'So every race has a king-type catalyst?'
I frowned inwardly.
'Is this one of those artifacts where the symbolic value outweighs actual combat power?'
If so… it was useless to me.
Symbolism doesn't win fights.
Power does.
To think I'd gotten a little excited.
"Now," Velra continued, eyes shifting toward me with faint curiosity, "you must have one yourself. Why ask me?"
Ah.
Right.
That.
I raised my hand casually and pressed my index finger to her lips.
"Shh."
Her body went completely still.
Joe blinked.
Velra's pupils narrowed slightly—but she didn't pull away.
I gave her a subtle look. Then glanced toward Joe.
—It's our secret.
I didn't dare speak it aloud.
Velra and I already had enough suspicious connections.
With lips well-trained from silent conversations with Amelia—who had perfected the art of communicating during formal banquets without moving her face—I mouthed carefully:
—It would be troublesome if that spreads.
