and strode boldly toward the prince.

Finally, a proper duel. Such a commanding night elf was surely not a traitor; Linley was determined to deliver a beating himself.

Who told you to look more manly than me?