"Okay, go on." Now he takes a serious face and rectifies his posture.
"Okay. Kevin, as you may know, you won against Kalok. A feat impossible for a child or an adult of ten years old. And yet you did it. I am still amazed up until now that you are not only victorious but alive. But sadly, there is a big problem because of that now. Kalok was granted third-degree nobility by the king, my father himself, after he saved him from beasts when my father went hunting one day. Although only a third-degree noble, he was quite close to my father and therefore somebody who cannot be touched easily."
He stops there and takes a deep breath before continuing.
"Moreover, since he was killed when he was attending a party organized by the GRANDCROSS. It is seen as if they actually ambush him somehow. Meaning that they might be considered rebels and traitors to the crown. Myself included."
The guy makes a pause after that and takes a deep breath.
"That's why, after talking with Mark and his father, we have a conclusion. You should be executed and beheaded at the podium to prove that we have nothing to do with you and that you were just a rebel who disguised himself to assassinate me and Kalok lost his life while protecting me. Before I continue, please take some time to understand what I just said."
I am going to be beheaded?!! Because I killed that bastard?!! What kind of jokes is that? He is the one who tried to kill me!! I just defend myself. AND I SHOULD BE THE ONE TO DIE!! SCREW YOU!!!
Just when I was about to answer him, I hear Rose and Lanuvel's cries. They are crying... For me. Even though we don't know each other, even though they don't need to. I see. Indeed, since I am Rose's apprentice, it is highly possible that what the shitty prince just said is true. In which case, the best possible outcome is that Rose and Mark will be killed because of me, whether they denied it or not. But do I really care? Should what happen to them really matter to me? I don't know. But I don't want their blood on my conscience.
"What is your offer then?" since he told me to think about it, it means he must have another plan right?
"First, everyone must leave this room except you, Andre and Mark." While saying, he points towards the butler who was near him. Rose, though reluctant, stands up and leaves with everyone.
"Now, what I am about to say will only be heard by us four, meaning that whatever happens after that will be our fault. Do you still wish to stay Mark?"
"Of course, your highness." Why do you want to stay? You don't have any reasons to, Mark!! Just go. I look at him but when our eyes meet, he just looks away.
"Okay. In that case, Kevin, I have another proposition for you. I will exile you from FLORAS. You won't ever be able to return here unless the king decides otherwise. I can at least make sure my father agrees to that. That way, you might survive even if it might be really difficult. Since the king might decide to assassinate you, it will be a hard journey for you. Maybe getting killed here is the best choice. But I want you to decide. We will use a dead body to make people think that you have been killed. I think it is a good plan."
Yes, it looks like it but you don't seem happy about it.
"What will be the consequences for you? You cannot tell me it will just pass like that."
"Well, most likely, I will have to sign an oath so that I can never pretend to the throne. In normal times, being the fourth child, my chances of inheriting the throne are null. But, right now, there is a lot of tensions between kingdoms. As such, if a war starts, my older siblings will have to step up and we never know what happens on the battlefield. So, me resigning from the race to the throne would means more time for my father to govern." So much just for killing one person, this is unreasonable.
"The world of nobility is hard."
"More than you think, at least." Demether answers me without looking.
"So, what do you say?"
What is there to say? No matter what I choose, people will be affected. There is no good option. While I ponder about what to do, the butler suddenly clears his throat.
"Andre do you have something to say?"
"Yes, master. I think there is another option. Perhaps, if somebody was to kidnap him while he is waiting for his execution. You wouldn't need to renounce to anything. He will still be branded rebel anyway and escapes death. The problem is who would accept to sacrifice himself together with him."
"I see that could also work. The variables are almost the same. But the biggest problem is that indeed."
"I will do it then." Mark finally steps up. He was silent up until now. As if he was waiting for something like this.
"No, I can't accept that. You are the next in line for the head of the Grandcross, your brother Borgas can't be allowed to have it or Veronica will have everything going for her smoothly. And it would complicate things further anyway."
Veronica Flolerl. I now remember because of who all this shit has happened to me. I almost forgot her. That bitch!
"Then how can we? If I don't, we both know Rose will accept without hesitation. I cannot allow my wife to go through such a disgrace." You guys are thinking too much about this.
"There is no need to think so hard about it. Just create an opportunity. I will escape by myself and that will be that. Nobody involved more than necessary."
"With your body in such a state. You won't even escape Onklah. Let alone Floras."
Mark seems determined but it is unnecessary. Just live with your people. Me, I am alone so my flame will vanish unnoticed.
"Calm down Mark. Kevin, we will do as you have decided, but just in case, I will prepare some insurances. You are not opposed to it right?"
"As long there nobody more involved than they should, it is okay."
"Okay, then we have all agreed to this. May this secret follow us to our tomb. Andre you can let the others enter."