Chapter 31

"Have you found her yet? I'm sure she must be around here somewhere."

Could she have gotten lost?

"Miss Bettie?" Called one of our maids.

She and the others had the same expression on their faces. It was obvious they had something to say, yet they were nervously wavering. Don't tell me…

"Did something happen to miss Fati?"

"N-no. However, I don't think we should look for her anymore." responded another maid.

Though the girl's identity is a mystery to us all, I could tell his highness took quite a shine to her. Hence, I never bothered to investigate her. He insisted that they were mere acquaintances but would get upset when she was friendly with the knights. If something were to happen to her, I can't imagine the effects it would have on him.

"Um…Miss Bettie?" stuttered a maid.

"There is something we'd like to show you."

+++++

The princess was so overwhelmed by the sudden announcement that she fainted. She must be having a hard time processing the situation. Even I, who is merely a guest, was greatly shaken by the disheartening news. I'm certain Fati will be inconsolable when this reaches her ears. Wait-why am I worried about someone who deceived me? 

"Your highness, you can stop acting now. There is something urgent that I must report-"

"Go away, Raulin."

Who is this Raulin fellow, and why is he harassing her at a time like this? This is completely different from what we witnessed in the dining hall earlier. I can't hear them well for some reason.

"Who goes there?!" yelled the guard.

It seems they are on high alert, which is understandable since their monarchs have just been assassinated. However, what is more perplexing is my presence in this area. What in the world am I doing here?

"Crown prince Kazein would like to have an audience with the princess." Announced my knight.

"Oh! Our deepest apologies, your highness. We will announce your arrival right away." said one of her knights in a flustered manner. 

The way he approached her door was rather odd. Though he tried to hide it, he was shaking under his thick silver armor. However, before he could knock, the door flung open, and a man of tall stature stood in the doorway.

"S-sir! Th-the…"

"Greetings your highness, my name is Raulin Degruff, and I am the commander of the royal knighthood of Ecchelon. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

I see…So he holds the highest position among the knights. Even so, there should still be some semblance of reverence when addressing a member of the royal family, no matter what position one holds. Unless-No, that is impossible. The princess is a respectable highborn, she wouldn't possibly…

"Likewise, Sir Raulin."

Besides, promiscuity is illegal in Ecchelon.

"The princess has granted your request and is awaiting you inside, your highness." He said with a bow while raising his arm towards the opened door.

++++++

When I found her, she was leaning over the edge of her balcony in a disheveled state, with a carafe filled with wine in her hand. She was drinking it straight from the bottle while crying her eyes out. A rather pitiful sight to behold. It took a great deal of effort to get her to bed, but now she is refusing to let go of my hand. Despite having gone through the same ordeal, I still can't sympathize with her. Her miserable state doesn't have any effect on me at all. Whereas her little sister…

"I am…an orphan now, your highness." She mumbled while sniffling and sobbing.

Her grasp became firmer as she continued to weep. I was hoping she'd fall asleep by now because of the excess alcohol she consumed earlier. But she seems adamant about holding a conversation with me. 

"Your highness, will you come lie next to me?"

What is she suggesting at a time like this? 

"You are not in the right state of mind, princess. I believe it would be better if I leave."

She unwittingly provided me with the perfect excuse to leave. As I strode towards the door, she drew a loud sigh and continued to weep.

"Forgive me, your highness. As you said, I am not in the right mindset tonight. I hope his highness did not take offense at my words." She said in a shaky voice.

"Not at all, princess. I bid you goodnight, and my sincerest condolences."

++++++

~The Next Day

"What do you make of this situation, your highness?" asked Bettie while handing me a horse whip.

"My head has been in a fog ever since I discovered she was the crown princess. I haven't heard anything from her since."

I can't seem to pick up her voice anywhere either. I hope she's not somewhere crying all by her lonesome. Then again, why should I even care?

"We are all feeling the same way, your highness. Imagine my frustration when she suddenly vanished without a word. I nearly made a fuss for nothing." She said while releasing a sigh.

"I understand that the princess is in a state of melancholy because of the recent events. However, a horseback-riding promenade along the coastline sounds rather…intimate, your highness."

My thoughts exactly. Nevertheless, I must indulge her until we leave. I'll just have to be cautious around her. What a pain. I should have just flat out rejected the emperor's preposterous order. 

++++++

~Meanwhile, Alkaraz Imperial Palace

"This way! She just flew past the pillars."

"I can't see where she went!" 

"Over there! On his highness' balcony!"

"Catch her! Quickly!"

"Keleen! Be careful!"

"Oh no! She's going to fall!"

Had I not caught her at the opportune time, she would have fallen to her death.

"Chamberlain Leonardo, sir!" exclaimed the maids cheerfully.

"What is all this commotion? I thought I made it very clear that you are to minimize the noise when tending to the prince's palace." I said menacingly.

"We're very sorry, sir! It was all our fault. What happened was…"

~Earlier outside of the prince's bedroom

"Do you think his highness will ever come back?"

"After everything that happened, he might not."

"If you ask me, I think it was unfair how his majesty treated the entire ordeal. The blame was placed solely upon the crown prince when he was just the victim."

"I feel bad for his pets, actually. They've been waiting a whole year to be reunited with him, but it appears as if he abandoned them."

"Now that you mention it, I do feel sorry for them."

~Present time

I let out a loud sigh as I pinched my nose bridge, trying to make sense of the chaos that ensued over a simple misunderstanding. While trying to catch Miss Rosie, who was flying amok, they turned the place into a jungle. Meanwhile, Sir Vederre was listlessly snoozing on his highness' bed despite the disturbance.

"Clean this place up this instant." I commanded sternly.

"Right away, sir!" they replied as they rushed out of the door.

"As for you, Sir Vederre. You are in charge of escorting Miss Rosie back home safe and sound by dawn."

He raised his head as he yawned, letting out a soft growl while standing on his four feet. He then approached the balcony, glared haughtily at me, then proceeded to leap off. 

"Did a panther just look down on me?"