"The core of the team will be the Seven Heroes—Daniel, Jason, William, Amy, Sophia, Lisa, and the Rogue, Ren."
She paused, looking at Oliver apologetically.
"I also requested that your party be included as independent specialists. However… the politics of the court are difficult. The generals didn't want to give up too many spots to 'outsiders.'"
She held up two fingers.
"I could only secure two spots for your group on the official roster. Yours, and Lady Isolde's."
Ariana stopped chewing. She swallowed her croissant with a gulp. "Eh? Just two?"
"I'm afraid so," Elisha sighed. "The rest of the team will be comprised of the Kingdom's Royal Guard Captains and the Head Court Mages. The total expedition count is capped at twenty people."
Oliver frowned. "So Ariana and Seraphine are left behind?"
"Negative," Seraphine stated immediately. "My directive is absolute. Separation from Master is unacceptable."
