Chapter 14

"With all due respect, your highness, please do not bring up the past. As you already know, Miss Melissa left her post to marry her lover."

He spoke those words with a bitterness that matched his facial expression. It seems he has not gotten over her even after an entire year had gone by since her disappearance.

"Is that so?" I asked nonchalantly.

Though his engagement to my sister was the decision of both the emperor and his father. Emilia, on the other hand, was already smitten with Dimitriu ever since they were young . In fact, her admiration for him played a major part in father's decision to marry them. However, I for one knew her love for him was merely one-sided. Which was why his scandal did not phase me one bit, though it was hard watching my sister having a difficult time all on her own.

"Then tell me Dimitriu…why is it that her parents are looking for her all over the empire?" I asked.

"What…what did you say?"

He suddenly sprung off his seat with his eyes widened and his distraught was as apparent as daylight. He clenched his fists in frustration and began to tremble. Dimitriu, whose demeanor was so serene that he was always a mystery to his surroundings, is now laying his emotions bare because of a woman who isn't even his fiancé.

"Your highness, what are you talking about? Miss Melissa even left a note saying…"

"Ah that?" I interrupted.

"I went ahead and compared it to her old reports, and as expected, the penmanship did not match. Furthermore, there was a missed punch on her timeclock on the day of her alleged departure from the mansion." 

"Then that means…"

"Indeed, Melissa Dougherty… never left the premises that day."

He grasped his chest while leaning over his desk as he struggled to breathe. Droplets of sweat were trickling down his face and over the scattered documents that were laid out in front of him.Now, if I was a caring friend, I would have rushed to his side to inquire about his condition by now. However, I am not in the mood. I am doing this not for the sake of even my sister, but for that of the curious little cat who will do everything to uncover the truth on her own. Which can potentially put her life at risk.

"It's getting late. I shall get going. We can discuss the rest of this affair tomorrow. I bid you goodnight, Dimitriu." I sarcastically said as I waved and left his study. Knowing full well that he will not get so much as a wink of sleep tonight.

++++++

"Duke Kartier! It is good to see you so early in the morning for a change. How fares your newborn child? Though I presume she was born healthy by the haggard state you are in. Did you receive my gift by any chance? HAHAHA!!"

"Your majesty, though I appreciate the gesture, I'm afraid three carriages filled with baby gifts were a little excessive."

He wasn't this excited when Florette was born. What has gotten into him?

"Your majesty, what is the reason that you summoned me here?"

"Right!"

His expression changed as he signaled his guards and even his secretary to vacate the room. It seems this was meant to be a private hearing, after all.

"We received news that they found the body of the missing Ecchelon princess, and they will hold her funeral in two months."

"P-pardon?"

+++++

I have gotten a lot more information from Ivy and Clover than I expected. However, what do I do about it? Perhaps I should convince Sir Nate to take me on a tour around the Duchy again, so I can find a way to look for Melissa. This could have been easier if he had simply agreed to help. Why is he being so stubborn?

"That's quite the expression you're making. I would hate to be the subject of the scowl on your face, Miss Fati."

"*Gasp* A-apologies your highness! I was not scowling at you at all."

What kind of face was I making?

"Tone it down with the apologies, will you. I merely spoke in jest."

"Oh, haha…ha…ha…" I laughed nervously.

"Right. I was told the strawberry preserves were being placed into jars today. Go see if they need any help handling them."

The kitchen…

"Sir Nate here can accompany you." added the princess with a smirk.

Phew! Thank goodness! That place always felt like an abattoir whenever I had to go in alone. He seems to be avoiding me lately. Is he still upset that I asked him to help investigate Miss Melissa's disappearance? The festival is merely five days away. I must get on his good side if I want him to take me there. What should I do?

"Stay here and don't cause any trouble. I will be back momentarily." He said sternly.

What sort of trouble can I possibly cause in a place where I am not even welcomed.

The bustling clatters in the kitchen echoed in the mansion as the maids scampered around, tending to their matters. I quietly stood in the corner where Sir Nate had left me, waiting for someone to assign me a chore of some sort. The longer I waited,the more anxious I felt, since they were treating me like I was invisible.

"Hey! Go and fetch me the cookies from the oven over there!"shouted a maid.

Finally!

"Right away, miss! Just as soon as I find the mittens."

"What mittens? Oh, you mean these? I need them for something,so go find another pair somewhere."

As I looked around the kitchen, everyone's mittens were tucked in their aprons' pockets, and from the look on their faces, I had better find another way to complete the task. Perhaps I could use my skirt-no, it won't reach, and the fabric is far too thin it might burn.

"What are you waiting for?! If these cookies burn, it'll be all your fault!" shouted the maid while she and her friends snickered at me.

This was clearly their plan to pick on me. However, aren't they taking things a little too far?

"If you're going to be this useless, then get lost! This kitchen a no place for a dirty little runt like you." 

She pushed my forehead, which caused me to lose my balance as I flailed backwards. In an effort to break my imminent fall, I grabbed onto whatever was near, which turned out to be a giant boiling pot of soup. Before the container could reach my face, I felt a tight grip around my shoulders, pulling me out of the way.

"Fati! Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? Did it splatter on you?" asked Sir Nate in panic.

The kitchen grew silent as I reassured him that I was fine thanks to his swift reaction. The servants' snickers had quickly turned into an expression of fear. They were whispering to one another, and were almost on the verge of tears.

Sir Nate, who was now on his feet, took a deep breath and glowered towards them. In response, they instantly lowered their gazes while shivering.

"If this girl had been hurt, I would have personally executed every one of you who stood there and watched it all happen."

They suddenly slumped on their knees and repeatedly begged for his forgiveness, which surprised me. No matter how I think about it, even if he is the young master's personal guard, their behavior towards him is rather odd.

"Let's get out of here." He said as scooped me up in his arms.

"Sir Nate, please put me down! I can walk on my own two feet!" I said as I flailed in his grasp.

Being the stubborn Sir Nate that he is, he did not let me down until we reached the pavilion where the princess and the young mistress were having tea. Their eyes widened in surprise upon seeing us together. They nearly choked on their tea.

"Princess Emilia, I suggest you never again send Fati to the kitchen."

What is he saying?

"Did something happen?" asked the princess.

"Isn't it obvious? She nearly got…"

"Y-your highness, nothing happened at all. Sir Nate here is merely overreacting." I said nervously as I placed my hands over his mouth.

Lady Florette was glaring at me as if she was ready to murder me right where I stood. As for the princess, she was chuckling as she constantly cleared her throat. It was obvious she wanted to laugh.

"What do you mean, I am overreacting? You nearly…"

"How did you manage to free your mouth without me noticing?"I asked as I once again placed my hands over his mouth.

"Stop covering my mouth, I must tell the princess about what just transpired-"

"Please, just stop talking!" I whispered in panic.

If looks could kill, Fatima would have been dead by now. This is a side of my brother that I have never seen before. How interesting.