"Spies?"
Lila's startled eyes widened, then immediately turned to Mel to confirm.
Mel merely smirked, placing an index finger over her lips.
"Yes, spies." Ignoring Lila's plight, the elf continued as her cheek rested on her palm. "A shame the royal family has nurtured such rats beneath their very noses."
"Uh-"
The two knights froze, their helmets twitching as they stared at one another for a brief second.
"Please," the Knight put on a straight tone. "Do not joke further. All of us Royal Knights are here to protect the Third Princess and secure the students' safety in light of the Saintess's-"
"Yes, the Saintess's reckless order!" Mel's face gleamed, her other palm grasping the summoned staff.
Then, her eyes sharpened with a mischievous bloodlust, like a flower petal laced with a hidden blade.
"But if I may recall boldly, don't you think it's too coincidental that the monster attack occurred right as the students gathered for the trip?"
