CHAPTER 655: CHAPTER 439: CRUSADE TARGET: WHITE EAGLE

"Hey, hey, Captain Luluwo, the King just announced he is critically ill, is it really appropriate for us to do this today?"

"It’s fine, really. We’re doing it quietly at home, not making a big fuss. It’s no big deal."

"True enough... Everyone, let’s raise our glasses, then—"

In Bed City, at a certain mansion, familiar people gathered together, raising their glasses to the young girl inside the room.

"Elsa’s farewell party, starting now!"

The clinking of glasses echoed continuously, and musicians began their performance, pushing the atmosphere of the farewell party to a climax.

People had already set up sound insulation magic around the mansion in advance, and even the dazzling lights were covered with illusion magic, so even if there were dancing in the courtyard, no one would see.

The party being held was organized by the Skyrim Strategy Group, attended by acquaintances, for the Hero Elsa’s farewell party.

There were not too many people; mostly members of the Crusade Team that originally went to combat Elderly, including Leon, Dal, and some other adventurers, making it a small gathering of elite adventurers.

Today, Elsa was departing, venturing to other kingdoms after leaving here, with the final destination being the border and the Western Continent.

Strangely enough, the party was held in the morning. Who starts a party early in the day, unless it’s Fantasy Town?

Apart from some guests’ scheduling issues, the main reason for the party being held in the morning was simply due to one thing: King Ainz III’s critical illness.

The news that the King was critically ill and could pass away at any time had spread two or three days ago. It’s said that he is still undergoing treatment, but the situation is grim.

The Kingdom’s residents had anticipated this day to come, yet were still startled when the news actually arrived.

Logically, when the King is critically ill, residents should feel uneasy, perhaps even terrified. But now, people are just a little uneasy.

The reason is because Princess Selene has already earned unanimous approval from the people these days. The Princess currently commands the support of warriors, represented by Eliphas, and the civil ministers, led by Minister Oro and other officials, marking unprecedented unity within the Court. Coupled with the image the Princess has been fostering since appearing before the public, people feel very reassured about her ascending the throne as Queen.

Some people even look forward to it, believing that the Princess replacing the long senile King as Queen is what will set the country back on track.

On the day the news of the King’s critical illness broke, Selene personally stepped out to comfort the people, who clearly noticed the unresolved sadness and negative emotions on her face. Despite her grief, she could step forward to comfort the citizens, showcasing utmost responsibility!

Minister Oro and several generals who had fallen into a coma due to the attack also gradually awakened, firmly supporting Eliphas in their discussions, proving his innocence and issuing severe condemnation of the Warrior Country.

And the Warrior Country... so far, their response has been like, "What are you talking about?"

With the King critically ill, it’s naturally inappropriate for citizens to hold lavish parties; at least within the Royal City, the guards strictly prohibit grand entertainment activities, especially with strict night patrols. So, Elsa’s farewell party was chosen to be held at such an odd daytime hour.

"Setting off on a journey can be tough. Do give it your all by yourself and may you soon find companions with kindred spirits."

Leon approached Elsa with a glass of wine, offering her a toast.

"If you encounter troublesome Demon Clan members, you can call us anytime."

Dal gifted her a magic tool capable of voice transmission, shaped like a wolf head, looking eager, feeling like if it weren’t for the Bonds of the Fran Guard keeping him here, he would have followed Elsa on her journey.

"This is for you, a keepsake of our first meeting."

Tami presented a framed painting depicting "Sain Ancient City," the Painting World both had experienced together.

"I’ve packed your luggage; I don’t have much to give, but here are a few verbal blessings."

Finally, it was Luluwo, looking at Elsa surrounded by people, smiling a little foolishly, and she couldn’t help but sigh.

"I’m really afraid you’ll run off on your own."

The entire party was quite simple, summarized by eating and drinking, but the joy is not something so easily summarized.

While Elsa was eating and drinking with people, Luluwo scanned the crowd, counting the guests who had arrived.

Moments later, she mumbled to herself, "Where did Fingerley’s group run off to?"

The party invited members of the Crusade Team, naturally including the Hasavi Team, but the invitation letter seemed to have vanished like a rock thrown into the sea, and searching at Hasavi Team’s residence didn’t find Fingerley either. These days, they’ve seemed to disappear entirely.

Not just them, but also Golden-level adventurer "Wild Blade" Alice and "Giant Gate" Bara who went missing, making it seem they had planned this disappearance, leaving no clues on their whereabouts.

It’s not a big deal if they’re absent; not being able to blame them, but...

After pondering for a bit, Sali was also called over to the party, yet no reply was received from them either.

"Turn up the music a bit!"