The chaos ended with relief that there is no life-threatening fatalities although the damaged structures and goods were obvious within the town.
Regardless, people began to doubt the Imperial Palace, so as the legitimacy of Yui.
"Father!" Karin bursts when a sudden meeting with the nobles is held at the imperial palace.
Not only did they talk about the construction of the capital, but their main topic also goes to who will lead the empire.
Because of the considerable amount of incidents with the appearances of creatures that aren't known to the people, and Yui's disappearance.
They have turned into a conclusion of pointing fingers at Yui as she was the one who took the lead in planning and organizing the event.
The reason is too oblivious but the nobles pushed through such harsh comments to place someone on the blame.
Karin did try to defend Yui but the aristocrats held a strong stand to bring back Darrion as the successor.
"It cannot be done, her highness has been gone and the emperor hasn't regained his consciousness yet."
Karin's father, the Duke of the East speaks as the representative of the aristocratic faction.
"Let us wait a little time, maybe Yui will appear tomorrow or the next day."
Darrion articulated glancing at Herman who has been pressing his lips close from the beginning of the meeting.
"The duke is correct, we cannot wait." Duke Herman responded clenching his fist. He hated to admit it, but as the highest supporter of Yui, he has no choice but to yield.
He has no idea of what just happened although Darrion explained the whole situation with Karin's support, they still cannot believe it.
Pieces of evidence are even shown and thus Jaiq's confession was added.
Nevertheless, it isn't enough to prove Yui's innocence. Also, their highest priority is the wellness of the empire.
To rebuild the capital, they need an emperor regent to act as the sovereign and they cannot allow someone who has suddenly gone to be in that position.
"We must relent with the people's demands and needs as of now, your highness. Please take the position."
Duke Herman added politely bowing his head before Darrion who soon after was followed by the other nobles.
Darrion was left with no choice but to agree with the council's decisions with hefty emotions passed over his shoulder.
'Yui where did you go.' Maylene has the same thoughts as the others as she relentlessly visits the ruined temple in hopes that Yui might return to that same place.
"Rhodes will remain and lead the imperial knights and guards to help Darrion," Gael stated while preparing himself to leave the palace walls.
"Eh? Commander are you going to find Miss sorceress at that state?" Herd uttered pointing to Gael's wrecked appearance and exhausted face.
"Why don't you take a little rest and treat your wounds first before leaving?" Rhodes calmy said although he understands Gael's agitation.
Gael did not respond and continued wearing his gloves and sword, clenching his jaw.
'I should have come with her inside that temple.' He thought pressing his eyes to close extremely vexed.
'I should not have left her alone,'
The sun is ready to leave, yet Yui's whereabouts are still unknown and Gael cannot wait any longer.
"I'm coming with you." Julian appeared swirling from the wind with determined eyes with obvious marks of tears in his eyes.
"What? But we need your help here kiddo."
Herd said scratching the back of his head but he isn't wrong after all Julian's magic can easily lighten the workload within the capital.
Gael is displeased, glaring coldly at Julian, "Stay, you will just get in my way."
"But it's faster to use magic! Take me!"
Julian didn't budge, insisting on his idea but Gael just threw another piercing glare before riding his horse.
Julian bit his lower lips deeply frustrated about being ignored by Gael.
"No one is leaving!" Karin shouted as she arrived at the palace ground with Darrion and Daphne.
Her strong appearance instantly bowed the head of the people present at that time. Even Gael quickly went down his horse to show his respect.
Karin sigh heavily pressing the temples of her forehead, "I understand that everyone is in dire to find her, but do you think she will be happy to see you in that state?"
Both Julian and Gael dropped their heads clenching their fists exasperated.
"First, go inside and treat your wounds and we will talk," Karin said leaving with Daphne.
Darrion patted the shoulder of the two and with no words, he guided them both inside the palace.
After having their dinner that night, Karin lead their group and began a meeting.
"I know, you all hated me. You can curse and glare at me all you want but you have no choice but to hear me out."
The rest couldn't respond at all, even Daphne has no right to defend Karin because of the treatment she showed everyone.
Although they already know her intentions, they still cannot erase her ugly past.
-Bang
Karin placed a pile of papers in the middle of the table, "Here is all the evidence I and your group have gathered against Kaizer but as you know that isn't enough."
"..."
"Yui is now treated as a criminal on run, that's why even if you do find her, her safety could not be guaranteed."
"What nonsense!" Mylene slaps the table perplexed by what she is hearing thus everyone displays the same face as hers.
"I know my lady," Karin grinned which embarrassed Maylene, and quickly averted her eyes.
"What do you want us to do then?" Gael said with his cold sharp tone scowling at Karin.
"Of course, you will proceed on looking for her, Commander," Karin replied smiling which then loosen Gael's stiff shoulders.
Bewildered, Julian stood from his seat shouting, "I will go too!"
Karin lifts her hands halting the young boy, "No Julian, we need to find her as quietly as possible."
"..."
"It would be easier to use the commander under the pretext of checking the boundary seals. We cannot let the others find her before we don’t, we."
Julian drops his head again feeling hopeless but Maylene caresses his back to cheer him up.
"Maylene and Daphne will be helping me with the emperor's health and his highness Darrion will be leading everything within the capital's recovery."
And thus, the night was concluded and they all went on their way.