Emisarry Of Time And Space Chapter 216 217: Remember I exist.

Orion's eyes widened in astonishment.

'She simply asked outright,' he thought.

For a fleeting moment, his mind went blank, not from fear, but sheer surprise. Out of all the possible ways Emily could have approached this, directness was the least anticipated. There was no subtle questioning, no beating around the bush, no gentle preamble. Just a straightforward question, posed right in front of Sylgrid, with seemingly no regard for the potential repercussions.

Had she not considered the sensitivity of the matter?

He quickly dismissed the notion. Ignorance simply didn't fit her character. Not after days of careful observation. Not after witnessing how she navigated people, movements, and underlying tensions. Emily was not someone who acted carelessly.

This meant her question was a calculated move.

Was it a test? A gamble? Or had she decided that feigning ignorance was safer than revealing she was already informed? Orion couldn't ascertain her true motive yet, and this uncertainty bothered him more than he cared to admit.

The Sylgrid tilted his head, his movement slow and inquisitive rather than defensive.

"You appear perplexed, human," he stated calmly. "The jades mined by the Sylgrid are not referred to as Sylgrid jades. They are simply called jades."

His tone was devoid of any harshness, carrying instead a hint of mild amusement.

"If your presence in the Jade Forest stems from an interest in jade," he continued, "then you have ventured far too deep for ordinary commerce."

"Ah, I see now," Emily responded, her expression smoothly shifting to one of contemplation, erasing any trace of embarrassment.

Orion let out a silent sigh of relief.

Just as he had suspected. Not all of them are privy to the truth.

The Sylgrid's answer corroborated what Orion had already surmised from Tala and his wife. Knowledge of the Sylgrid Jade was not common. It was compartmentalized and restricted, either due to a strict hierarchy or specific necessity.

He subtly shifted his gaze towards Emily.

She had picked up on it too.

A minute tightening around her eyes, almost imperceptible to most, was a telltale sign that Orion, having observed her closely, recognized instantly. Her question had been a probe, and the Sylgrid's response had provided her with the confirmation she sought.

Nevertheless, a part of him couldn't help but consider the alternative scenario.

Had the Sylgrid reacted differently—with recognition or hostility—Orion would have departed immediately, without a second thought or warning. The sheer numbers involved made any confrontation futile. Facing thousands with only twenty-five individuals would not be a battle, but a pointless sacrifice.

He had no intention of dying to make a point.

"We assumed Sylgrid Jade was a particular type of jade," Emily admitted with a somewhat awkward chuckle, playing along with the misunderstanding.

The Sylgrid observed her for a moment before giving a slight nod.

"Ah, if it is a special jade you are searching for," he acknowledged, "then you are indeed in the correct region."

Emily's attention immediately focused, her interest piqued.

"However," the Sylgrid added, his expression subtly changing, "you have arrived at the wrong time."

That single statement altered the entire atmosphere.

Emily did not press him further. She waited patiently.

"In what way?" she inquired.

The Sylgrid gestured vaguely in the direction of the capital, which remained hidden by the distant forest.

"Certain jades are not traded freely," he explained. "They are linked to specific families, to positions of authority, and require a particular process. Currently, any movement concerning such matters is under restriction."

Orion listened intently.

The choice of words was precise. He hadn't used 'forbidden' or 'dangerous.' He had said 'restricted,' implying regulation rather than outright prohibition.

"An event is fast approaching," the Sylgrid disclosed. "Until it concludes, access to the capital is limited."

Emily nodded slowly, absorbing the information without interruption.

Orion watched her closely.

This was the critical juncture where his plan could either unravel or solidify.

She now possessed sufficient information to draw her own conclusions. Enough to understand that the capital was the focal point of everything. Enough to decide whether to proceed, retreat, or question why someone like Orion had remained silent for so long.

Instead, she let out a soft sigh.

"In that case," Emily stated composedly, "we will still proceed to the capital."

Orion blinked in surprise.

She remained unfazed.

"The event is in five days. We can wait outside if necessary. Turning back now would only be a waste of time and effort."

Her approach was practical and efficient. Annoyingly reasonable, Orion thought.

The Sylgrid showed a hint of hesitation.

For the first time, a measure of discomfort flickered in his demeanor. His gaze briefly shifted towards the larger group following him, then returned to Emily.

"That would be... inadvisable," he said carefully. "If you interfere, even unintentionally—"

"We will not," Emily replied instantly and without reservation. "Our sole purpose is to gather information; we have no interest in causing any disruption."

The Sylgrid studied her, clearly conflicted.

Orion could almost visualize the internal calculations weighing on his mind: responsibility versus convenience, risk versus obligation, punishment versus avoidance.

After a moment, he gave a nod.

"I will direct you towards the correct path," he conceded. "However, I cannot accompany you any further."

"That's fine," Emily replied. "We appreciate the guidance."

The Sylgrid offered a few brief directions, designating landmarks instead of specific routes. His words were direct, devoid of any intent to deceive. Upon finishing, he stepped back, clearly wishing to put distance between them.

They parted without any formal goodbyes.

As the group resumed their journey, Orion subtly checked his bracelet.

The direction confirmed his suspicions.

This consistency, more than anything, disturbed him.

The Sylgrid had not lied.

Whether it stemmed from innocence, self-assurance, or a deeper motive, Orion couldn't ascertain. Tala. His wife. This Sylgrid. None of them exhibited behavior typical of those fearing deceit.

Stop it, Orion chided himself. You're falling into that pattern again.

He deliberately suppressed the swirling thoughts.

As the dense forest enveloped them once more, Emily, with a few quiet commands, adjusted their formation. The group advanced with renewed confidence, their steps now synchronized.

Orion maintained his position in the center.

Then, Emily moved closer.

He showed no outward reaction, having sensed her approach long before she uttered a word.

"So," she began, her tone casual, though her expression was serious, "Are you going to be honest with us..."

She matched his stride with practiced ease.

"...or do you intend to continue this charade of a lovers' quarrel, kid?"

Orion emitted a low hum, neither slowing his pace nor turning his head.

"I wasn't playing any game," he responded evenly. "You made assumptions, and your imagination filled in the rest."

She scrutinized him for a moment, her gaze sharp.

"So that's how you want to play it."

Orion turned to face her, a brow arched slightly.

"There is no game here," Orion stated calmly.

She shifted her attention back to him.

"Oh, there is. You've been deceiving us for some reason, knowing everything the Sylgrid mentioned, yet you withheld it from us." Emily declared.

"You're merely stating the obvious," Orion replied.

A frown creased her forehead.

"You feel no remorse?" she inquired.

Orion's expression shifted to one of bewilderment.

"I have no reason to feel remorse. And please, drop the pretense. Stop acting hurt; it won't affect me. You've sensed something was off about me since I joined you, yet you remained silent. It's clear you suspected I knew something and intended to exploit me for information, but for reasons unknown, you were hesitant to confront me directly." Orion stated plainly.

"We are no match for you," she conceded.

"Hmm... If your assessment is based on instinct, then I commend its sharpness. However, you approach me now because you desire something. Otherwise, you would have maintained your facade. So, state your request directly," Orion concluded.

Emily remained silent for several minutes.

"I want you to include me," she finally said.

Orion's brow lifted slightly.

"It's evident that you and your group are planning something, intending to use us as expendable assets. As much as my pride is wounded admitting this, I'm uncertain if we, or I, can oppose your objectives." she stated, her teeth clenched.

He mused, 'She's pragmatic.' She reminded him of Irelle when they first met during the trial, but this was no mere trial.

"You are isolating yourself," Orion observed.

"Because I am alone," she replied without hesitation.

"That's a perilous sentiment for a leader to express," Orion commented.

"But it is the truth," she affirmed with a straight face.

"Only one group can emerge victorious," Orion stated.

"Yes," she agreed.

"If I were to include you, I would be granting you an opportunity to surpass us," Orion said, acknowledging the slim possibility.

"Yes," she responded again.

"I apologize, Emily, but I do not favor relying on chances," Orion said calmly.

"To you, a chance might exist regardless of my words, but to me, it is zero. I promise not to jeopardize your mission in any manner," she pleaded.

"That's a rather dubious promise, Emily. If you are so certain of your defeat, I fail to see the reason for your journey to the capital in the first place."

"It's the same reason I ventured into the Jade Forest initially: I seek self-improvement, a desire to become better, but without meeting my end."

"It's clear that if I were to enter that capital, I might face death. I am not powerful, but I aspire to be."

"So, you seek protection."

"Yes."

Orion sighed. He himself wasn't entirely assured of his own safety; how could he possibly guarantee hers? His companions were currently in grave peril, making it impossible for him to pledge protection to another.

Before he could decline her offer.

"I know you're about to say you aren't assured of your own safety, and I understand. I'm not asking you to watch over me."

"I only hope that whatever situation you find yourself in during the conflict, you will remember that I exist."

Before Orion could utter another word, she increased her pace, rejoining her group.

A slight frown creased Orion's features.

'What a hassle.'