Valley Inn

"Your Highness?" the older merchant spoke firmly. He appeared to be the head leader of the group who questioned but Drey doubted he was. The man had a pale complexion and was bald, with a slender build typical of people from the east. "Did you kill them? We must know whether they are in your custody or not."

With a fierce glint in their eyes, Drey sneered. "Do you still believe I have them?" the old man's words, however, did not affect him.

"Nevertheless, it won't change the fact that they were last seen with your special soldiers, King Drey," the old man added.

"Calm down, Sir Isaac," Drey said soothingly to the man who had been blasting words nonstop. "We wouldn't like a blood bath in my peaceful castle."

Sir Isaac's once blazing blue eyes now flickered with unease. He was taken aback by how much knowledge the young King possessed. The group had always operated under the guise of pseudonyms during their trades, in the name of the Black Belt Merchant. It left Sir Isaac wondering how much King Drey truly knew.

Sinking deeper into the seat, one could see the fear etched on their faces. Their expression betrayed their thoughts, it was clear that they were intimidated. This was the very reason they were building a black market here in Rivea, but they never expected that their plans would be so easily thwarted.

Drey gazed around the silent room and declared, "I will assist you in investigating this matter and finding out what happened to your merchant's friends. I must also uncover the identity of those using my name in the wrongdoings. However, I will require the full cooperation of all your corporation."

With no alternative, the merchants reluctantly agreed to accept the King's assistance. This meant they would have to extend their stay in Rivea, for a few more days, a prospect that filled them with dread as leaders of the organizations.

Once the merchant's leaders left Rico queried, "Why did you allow the elite to detain those two merchants in the open, Drey?" Despite, the leader's confidence, Rico was still unsure of Drey's true motives even after his threat to them. Those merchants had tyrants supporting them in the shadows.

Drey spoke with conviction. "I wanted to meet all of them but one remained behind, it's a pity I will have to resort to more forceful measures to meet him."

"Such a waste of opportunity," said Rico agreeing sadly. Realizing now what Drey was up to he just shake his head.

They walked back to the balcony, the merchants were boarding their carriages one after the other.

Isaac learned over to one of the leaders and quietly say. "I'm glad that Spark didn't come along. I still have reservations about the young King." Just then, as if feeling the gaze upon him Isaac turned to the balcony and caught sight of the King's beaming eyes. He was astonished and quickly retrieved into his carriage.

"It appears Sir Isaac lacks trust in our esteemed King," said Jerome, who approached the two observing the departing carriages.

"But I trust them," replied Drey.

"Why do you trust them?" questioned Jerome, surprised by Drey's admission. Throughout their lives, they had heard rumors of the merchant's shady business. How could Drey put his trust in them blindly? Jerome does admit he was lazy in thinking but them. Unless...

Jerome then gazed at Drey who was focused on the departing carriages now on the castle gates. Drey then turned his attention to the wine glass in his hand. Despite his calm demeanor, Jerome shook his head and turned to Rico, who had a blank expression, and poured himself another glass of wine. Jerome's impatient nature was a weakness, he was too familiar with.

Jerome lifted the entire wine bottle and took a large gulp. While at the gardens...Kira set down the water jar and took a deep breath, tending to flowers, this become her habit every time she visit the garden.

Richard approached her and said, "Let me help you little Kira." Richard crouched down to pick up the watering jar. Kira swiftly swatted his hand away. With a deft moment, Richard avoided her strike and slipped his hand.

"I can handle it on my own, Chard," Kira said as she pushed him away. Richard stamped his foot on the ground before walking over to the faucets and retrieving another jar. Kira giggles at his childish antics.

"What did they want?" she asked as they tended to the flowers together.

"I don't know," answered Chard quickly as he walked over to the other side, his back facing Kira. Richard knew precisely what Kira was inquiring about, but he couldn't bring himself to answer her question.

Every time Richard attempted to speak, he found himself glancing at the balcony and worrying that the King might overhear him. He composed himself, forcing a smile and carefully controlling his expression, for Kira's sake. He grilled the watering jar tightly in his hand and moved further away from Kira.

Despite the King's assurance of their safety, Chard couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He glance towards the man on the balcony, who was leisurely sipping his wine and wearing a proud smile. The King even raised his glass in Chard's direction, silently toasting with a look that said. "Cheers."

And when Chard turned to look at Kira, she was beside him. Her questionable gaze tear his heart apart, all the warmth which had always been in her eyes had vanished, and all Richard could see were the sad eyes.

"Are you really watching over him?" asked Rico, as his gaze fixated on his younger brother whose eyes were now red but continued to drink the wine. "You're scaring him, you know."

"Yes. I want him that way," Drey admitted, brazenly, giving a stern look to Kira and Chard who were chuckling. "Hope he'll hold his tongue." He finished off the remaining wine in his glass and summoned Sydney. The butler swiftly entered the room and stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

Drey simply gazed at Sydney until the butter started speaking. "Your Highness, they have checked into Valley Inn," he said bowing his head. " I have confirmed with the manager and the eighth person is not present."

"You can go now, tell Alex to prepare Ira," Drey instructed his butler before turning his gaze towards the garden, though it was dark Kira and Chard were still tending to the flowers. The continuous muttering of Jerome caused Drey to look away.

"Do you also have plans to spend the night at the inn? I heard that there were attractive women at Valley Inn. I'm just curious if my sister-in-law Kira would approve." Jerome pondered out loud.

"Have you had experience with it, Jerome? Or you have heard?" Drey asked as he gazed at the departing figures away from the gardens.

"Shameless King!" Jerome cursed at the changing of words.