I did my best to keep my face straight.

"I understand that," I answered as calm as I could muster.

The King nodded in understanding, but Lionel eyed me suspiciously. Either he saw through my ruse, or he was just always suspicious of me.

The King continued, "As you may have realized, demon attacks are becoming far more prevalent in this nation." He dabbed at the edge of his mouth with a napkin, "But what is more troubling is that they have managed to get past the most secure wards."

Yeah, probably wasn't a good sign if a giant bear entered the throne room.

Lionel grunted, "Are you sure you should be saying all this to an outsider?" He glared at me.

I glared back. Two can play that game! The King sighed, "Listen Lionel, you must realize there are certain things you cannot achieve by yourself."

Lionel angrily said, "But that guy—"

I cut him off, "That guy you're talking about is sitting right here."

He ignored me, "There's absolutely no record of him to be found anywhere! Despite extensive research, he is a complete mystery!"

I looked at him suspiciously, "You only met me a day ago. How is that enough time to do anything?"

He frowned, "Rafael is one of the most skilled informants out there. He wouldn't miss anything."

From the darkness, Rafael emerged and said, "That is correct."

I flinched, "Holy crap! Where did you come from?!"

He shook his head, "I was here the entire time. I simply concealed my presence."

I looked at him, then at my pancakes, "You sure you don't want some? There's plenty, you know?"

He frowned, "Some of what?"

"Food," I replied.

He looked at me as if I had grown another head, "A humble guard cannot sit at the table with royals."

I shook my head, "Oh, I guess those stupid rules exist here, huh?"

Incredulously, Lionel said, "You dare call our customs 'stupid?' "

"Yes, I do." I answered stubbornly, "Not allowing people to eat at the same table just because of status is stupid and vain."

"YOU—" Lionel got up from his chair.

"SILENCE!" The King slammed his fist on the table. Something about that move managed to make everyone shut up. "Lionel, stop behaving childishly. And Ethan," he glared at me, "I suggest you exercise more discretion when voicing your opinion."

I fell silent. It was the first time the King had gotten angry at me, and somehow it stung. I didn't know what I was expecting.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Rafael standing dumbstruck. However, his eyes held a distinct note of joy. I was shocked to see him show any emotion other than anger or annoyance. Unfortunately, the moment passed quickly, and he went back to a neutral expression.

I stabbed my pancake with the fork and went back to eating. It tasted like absolute crap despite tasting amazing minutes ago. The silence was suffocating.

Finally, Lionel broke the silence, "What tactics do you suggest we adopt?"

I looked left and right to see who he was talking to.

With an obvious hint of annoyance in his voice, Lionel said, "I'm talking to you!"

I asked, "Me?"

"Yes you!"

"Uhm... welll..." I needed to think of something fast, "I require more information to answer that."

There we go! A reply that sounded smart while actually saying nothing. I guess all those English lessons in school weren't for waste.

Lionel finished his food and pushed his plate away. He folded his arms and lay them on the table. "If you're such a smart tactician, you should be able to answer this easily, no?"

I tried to come up with something smart-sounding, "Only a fool will make decisions without all available information."

Lionel narrowed his eyes, "If you managed to enter the castle, it means that you have enough and more information."

Crap! How would I get out of this one...?!