"I see, so that's how it is" I mumbled, after the two told me everything I need to know from them.
Qhuial spoke, "Whether you've accepted it or not, it is all reality. All of this are connected to those events 28 years ago, your majesty"
I remained silent, before speaking.
"Do you have any leads?" I asked. "No, but we are sure that whoever is behind this, is targeting your son" Qhuial stated.
Hugo continued for him. "And about that "Someone" we are sure that it is, either you, the bishop or the commander of knights. One of you three"
"Good thing that you told me everything, even though I was one of your suspects" I stated. "I was sure that you weren't the suspect, that's why" Qhuial stated.
I smiled, "Thanks"
A knock interrupted our conversation. "Come in" I answered in a usual tone. "Your majesty, another letter has appeared" A knight told me.
*
"Do not bring the Emperor, huh?" Alfred mumbled.
We were in Father's office, Gino and the others, my siblings, except for Elicia, even the two guys in black were here.
Due to the sudden arrival of the letter, the ambassadors weren't able to come. "Do you two know this Black Knights of Vengeance?" Father asked Qhuial and Hugo.
"Yes, that is the organization we are in" Qhuial stated. "I see" Father mumbled.
Heldrad poked Alfred's shoulder. "Bro, why are they here? Aren't they the ones who targeted Ed?" He asked Alfred, in a quiet tone.
"That is wrong, Herd" Father stated, as Heldrad flinched. "Qhuial can you explain them everything?" Father asked. "Explain, you say?" He mumbled, as he looked at Father's eyes.
His eyes were somehow telling him, "Keep it to the extent you can tell them" Qhuial sighed, and started explaining things to us.
According to him, due to many things they found out that someone was targeting me.
So, they went to the Emerald Palace and broke my banner to at least make the Imperial family and the ones targeting me, know and be aware about this case.
They concluded that if they only told Father about it he might not believe them, so they went with the violent way.
About those targeting me, they can't be sure who is it, but they have at least three no…two suspects.
It is either the Bishop William Alpheus or the Commander of knights, Theodore Claes.
But, why them two..? I haven't even seen them for once my whole life. I've seen the Bishop's nephew and I am friends with the Commander's daughter, but that's all!
"That's all" Qhuial stated. "Somehow, it is all kinda heavy to just swallow down" Gino scratched his nape.
Qhuial looked at Gino. "Well, all of it is reality, so you have no choice but to swallow it all down" Qhuial stated. "So, what is the plan Father?" I asked.
"About what?" Father asked back. "This letter, since it seems like they are telling the truth and you trust them, am I allowed to go?" I asked.
Alfred step forward. "Why are you being reckless again, Edward?" Alfred complained.
"Can you?" Father asked, as he ignored Alfred. "Of course" I nodded in agreement. "Father!" Alfred argued.
Father looked at Alfred with eyes stopping him. "Fine, go ahead. It is up to you to decide whether to trust the guys who are trying to protect you or not" Father stated.
Like that we were allowed to go to the harbor. Of course Qhuial and Hugo came with me. But, somehow Gino and the others, even my siblings came with us.
Alfred wasn't fine with the things happening, so he insisted that he come with us. And, the others came for fun.
Really, it's not like we're here for fun, you know?
But, of course Elicia is in the palace.
*
I sighed.
I went forth and back around my office. "Uhm, sire?" Hubert, the head butler and my caretaker and best friend, called out to me.
"W-what's wrong Hubert?" I stuttered. "That's my line Geralt. What is exactly wrong with you?" Hubert asked.
I stopped. "You see, I suddenly remembered the events 28 years ago. I thought I've completely concealed them but it comes flowing back.
Since, Qhuial told me that all of these are connected to those events. It's haunting me Hubert, I don't feel well. Especially when I remember that scoundrel..!" I said.
"It's best if you sleep early for now, Geralt. Maybe it'll be fine by the next morning" Hubert said. "I'll try, but I will wait for the return of my kids, first" I said.
Hubert smiled, "Alright"
*
"So, this is the harbor…" I said. "Is this your first time here?" Hugo asked, with a smile.
I nodded. "Yeah, more or less it will be my first time seriously going out outside, if you excluded the events earlier" I said. "You're pretty introvert, aren't you?" Qhuial said.
"It kinda hurts but yeah I am. My status is forcing me to be, after all" I said. "Then, you're like us…" He mumbled.
I looked at him.
"Earlier, when you read the contents of the letter, it was like you were very happy. Not by the fact that they had come for you, but for another. Can you tell me what is it?" I asked.
Qhuial spoke. "Ah, that is…"
But before Qhuial could tell me his answer, a large ship approached the harbor and stopped near us.
A small bridge was pulled out, by guys in black. Somehow, I'm kinda getting why they are called the Black Knights of Vengeance.
Is it because they all wear black? Come on, it's this dark and you're all wearing black, it's kinda hard for my eyes, you know?
Not that long, a blonde haired guy with an eye patch on his right eye and had red eyes went down.
I mumbled, "Black…"
He was in black. I think this guy is the leader of their organization, since he is too black and is menacing.
But, somehow he kinda reminds me of Father. Is it because of his intimidating aura?
"It's been a while, Father" Qhuial said, with a smile that is kinda similar with a little kid's.
The blonde haired man smiled. "Yeah, it's been a while since I saw you two. Qhuial, Hugo" He said, as he patted their heads. "Father?!" I mumbled.
"Ah, this person is the leader or you can say the King of the Black Knights of Vengeance, Niahl Vengean, our father" Qhuial stated.
I exclaimed once again, "Huh?!"
"Are you Edward von Collins?" He asked. "Well, yes" I stated, as I nodded. He was smiling softly when I raised my head slowly.
He was kinda different from what I expected. I am really confused by the way he acts.
You wouldn't expect that he is the leader of these violent guys, if he didn't have that intimidating aura.
Out of a sudden, all of them including Qhuial and Hugo bowed before me.
I mumbled, "Eh?" Niahl raised his head to look at me. "Welcome back, Ghart-sama" They all said.
Huh?