A week before the wedding…
"What the hell is this…"
A certain king was having a headache of a lifetime. He was staring at a letter that came over just now.
"Your majesty, King Edwards I, this humble official invites you to my daughter, Juliana Giril, and Merchant Guild's Prodigy, Guild Master Eric Nollan."
His ears perked up.
"Nollan?"
"Yes, your majesty."
Seemingly remembered the youth's face, King Edwards I looked interested in a bit. He heard that he was the man that plucked the Precious Flower of the High Society.
Eric Nollan was amazing to the point that he refused a higher position for some unknown reason. The reason was deemed insignificant that no one tried to delve deeper.
Or maybe there is…
The door of the King's office opened, interrupting his thoughts.
"Maybe we should go?"
Queen Leticia entered the King's office greeting everyone with proper manners.
"You think so too?"
King Edwards I wanted to know the opinion of his dear wife and hand the letter over. After all, events like parties, ceremonies, or anything with one-on-one interaction with another wasn't part of his duty.
His duty was to do something on a bigger scale. Leaving the crumbs for the queen to support and resolve it for the better good. This kind of ruling won the hearts of the masses. Most people appreciated their efforts more than before when there was just one King to decide everything.
"We would be glad even if just one of your majesties will be able to attend."
Duke Giril was moved by the couple in front of him. Usually, it was deemed rude to overhear any discussions between the king and the queen. You must wait for their decision to be set over via letter. Seeing that they did not bother to hide their opinions of the matter, gratified him greatly.
"Let's see…"
Queen Leticia read the invitation letter. She was also stunned at the sight of one sentence.
"…The Witch's Garden?"
She turned around asking for an explanation from Duke Giril. He gulped before answering sincerely.
"Guild Master Eric Nollan came from a town called Montlet. It was a town nearest to the Forest of No Return. He explained that it was the best place in town—"
"And also, the most dangerous."
King Edwards I interrupted halfway. Queen Leticia had to stop him from interrupting.
"Continue."
"Uhm… Eric Nollan assured us that he already offered enough to be permitted for its usage…"
King Edwards I blinked a couple of times before asking.
"Permission? Of whom?"
Duke Giril felt embarrassed thinking that all of them would not believe him.
"Uhm… that…"
Queen Leticia figured out that it was hard to say. But they would not get anywhere if he didn't explain it thoroughly.
"Please. Take your time."
Duke Giril took a deep breath and mustered up his courage, saying.
"You might not believe me, but he got permission from the Witch."
His words made the king raise an eyebrow.
"The witch?"
"Yes."
After Queen Leticia confirmed for the second time, even she found this information hard to believe. They all had complicated faces on.
Only the king asked another question.
"I know you're not the type to agree without proof. How did he manage to convince the family?"
Duke Giril managed to set his foot on his heel and took out pieces of the rose brooch.
"He said that a Barrier would rise from the ground 3 days before the wedding date. Each person invited would have to wear this brooch. One shouldn't lose it since it has its uses during the event.."
Although they were skeptical, the king and queen agreed, and Duke Giril was overjoyed.
"By the way, Duke Giril, did you sent an invitation for Duke Rochestel?"
Duke Giril's expression was full of dismay.
"I did. But the messenger sent back the letter saying that the Duke was still in mourning period and won't attend any event for the next year."
As if the King understood, he let the duke go and didn't ask any further questions.
"Is he going to be alright?"
Queen Leticia asked out of the blue but the king didn't answer immediately. He stood up and looked outside the window. He saw nothing but sunset.
He uttered.
"He will be fine."
An unusual murderous glint flashed by his eyes unbeknownst to anyone.
…
True to his words, the dukedom received a letter of confirmation to their messenger. A pinkish rose-shaped barrier engulfed the grounds of the main venue.
A lot have heard of the news and one by one they sent a confirmation of their attendance. Yet the attendees seemed to be lacking.
That's when the royal palace sent out their announcement. Stating that they would attend the special wedding of Guild Master Eric Nollan and Duke Giril's daughter, Juliana Giril.
Not only would they attend, but they would also attend as a complete family. The king and queen together with the crown prince would be attending the wedding.
Those who were hesitating and those who had no plans on attending suddenly sent an urgent confirmation of their attendance. A lot of letters came from everywhere to the Duke's Mansion.
Juliana Giril felt uncomfortable with the situation.
"Don't bother too much. As long as they would attend, that's all that matters. What would happen next will not be our fault."
Eric hid his murderous intent while consoling Juliana.
After all, Duke Giril was known to be an upright person. These people attending might stain their reputation that made Juliana worried. It was a good thing that Eric was there to sort out the shameless and the genuine amongst the attendees.
…
"What a nasty barrier."
The Young Crown Prince, Helios, slumped his cheeks on his hands. Deep inside, he was interested in who would put that large barrier with an unusual shape. Even from afar, the royals who were still on their journey to the venue could see its shape clearly.
"Helios, behave."
"Aahh…"
Getting reprimanded by Queen Leticia, Crown Prince Helios observed the barrier quietly.
Not long after, they entered the town proper where lots of people were also glancing at the barrier. Due to the crowd, the carriage could only slow down. That was their mistake when they chose not to use a royal sealed carriage to attend.
"Is that barrier been there for years?"
Some noble asked a local for some information. Crown Prince Helios' ear perked up to listen to their conversation. After all, that's what he was eager to know too.
"No, it just appeared out of nowhere 3 days ago."
The noble blinked in disbelief and was mirrored by the Crown Prince. Helios moved his head back and inevitably saw the same reaction from his parents.
"…So that means, Guild Master Eric really obtained the Witch's permission."
Queen Leticia's murmuring didn't escape the ears of the little crown prince.
"The Witch, huh…"
King Edwards I also wondered how he did it. But he remembered what Duke Gril's explanation.
He offered diligently and was granted permission.
"What was it like to get permission from the Witch?"
The crown prince murmured the thoughts of everyone inside the carriage.
It took quite some time before they reached the entrance of the forest. The rough road could be felt as the rocks hit the wheels. The Royals felt uncomfortable but had no plan to complain.
After all, they already heard of what to expect in the place before they decided to attend. But a certain crown prince couldn't cover his displeased expression.
"Bear with it. Nothing good comes without pain."
Although Queen Leticia said so, the crown prince couldn't keep his smile.
At the sudden stop, the crown prince thought that they already arrived and lifted the curtains to peek.
"AH?!"
But to his dismay, a long line of carriages was patiently waiting at the slow pace. Since the carriage didn't represent their real status, it made the people give fair treatment to everyone.
Although it's truly infuriating to wait, the crown prince knew that this would show off their humility. He's not that stupid to ruin the face of the royals for a stupid event.
Let's wait...