To ensure the seamless execution of their plan, Yohana convened a pivotal meeting, bringing together the key players. The assembly consisted of none other than Fabian himself, Princess Elke, Duke Killian, and the ever-reliable Count Yannik.
Madam Geneviere, with her unwavering determination, had insisted on lending her support upon hearing of Yohana's request.
Duke Killian, committing wholeheartedly to the mission, pledged transportation support to facilitate Fabian's journey. Under the guise of transporting materials for the duchy's ambitious infrastructure project, he revealed his ingenious plan.
"While it might not offer the same level of comfort as your usual travels," he admitted with a wry smile, "this is undeniably the safest route for your passage."
"I've heard rumors of bandits scouring the roads for wagons carrying such valuable cargo. Wouldn't it be even riskier for him to hide within those wagons?" Yohana expressed her valid concern.
Princess Elke's hand shot up with enthusiasm. "I can certainly contribute to the security aspect. I'll assign a select group of my most trusted royal guards to ensure the safety of the journey."
However, Yohana noticed that Fabian, the central figure in this risky endeavor, was growing uneasy with the direction the conversation was taking. He might feel powerless, reluctantly accepting the need for protection from the princess's knights.
Yet, Yohana was sure that he also understood that his involvement in any violent encounter was out of the question, so he remained silent.
"My Lord, Your Highness, please accept my humble suggestion," Madam Geneviere interjected with a wise perspective.
"While royal guards undoubtedly offer superior protection, their presence may inadvertently draw unwanted attention. As fellow commoners, we know that nefarious individuals are more likely to suspect something valuable when royal guards are present. I believe I can assist with security discreetly, blending in with the surroundings and minimizing the risk of discovery."
Madam Geneviere possessed a valuable connection within an underground network, making her the logical choice for ensuring the journey's security. With a knowing tone, she elaborated,
"I have affiliations with certain groups of ruffians who are feared even by their criminal counterparts. They operate within a tightly knit community, and I will ensure that the wagons will be safeguarded by the most formidable of bandits."
She glanced around the room, her gaze modestly lowered as she continued, "However, I must admit, their services do come at a rather steep cost."
Princess Elke, finally discovering a role for her in this intricate scheme, swiftly reassured, "Money should be the least of your concerns. You focus on what you do best, Madam Geneviere, and I shall provide the necessary financial means."
In truth, Fabian possessed substantial wealth and could have covered all expenses himself. However, he graciously allowed Princess Elke to take the lead, a gesture intended to make her feel genuinely involved.
With security and transportation matters settled, Count Yannik chimed in, "Your Grace, during your journey, you can find shelter at my properties. I will work closely with Duke Killian to map out the safest and most discreet route for your travels."
Fabian gazed at each of them, his heart filled with profound gratitude. "I will be forever indebted to each of you for your unwavering support."
***
Relaxing in the bath while Thea was preparing tea and late-night snacks, Yohana's thought drifted back to the afternoon's unexpected encounter with Henrie.
On the surface, there was nothing particularly unusual about this interaction. It was Henrie's peculiar question that continued to gnaw at her thoughts – the question about a knight with red hair.
What could possibly be the significance of such a seemingly innocuous inquiry that had stirred such profound emotions within her?
No matter how hard she strained her mind, Yohana couldn't unravel the mystery shrouding her own actions.
All she could discern was the excruciating pain in her chest. It felt as though a multitude of daggers were relentlessly piercing her heart, over and over again, an agonizing sensation that hinted at a concealed memory linked to a knight with fiery red hair, one that remained frustratingly elusive.
Yohana's contemplative reverie was abruptly halted by Thea's entrance.
"My Lady," Thea began, her voice carrying a note of urgency, "I've received word that His Grace's has departed."
A sigh of relief slipped from Yohana's lips as she absorbed the encouraging developments. However, the prospect of the impending journey's success still loomed, keeping her on edge.
Count Yannik and Duke Killian had ingeniously plotted a route for the wagon that would conveniently pass by Count Yannik's properties, offering Fabian respite whenever necessary.
In addition, Duke Killian's prudence suggested periodically switching wagons to evade potential pursuers, adding an extra layer of caution to their meticulously crafted plan.
The level of detail and careful preparation in their scheme left Yohana with nothing but hope that everything would unfold seamlessly, free of any unforeseen complications.
***
Fabian contorted himself to fit inside the cramped trunk of the wagon, concealed amidst the jumble of construction materials. Duke Killian had taken great care to ensure there was just enough space for him to breathe, but it was undeniably stifling within.
Enveloped in darkness and unable to step out even for a breath of fresh air, Fabian couldn't help but reflect on Yohana's own harrowing experience when she was once kidnapped.
While their situations were distinct, Fabian could now empathize with the fear she must have felt during those trying times.
The wagon navigated a rugged path, diverging from the usual routes reserved for cargo transport. Fabian's head thudded against the trunk's lid several times, eliciting exasperated sighs as he endured the uncomfortable journey.
However, Fabian harbored no ingratitude, for this clandestine journey represented his sole opportunity to reach Greifswaldia without the king's prying eyes and obstructive influence.
Embarking on this nocturnal odyssey had left Fabian sleep deprived. The confined space of the trunk was hardly conducive to rest. Yet, as dawn broke, the sheer exhaustion overcame him, and he drifted into an uneasy slumber.
Upon waking, Fabian cautiously peeked outside and discovered the absence of the hooligans who had promised to shadow the wagon for protection.
Perturbed, he rapped his knuckles against the trunk's lid and inquired of the driver, "Where are our bodyguards?"
The driver's response was filled with dismay. "I have no knowledge, Your Grace. They failed to appear at the designated rendezvous point. I waited for hours. But with the looming threat, I deemed it too perilous to remain stationary. And thus, we proceeded without them."
Fabian's mind raced with speculation, pondering the myriad possibilities that might explain the mysterious absence of their supposed protectors.
Accident, last-minute betrayal, or perhaps an unforeseen complication – each theory vied for his attention. Dismissing the notion of Madam Geneviere's deception, he couldn't fathom her deceit, especially considering Yohana's trust in her.
As he wrestled with these perplexing thoughts, the wagon suddenly jolted violently, sending shockwaves of alarm through Fabian's body.