A red military uniform, Adam had worn that afternoon. Only for official events and activities like today. A red coat with a double-breasted, two rows of buttons vertically decorated. Complete with a fur-lined robe, trousers, and boots. Not to forget a gold crown with a simpler shape than the more formal one.
The right side of his hair was combed back neatly. His sea blue eyes looked so sparkling beautifully. Gazing out the window, seeing a vast meadow on the side of his castle. The maids were very busy decorating the King. Making sure that there were no flaws in his appearance.
Weithia was also in the room with him. A tall man with deep gray eyes. Adam never got tired of looking at him. He saw Weithia reading a book. With his formal clothes, a long black coat and a white chavat tie. He combed his hair all back, leaving a few strands of hair on his forehead.
A sword given by Adam was attached firmly to his waist. The scabbard was made of silver with a rose carving. The sword inherited from his ancestors, the King, gave to Weithia as a sign of respect.
Adam felt tired of standing, the formal clothes he was wearing and all the signs of his title made him even more complicated and heavy.
The yellow light of the sun shone brightly on him, making his eyes hurt......
****
........ "Adam." A soft voice was heard from behind him. The man turned to his side, a black-haired boy smiled at him.
"Don't daydream. The teacher will be angry."
He had difficulty concentrating on the math lesson his teacher was explaining. His gaze continued to be directed out the window, watching the large magnolia tree that was blooming that season. A tall tree without green leaves, only filled with blooming pink and white flowers.
He counted how many times the flowers fell from the brown branches. There were so many that he was overwhelmed. His mind was not present in class, staring at the sky and wondering. What would the world be like if there was no war and evil. There were only lavender flowers, magnolia trees and kindness.
"Adam? What are you daydreaming about? I will end this class in a moment."
Adam just smiled and shook his head, "Sorry." Then the Teacher continued his material slowly. He glanced at the two boys sitting not far from him. Focused on writing and paying attention. With a sheet of paper and a quill in his hand.
"Finally spring has come after the bitter and cold winter has passed. The flowers are starting to grow. And I can smell the peaches from the tree!" one of the children ran and tried to climb the tall tree. Adam just chuckled because his attitude was so active - unable to stay still.
"If you're not feeling well, you better not join the class." Said a black-haired boy beside him.
"I'm fine." The cool wind blew slowly. Birds danced in the air. Nature seemed to be making music that brought joy. He saw the blue color that dominated the sky beautifully. White clouds drifted across the country far away in the east.
Everything looked so alive in Adam's memory.
He was taking a new step, he was writing a new page. Far from his home and country. He did everything solely for a brighter future than the dark days in the past. He always wondered how to maintain the will to live.
"Maybe the answer is plain and simple. Because of curiosity. Why were you chosen by God. Why did you have to go through all this. What do you want to be in the future and maybe to find out what your deepest desires are."
The answer of a little child that kept perched in his mind without stopping.
Peaches fell from the branches of the tree, and the three children began to eat them. It tasted sweet. Adam smiled sadly, knowing that they would not be together forever. He didn't even have forever. "I will give you everything someday." Adam said softly.
His two friends just laughed happily, not understanding what 'everything' meant. "I won't be here forever. Someday I have to go home."
"Don't be sad. We will be happy to visit your country. Even though we will all be apart, this friendship will not die." Said a child with beautiful shiny blonde hair.
"Yes, we don't need everything. As long as you still want to be our friends, that's the main thing."
"Of course, there's no way I can forget you guys. I hope someday we can meet again."
*****
A promise was made under the spring sky to always be friends. An innocent and pure promise that was naive about the world. Weak like a dandelion. They didn't realize they were making memories, all they did was have fun. It was so torturous if they dared to remember it.
'I I will forget you. I hope someday we can meet again.' The young man exhaled, making the glass beside him fog up a little. He usually never slept while traveling. It made his head a little dizzy.
The luxurious horse-drawn carriage sped through the wind at night. The man with his tired face looked at the city streets that were so crowded with people dancing and partying. Lively, too noisy for him. Fruits and vegetables and wine from the harvest were abundant everywhere. Beside him, an old man looked so calm while also looking out the window.
A fur coat that kept him warm, with a black-edged gold ring perched on his index finger. "Are you okay?"
The man nodded, "Of course, Your Majesty."
"King Wilhelmia will hold a harvest party like this every year. Luckily he invited us." His voice sounded heavy and deep. Several horse-drawn carriages were seen lining up in front and behind them as they entered the large courtyard of the palace. Indicating that the King had deliberately invited many guests.
It was amazing to think that he could be present at the man's house. The land of his birth was too beautiful to understand. The sun was sinking in the west, the orange sky now changing to an increasingly dark color. A soldier shouted to signal the arrival of someone important.
"King Henry of Gwylion!"
All eyes looked at the old man walking in front of him.
The man walked unenthusiastically following his master. His own presence was not very important. Especially when he received such an annoying letter some time ago, arriving together with an invitation to this harvest party. But now his heart was beating fast, the only rhythm in the hustle and bustle of the party. Nervous, not knowing what he should do or say.
Before he realized he was in a sea of people with glamorous dresses and jewelry. The men looked charming in the suits they were wearing. The aura of nobility was very thick, he then looked around the large hall, many soldiers with banners bearing the phoenix symbol were scattered in all directions.
Not long after, one of the doors to the hall opened, followed by a soldier shouting a name that was so familiar to him. "His Majesty King Adam Everardus of Wilhelmia."
As he said, everyone present at the party immediately bowed respectfully. He could not do much, because of the orders he had received.
With such a shine, greeted by nobles who wanted to shake hands or just greet him to get an honor. He smiled softly and friendly. Blending in quickly because his aura felt very calm and authoritative.
The man felt strange again, but that was human, he thought.
"King Henry. Welcome." Adam said giving a warm hug.
"It's an honor, Your Majesty. Thank you for inviting us."
The man smiled, "Don't be so formal, your figure is like a father to me. And I should be the one thanking you for coming all the way east. Let's find a place to sit."
Adam led his guest to a round table on the hall balcony, with the Knight faithfully following his every step. The sky was completely dark. The sprinkling of stars looked so bright because the sky was cloudless.
"Don't you have to greet your other guests, Adam?"
"It's okay, most of them are just nobles. The only Royal Family present were you and the Princess of Grissham, and she hasn't arrived yet. It's natural since Grissham is so far south."
Henry looked a little surprised, "You invited Grissham?"
"Of course. There's no real reason for us to be enemies. I just wanted to break the ice between us."
"What about the Western Kingdom, Noxawest?"
"They only sent Royal servants, I don't mind. Since that man came to represent his country."
"What about Cedric?" Adam asked back.
Henry laughed, "I'm tired of him. So I sent him to a boarding school. I hope the people there can educate him well. But Adam, I wish you were there."
Adam smiled, "What's wrong?"
"That kid borrowed my ship to sail, he said he wanted to try to explore the ocean. But I don't know what that kid did, he ended up sinking the ship. I'm really tired of him." The man shook his head.
"Really?" Adam laughed. "Yes, I'm not lying. Even though he's the same age as you. But his attitude is still like a seven-year-old."
"I really miss Cedric."
"Come visit the East sometime, I think you must miss everything there."
Henry glanced at the young man behind Adam. "By the way, is this the Knight you just inaugurated?"
"Yes, his name is Weithia Vistalia."
"Isn't he a little young? Does he have much experience? To guard a King like you..."
Adam turned his head away.
His eyes to the distant City of Tropes, which looked brighter than the stars in the sky. "I don't think so, but his abilities are very good. Because he's still young, I can shape him however I want."
Henry took turns looking at the tall man beside him, with jet black hair and eyes. An oriental face and pale white skin. Staring with an annoyed expression. "Anthony, say hello to His Majesty Adam."
The man bowed, "It's an honor to meet you again, Your Majesty."
Adam didn't look at the man at all. "Of course." But at the blue sky, the magnolia trees and the peaches on back of his mind.
The solid ground he stepped on in the past felt so real, for a mere memory of a twelve-year-old child. The situation became quiet for a moment. No one started talking. Henry himself looked so hesitant.
The sound of people's crowds from inside the hall was faintly heard. Only a large glass door separated them. "What have you been doing these years? Is the task of being a King hard for you?" Henry stroked his thin beard that had turned white, as well as his hair.
"Yes, it's really difficult." Adam laughed crisply. "Almost the same as what you taught me before. Politics, economy, militarization. But I don't think there's anything strange about all of that, because it's already the basis for leading a country."
"But there's one strange thing that's happened lately. It's not really an important issue for the Wilhelmian government. But more about justice and social-religious life." Adam explained.
"What happened?" Henry's body leaned slightly because he was curious.
"There was just a riot in Wilhelmian almost two weeks ago. Because the body of a woman who died mysteriously was found. Currently the investigation is still ongoing, but it's very slow. Because there are no witnesses or definite evidence."
"Tell me." Henry said.
Adam smiled faintly, "Initially about some time ago ago a woman's body was found in an alley, died mysteriously from poisoning. But someone spread a bad rumor that the woman died because her tongue was cut and there was not a drop of blood on her body."
"Then? Who spread the rumor?"
"I don't want to make assumptions but I think its Francilius, a man who serves a Minister named Jaquet. But a few days ago Minister Jaquet came to the palace, in a state of ignorance. Trevor interrogated Jaquet, and it turned out that he had nothing to do with it. Meanwhile, Francilius is still a fugitive until now."
Adam continued in a low voice, "The doctor who performed the autopsy on the body is also still missing until now. So I increased security in the city, thankfully there were no more victims. I am really confused, whether this harvest festival should be held or not."
"Last week the people paraded three women, who were accused of being witches."
Henry's brow furrowed in disbelief, "So that person named Francilius spread rumors to create terror in the city? Do the people think that the deaths of the women were due to witches and black magic?"
"That's what happened."
"Didn't you find Francilius' conspiracy?"
"No. We have conducted investigations into the parties who are thought to be involved. There are only a few of them. And all of them don't know anything."
"Do you think this has something to do with witches?"
Adam chuckled, "As far as I know, that nation has been extinct for a long time. Besides, it doesn't make sense, it really annoys me." Adam lowered his voice.
"Look! This is a harvest festival. The harvest is abundant and the people are happy. You know yourself that the appearance of witches is always followed by disasters in society. Starting from disease outbreaks, death, crop failures, and other disasters. But none of that happened. The nation of Wilhelmia, who knows when it became barbaric like that. They want to take an innocent woman to the gallows."
Henry nodded in understanding, "I guess the religious authorities must support the witch hunt? Then what are you doing?"
"Of course. For a problem like this, I can't rely on religious leaders. Their hatred of black magic and the devil is already in their blood. They don't want to lose, playing a role in the hunt to take advantage of the hardship to rebuild their bargaining position in society."
"I can't do much, only within my authority as King. I secured that innocent woman in the palace. Over time, the people's anger also weakened. I think this harvest festival will be the peak. Now that it is certain that my enemy is a human, I can focus on finding him."
Henry listened attentively to Adam's explanation. "Witch hunts are not a concerted initiative by a single authority. They occur occasionally and follow a similar pattern. This is the first time in Wilhelmia during my reign."
"It is fortunate that these false rumors did not reach my ears in Gwylion. If yes, maybe there will be a riot there too." Said King Henry. "My man, Anthony Tivieus. He is very good at spying, his abilities are also no joke. I myself appointed him. Maybe he can help you here."
Adam was silent. "How?" said Henry who seemed a little pushy.
"I already have enough people to work on this case. Besides-."
"Enough people but not able to find Francilius in almost two weeks."
Adam sighed, he glanced at the man with jet black hair for a moment. His face was so flat and he could read his uncomfortable movements. "Does he mind?"
Henry laughed and pulled the man to sit with him. "Of course not! Besides, he doesn't have much to do in Gwylion. Better here, more useful. Isn't that right Anthony?"
The man just lowered his head, and nodded slowly. His smile was very confused. Not daring to look at the figure in front of him. Henry seemed unaware of the tension between his men and King Wilhelmia. History decided to bring together the rope of fate. After hiding behind closed doors for so long.
On a summer night, under the sky that stared at him. His feelings sank deeper. As if the beautiful and enchanting party was not real. He kept thinking that he was dreaming. Because reality would not be as beautiful as that.
"Then I will leave him here with you. Tomorrow I have to go back to Gwylion."
"Is it that soon?"
"Yes. There is no other choice, many things await me there. Besides, another reason I came here is to make sure whether you are well or not. And I think so"
He continued, "If I'm not mistaken, this year will be the fourteenth year, the anniversary of your parents' death, right?" Henry said slowly.
"Yes, that's right, usually we will release lanterns or pray by the river by releasing carnations. My mother's favorite." Adam smiled faintly, "It's a tradition now. People do it every year."
Adam still couldn't drown his sadness, his eyes could not lie. "I used to think that their deaths were because God hated me. But now death is a reminder, when I face a dark path that I don't understand. And I'm afraid to go through it."
"My dream will not be stained with blood, with the hands that took their lives. As long as I still breathe. I will continue to search for it. And keep moving forward."
Henry could see the sparkle in Adam's blue eyes.
"My determination has been firm to carry out this responsibility. When the crown was placed on my head. I knew that, I could not go back."
"But always remember my words, if you think before you act. And never feel alone. I am always here for you Adam. We will all always be by your side."
The man smiled, "Thank you, Uncle."
"You can call me father if you want."
Adam chuckled, "No need, later my father up there will be jealous."
Henry knew that interfering in Adam's state matters was not a good thing. He limited himself from diving deeper. He was grateful just by Adam telling his problem. At least he knew that Adam trusted him.
The men spent the night drinking wine and eating food served by the servants. No nobles dared to disturb them of course. Until not long after, another important person was heard coming – the Princess of Grissham. Weithia was then ordered to greet the princess and bring her to Adam.
A wide dark green dress was seen entering when the glass door opened. Behind the girl's waist was tied a sweet ribbon, with overlapping lace. Her brown hair fell long while her emerald green eyes stared doubtfully at the men in front of her.
Adam stood up and kissed the girl's hand. "Welcome to Wilhelmia, Princess Carmellia. It is an honor to meet you."
The woman's white skin showed very clearly that her cheeks were blushing red like ripe apples, when her hand was kissed by a King. "Thank you for inviting Grissham, Your Majesty. I come as a representative of my country."
Adam pulled a chair for her, next to him. "Of course, I understand. This is King Henry of Gwylion."
She smiled faintly. "It is a pleasure to meet you, King Henry. I believe this is our first meeting. Let me introduce myself, Carmellia Eleanora, the only daughter of King Anderson and Queen Ingerid of Grissham."
With a wide smile, Henry kissed the girl's hand gently. "Nice to meet you, Princess. Maybe I'll leave you alone with King Adam?"
"No, no need. Your Majesty."
It was too late, Henry had already gotten up from his seat. "I will enjoy this party, because I have to go home tomorrow morning. Come on, Anthony." He said jokingly.
"Sorry for making your guest leave, Your Majesty." Carmellia said softly.
"It's okay, I've had a lot of conversations with him earlier."
The princess' eyes were only focused on the night view of Wilhelmia, occasionally looking down.
"How was your trip? Sorry, it must have been tiring, huh? Grissham and Wilhelmia are in different cardinal directions."
The girl chuckled, "Yes, that's how it is, Your Majesty. But I am very happy to be able to go far away like this. Visiting a neighboring country is a fun thing."
"Really? You are not afraid of being far from home?"
Carmellia shook her head slowly, "No. In fact, I rarely travel. So I really feel challenged."
"You came with the maids?"
"Yes, this is Layla." The girl bowed to Adam and stood beside Weithia. "There are also some soldiers guarding us of course."
Adam nodded in understanding. "This party will be held for probably seven days and seven nights. You can stay here as long as you want."
"Thank you for your kindness. My father and mother send their regards to you."
"Yes, of course. Thank you."
Adam smiled as he turned his head towards Carmellia who lowered her head in shame. "You are truly beautiful. The rumor is not wrong."
"Rumor?"
"Yes, your beauty is very famous in various corners of the country. And now I can see it directly. As if a work of art that cannot be touched because it is fragile and expensive." Those words made Carmellia's face even hotter.
"Don't you want to dance? It would be a shame if such a beautiful dress is not invited to dance."
Adam stood up and stretched out his hand. The girl nervously reached for it. The glass door was opened, immediately all eyes were on the couple who looked so beautiful, stepping forward to the middle of the room. The violin and piano immediately sounded when they knew that the King would be doing his first dance – on the first day of the party too. Usually that would only be done by a Queen or at least anyone who was loved by the King.
Carmellia felt very surprised and happy that night. She and Layla thought that King Adam would be very cold or even hate her. But it was completely the opposite. An extraordinarily handsome, gentle and caring man asked her to dance. Friendly, inviting her to chat, her mother would be happy to hear the story when the girl came home.
It was really embarrassing, because all eyes were on them. The guests who were present were stunned by Carmellia's beauty, like a living doll. The green dress that was the same color as her eyes fluttered on the white marble floor of the hall. Showered with warm light from the hanging lamps.
Her hair was gently swept by the wind as Adam let the girl spin. Her tiny hands looked a little nervous as she held the King's broad shoulders tightly. Their breaths seemed to meet, Carmellia was afraid that the King could feel her pounding heartbeat.
"You really good at dancing Princess."
Adam seemed to be enjoying the dance so much. Who knows how long they had been dancing in the hall. He glanced at Weithia who was standing behind the crowd of nobles. His gray eyes were like dark clouds that were about to rain. Adam smiled. He kissed Carmellia's hands again, which triggered a shocked reaction from the guests. So did the girl.
"Thank you for dancing with me. Enjoy the party. Make sure to keep yourself away from the men. They can't stop looking at you." He whispered with smile.
Adam decided to leave the party. He approached Weithia who was near the balcony door. "Don't you want to ask a girl to dance? You have to learn Weithia."
The young man was silent, not answering the King's question.
"Did you hear me?"
"Ah. I don't want to dance with anyone. My King." He said softly.
"Why? Too bad the title I gave you was in vain. The girls in there are looking forward to dancing with a handsome Knight like you." He said in a rather mocking tone.
Adam glanced at Weithia for a moment, while walking to the other side of the darker balcony. The young man followed behind him. "Why are you so quiet today? Tired of working for me?"
"Of course not, Your Majesty."
"Then why? Are you having a problem?" They were completely out of the fatigue of the party that would last all night. Not many lights made the atmosphere dim.
"I don't think so, Your Majesty."
For a moment, silence enveloped their presence. They took small steps along the edge of the balcony – away from the crowd.
"A child once asked me. How do you know if you are really alive? I answered, when taking a deep breath can make you happy." Adam leaned against the support pillar, "Many men die, but few men really live."
Weithia chuckled, placing himself next to the King. "You always teach me with stories or sentences that are hard for me to understand."
"You were so enchanting on the dance floor earlier. I felt nostalgic for something I had never seen before. Your dance seemed to captivate me with a heavenly fairy tale. Not an illusion or a dream. I want to see you dance under that moon."
Adam laughed, "Your words are harder to understand. Wait. Is this because I lent you too many books?" He glanced at the man, laugh, not expecting their eyes to meet. They were silent for a moment, letting the faint music break the silence. Adam quickly looked away. So did Weithia. For some reason, his heart was beating so fast. He didn't expect that to happen. Adam slowly felt a cold touch on his fingers. The night seemed to pass very quickly. Not enough to satisfy his curiosity. the anxieties and doubts of the two people.
****
"The harvest festival is actually a traditional event that occurs when the harvest is finished. The results are usually very abundant. Therefore, most of the food will be stored by the people to get through the following year. Farmers who make bread from wheat, wine and others will usually be given to the church. To thank God, it is also distributed to the poor."
"Very interesting. There is no harvest festival culture like this in my home country. Because it is a coastal area, the land is not very fertile. I am very amazed by the beauty of Wilhelmia." Carmellia said as she stepped through the path overgrown with green grass on both sides. Her tiny feet were protected by such cute white shoes. The simple pink dress suited her very well. Additional pearl accessories were beautifully attached to the young girl's neck and ears.
"So the people's main income is from the sea?"
"Yes, that's right. Some of them also raise animals. But they can't garden like here."
Behind her, Layla faithfully followed the Princess without disturbing her conversation with the Knight at all. "This celebration can also be interpreted as life and fertility. The people will rejoice by distributing food to the poor. They often sing or dance in the square of Tropes City, some also make a big banquet. In the countryside, people usually burn bonfires and dance with livestock around it, to purify the livestock, they say."
Carmellia nodded in understanding, occasionally glancing at Weithia who she thought looked so charming, her appearance was so charming because of the neatness she always upheld. Her smile was very friendly and she was also a very smart person. The sun was getting higher, it was quite tiring for the girl to walk on such a wide meadow.
"Come on, I'll take you to the greenhouse." They started walking back to the palace grounds, passing through the eastern garden which was indeed close to the green meadow. The distance was not far, they had already found a large greenhouse, with a high ceiling.
Weithia opened the door for the two girls. Both of them were so amazed by the dozens of types of flowers that were blooming. Carmellia looked very excited. "Wow! I usually only see all of this in books. Carnations, lilies, roses, marigolds, daisies. So many! Is this all His Majesty's property? Are you sure we can go here?"
"Yes, of course. He himself asked me to show you around the palace. This is the only greenhouse, but there are 3 large gardens with flower gardens and fruit trees. They are located in the east, west and south. In the west there is a beautiful pavilion with a lake surrounding it. You will definitely love it."
Carmellia smiled broadly and laughed, "It's great to live here. There's nothing interesting in Grissham. Layla, look! Isn't this a rare garden?"
The girl approached, "Is it called Orchid, I think? They only grow in tropical areas."
"Yes, tropical! Isn't this amazing? It would be great to live in Wilhelmia. Seeing flowers as beautiful as this every day. Holding a harvest party every year." The girl said happily.
"Wouldn't you be able to live here if you wanted to?" Weithia said, his eyes just staring at the flowers with melancholy. "If you could become His Majesty's Queen."
Layla was a little surprised to hear the young man's rather blunt words - for their first meeting, she saw Carmellia who also looked away. "Sir Weithia, I think we shouldn't talk about that now."
Weithia jumped out of his reverie, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, Princess. I just said something. I remember very well how happy your face was last night when you danced with His Majesty."
The girl just smiled, her nose busy smelling the scent of the plants. "This is the first time I've met His Majesty. Yesterday's dance was probably because he felt sorry for me, no one invited me and I don't know anyone here. It doesn't mean he likes me."
"I was just kidding, there's no way I'll stay here. As the sole heir in Grissham. My job is to marry a man and become Queen there. In my own country."
Weithia looked so regretful for speaking carelessly.
"Where is King Adam?"
"He's working, I'm here to represent him. His Majesty asked me to always accompany you."
"Why didn't he invite you?"
"His Majesty said that there was no other man he trusted to look after you."
The three of them sat in a chair at a round table. Under a glass roof, with lots of plants around. Makes the air feel so cool. "This is Layla, I forgot to introduce her to you. She is my maid, we have been together since childhood. Are you the same?" Carmellia opened a new topic of conversation.
Weithia shook his head, "I graduated from the military school that His Majesty established. General Wilhelmia then suddenly appointed me as a King's Knight. He said my abilities were very good, but I don't think so. There are still many people who are better than me. But because of His Majesty's kindness he gave me this title."
"I'm not even from a noble family, I'm just a commoner. Sometimes I feel very unworthy to be by his side."
Carmellia smiled and rubbed the back of Weithia's hand which looked sad. "Well, it's not without reason that you were appointed as a Knight. The difficult task must be because of your great abilities too. Right Layla?" The woman agreed with a smile.
*****
Adam took a deep breath. And exhaled slowly. The people around him felt that the King had run out of patience. Especially Trevor, cold sweat was pouring from his forehead.
"This is the second time, isn't it? I told you to guard the city properly! Can't you do what I ordered!?" he said firmly.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. We were a little overwhelmed because yesterday's festival was very crowded. Many people from all over came to Wilhelmia. Our guard was a little lax." Trevor and Ackerley stood behind the man who was looking at a pile of corpses that had turned blue. His face was sour, while throwing many questions at the doctor who performed the autopsy.
"Is this because of poisoning too? Is there anything else strange about his body or anything?"
The hunched doctor shook his head, "No, Your Majesty. It's exactly the same as the first victim."
"Then Trevor, please explain why this nobleman could be a victim?"
"I'm still investigating, Your Majesty. Because this gentleman was also found in a remote alley in Tropes City. However, the location is far from the first location. It seems to have happened on the first night of the harvest festival."
"What was this nobleman doing there?"
"He wanted to hire an entertainer, Your Majesty." A voice was heard from behind the King's ear. Adam's brow furrowed seeing the man's arrival. "Excuse me for my rudeness. I just came from the scene of the crime, that narrow alley seems to be quite an active place."
Then he circled the corpse of a young nobleman whose body was already pale and blue, which was placed on a metal table. "I think this was poisoned. Judging from the signs. There are no bruises, wounds or other forms of violence. It seems that your enemy this time is very good at making potions. I suggest you don't need to bury him, just preserve him until the case is over. So the doctors can find out what poison was used."
"This is Sir Anthony Tivius, he will help us in this investigation." Adam said briefly. Followed by Trevor and Ackerley nods.
"Is there a connection between the world of prostitution in this case? First the woman, now the customer. Random murders like this seem to be playing around." Adam said.
"I think it's very difficult, Your Majesty, we don't know what motive the perpetrator used. But one thing that is striking is the status of the victim. It is difficult to determine whether this case is a threat to the government. If the perpetrator has killed a noble family, it means he is quite great, Your Majesty." Ackerley explained.
Trevor added, "I can also confirm, Your Majesty, that Francilius and Doctor Louis are not in Wilhelmia. We have combed every corner. I am sure they have gone abroad. Moreover, Francilius's house is close to the border."
"Please provide security to the doctor who is helping with this case. If his fate is the same as Doctor Louis, it will be chaotic." Adam said quietly even though in the hospital room there were only him, Trevor, Ackerley, Anthony and the doctor in question.
"Does this mean that there is involvement from another country, Your Majesty? There is no way Francilius would dare to betray if no one asked him to." Anthony said.
Adam understood, "Maybe the harvest festival should be stopped here, no one should do night activities outside the house. They are still allowed to party in their respective homes. The crowd will only make things more chaotic, I don't want any new victims. The construction of the fort will be completed soon. That will make it much easier for us to control who enters and leaves the territory of Wilhelmia."
Trevor agreed. "Then I will patrol every night. I will also order my men to take care of this nobleman's death – especially the matter with his family. Sorry for my negligence once again, Your Majesty."
Adam nodded in understanding and stood in front of the tall man. Smiling faintly, "Meet me again at the palace later." The King and Anthony walked out of the hospital with firm steps and boarded a waiting carriage.
****
"Speaking of family. Where do your parents live now?" Carmellia asked.
"They live on the outskirts of Wilhelmia. They live as farmers, growing corn and wheat. Then at the age of sixteen I decided to enter Haven, not because I didn't want to help them, but because I wanted to change my family's fate for the better."
"His Majesty gave me a lot of money in return. My parents' plan was to buy a house in the city. Open a business as a carpenter, because it seems like my father has talent in that field." he looked happy when he explained.
"You don't have any siblings?"
"No, I'm an only child."
Not long after Layla appeared with a tray of tea and cakes. She poured it into Carmellia and Weithia's cups. She had never seen the Princess so familiar with someone she had just met.
"Just like me, I'm also an only child. But lately my parents have been having problems."
Layla sat beside her and listened. "You can tell me if you want." Weithia said.
Carmellia immediately turned lethargic, "I don't deserve to talk about this with you. But because you can be trusted and maybe you can give me advice." He stared deeply into Weithia's gray eyes, "My family is like being hit by a storm of tension, anger and hatred. It could be destroyed in an instant, I don't know what to do to make things better."
Weithia listened seriously.
"My father has a mistress. That cracks the harmony of my family. I feel like I don't know my father anymore. My mother is very sad to know that."
"There is nothing special about that woman, just a village girl saved by my father. It's just that she has extraordinary beauty that makes anyone fascinated. Last month she came to the palace for the first time, father himself allowed her to live with us. That is really too much."
Weithia did not expect that the Princess would tell such a thing. He was confused about what to answer.
"My father even planned to make her a concubine. Imagine how my mother feels!"
The Princess' nose began to turn red and soon tears flowed down her cheeks. Weithia was really confused, he had indirectly made a girl cry. "Princess? Please don't cry."
Weithia gently pulled Carmellia's hand and brought her closer to his embrace. The Princess was hugged with great attention. She hugged Weithia's neck tightly by Carmellia's slender hands, and cried even harder. Weithia could clearly smell the scent of roses from the Princess's hair and body. Her actions could be categorized as rude but he didn't know how to react.
Her mother once said that if a woman cries, don't say anything. Don't compare her problems with other things. Just hug her tightly.
"That is your parents' problem, don't let it affect your life. All you can do is take care of your mother, if that's the way it is, what else can you do?"
"Your father is still your father. It won't change. He must love his child more than anything. Maybe if he gets bored, he will forget the woman." Weithia's hand gently stroked the Princess' head.
"I know that is a very bitter truth that you have ever received. So I hope you can be patient. Everything will be beautiful in time."
Adam opened the door handle of the glass house, because of the answer from a servant, if the Knight was there with the Princess. Initially he wanted to invite the young man to investigate the case with him. However, Adam could not say anything when he saw the unpleasant sight in front of him.
Weithia who was shocked immediately got up, her face so panicked seeing the sudden arrival of the King. Carmellia next to her also did the same thing. Her eyes were swollen from crying.
"Sorry to disturb your time." Adam said briefly and immediately closed the door again.
Not long after the young man's screams were heard, he chased Adam. Asking the man to wait. But suddenly Anthony stopped him, his gaze was so cold looking at Weithia. "Mind your manners."
"Sorry- but I just... Your Majesty?"
Adam continued walking without turning around at all, Weithia saw the back of the King walking away behind his red robe. Realizing he had made a mistake. Her heart was beating fast. "Your Majesty has given you an order, is it not clear enough?" said Anthony sarcastically. Facing Weithia directly.
"I am his knight. I am responsible for guarding him."
"As long as I am here, Your Highness will be guarded by me. Just continue your manners." The man left Weithia who looked so regretful. Chasing after Adam who had already walked far away.
"We will go straight to that place, I think." Adam said briefly. When he saw Anthony following him – his steps tried to match the man beside him,
"Right now? Aren't you going to invite General Trevor?"
"No. Just the two of us. He's already I assign you here. If your guess is correct, this case can be solved quickly."