Arthur's Pov
After the conclusion of the court proceedings, my immediate concern was locating Ginny and her father. However, my plans were interrupted as Earl Volfor appeared just outside the door, whispering in a voice only I could hear. Nodding in acknowledgment, he bowed and continued on his way, indicating that I need not search for them any longer. Following his instructions, I proceeded to another room and waited for what felt like an eternity.
Finally, the door opened, and Garfield, my new vassal, entered along with another servant, who was none other than Ginny. Excitement overwhelmed me as I quickly got off the luxurious sofa, ran with every ounce of strength my little body possessed, and hugged Ginny tightly.
"Ginny!" I exclaimed, filled with joy
"Arthur!" she shouted in return as we embraced each other.
After the heartfelt reunion, Earl Volfor informed us about something and attempted to leave, but I halted him.
"Not yet, Earl Volfor. I still have some things to ask and share," I asserted in a solemn tone.
Surprised, he widened his eyes and then gracefully got on one knee. "So, you found out, huh?" he muttered under his breath. Choosing to ignore that comment, I proceeded with my inquiries.
"Please explain yourself, or should I do it for you?" I asked while narrowing my eyes in a cute manner.
"Please do the honors," he responded shamelessly.
Sigh*
Sighing, I began, "You wanted to test me and my intentions in this matter—test how I would handle their situation politically and diplomatically." I spoke truthfully, adding, "But what Garfield did was beyond my understanding," as I glanced at the Elmsworth Patriarch. Even I did not expect him to act in such a way. However, I speculated that these factions would now make his life difficult and view him with suspicion.
As if sensing my thoughts, Garfield quickly bowed and said, "I do not regret my decision, Your Majesty. I have implemented a few countermeasures, but for now, we have to focus on another important piece of information. It seems that Nadur Republic is becoming more aggressive."
Upon hearing this, for the first time, I managed to 'see' his emotions – he turned red, indicating anger. This was unexpected.
"I would like to hear Your Majesty's thoughts on this matter," Earl Volfor suddenly said.
Realizing he never missed a chance to test me, I provided an answer he wouldn't expect.
"Let them attack us. I bet their main aim is just to test our resolve. They still think that our loss of territory in the previous war was because of them. Besides, the one who should be more worried now must be the Prime Minister, since his fief lies just south of Nadur Republic. While I do suspect that Duke Aquila has some sort of relation with those Nadur people, I am not confident in it. My knowledge is limited to what those two dukes taught me and what the palace maids and butlers converse, which I definitely do not overhear while trying to sneak out of the boring classes..." I said, avoiding eye contact with Ginny, who I am pretty sure is squinting her eyes at me.
She burst into laughter, hiding her mouth with her hand. I suppose revealing that secret was worth it.
"I am so glad that you haven't changed, Arthur," she said with a kind look.
"Hehehe, now please don't leave me behind," I said, causing her to look at me with a lot of guilt. Stupid Arthur! Why am I saying something to hurt her!
As if sensing the mood, Garfield intervened and said, "I must say, His Majesty's insight is indeed efficient. I am glad that I made the vow."
After saying that, he got on one knee. Ginny followed suit and also knelt.
"Please take care of yourself, Your Majesty. I do not want to lose another sun again," Garfield said in a sad voice. I see.
He must have been referring to my father.
"Don't worry; I am in your care now," I said with a majestic smile, and both of their eyes started shining. Yep, my charm did its job well.
"Now then...." I said, narrowing my eyes cutely towards my tutor. "If you have heard my thoughts, how about you reveal a few things about yourself, Earl Volfor?" I asked, indirectly inquiring about his real motives behind all of this. I bet everything that occurred during the last few days has something to do with him.
At least he's not hostile towards me.
"Hehe~ I am just a servant in your service, my Lord. But please do not misunderstand my intentions. It was never my intention to bring any harm to you, Your Majesty. I merely did what was favorable to you," he said, revealing that, at least, he's not here to harm me.
"But...." He said with a pause, an indescribable expression on his face, and continued, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, for my rudeness. It seems, Your Majesty himself hasn't embraced the role of Emperor yet. There's still hesitancy in your eyes. I would only be by your side when Your Majesty completely and utterly accepts the role of Emperor. Can you be better than before? Now, please pardon my harsh words," he said with a graceful bow.
"What do you mean?!" I asked with a raised voice.
"That's for you to find out, Your Majesty. Now, please excuse me," he said, turning around to walk out of the room. He suddenly stopped in his tracks and, without looking back, said, "But, you did extremely well." With that, he left the room coolly.
After that, Ginny, I, and Garfield talked about various things. It felt like a feeling I had never felt before. Is this what it's like to have a family?
After my dinner, I made my way towards my room, the events of the court proceedings still fresh in my mind. The grand halls of the castle echoed with my footsteps as I navigated the familiar corridors.
Few hours later, I woke up, the moonlight casting a gentle glow across my room. I checked to ensure that no maids or knights were lurking nearby, ensuring the secrecy of my actions.
"Yosh! Let's begin my secret Magic training!" I whispered to myself, a sense of excitement bubbling within me. After working diligently for what felt like an hour, I finally managed to master a few low-tier spells. My own creations! I couldn't help but marvel at my newfound abilities. Aren't I a genius?
As I started to pack up and erase any magical traces, the silence was shattered by a sudden applause.
*Clap *Clap.
Goosebumps ran through me, and a chill down my spine as I realized someone had discovered my clandestine activities. Before I could react, the person entered through the balcony.
"That's amazing for beginning spells," a familiar voice echoed, and my eyes met the figure who spoke.
It was Ginny!
Questions flooded my mind – why was she entering through the balcony?
How long had she been watching me?
What did she mean?
"Ohh... I am sorry, Your Majesty, but the magic you used just now were actually low-tier spells for 1st stage magicians. But you did it in a single try. That's why I was impressed," she said matter-of-factly, and realization dawned upon me.
"How do you know that?" I asked with genuine confusion. Was she...?
"Yes, you guessed it right. I am a magician, the highest level of 4th stage. That means in the future, I will be on the wall for the 5th stage or a Grand Sorceress," she stated with a smug expression, while I looked at her with stars in my eyes.
"But Your Majesty's talent is beyond mine. I know you would become even stronger in the future. But for that, Your Majesty's foundation should be solid," she said in a solemn tone, bowing with a hint of guilt and worry.
It was then that she made a heartfelt request.
"Please give me the honor of teaching Your Majesty," she implored.
"Only if you will call me by my name... mom," I said, the last word uttered in a low mutter. She was shocked to hear me, looking at me with disbelief.
However, upon seeing the pure sincerity in my eyes, she gave me a kind and warm smile, saying in a gentle tone, "Alright. I will, Arthur." With a tear in her left eye, she hugged me.
And that's how I regained my family back.
Today was the best day of my life.
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A/N
Happy New Year Guys!!!!!!!!!!!