Sixteen

The officials inside the room kept on looking at each other, deciding who among them would dare and answer my question. I tap my fingers on the desk in front of me, trying to calm myself while I wait for their petty reasons to excuse their stupid actions.

"Your highness, what Mr. Whiller exhibited was defiance to our sectors credibility. We were once a sector that's free of crime and judgement. Then the kinds of Mr. Whiller showed up in our prestigious town, making our sector a laughing matter to the others. We must of course show that we don't tolerate this kind of despicable actions within our sect so we set Mr. Whiller as an example to everyone. We are just following the sectors law" an older official speaks up. He looks older to everyone in the room but he doesn't have the high officials badge, so he might just be another official who didn't take the ranking exams. In short, he's just someone who's contented of where he is.

I looked at Mr. Lugham so that he could start explaining to me in detail of what the hell his lower officials meant. This is the first time I'm hearing about a sect having their own laws and ways to deal with a crime. There should only be one set of laws and that's the law given by the King and Queen of this kingdom, otherwise, why are we running a monarchy and not a democratic kingdom?! When did they decide that their laws are better than the laws set by the royal family?! If anyone hears about this, they'll think this is a revolt.

"Your highness, you must not misunderstand. What my subordinate meant was, for the laws of the kingdom to be upheld, we must set an example to the public of the worst thing that could happen to someone who commits a crime. That no matter what their reason is, a crime will always be seen as a sin to the to the royal family." Mr. Lugham makes a quick excuse, covering the mistake of his subordinate. I was beginning to think that this officials are just playing with me. Some of them are already bowing their heads, an obvious act of guilt and not wanting to be questioned or interrogated, while others are simply looking waiting for my next move.

Mr. Lugham thinks that he can get away with their personal justice by saying that its for the royal families sake. The subjects of this kingdom knows its rules to the bone, generations upon generations, we followed and practiced the same laws. My forefathers gave their everything for this laws to be subjected to its people and they didn't sacrifice a lot for nothing. I won't allow this people to put shame on my families blood.

If my brother was still alive, he might just stripped this people off their ranks. They are a failure to the kingdom, a sick excuse of negligence and an example of what power can do to people.

"If I may your highness, as someone who studies and follow the laws everyday. It sounds to me that this officials are making their own set of rules. Rules that are yet to be submitted for approval. If this is the case, then they are in direct violation of Article 15 of the royal law, which states that any subject of the kingdom who defies the laws because of their own beliefs are subject to trial until their beliefs are proven to be harmless and reasonable. But with this sects case, their statements are not inline with their actions." Andrews stated while eyeing each official with his in-the-zone face.

This is one of the reasons why I always trust Andrews to deliver the right words at a right time. He doesn't fear anyone and he would always base his judgements with facts. But because of this, he also tends to forget that there are rankings in the kingdom. For him, as long as he is fighting for justice and the rights of the people, the rest are just nonsense.

"You!!" Mr. Lugham points at Andrews with anger resurfacing from his face "How dare you accuse the officials of this sect! You don't have the authority to insult our ways. What we are doing is for the sake of this kingdom, without the example we made with that criminal, order wouldn't be observed. The people of this kingdom would never bend their desires if we don't rule them with an iron hand. An example is necessary for everyone else to follow" Mr. Lugham is now showing his true side, while some of his subordinate nod in agreement to his words. Bunch of lap dogs.

"You speak of setting an example to the people, but you all failed to understand what your duty is to them" I gritted my teeth, hoping to stop myself from saying something that could be use against me. "You all value your pride and you have all forgotten what it truly means to serve the people. As for the law..." I stood up so I could walk and face each one of them " We only have one law in this kingdom and that's the royal laws. Anyone that goes against it or even thinks that he or she is above it, is subject to trial. You are all aware of this and yet you all have the guts to go above it and do your own way" I scoffed after what I said and saw how they all want to trample me.

I made my way to Mr. Lugham to look him in the eye, challenging him to go against me or to even utter another statement that could be use against him.

"Mr. Andrews may have over-stepped his boundaries but he has every right to question you. He came here with my orders to specifically handle Mr. Whillers case, and as his lawyer, he is entitled to question and gather his own evidence, whatever way is necessary. And you can't complain about it because you should already feel by now that I'm in no mood of entertaining your petty reasons. You know that what you and your subordinates did was wrong and punishable." I saw fear pass through the eyes of Mr. Lugham. Good. Thats exactly what he should feel in front of me.

"Even if your the Prince, nobody here thinks you are. Our loyalties will always be with the Prime Minister. He won't let anything happen to us and we'll only follow his orders and no one else" Mr. Lugham proudly said.

I smugly smiled and turned around, walking away from Mr. Lugham. Then I heard his slow chuckle, and so did his subordinates. He might be thinking he'd won, but he just mentioned something that's became his warrant of arrest.

"That is where you are wrong Mr. Lugham, I didn't just come here as the Crownprince of Estrella, but as a representative of His Hingness, your King. The one where your loyalty show be" It was now my turn to smugly smile in front of this crude official. He looked at me with no presence of respect and that's his mistake.

I don't care anymore if this sect falls under the management of the Prime Minister. Even if he shows up now and demand that I leave this sect alone, there's enough evidence for me to prove that this sector is corrupted and dangerous to the kingdom. This officials just admitted what they want, they are crystal clear to where their loyalties are. This only leaves me with one decision. So I looked at Andrews, then to Drey. They both understood what I want so they both proceeded while I watch them seize every official present.

"Mr. Lugham, under the authority given to me by the King and Queen and with witnesses present in this place, you and your subordinates are under arrest for violating the laws of the kingdom. Under Article 7 of the Royal Law, any authorities with hidden intentions against the throne are to be questioned and punished. Adding to this, you are all public officials and you are all payed by the taxes collected from the people. You are all public servants who feeds on the hard-worked money of every human being alive and living in this kingdom. And with that an official who violates the laws, shall receive a severe punishment without negotiation. Stripped from their ranks and will be treated as commoners of the kingdom." Andrew announces, while Drey called in my personal guards to arrest the officials that was inside.

Panic rose inside the room when my guard captured each of the officials. Some of them were already begging while others are trying to fight the guards that was holding them captive.

"You are making a big mistake. Once the Prime Minister learns about this, he'll crush you. " Mr. Lugham struggles to free himself from my guards so instead he kept shouting useless accusations and complaints. Drey ordered the guards to bring the captured people to questioning while Andrew made a few calls. My actions may have been severe but they were necessary. They support the Prime Minister more than the King and Queen of this kingdom. If they keep on leading and managing this sect, i'm afraid that a day might come where my father and mother won't have the chance to stop the people from revolting against them.

The brutality of this situation is that, things will always reflect on how the Royals choose their officials. The people will only see that everything is in the hands of the Kind and Queen, therefore if their officials fail, its their fault. Every blame will be on the Royal family. No matter how we handle this things, we’ll always be blamed for the failures of those people under us.

I was left alone with Pete and Drey inside the room, both still waiting for me to speak and give them orders. Now that every official of this sect was seized, words should be travelling. I am positive that everyone who witnessed everything outside and have seen my guards holding the officials, would already be buzzing and making stories of their own. News of this event would have traveled back now to the palace and I can pretty much picture the mix emotion my father would present to his subjects. Surely he didn't expect me to do this, even so, he did trust me to deal with this case and this is how I'll do it.

"Drey, call Lord Sybulus and tell him to send some of his officials here, report to him the things that occurred today. He'll know what to do next. Andrews, go to where Mr. Whiller is being held, see to it that he'll be released today and that he receives the proper punishment to what he did, punishment that's according to our laws. Whatever amount he owes, i'll pay for them. I'll go visit this sects reserve" I exhaled "I fear I might see another set of imbeciles there so after you deal with Mr. Whillers case, report to me."

I have this growing suspicion that there's more to this than what we've already seen and heard. Up until now, the Prime minister has been clever and silent with his actions. I've always known his intentions to the throne. Heck the whole Kingdom knows. And because of his rank in the kingdom and with his families heritage, some of the subjects think that he can be the next ruler of this Kingdom. So its no surprise to me that he was able to gather his own loyal people. People that would obviously do his biddings for him. He cleverly planted his people on places where he can gather more information and influence those who are weak.

"Prime Minister Orlins won't let this pass, are you really ready to go against him?” Peter asks me. Both him and Drey kept looking at me with worry present in their eyes. For years, I’ve been careful around the Prime minister. Not because I was afraid of him but because I needed to be invisible in his eyes. I didn’t want his attention on me so I never associated myself to things that could potentially do that. Instead while he was busy fighting his highness and putting his people in every sector and courts of the kingdom, I was also busy gathering evidences and my own people against his.

“Its bound to happen anyways. Just focus on what you both need to do. I’ll deal with the rest. If he wants to do anything against me, he won’t do it now. Instead he’ll keep an eye on me. So we’ll need to be careful with our next moves.” The Prime Minister isn't someone whom one should underestimate. He'll definitely show some example to his attackers and since I'm still the Crownprince, he can't really do anything to me instead he'll definitely do something to my people. This is why I'm always careful with the people I get close to and I always make sure that they are hidden from prying eyes. Give me lesser things to worry about.

"I'll inform the others. I'll go with you, I can just contact Lord Sybulus on the way. Someone might attack you on your way there its better that I go with you and the royal guards of course." Drey insisted. I didn't protest to his idea since there's no way he'll give in. Drey will always put my safety first than anything else.

"I'll go to where Mr. Whiller is, call me if something comes up on your end. I'll send my assistant to you then" Peter types something on his phone before he grabs his suitcase.

"You're sending me your assistant instead of you. Shouldn't it be the other way round? Your assistant to Mr. Whiller and you with me?" Not that I was needing his presence with me at the reserves but if something happens that I may require his support, I can't just rely on his assistant. It has to be him.

"She's just like me. Once you witness her do her thing, its as if she's me. I have high regards of her and I'm pretty sure she won't fail you. But of course she doesn't know that so if she does come in handy to you someday. Don't even dare blabber my opinion about her. As she is now, she works hard to gain recognition, if she achieves that earlier than planned, she might just lose her interest and do something else"

Peter was so sincere when he told me those things and if you truly know Peter, one would know how picky he is when it comes to people. He is definitely not someone who is easy to impress and hearing him say this nice things to some lady makes me curious if they are just really professional co-worker or are they partners on something else.

Peter witnessed how my whole demeanor changed from being rigid and serious to being relax and curious. Drey did the same as we both looked to our dear friend. We are both obviously up to something and i'm positive that our friend here knows it.

"So this assistant of yours is a lady. That's very interesting, don't you think so too Drey?" a teasing grin forms on my lips as I watch Peter fix his collar uncomfortably.

"Its is your highness. In fact I do think this is the first time our friend here allowed a lady to work under his authority. Say i'm a little curious who this lady might be, should I do some research sire?" Drey smiles at my directly, provoking Peter even more. But our dear friend just rolled his eyes before looking at us with disdain.

"Aren't we in the middle of fixing some serious problems? If I didn't know better i'd say the Crownprince of this kingdom is more interested with gossips than the welfare of his people. Just imagine how the people would react when they hear about this" Warning and threat was lacing on Peters every word and if the situation was different, he could be charged for treason for being disrespectful and showing threat to the throne. But this is how we would normally act with each other. We would tease, pull some pranks or even fight, just to entertain ourselves. But we also have each others back, no matter what.

"You are lucky we still have something to do. I'll get you back on this subject once we are done with this problems. I'll call you when I need your assistance" I teased Peter but he just shakes his head while Drey kept his finger pointing at Peter in disbelief before we all went out and drove to where we are supposed to be.

For a second there it felt like we where back to being just a bunch of kids in university. With nothing to care about but our grades and what we would do the next day. Now, all we have are duties and responsibilities.

Its didn't take us long to reach the sects reserve. The royal guards assigned to protect the sect are now standing confuse in front of me while Drey explained to them the situation and unlike the sects officials this guards know where their loyalty stands. They led us inside the the quarters where they place all peoples share of the food and they voluntarily told Drey everything we needed to know.

I was filled with anger that even when Peter told me he marvelously did what I asked, all I said was 'okay'. Even when Drey told me that Lord Sybulus already handled everything that needs to be done on the sixth sector, all I did was nod.

My head was hurting with everything that happened today. Just with that, I'm pretty sure that any sect that acts the same way as the sixth did will surely clean up their messes. The King will definitely order a visit to evry sector of the kingdom and by then, all dirt would have been swept and kept hidden. Prime Minister Orlins will definitely find a way to get rid of any form of suspicion against him and I'm willing to bet that he already informed all his supporters to hide whatever it is they need to hide. The sixth sector is one of his strong pillars, now that its gone, he'll most likely to protect his other source of power. Those who are against the throne will little by little rise up and that's one of the things I should prepare as well.

After returning inside the palace I asked Drey to delay my audience with the King since I needed the time to think how I should report everything to my father and have a solution for all of it. Though I can just not do the whole solution thing but I don't want to see my fathers disappointed look when he is just starting to trust me with whole ruling the kingdom. I need to find a solution to this deeply rooted problems. I hate to see things crumble because I made a wrong decision.

"Aaron?" I called out while I read some of the reports related to the sixth sector. Its only accurate if I do some more digging on the problem at hand before I decide on any form of damage control.

As soon as I called out, my butler came in with a set of maids following him behind.

"Inform the Kings attendants that i'll be visiting his highness in a moment. Make sure that no one else is around, not any of the Lords or the ladies of the court. I'll need my conversation with his highness as private and out of anyone's good ear" I ordered and they all bowed, recognizing my order. Drey is out doing something else so I'll have to rely on Aaron to do this job. He practically thinks like Drey except the perverted side of course.

Since I've read through the files I at least have a picture of what the Prime Minister is planning with his subtle moves on the sixth sector. There are officials and nobles that supports his cause because they all benefit something out of their relations. So because of that, we'll have to stride even more with caution. Dealing with this problems will require some time and that's exactly what i'll do. Wait and gather more, like what i've been doing all throughout this years.

As I was about to go and visit my father, one of my maids inform me that the Prime Minister is waiting for me in my audience room. Well he came earlier than I anticipated. He works efficiently I must say. I don't have any other choice but to entertain his request or he'll just think i'm some lousy prince who can't even meet him after attacking one of his precious work. Plus, even if its against the law to make his highness wait after a scheduled meeting, my father would understand.

"Inform his highness that i'll be a little late. I'll need to deal with this first. Prepare some tea as well, I might need something to calm me down after my audience with the Prime Minister. We'll use my car, so it would be faster" I prepared myself for the worst and went to my audience room which was located at the second wall so i'll have to go travel there first. I know its tiring but separating the court offices and the royals place is safer than putting them on a same area. Its weird but its a must.

It is always under my impression that the Prime Minister hates my guts. He is not the first person who does anyways but, he hates me to the core to the point where he doesn't really care much of what I do. Which pretty much helped me throughout this years. To him i'm just a scum who won't do anything that harms his place but now that I am, he's here and requesting an audience with me.

"Prime minister, this is a such a surprise. You are the last person I would think who'd wish to see me at this hour. So tell me, what brings your here Prime minister?" I talked the moment I enter the room, of course the earlier I do the talking the earlier it gets done.

The Prime Minister stood as I enter so I'm guessing that he still has a little respect on me or that he is just doing this because he is required to do so. Though he doesn't really have to since there is no one else in here but us two. He stood up proudly and one would always say that the Prime minister has this aura that makes him look a little cool for his age but honestly speaking, his aura just screams danger. He was in his favorite black suit and all that plain tie plain white dress shirt inside and here I am, wearing my casual looking like an irresponsible smug. Pretty awesome.

"We both know why i am here your highness and i must say I am deeply dissatisfied at how you went behind my back and arrested my people. Too dissatisfied because I had to hear it from my guy and not yours. So tell me your highness, must I still explain to you the reason of my presence here in your audience room." Prime minister Orlins snarts to which I just smiled.

"Before we get into a misunderstanding, I believe that we only experience a miscommunication. You see, I did ask for someone to inform you and it just so happened that your guy heard of my visit first than my guy reaching you. We do have some rising problems with our telecommunication recently, you should know Prime minister since the communication system we are currently using, is the one you suggested." I tried to be decent at most but I just had to answer back. "And just to be fair Prime Minister, I did ask for my father approval on this and he gave me his medal of honor, enough proof that his highness supports my idea and that I was doing the right thing" I continued.

"I get that being recognized by his highness can get you a little cocky but what you did just cause an imbalance to the whole kingdom. With all the sixth sects officials gone, whose going to handle all its businesses. I get that you sent old Sybulus to handle its matters but how long is he going to meddle in my sector? He certainly can’t handle two sectors at a time.”

I have to give credit where credit is due and the Prime Minister deserves my high regard. He is knowledgeable enough to strike where it makes a huge impact and its a shame that he is using his knowledge to strike the throne.

"You are as always, impeccable at deducing on this sort of things and I hear your concern but you don't have to worry about a single thing because I already came up with a brilliant idea and I am sure that you'll be very pleased with my solution" With a smug on my face, I sat on my sit while I wait for the Prime Minister to sit on his own so I could continue with my elaborate plan. Of course, I'd say things that's helpful to our Prime Minister here just so he'd think that I'm not entirely onto him and that I am simply trying to get my father praises like what he originally thought of. I can just stay as the smug prince who is after his fathers praises in his eyes so that I can still move without his eyes following my single move. I still need to dig deeper and what I have now is not enough. I can't just chop down an old strong tree without the proper axe to swing.

Prime Minister Orlins sat on his chair and he looks interested to what I'm about to say so then I took it a chance to speak.

"In three days, Lord Briskus will be back from his negotiations with the South. Everyone knows that this negotiations are all just a front and a done deal so when they announce the good news, Lord Briskus will have nothing else to do but sit around and nod every time the King is present." Lord Orlins nods at my statement since everyone does know about Lord Briskus easy life. "We don't want that of course, an official who just sits around and gets paid without doing anything is just trouble and a bad taste to the kingdom so I will meet with the King later on and propose to put Lord Briskus in charge of the sixth sect so he and his officials will have something to do, saving not just the kingdom but also you my Lord" I dare say, its the truth anyways and he knows it.

"I believe you are mistaken here your highness, whatever happened in the sixth sector won't and will never put dirt on my name" it was his turn to smugly smile at me. Its as if he feels like he is winning this game. "If you feel like this is the right way then I shall let you do your own thing. I am just but an observer" He raises his brow on me, like a dragon that's challenging a lion. Two kings that will never wish to yield and will always fight head on for their pride.

"Then I guess you'll just have to sit back from now on and watch"

Watching and not doing anything is never part of Prime Minister Orlins behavior, he'll watch but he'll definitely do something while doing so. Judging by his demeanor now, I might just have an idea of what his next action will be.

"Then I must be taking my leave now. I hate to keep you from your other duties. I shall see you in court then your highness" He stood up to excuse himself then he looks at me, only to devilishly smile at me and leave.

As soon as his shadows no longer linger my place, I called for my attendant to fetch me my tea before I go to his highness and report the event that just occurred. I don't exactly what he'll say about my plan but its just one of the things I prepared before I do something that would make the Prime Minister yield.

The kings secretary sent Aaron a message that he'll be meeting me in the King and Queens garden, where no one would be allowed except the King and Queen themselves. Of course that's absurd because someone has to take care of the plants so its not entirely for the King and Queen but during this hour, no one is really allowed there except them. Makes it one of the safest place to talk inside the palace.

Now there are times where I do call my father 'his highness' especially when I'm in front of the council or any of the nobles. Its is customary and if they see me doing otherwise, they'll just add it up to my list of undisciplined doings. But in times where its just me and him, I call him dad.

"Dad?" The kings turns his head on me and then he smiled. He was holding a glass of his favorite brandy and is just now in his casual clothes. Mom must be inside now in her quarters or else she would have joined us as well.

"Sit, I made sure no ones around. This areas CCTV are also down and I ordered to switch on the signal blockers, just incase someone tries to listen outside" He points at one of the chairs viewing the whole garden. A bottle of brandy and a bucket of ice was already prepared for the both of us but I didn't come here to have a drink with my father but to talk. "So, I heard he came and talked to you. Must be tiring" My father laughs. I guess he finds my misery an entertainment to his boring life.

"Not entirely, I must say he now thinks i'm just a scum running around to satisfy his majesty" I looked at him and all I could I see was my father starting to laugh again. Is he drunk? How come he finds this thing so entertaining. Should he at least show some sign that he is worried?

"Its not everyday I get to see someone experience the same treatment I receive from Orlin's so just let your old man enjoy this moment. I can finally say that I'm not the only one" My father kept on laughing and I just let him while I wait for him to focus on listen to the rest of my report. I at least won't have to worry about seeing his disappointed face since he is too happy with just seeing his son feel like crap.

"Anyways, I'm sure you already heard but I'm going to say it anyways. The Prime Minister is in league with some of the nobles owning big and small businesses. It seems like his relationship with them runs deep that one of his ways to get them is through the sectors reserve. I'm still not sure how they do their businesses but I'm quite sure that there is something going on behind our backs so I'm going to place someone in each sect who'll be playing big roles. All in favor to us of course but I still need your approval. I don't have any elaborate plan and I don't wish to rush into things. All I have is the certainty that this plan can help us infiltrated the Prime Ministers people. We'll be using his ways against him."

"And if this plan of your fail, what should you do then?"

As I was growing I've already encountered thousands of plans failing and going no where. Those failures led me to believing that there will always be a day where everything will fail or go south. This is why my head would always crack because i'm not just preparing for one thing, I'm preparing for thousands of failures because I can't afford making mistakes. One wrong turn and I'm done. Thats the kind of pressure I deal with everyday.

"I'll probably do something crazy, but you can be rest assured that i'll be prepared this time. You just need to be the King of this kingdom by then" I smiled though we both know there will a day where he'll might just order my head on a silver plate once I fail. Lets just hope that day won't come, cause I don't think i'll be a very good dish to serve.