Foxglove, the Witch's glove

In the majestic grand audience hall of the palace, stood five people and one man ensconced himself on the ornate golden throne that was placed on a raised dais to signify the king's elevated status.

Dew looked to his valet side, and noticing that he was curious, Dew answered his question, "Foxglove." Dew pointed at a herb on the documents that were presented by the vessels.

Ruprecht leaned closer to see properly where Dew had placed his finger, his eyes widened in surprise to see the 'Witch's gloves' with the medicinal plants.

The three vessels had a mini heart attack at the mention of the toxic plant, only with a single touch it could make people wish to be dead as the pain was just unendurable. However, why would His Majesty mention that toxic plant while pointing at the herb list!?

Sigurd's frank countenance finally took a serious demeanor, it was not at the mention of the toxic plant but at the fact that the man who only squandered on woman, had known that the plant that's on the list was not Comfrey but Foxglove.

The Emperor further said, "Foxglove is often confused with Comfrey and results in fatal consequences. The second complication does not lay in the proposal, moreover, in the herbs to use as medicine." With a deep understanding of the matter, Dew explained it to everyone.

In the novel, these vessels were never given the opportunity to implement the trade, even after being granted an audience, Eberhardt had rebuffed the proposal at once after listening. Nevertheless, they didn't give up, it took them two whole weeks to finally persuade Eberhardt to give them permission!

Dew, an intellect, already looked into it. Foxglove is a deadly plant that was mistaken for Comfrey, and in the novel, it had caused a catastrophe, due to which numerous people died and the trade that could have filled the empty coffer of the king ended up wasting and also impacting the lives of those involved in the idea.

Rainer in an attempt to confirm his doubt stepped forward to speak, "Does His Majesty is saying that the plant described in the list is Foxglove and not Comfrey?"

 Matthias, who was beside Rainer, also joined him,"The herbs that are on the catalogue are taken from the records written in 'History of Botane', a register that the great herbalist had written. So how can that be wrong?"

This time Sigurd was the one to speak, "Indeed, in the book it was Comfrey, however on the list it is not, maybe you guys have been blind when you search about it as those two plant's information were written on the same page." An expression that was clearly looking down on those vessels appeared on Duke's face.

Dew, pondering in his mind, 'this twisted Duke really knows about this, only at a single glance he was able to find where those problems lie.'

'However, what is the point of this knowledge if he is not going to do any help? That bastard only paid attention to things that intrigue him and killing people at whim was one of those.' His narrowed sky blue eyes resting on Duke's handsome face.

If it was anyone else, they might not be able to see behind those sky blue eyes but Sigurd scrutinizing stares catch the disdain in those breathtakingly attractive eyes. A faint smile appeared on the twisted Duke lips.

"Forgive us!! Your Majesty!!, we have committed a grave sin, we were truly ignorant about it. Please grant us amnesty for the sin!!" falling on their knees, hitting their heads hard, the three vessels cried out.

A crime to question the Emperor's statement, a crime to write a poisonous plant in the medicinal ones that could result in serious repercussions. Dew was well known for the offenses that the vessels had caused.

"This time, I pardoned you, however, next time you will be asking for forgiveness from your grave!" Dew thundered at those vessels. In his heart, he sighed 'Ah I'm feeling hungry, it's almost lunch time, I should leave now as it seems the matter has concluded and those vessels will do better work from now on.'

Dew, almost lifting his rear side from the throne, stopped when he heard Sigurd's voice.

"Your majesty, these vessels have committed such a grave offense and you are letting them go without even a small punishment? I didn't know His Majesty was this benevolent? Hmm..." An amusing smile charming Sigurd's face.

'WHY DOES HE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT???'

The three vessels, still kneeling, rumbled internally, when His Majesty had forgiven them then why this twisted Duke wanted them to face punishment? Maybe he wants to try his new tortuous method of killing on them? No way!!

The poor vessels, tears almost falling from their eyes at the disastrous thought but they soon took a sigh of relief when they heard the Emperor.

"I don't plan on giving them punishment this time and it seems in Duke eye's I'm not a benevolent ruler, is it true Duke Wurttemberg." Dew spoke in his cold voice, he was already starving because he didn't eat his breakfast as Adelheid was present and now these people are delaying him for his lunch.

All the people in the room could feel the Emperor distaste after hearing him speak.

"How could that be possible? As a loyal servant to the throne, I am assured that no one is as benevolent as His Majesty." with his deep voice that worked like magic on the listener, he enunciated.

'Lying through his teeth, in front of the Emperor and how could he say directly to my face that he is loyal to the throne, not to the Emperor, this twisted bastard!' Dew groaned in his heart, while leaving the audience hall with Ruprecht following behind.

The Duke who was left standing there, smirked and his inky eyes hid his vicious killing intent. He mused in his heart, 'It seems the Emperor is playing a game on a high scale. Maybe I should join him so that he doesn't become bored.'

The three vessels also stood up and started leaving while contemplating on how they would solve the first problem?

Also didn't let go of the odd behavior of His Majesty today.

Why didn't His Majesty behave like that from the very first time he inherited the throne instead of squandering on women. If that would have happened then he might have become a great ruler.

'Sigh, only God knows what His Majesty's plans are.' The three vessels, each thinking about the Emperor, walked through the large door of the audience hall.