As I reminisce the memories that starts to fade away from my head. I wake up from my slumber right beside my princess.
We did it last night as if we were animals. I didn't know this girl hide such a distinctive character on her.
Also, I have been having a hard time catching up with her so I think I lack the stamina to do so.
Man. I mean, I have come and go inside the war right?
And now, I'm having a hard time fighting the pleasure?!
Life sucks.
Thought it's too beautiful!
And so, I immediately albeit quietly get up from our bed and dress up.
As usual, the maids will be here as soon as the sun starts to illuminate the whole area and I can't let them see such pathetic side of mine.
After dressing up, I head outside the room and walk towards the study in which Rose and the rest of the merchants I have hired stand by.
"Good morning, your grace."
As soon as Rose give her greetings, the rest of the people inside imitate and give their greetings.
They are all here. Which means they are now ready for work.
However, that isn't what I need. What I need is Rose for discussion regarding the matters about the King.
As I have heard from my fiancée. The former Duke and my parents have escaped the day they should be executed.
And surely, they will come here to investigate such matters.
I'm thinking of speaking it with her since it's her father and also, she knows some of the political matters regarding this time. I barely know any of it and I'm afraid I might get too reckless.
"Rose, let's talk privately for a bit, please."
She looks up to me from her desk as I call her name. She seems a little bit confuse but immediately stand up and head towards me without any question.
"Follow me,"
Still, no question were made even though I ask her that. And I'm quite relieve but at the same time terrified from her suspicious stare.
'What do you want from me?!' is what her eyes told me.
We walk through the hallway with an awkward silence. She certainly just follow me and didn't ask any question until we arrive at a certain door.
Inside of this door is my supposed room. However, since I'm getting married. I was forcefully moved to my fiancée's bedroom.
We enter the room, and inside is a furniture not too luxurious albeit not too shabby.
"Your father, he escaped."
As soon as I said that, Rose began to make an unpleasant expression. Much from dissapoinment, more like disgust.
I don't know what happen to them, but it seems they are not quite good at each other.
"So?"
So?
What?
That's your reply?
Aren't you glad?!
Oh right, I think I shouldn't say that.
Coming from her face, I certainly know that they don't have a good history.
"I want you to prepare. We are deeply connected to the former Duke so the King might suspect us involve to their escape."
"Their?"
"Yes, including my parents."
"Oh,"
Again, an awkward silence spread through the room as we sit in front of each other.
I can't help but shiver a little bit from the frowning expression of her. She's not directing it to me, I know. But if she keeps glaring at my direction, I won't be able to keep myself up!
"Since they have gone for an escape days ago. The capital will surely send investigators to investigate our area. I want you, the bureaucrats to act like merchants. Of course, you don't need to since you're the daughter of the Duke. I just can't let them see right through my plans. Got it?"
"So, you want us to act as if we're negotiating with them?"
"Yes, since the civil war just ended. Our territory is quite exhausted from resources both natural and manpower. They will understand it immediately after they ask you some questions regarding the matters. Is that fine?"
"Sure, I'm already used to hiding dark secrets you know?"
Oh, what a boastful princess we have?
But, dark secrets, huh?
I want to know them if time permits.
For now, let's keep things tidy and prepare for their arrival.
Surely, the earl will be here.
With his greedy personality, he will not let this thing slide.
*****
Thought so,
Days have passed and the investigators have come to barged in to our palace.
I can't help but feel irritated since they just came unannounced and yet they act as if they were uninvited guest.
This includes the Earl himself.
"Earl Sergius. I didn't expect your visit. Surely, you've come to investigate as well, I daresay?"
"Oh, what a beautiful afternoon we have, Verian, son of Rufford Zortes! I see that you have come to greet me, as expected of the future duke!"
"You flatter me, I just came since I don't want to disappoint His Majesty.
Now, come. I haven't prepared much since you've come unnoticed but I am sure you will have a good time staying at MY PLACE."
As soon as I emphasize the word my place, the earl's face suddenly turn ugly for a second and return immediately.
No one saw what happen but me.
We arrive at the dining hall. It's currently lunch time so we have prepared a number of cuisines.
Of course, we also acted as if we don't know the visit, so the food will surely be insufficient so I ask the newly assigned chef to cook more food for the guest.
I guide every visitors to their respective seats and soon, my family also arrive.
"Oh! My niece, it has been a pleasure to meet you again! You've grown quite beautiful from this past years!"
The Earl immediately stand up from his seat and grab my fiancée's hand to give it a kiss.
I frown from the sight I just saw but because of the other visitors. I set aside my emotion for now.
"Yes, uncle. It's because darling have been taking care of me."
"Surely you're not being threatened, are you not?"
All of us inside the dining room was shocked and left speechless from the Earl's sudden remark.
However, he soon bring back his words.
"I'm just kidding, my niece. No way the son of the marquis will do such thing to you. You must have love each other dearly!"
"A-ah, yes, uncle. He's been good at taking care of me."
"Why don't you take a seat, my dear. Surely, the Earl must have been hungry from his journey."
Since I'm losing my patience. I need to stop their plastic way of speaking to each other so no blood needs to be shed.
Also, I'm also getting quite hungry from this commotion.