The knights outside didn't know what was going on inside, but the moment the barrier was activated, they were taken aback. They immediately became alert and rushed forward, ready to attack the barrier if something had happened to the Empress.
Before they could make a move, a voice came from inside.
"No need to attack. It's me who crafted the barrier."
The knights froze.
They exchanged glances with each other, and one of them couldn't help but notice something strange about the Empress's voice. It sounded slightly hoarse.
"Are they fighting inside?" one of the knights asked.
"It might be, but why did Her Majesty's voice sound like that?"
The knights looked at each other with uncertainty.
"Was she defeated?"
"Impossible!"
There was another possibility, but knowing how cold the Empress was, they were sure it couldn't be true.
Still, the strange voice left them feeling uneasy.
