"What's this?" Nikolai asked, his gaze fixed on the small box that Hadrian had shown him.
"I found it in my brother's room. I couldn't open it because it was locked, and I couldn't find the key," Hadrian explained.
"How do we plan to open it then?" Nikolai scoffed. "Seems rather useless."
"I'm sorry, if only Douglas hadn't come, I might have found the key," Hadrian said, scratching his head.
"Hmm, then leave this matter to me. Your brother will likely come looking for it, and he'll ask you. I'll keep this box safe for now," Nikolai suggested.
"Thank you. If my brother leaves again, I'll return to his room to search for the key," Hadrian replied.
"But what if your brother becomes suspicious?"
"I'll stay silent and act like I have no knowledge of the box. My main concern is Douglas. I'm worried he might reveal that I was in your brother's room last night."
"Why not offer Douglas some compensation to keep him quiet?"
"I'll try to persuade him not to share this with my brother."
"Then be cautious, you're in the dragon's den," Nikolai warned.
"I'm his brother. He won't harm me," Hadrian said with a smile.
.
.
....
"You're leaving?" Aria inquired as she observed Xerxes packing his belongings.
"Yes, I need to gather some ingredients for my new potion. I'm heading to the Forbidden Forest and will return once I've found everything I need," Xerxes replied.
"Will it take you a few days?" she asked, concern in her voice.
"Perhaps. It depends on how quickly I can locate them," he reassured her, gently stroking her hair. "I'll miss you, take good care of yourself while I'm away."
"I will, please be safe," she replied, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
He smiled and returned the kiss, this time on her lips.
"Hachi!" he called to him.
"What?" Hachi appeared at the door.
"Look after her and the laboratory. Don't touch my stuff while I'm away if you wish to avoid being transformed into a frog," he warned.
"I know. Bring back some berries when you return," Hachi requested.
"Fine, just keep away from my things. I'm leaving now," Xerxes said before disappearing.
"Master! Let's go for a walk outside. The weather is splendid!" Hachi exclaimed with excitement.
She smiled and patted his head. "Sure, let's go."
.
.
They strolled in the garden, with Hachi eagerly chasing butterflies, his tail wagging with excitement. Aria took a deep breath, savoring the freshness of the air. It was a beautiful day, a picture-perfect setting for a delightful picnic.
"Your Majesty, I've brought sandwiches and tea," Cedrik announced as he began to set up the spread.
"They look delicious. Did you prepare them yourself?" Aria inquired as she took a sandwich.
Cedrik nodded. "Yes, I've missed making meals for you. Ever since I became your secretary, it's been all about paperwork."
"Thank you!" Aria replied with a happy smile, savoring her sandwich.
"Wow! Food!" Hachi exclaimed as he caught the scent and hurried over to grab three sandwiches.
In the midst of their joyful conversation, Napoleon made his appearance.
.
.
....
"You want my blood?" Cedrik asked, a puzzled look on his face.
"Yes." Napoleon simply replied.
Perplexed, Cedrik asked further, "But why?"
"It's for business..." Napoleon explained.
Cedrik furrowed his brows, what's the connection of his blood with his business? "Are you dabbling in black magic now?"
Napoleon couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sorry, but I'm not into that kind of stuff. I met someone who's searching for his long-lost son, and I'm trying to help him."
"A long-lost son? Are you suggesting that I might be his son? That seems impossible," Cedrik crossed his arms.
"Why not? Wait, are you really your parents' biological son?" Napoleon asked, his hand under his chin as he examined Cedrik.
Cedrik paused, his mind delving into the depths of his past. Thoughts of his parents, a distant and hazy memory, stirred within him.
He recollected being an orphan, a life of hardship endured from a young age. The orphanage he resided in was marked by strict rules and the owner embezzles the money donated by people for them. Hunger had afflicted some of the children, leading to illness and suffering. He managed to escape and made his way to the capital, but there, he fell into the clutches of child traffickers who forced him into a life of slavery. He grew up laboring under duress. His luck changed when Aria purchased him from his captors, and he now enjoyed a life of peace and comfort within the palace.
"So, did you truly have parents before coming here, or were you an orphan?" Napoleon repeated.
With a heavy heart, Cedrik lowered his head and admitted, "I'm an orphan..."
"That's great!" Napoleon clapped his hands. "Well, I do feel bad that you're an orphan, but this could be your opportunity to reunite with your real parents."
Cedrik, still uncertain, asked, "But how can you be sure?"
"Your necklace. He claimed his son was wearing a necklace when they lost him. He even showed me the necklace, and it bore the exact same design as yours." Napoleon held up Cedrik's necklace. "Exactly the same."
"I've had this necklace since I was a child. The old lady at the orphanage told me I was wearing it when they found me." he hesitated. Do you really think they could be my real parents?"
"We can confirm it if you provide me with a few drops of your blood." Napoleon crossed his arms. "Will you still refuse?"
"If it helps me find my parents, then I'm willing to give you my blood! Wait here for a moment," Cedrik exclaimed as he rushed to the kitchen to get a knife.
While Cedrik was away, Aria approached Napoleon.
"I'm sorry..." she said while standing in front of him.
Napoleon understood her meaning – she was rejecting him. He rubbed his forehead and let out a rueful laugh. "I have no choice but to respect your decision. Don't worry, I won't hold it against you."
"I'm really sorry!" Aria bowed to him and continued to express her remorse,
"H-Hey! Stop doing that. People might get the wrong idea." he panicked.
"But I..."
"It's all right. You already have five husbands and you're pregnant. Accepting me as another consort would harm your reputation and invite unwelcome gossip. I understand I'm the one pushing you into this, and it's clear you have no feelings for me." he scratched his head.
"I like you, but all I can offer is friendship," Aria confessed, unable to meet his gaze.
Napoleon forced a smile and held her shoulders. "I understand. Nothing will change between us. I'll remain your friend and be there for you when you need me."
"Really?" Aria asked, seeking confirmation.
Napoleon responded, "Yes, so look into my eyes now."
Finally, Aria met his gaze, and he hugged her tightly.
.
.
Meanwhile, Izekiel was on his way to his office when he spotted Aria and Napoleon embracing.
His anger flared, and he felt a surge of jealousy. "Your Majesty..." the head butler attempted to calm him.
"Leave me..." he ordered.
"B-But..."
Ludwig signaled to the servants and knights, instructing them to leave.
"I'll go back to my room!" Izekiel stormed back to his room.
Ludwig cast a glance at Aria and Napoleon before leaving, following Izekiel.
Inside Izekiel's room, they could hear the sounds of objects shattering and his cries echoed as he lost control of his emotions.
Desperately, he called out, "Aria!" and wept in a corner.
The door swung open, and Aria rushed to his side. "W-What happened?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Promise me you won't love another man," Izekiel sobbed, his voice shaking.
Aria was taken aback. "What are you saying?"
"I saw you earlier... with that Napoleon!" Izekiel exclaimed.
She gently touched his face. "Listen to me, there's nothing between me and Napoleon. I spoke to him to convey that I couldn't accept his feelings for me. You and my other consorts are more than enough for me. I love only you."
"Really?" Izekiel questioned, searching her eyes for reassurance.
She nodded and wiped away his tears. "You're more than enough for me."
He held her tightly and made a fervent request, "Don't marry other men, or I'll have to do something about it."
She pledged, "I won't, I promise."
After he calmed down, Aria summoned the servants to clean the room. She didn't leave Izekiel's side and stayed with him until he fell asleep.
.
.
...
Cedrik watched the departing carriage, a hopeful smile on his face, as he wished for Napoleon's return with good news.
As he walked, he spotted Jenny and called out, "Ah, Jenny!" he waved at her.
She approached and began, "Hey, have you heard? His Majesty threw a fit again."
"What? Did the servants upset him again?" he asked with a worried expression.
Jenny shook her head and revealed, "No, rumors are circulating that he saw Her Majesty and Lord Napoleon hugging each other. Servants are speculating if something's going on between them."
"Well, Lord Napoleon did propose to Her Majesty, but I think she rejected him. I saw Lord Napoleon looking quite upset before he left." he explained.
Jenny let out a relieved sigh and commented, "Oh, that's a relief, or else the Emperor would go into rampant again. Well, I have to go now. See you later." With that, she departed, and Cedrik waved her off.
.
.
...
Napoleon and Arthur arrived at Baron Campbell's mansion.
Arthur couldn't help but notice the valuable vases and paintings adorning the place. If those valuable items were sold, they could potentially fetch at least ten bags of gold or even more.
"Welcome back, Lord Napoleon," Baron Campbell greeted them warmly.
Napoleon introduced his friend, saying, "Good day, Lord Campbell. I've brought the friend I mentioned before. He's here to assist you."
"Good day, my Lord," Arthur respectfully bowed to the Baron.
"I'm glad you came. So, how can you help me?" the Baron asked eagerly.
Arthur began to explain the procedure and requirements. The Baron's curiosity peaked as Arthur outlined the process, which involved obtaining a small drop of his blood.
"All you need is my blood?" the Baron questioned.
Arthur nodded and replied, "Yes, Lord Napoleon already has Cedrik's blood. Please provide me with a small drop of your blood so that we can proceed."
"All right." the Baron summoned his butler.
They carefully dropped both Cedrik and Lord Campbell's blood into a bowl filled with water. They utilized two droplets of blood to determine whether they would blend.
With bated breath, they observed it.
Few minutes had passed...
Arthur's eyes widened.
"It mixed..." Napoleon said.
"D-Does it mean... Cedrik is my son?" the Baron covered his mouth in astonishment, realizing that he had finally found his long-lost son.
"According to the result, yes. Your blood mixed, so he's undoubtedly your son," Arthur confirmed.
Overjoyed, the Baron leaped with delight, even hugging his butler. Tears welled up in his eyes as he expressed his gratitude. "I'm so happy. Thank you so much, Mister Arthur!" he said, holding both of Arthur's hands. "I don't know how I will repay you!"
Arthur, ever the pragmatist, suggested, "Well, five bags of gold will be sufficient..."
"All right!" The Baron readily agreed and instructed his butler to fulfill the payment, continuing to sing for joy.
"Dad, why are you so noisy?" Lady Shanelle entered the room.
"Shan Shan! I found your older brother!" the Baron exclaimed, his excitement clear. However, his daughter could only look at him with confusion.
Arthur and Napoleon bid their farewells and departed the mansion. In the carriage, Arthur couldn't resist his curiosity and asked Napoleon, "Why did you decide to help him?"
Napoleon, arms crossed, responded, "Nothing special, he's our business partner. That's all."
Arthur pushed further, "Really? Cedrik is Her Majesty's secretary, right? Are you doing this to impress her?"
Napoleon remained silent, as even he couldn't fathom the exact reason behind his actions.
.
.
....
Finally, the day arrived for Baron Campbell to meet Cedrik at the palace. He was welcomed by Aria, and he greeted her with deep respect.
"Greetings to the mother of this Empire," the Baron bowed before Aria.
"Good day, Lord Campbell. I've heard what happened from Lord Napoleon. I'm delighted to learn that my secretary has finally found his parents," Aria responded.
"I could hardly believe it myself. Who would have thought that my son was here in the palace?" the Baron marveled.
Aria mused, "Even I was surprised to learn that my Cedrik is the son of the Baron from the east."
The Baron expressed his gratitude, bowing again, and said, "Thank you for taking care of him, Your Majesty."
"It's time to meet him, let's go," Aria said, leading the Baron to the room where Cedrik awaited.
Cedrik, upon seeing his father, was left speechless.
"C-Cedrik... My son?" the Baron hugged him tightly, tears filling his eyes.
Cedrik couldn't help but cry, his emotions overcoming him.
"You're really my son!" the Baron added when he saw the necklace Cedrik wore.
"Father!" Cedrik finally managed to say, his tears flowing freely.
They embraced once more, as Aria watched them with a heart full of happiness. She decided to leave them alone to have their father-son conversation, so she went for a walk in the garden.
"Does this mean he will leave the Palace?" William asked, curious about the situation.
She halted. Will Cedrik leave?
"I don't know. It's his decision now. He's found his family, and he'll decide whether to live with them. I'll respect whatever choice he makes." She couldn't help but feel sad at the thought of him leaving, but she knew she couldn't stand in his way. It was his life.
"You've done so much for him; he'll never forget you," William assured her.
She smiled.
"It's hot, Your Majesty. Let's head back inside." William suggested.
"All right." she agreed, and they began heading back inside the palace.
However, as they were about to enter, a flower pot fell from the terrace.
"ARIA!" Ryu exclaimed, he rushed to save her, pulling her to safety as the pot shattered on the ground.
"Your Majesty! Are you all right?" William asked worriedly. He called the servants.
Aria, shaken but unharmed, reassured him, "I... I'm all right."
Ryu looked up at the terrace and saw a shadow.
Tsk. They have started.
"Next time, be careful," Ryu said to her.
"I will. Thank you for saving me," she replied.
William helped her stand.
"Thank you." William said to Ryu.
"How did you know that the flower pot would fall?" she asked.
Ryu explained, "I was resting in the tree when I noticed it."
"I'm grateful that you were there," Aria acknowledged.
"I'm sorry for my negligence, Your Majesty," William apologized, kneeling.
"It's not your fault, it was an accident," Aria reassured him, urging him to stand up.
After returning to her room, William sought out Ryu. He, too, harbored suspicions about the earlier incident.