Special Guest

We turned to see Ludwig gracefully approaching us, his presence commanding attention. Minister Lucas's expression turned even darker as he faced Ludwig, who exuded an aura of authority with every step he took closer.

"What's going on here?" Ludwig demanded in a firm tone. With each step he took, the air seemed to grow hotter, and I gasped in shock as furious flames ignited behind his path.

"Prince Ludwig," acknowledged Minister Lucas, his surprise evident before he composed himself and attempted to smile genuinely, though he fell short.

The child behind me shivered at the mention of Ludwig's name, and I couldn't help but sigh. It seemed even the boy recognized Ludwig's reputation.

As those around us began to back away, the gossiping only grew louder.

"Don't concern yourself with this, Prince Ludwig," Minister Lucas said, attempting to dismiss Ludwig's involvement. "Just let me handle—"

"What happened, Minister?" Ludwig interjected, his tone heavy with authority, causing Minister Lucas to falter, his mouth slightly agape.

Minister Lucas seemed to realize that Ludwig was not in a forgiving mood, so he stuttered out an explanation. "I was just teaching a lesson to the kid who disobeyed the law," he said, his voice tinged with pride.

I shot him a dark glare, feeling a surge of anger at his callousness. It was clear from the way he spoke that he expected us to admire and approve of his actions. Who would harm a defenseless child who clearly posed no threat? Minister Lucas was muscular, nearly as imposing as Ludwig and taller than him, while the child was barely waist-high to Ludwig and couldn't have been more than ten years old.

"What specific law did the kid disobey, Minister?" Ludwig's voice held a firmness that demanded an answer. He observed the child closely, his brow furrowing at the sight of blood on the boy's shirt. Then, his concerned gaze shifted to me, scanning my expression and my entire body as if searching for injuries. Upon finding none, he visibly relaxed and sighed in relief.

"He stole bread, Prince Ludwig," Minister Lucas replied with disdain and insult evident in his tone.

I couldn't hold back. "Even if he did steal, is that enough justification for you to physically harm him?" I confronted Minister Lucas, locking eyes with him squarely.

I understood that stealing was wrong, but in my ethical framework, inflicting physical harm on someone without provocation was far worse. There were better, nonviolent ways to address this situation than resorting to violence. Besides, it was just a loaf of bread, and the child likely resorted to stealing out of hunger. If only someone had helped him earlier, it wouldn't have escalated to this point. He wasn't like those who could easily find employment when faced with hunger. He was still a child, shivering against me, his appearance and demeanor indicating a life on the streets, devoid of any luxury or sophistication.

My chest tightened with a mix of frustration and helplessness. If only I were wealthy, I could have helped not just this child but all the others in need.

I sensed the anger simmering in Minister Lucas's eyes. "Do you have any idea who you're talking to?" he spat out, his jaw clenched and his fists clenched in anger. "You're just a servant without any class, while I am a minister. Show some respect if you don't want to end up in prison or worse," he threatened, his voice echoing around us. 

However, his outburst was cut short when Ludwig conjured fire in a nearby corner, causing the minister to fall silent.

"Do you even realize who you're speaking to, Lucas?" Ludwig's voice dripped with irritation as he addressed the minister. Lucas furrowed his brow in confusion, shooting me a scrutinizing look from head to toe. His narrowed eyes and gritted teeth betrayed his growing frustration.

"She's a special guest at the castle," Ludwig continued, catching both Minister Lucas and me off guard with his revelation. 

"Why accept a guest under our current circumstances?" Minister Lucas questioned, his tone skeptical. "We have more pressing priorities and problems to deal with than…"

"Are you questioning my judgment?" Ludwig interrupted, his tone sharp and commanding.

If Ludwig was intimidating before, he now seemed even more menacing. I couldn't help but close my eyes as he approached Minister Lucas, the flames around him shifting in color and intensity.

"T-that's not what I meant, Your Highness..." stammered Minister Lucas, visibly sweating and taking a step back as Ludwig advanced with purpose, flames blazing around him.

"She's Lady Alexa's dear friend from Primotheus Capital," Ludwig reiterated in a serious tone. "She's here to check up on Princess Hiyasmin."

Turning his attention back to Minister Lucas, Ludwig continued with a piercing gaze. "Now, Minister, it strikes me as odd why you took it upon yourself to punish the child when it falls under the jurisdiction of Minister Isaac's knights. What exactly are you doing here at this place and time, when there are far more pressing priorities and problems to address? Answer me, Minister."

Minister Lucas was visibly shaken, his breaths coming in fast and shallow. It took him a moment to collect himself before he lowered his gaze and humbly asked for forgiveness. "I apologize, Your Highness, for questioning your authority and overstepping my bounds."

However, his tone shifted as he continued, his voice growing defiant. "But I won't apologize for what I did to the child. I acted in what I believed was right and necessary to curb the rising thefts plaguing the kingdom. You're well aware of the state of our economy, aren't you, Your Highness?" He smirked.

"According to our laws," Ludwig stated matter-of-factly, "those who steal are to be imprisoned, not killed or harmed." He locked eyes with Minister Lucas, a smirk playing on his lips. "You have violated the law, Minister, and I assure you this matter will be brought to Minister Isaac's attention."

Turning away from Minister Lucas, Ludwig approached us. With a simple gesture of his hand, a knight appeared behind him. With another gesture, he directed the knight named Quentin. "Quentin, escort the child to Minister Isaac's reception hall. You know what needs to be done," he instructed firmly. "Now, go."