The King leaned forward slightly before speaking.

“Captain Reinhard… share what we know.”

Reinhard stepped ahead, his presence immediately commanding the room.

“We believe Edward is connected to the organisation behind the recent incidents,” he began. “Their name remains unknown. However… We suspect the group is composed mainly of lower nobles. Their leadership has not yet been identified.”

He paused briefly.

“They possess rare teleportation magic tools… extremely uncommon artifacts. Because of this… no noble house can be fully trusted.”

The room grew uneasy.

“All of you have been monitored carefully,” Reinhard continued. “You were brought here because none of you matched the suspicious profiles. At present… the Royal Knights and Court Mages cannot be fully trusted. Only the RSF remains reliable.”

Bjorn crossed his arms.

“So what does that have to do with us?” he asked bluntly. “And why should we help?”

Lancelot answered calmly.

“You all entered this tournament to become knights or mages, did you not? Then consider this your chance… to prove your strength and loyalty to the kingdom.”

Lukas shrugged slightly.

“I joined to meet strong people and test myself.”

“Same here,” Marco added.

“And after this… I’m planning to go on an adventure,” Lukas said.

Marco nodded. “Me too.”

Lukas glanced at Sofie.

“But we’ll help… if Sofie gets the chance to become a Royal Mage.”

The King gave a small approving nod.

“If you help us defeat these traitors… I will fund your future adventures,” he said. “And regarding Sofie… she will be trained under the guidance of the noble houses.”

His tone grew serious.

“At your current level… you are too weak to face this organisation.”

A heavy silence followed.

“But our options are limited. Therefore… we will train you personally.”

Reinhard stepped forward again.

“Sofie, Griffin, Klaus, Arthur, Lukas, and Rowan… you will train under me.”

He then gestured toward Lancelot.

“Bjorn, Aron, Orion, Thor, and Rio… under Sir Lancelot.”

Lukas raised a hand.

“What about the tournament?”

Reinhard answered immediately.

“The tournament will continue as planned. In fact… it will serve as part of our trap.”

He looked around the room carefully.

“The King, the Crown Guard… my father… and Lancelot’s father… will act as bait.”

The tension in the room spiked.

“Before we proceed… anyone who wishes to withdraw may do so now,” Reinhard said firmly. “If you refuse… your memories of this meeting will be erased, and you may live freely. But if you join us… the kingdom will grant your wishes.”

Sofie stepped forward, determination burning in her eyes.

“If I join… will I truly get the chance to become a Royal Mage?” she asked. “And… will I be allowed to face Edward myself?”

Lukas and Marco exchanged surprised glances.

The King answered her directly.

“If you were not capable of becoming a Royal Mage… you would not be here. And as for Edward… you may face anyone you wish… if you possess the strength to win.”

He stood.

“If there are no further questions… then I take it you are all joining.”

No one spoke.

“Training begins tomorrow,” the King continued. “Except for Lukas, Arthur, Bjorn, Griffin, and Orion… the rest of you will depart immediately for specialized training.”

“We have only one month… before the organisation makes its move.”

One by one… they pledged themselves to the throne.

And with that… the meeting came to an end.