Mikhail nodded to the Emperor and walked away.
As he left the throne room and moved through the palace corridors, he heard the jingle of armor behind him.
He stopped.
Turned.
Gwenllian stood a respectful distance behind him, perfectly still.
He stared at her. She didn't respond. Didn't move. Just stood there, silent behind the helmet.
Mikhail sighed and continued walking.
The jingling resumed behind him.
When he reached his private study, he opened the door and stepped inside. He moved to close it—
She followed.
Mikhail stopped, blocking the doorway.
"What are you doing?"
A soft voice came from behind the helmet. Young. Nervous.
"My Lord, I'm... standing guard beside you." She stammered slightly.
Mikhail's expression didn't change.
"Stand by the door."
He shut the door in her face.
Inside, alone, he sighed.
"What a pain."
A shadow moved.
Maria materialized from the corner of the room, silent as ever.
"Enjoying your new bodyguard, my Lord?"
Mikhail turned and leaned against his desk.
"No. Absolutely not." He gestured dismissively. "Maria. Give me everything you've got."
Maria stepped forward, hands folded.
"Yes, my Lord. I've placed the chieftain in a special containment cell beneath the palace. Given the information you provided about its Weapon Master abilities—crafting weapons from anything—I took extra precautions to ensure it remains secure."
Mikhail nodded.
"What about Maximus?"
"Maximus has been assigned as Queen Yuehua's personal bodyguard in Eldrath. If the dark robes attempt anything again, he'll be in position." She paused. "It was wise of you not to bring him to the Empire."
Mikhail scoffed.
"Isn't that obvious? The Church has eyes everywhere." He glanced toward the door. "And this... joke of a bodyguard they've assigned me? I don't think it's a coincidence. They're trying to keep an eye on me."
He met Maria's gaze.
"I need every piece of information you can find on this girl."
"Understood, my Lord."
"Is there anything else?"
Mikhail's expression darkened.
"Yes. Keep eyes on that bastard High Commander, Lancelot. Every time I see him, I want to draw my sword."
Maria nodded.
Mikhail hesitated, then spoke more quietly.
"Maria... you've known me for almost my entire life. Don't you think I've changed? Quite a lot recently?"
Maria tilted her head slightly, considering.
"No, my Lord. I did suspect something at first. But... it was just as you told me."
Mikhail's eyes narrowed.
"Explain."
"Just before you left for Eldrath, you told me something might happen to you. That you might change—not physically, but in behavior." She paused. "You told me not to worry. That you were simply trying to change your life."
Mikhail went still.
What the hell?
The original Mikhail KNEW? That I would come to his body?
But how? And where is he now?
My head is going to explode from these questions.
He forced himself to focus.
I'll have to think deeper into this later.
He straightened, pushing the thoughts aside.
"Anyway. Now it's time to have a chat with the chieftain."