Prince Adrian's face twitched. "Abandon the castle? Have you gone mad?"
Ria didn't flinch. Her gaze was calm, but her tone was firm. "If we stay here, we'll die anyway. The monster cores will run out. The barrier will fall. It's only a matter of time before those demons walk through our gates like it's nothing."
Adrian's fingers drummed slowly on the throne's armrest. His breathing was shallow.
Abandon the castle? The idea was shameful. This was the Vermilion Kingdom's royal symbol. If they left, it was the same as declaring their total defeat.
At that moment, his mother, the queen, stepped inside the hall as well. She was an older version of Ria and even more beautiful. Despite the collapsing kingdom, she still held her noble posture.
But even she knew it was over.
"Adrian…" she called softly.
"Yes, Mother?" he replied.
"Your sister is right. We should abandon the castle. I'm sure if your father were here, he would do the same."
