Chapter 23

His expression turned glum after he inquired about my opinion on the crown prince. I tried to change the subject, but he was adamant about getting an answer from me. Which explains why we are now in the middle of a heated argument. How did things escalate this quickly in such a short time?

"Get out! I cannot stand another second in the space with you!"he yelled angrily.

"The feeling is mutual, Sir Nathaniel!" I shouted in response while emphasizing his name.

He shouted for the knights to stop the carriage in order for me to exit, which I did in a rather undignified way.

"And cease your stomping at once!" he shouted with his head poked out of the carriage window.

"For your information, I do as I please, Sir Nathaniel!" I shouted even louder.

"Should we intervene?" whispered one maid.

"I don't think we should. They both seem agitated for the moment." Whispered a knight.

I did not mean to cause such a big scene, but his badgering was getting on my nerves. Everything I said was based on the gossips I overheard from the maids at the duchy. What was he expecting me to say? I have never met the crown prince before. I don't understand why he suddenly got so angry. He kept asking me to take back what I said about the prince being a brute.

"I heard he assaulted his friends last year and, as a result, he was temporarily banished as punishment."

That one sentence sparked something in him, as he started to yell out of the blue. Ugh! My head feels like it's about to explode. I hope the crown prince did not catch wind of this. We made quite the commotion, after all.

"This way, Miss Fatima." instructed the knight.

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~Ecchelon Kingdom

"My baby! My sweet Char! Why have you left us so early, dear?"

"Please come back to us, princess!" cried the queen's court.

I'm beginning to grow sick and tired of this already. It has been weeks since this fake corpse appeared, and they have not ceased chanting her name. I can't take this anymore.

"Easy now princess, your expression is very telling right now." Whispered one of my confidant.

"Might I remind you that you are addressing a princess? In fact, who gave you permission to speak to me? Know your place, Raulin."

"My deepest apologies, your highness. I did not intend to insult you, princess."

"Walk with me." I commanded sternly.

"You had better be bringing me good news. How are the preparations for the funeral coming along?"

"All is good and ready to go, your highness. Although, the princess' pendant is yet to be discovered. I believe it is safe to assume that she took it with her when she fled."

"You incompetent fool!" she shouted as she firmly grabbed my collar.

"Do you even realize the gravity of our situation? If by some miracle she finds her way back here with or without that amulet in her hands, it will be over for all of us! You must find and kill her, then bring back her pendant as proof."

"B-but your highness, we've looked everywhere, and nothing came up. Although our movements in Ipera are restricted, we searched every auction house there and still we found nothing. At this rate, we may have to produce a replica, just as we succeeded in finding a fake corpse."

Her glare suddenly disappeared as she slowly released my collar. She pondered for a while, then drew a heavy sigh.

"You're not so useless after all. However, you must make it look exactly like the original. Understood?"

"Yes, your highness. I will get on it right away."

Phew, I saw my life flash before my eyes back there. 

"Captain, are you alright? You're sweating quite a lot…"

"Mind your business and gather the special forces in the usual spot."

"Yes, sir!"

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~Alkaraz, Kartier Duchy

The duchess has been sneaking into my father's study often as of late. What could she be looking for? Could it have been this small jewelry box? It was hidden at the very top of the bookshelves, a place where only the tallest person could reach, and it's locked.

"Damian…"

"Yes, your grace?"

"What is this box?"

"His grace had not told me anything about it, my lord. However, from the shape of the lock, the key must be the size of a small nail."

As I shook the small box, a faint rattling sound could be heard inside it. It was definitely not empty. 

"Have the servants search for the key and notify me when you find it."

"As you wish, master."

"By the way Damien, any luck with finding Fatima's slave deed?"

"Unfortunately, I have not, your grace."

A slave deed is a paper receipt that is usually obtained from an auction house after the purchase of a slave. Oddly enough, Fatima's deed is nowhere to be found. Father is not one to do anything illegal, so I doubt her purchase was the case. He even gave her a name, so why can't I find any record of the sale?

"Turn this entire estate upside down until you find it."

"Yes, your grace!" replied Damien with a bow before he quietly left the study.

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"This is the key to part of the truth you are looking for. When you find the treasure, please return it to its rightful owner, your highness."

That's what he said when he handed me this tiny key before his departure. What am I supposed to do with something like this?He should have at least told me where the lock was. Because of the delegation, as well as Fatima's ill state, I did not have time to search his study. I should probably get started upon my return.

"Your highness."

"What is it, Gabril?"

"Since the sun has already set, we are setting up camp in the forest for the night."

It must be because of the delay caused by our little fit earlier in the day. We should be able to reach Bolance village by tomorrow past noon. Besides, this forest is safe because of the frequent purification rituals being held here by the priests of Bolance. They are very competent in matters related to their faith, hence why the emperor favors them most.

"Inform everyone that the crown prince will dine and rest in his carriage."

"Will you be alright, your highness?" he asked from behind the carriage's small window.

"What are you referring to, Gabril?"

"W-well, your highness feels discomfort in small spaces. I was wondering if…"

I completely forgot about my wretched impediment that very few are aware of. No wonder he kept peeking in from time to time after Fatima had left.

"I'm alright, Gabril. There is no need to make a fuss."

After our quarrel, Fati had gone to ride with the maids. While there, she continued to badmouth me until she eventually fell asleep. The maids and knights were all marveling at her cuteness, which somehow annoyed me. 

"Miss Fati, come! I saved a seat for you." 

"You mean I can sit with all of you?"

"Of course you can, you silly! Come here!"

"Everything she says is adorable!"

That idiot! I told her to behave in a way that does not give away her status as a slave. Why is she stuttering as if she forgot how to speak properly?

"Now, now, Miss Fati! Tell us how you met our commander?"

"Commander?"

"Yes, yes! He whose name shall not be mentioned. The gentleman you were quarreling with earlier. Is he perhaps your love interest?"

"Oh, you mean Nathan?"

Everyone was shocked when she mentioned my name without a title. 

"Absolutely not!" she blurted loudly.

"Oh my! You must still be upset about earlier."

"He is the worst! Have you seen his scowl? And the way he…"

She could have just said 'no'. *sigh* I need some fresh air.

"Your high-ahem! Commander, I thought you decided not to join us tonight, sir." said Gabril nervously.

"I found the booze!" yelled one maid as she came out of a tent holding up a bottle of liquor.

The rest of them who were sitting near the bonfire cheered in excitement as they prepared their cups. Fatima was laughing hysterically while enjoying their company. When our eyes awkwardly met, she quickly averted her gaze and continued to chatter with the others.

"Fetch some juice for miss Fati. She is far too young to drink this strong liquor." Shouted one maid.

"What are you talking about? I have been drinking juice this whole time. However, I must admit the taste is a little different from what I'm used to. It's very spicy, but sweet at the same time." she said with a hiccup.

Everyone gasped as they gawked at her with an expression of concern.