Reason???: The Real Princess (2)

"It's almost time."

The Crown Prince stares at the clock, and it shows 830pm.

[She (ivy) hasn't come down.] he looks up towards the second floor, [Maybe she's still chatting with the Princess.]

"Anything wrong, your highness?" Count Malone, one of the ministers of foreign trade, asks the prince.

"No. It's nothing."

"I'm sorry I had to raise this matter during your celebration."

"No. It's okay, Count Malone. I understand your concerns. I will have the soldiers increase patrol for the trade routes, and I will also have the knights despatch to investigate on this matter."

"Oh, thank you, your highness." Count Malone let out a breath of relief. "I'm sure that would help reassure the people. I just prayed that the monster sighting in the woods is just a misunderstanding."

"Has there been any casualties?"