Vincenzo said in a fixed voice as if he has already decided the punishment, "Considering your frequent mistakes in the investigation, the suitable penalty is to take away the charge from you of investigating Dark Witches affair and henceforth, you will not be allowed to take part in the proceedings of Dark Witches Conspiracy or any contingency related to Dark Witches."
The head member exchanged the look of uncertainty as it is considered the most humiliating thing for a Head Member to be stripped away of the right from being an officiate in the proceedings of High Conclave.
Hearing this, Egnatius's face turned red in embarrassment and he said in confutation, "You can not decide the punishment as you find suitable!"
"Well why not? You certainly punished someone innocent as you found suitable!" said Vincenzo which made Egnatius bite his tongue in regret.
Vincenzo continued speaking, "Anyways, The suitable damnation for hurting the future Queen of my Kingdom is to throw you out of the Conclave's inner circle but I am being lenient and just disbanding you from this particular investigation of Dark Witches plot as you have proved that you are not competent enough for this case!"
Egnatius already red face turned redder in anger and he denied the punishment and looked at other Head Members in the hope to find support but everyone kept quiet knowing Vincenzo is actually being lenient with the punishment otherwise he would have disbarred Egnatius from the High Conclave and then killed him!
It's not like Vincenzo want to be lenient but he knew what punishment would be acceptable and otherwise too, Death is too quick but now Egnatius will have to live with the humiliation of being powerless and the tag of disbanding from the High Conclave will remain attached to him throughout his life.
Soon the voting took place and all four Head members voted in support of the punishment and the announcer set forth the result of voting for all the members present in the meeting hall.
As an immediate enactment of the ruling, one of the seats around the round table was removed for time being and Envoy Egnatius was directed to sit along with the other Conclave members who were seating on the staircase seating.
Back in the Royal castle, In the treasured library, Anneliese chose a book from the ancient witchcraft section. She spent hours reading and trying to decipher the language and understand the spells written in the book before she finally fell asleep on the chaise longue couch having a backrest at one end where her head rested.
Vincenzo arrived at the time of dusk and watched Anneliese sleeping peacefully with the book still in her hands.
"So bewitching to look at for a human!" he thought in his mind but then he reminded himself, "Not human for sure!"
He slowly freed the book she was reading from her hand. Sitting on the armchair in front, he opened the book and started reading it.
Feeling a little movement, he glanced at the girl who is awake now and staring at him with dizzy eyes.
"Slept well?" he asked her and she nodded while sitting upright on the couch and placed her foot on the wooden floor.
"When did you arrive?" Anneliese questioned
"About an hour ago when you were in dreamland I presume!" he answered before he stood up and came to sit beside her and asked, "Did you read the book" he pointed at the book in his hand.
"Yes. I tried to understand the spells but I think it's going to take more time than I thought it would!" Anneliese replied
Vincenzo acknowledged with a nod and clarified, "At first it will seem quite intimidating but after some time you will get familiar with the words and spells and it will become alot easier."
"I hope so!" Anneliese said in a doubtful tone
Vincenzo smiled and assured her, "Just focus on the words and signs in the book for now. I will help you understand and practice the necessary spells so you don't have to worry about it."
"Thankyou for your help!" feeling grateful, Anneliese thanked him
"You should stop Thanking me for every little thing!" Vincenzo advised her and she pursed her lips before nodding slightly
Standing up he offered his hand for her to take before saying, "I don't think you stepped out of the library for lunch. You must be hungry, Let's have dinner."
Anneliese hesitantly placed her small hand into his large one. Feeling her palm, Vincenzo quickly clasped it and with no effort made her stand up in such a way that her other hand landed on his chest to stop her from crashing into him. She looked at him with accusing gaze before she freed her hand and took two steps away to maintain a safe distance and the little action brought a grin on his face.
The servants, served the dinner for the lady and the lord and now stood at a distance from the dinning table. Vincenzo did not say anything during dinner nor did Anneliese and had their meal silently.
After dinner, when Anneliese bowed and was about take her leave for the night, heard Vincenzo, "Walk with me!"
Surprised, Anneliese stared at him to make sure, she heard right. Seeing the sure look on his face, she finally said, "Okay."