Gideon sighed as he opened the door forward with his left hand. His right one was occupied by documents and scrolls containing portraits of the princesses and noblewomen of other countries.
He sighed again after entering, his sight landing on the man too busy reviewing the documents on his front to notice he entered without knocking.
The man's golden hair was unkempt and, in his eyes, hung an eyeglass that might fall anytime, but the man could not be bothered. His coat was tossed on the couch across his table, and his sleeves were folded up to his elbows.
Gideon thought that the man looked just like an ordinary noble, far from the image he had as the king of an empire. He walked closer and placed the paper he brought on his side.
Taking out a particular folder, he pushed it forward, gaining the king's attention. "List of all the foreign delegates that will be coming to the Autumn Festival, your Majesty."
Renvillon lifted his head and cast a glance at the folder pushed near him. He grabbed it after fixing his glasses and scanned the content. He will nod when he recognizes a name worthy of welcome and will frown when the name belongs to someone whom he had a feud with.
The Autumn Festival is the celebration of the empire's foundation. Dignitaries and envoys from different kingdoms who the king invited would come, thus the king was busy checking the documents in preparation for the festival.
Aside from that, there were still unsolved cases of monster attacks and even his missing stones hadn't been found yet.
Renvillon leaned his head and took off his glasses upon remembering that case. He pinched the bridge of his nose, and asked, "Any replies from the Holy Nation?"
"I haven't yet received any, your Majesty." Answered Gideon.
He made a mental note to remind the priests of their temple to send another letter to their homeland. Although the rites that will be performed during the festival can be done by the priests in their kingdom, the king prefers it to be done by the Saintess herself.
To ensure to receive a great blessing for their kingdom. Because they need holy power to strengthen the barrier around the crimson forest now more than ever.
"The celebration is still in a month. Just make sure to receive a reply accepting our invitation from the Great Saintess."
Gideon nodded and answered, "Yes, your Majesty."
The king ran his gaze over the scrolls where portraits of different noble women were painted. His mind throbbed as he began to remember his mother's words about marriage. A king truly has to produce an heir to the throne, but somehow, he can't imagine himself marrying someone, even a stranger.
A king must have a queen to rule by his side. His mother always told him. But he was also aware that not just anyone could be his queen, whoever the woman be must have a good family background, both in wealth and politics.
He knew it wasn't up to him who to marry, so he instinctively distanced himself from women and avoided entering a romantic relationship. So, he had never imagined himself with someone.
But when his mind suddenly reminded him of a particular face of a woman, he furrowed his brows and asked his attendant, "Any news on the Grand Duke?"
Gideon recalled the incident regarding the Wynzels before he answered, "Grand Duke Adri embarked on an expedition to the south. There is a chance that they will pass here in the capital."
"An expedition to the south..." The king mumbled dazedly. His thoughts still lingered on the vague image of the strange woman he had last seen years ago. Could this travel involve her as well? Renvillon wondered.
"Yes, your Majesty." The king focused his gaze on him, so Gideon continued, "It is about the case of Duke Wynzel's son. Lady Young had already regained consciousness, and she intended to find out the cause of the child's slumber. It seems that the Grand Duke is accompanying her."
The king nodded lightly as if agreeing on something he had thought of before. But then his temperament changed after only a few minutes and thus began to complain like a kid.
"Ha! Now he's too busy on his personal matters after shaking my sanity that children may be involved in such a heinous crime." Said the king with his sullen face. But the expression in his eyes was filled with interest and amusement. Surprised yet entertained at the Grand Duke's actions.
Gideon sighed and unhesitatingly replied, "My king, it is you who brought that possibility."
But the king ignored his comment and continued rambling. "He went missing for a month and was reluctant to leave his duchy, now he's traveling to the south without giving me any notice. Sometimes I wonder where his loyalty lies."
He sighed and added, "If he's just like his father, then it'll be no doubt where it is."
Gideon remained quiet. The former Grand Duke of Adri was a loyal vassal of the king. Aside from that, he was also known as a wise advisor to the former king, but when the king had chosen to marry the Grand Duchess Adri who was a daughter of a prominent noble house back then, the Grand Duke withdrew from his position and pleaded the king to change his prospective bride.
He was determined to steal her away if the king refused. Luckily, the former king prioritized a decade-bond of relationship over an uncertain benefit to his reign and married another woman.
Prioritizing their soulmates over duty may also run in the current Grand Duke's veins. Given his actions of setting aside the former cases and escorting the newly registered lady instead.
Renvillon felt a slight sting of envy in his heart. His cold and indifferent friend and loyal vassal may still prioritize his duty over everything else for now, but soon his priorities will surely change. Now that Renvillon can see that Lady Young holds a special place in his friend's heart.
Can he reset his priorities as well and marry for love over convenience? Renvillon wondered. It would be nice if he falls in love with a woman who perfectly fits the criteria of being a perfect queen.
But he knew, that finding someone like that, not controlled by her family to take advantage of the royal bloodline nor tied to her greed and ambitions, is almost impossible. So, he admired the former Grand Duke for throwing off his priorities over the person he loves.
Grand Duke Kyden will surely follow along his father's path as well. That is why Renvillon envies him.
"Grand Duke Aizen remained loyal towards King Cirrus even after focusing on his territory with his wife." Said Gideon after a while. "Grand Duke Kyden will never abandon you, Your Majesty."
Of course. He won't lose the Grand Duke, rather, the Grand Duke will bring him another loyal servant instead. One that will be beneficial to him and his empire.