- March 4, 1619 -
Royal Palace
Yesterday the unfortunate news of Swui Town came out. All the citizens were killed.
'Click'
I entered the meeting hall. Two people were sitting inside. General of the army and Palace Minister. After hearing about the incident, I had to call this urgent meeting.
They both stood up from their seats and bowed down their heads.
"Sit down."
I walked towards the centre seat after giving the order.
"What is the report, General Albert?"
"The town was attacked by Demons."
Straightforward as always.
'Sigh' It first happened 3 years ago. 27 people were killed at that time. Hearing the news the people protested and I had to pass a decree to control the situation, and it was successful too. There were rarely any cases after that. But now, a whole town was slaughtered and that too at the presence of soldiers. The citizens will break the palace door this time.
"Continue."
"254 citizens and 12 soldiers were killed. The exact number of demons and how they infiltrated is still unknown but most probably they came through the forest behind the town. Our teams are already investigating it."
I pressed my forehead as I listened to the report.
"Weren't soldiers assigned at the forest border, how did they enter without being noticed?"
"I interrogated the soldiers, but they said that they didn't see any demons and the mage didn't notice anything too. That's the most confusing part."
They entered the forest without being noticed by soldiers. How?
Three years ago, we had a huge blunder. We underestimated the potential of their dark magic and it bit us hard. The demons were able to invade by being invisible, but now there are magicians at every army camp who could detect the mana immediately. Then how? Do they have new cards?
"Did you visit the boy?"
I asked another question to divert my mind.
"Yes, we visited him last night. He is an adopted child and works as a postman in Hals Town post office. The head of the post office is his guardian. Yesterday he was delivering a letter addressed to Swui Town and there he witnessed the scene."
"Did he tell anyone else about it?"
"Only the head, who then immediately reported it to the town soldiers. We have asked them not to tell anyone about it. But, I am afraid that this big incident can be kept a secret for long."
"I know. But try to hide it as long as possible."
"Yes, your majesty."
"Palace Minister, inform all the departments immediately to not to say a word about this incident publicly."
"Yes."
"You can leave."
They bowed down and left.
I leaned back on the chair and closed my eyes.
The first prince should be given the throne, right?
***
- March 5, 1619 -
Two days have passed since the incident but there was no news about it.
'Knock' 'Knock'
"Your letter is here, Ms Angeline." I said loudly.
"Comin-Aah!"
'Thud'
She fell again, didn't she? 'haah' Her husband works in the military and writes letters to her every month and I have been delivering it since I joined, so I got to know her a little. She is a good hearted person but a little clumsy too.
The door opened.
"Heh-heh, I slipped again." She said while scratching her head.
"Here is your letter."
"Thank you Arthur and here, it is for you."
She took the letter and held out her other hand. She was carrying a fruit basket.
"There is no need f-"
"Take it!"
"But th-"
"Take it !!" She was smiling but I was feeling pressure from somewhere.
"Thank you so much." I took the basket.
"It is a gift for your hard work."
"Thank you again. Well, I need to go- Oh! hello there, Robert."
I was about to leave but saw Robert who was peeking from behind Ms Angeline. He is the son of Ms Angeline. But why is he hiding? Is he angry with me? Well, it's possible. I have not been able to play much with him these days due to work. I need to apologise.
"Sorry Robert, I was bu-??" I was reaching towards his head to pat but he ran inside. Didn't he like to be patted on the head?
"He has been like that since yesterday. He must be missing his father."
"I see."
"But don't worry, he is not angry with you."
"I don't mind. He is just 8 years old anyway. Young children have fragile hearts. Well, I need to go back. Have a nice day, Ms Angeline and tell Robert that I will play with him soon."
"Sure. Go back safely."
I hung the basket on the handle of the vehicle and left while waving back to her.
They are really good at suppressing news. I delivered 16 letters today roaming inside the town but there were no talks about the incident as if it never happened.
I checked my watch, 6:43 p.m. That was the last letter and my job is done for today. Time to go home.
.
.
.
"Ha ha ha.."
We were having dinner. Manager and I. We always talk about our daily lives while eating.
I told her about Robert and she laughed saying I was like him too.
"You should go to his home soon. Ah! you can go tomorrow. It is the weekend."
Weren't you laughing?
"Yeah, I was thinking the same."
Anyways, tomorrow will be Robert day.