His face was covered in blood and bruises all over his body. Crawling trying to ask for help. Whoever it was. His legs couldn't even be used to walk anymore, after falling into the river from a height. It seemed broken. In the distance he could see a city that felt foreign, even so he still limped to approach it.
A young man who was riding in the area saw a middle-aged man, badly injured and asking for help. He was quickly carried and put on his horse. There were no doctors in that small country, let alone hospitals. After arriving at the residential area, the young man immediately took him to a healer he knew.
"Sir!? What happened to you?"
The man in question did not answer, all he could do was groan. While an old woman took off all his clothes. Cleaning his body from dirt and dried blood. There was a gaping wound on his leg, bleeding profusely. While his hand was dislocated. His head was hit and also bleeding.
The young man helped the healer do his job, because he was too old to move much. He observed the face of the middle-aged man, who looked like he had just escaped from a big problem. The healer asked the young man to cover all the wounds with the herbs he had made, then waited for them to dry.
The man was called several times, but he seemed to have completely lost consciousness. He didn't know who he was, where he was going, or where he had come from. It was almost evening and the young man was ordered by the healer to look after him.
"Thank you, Grandma."
"Maybe he will have a fever, but because of the medicine I gave him. But after that he will feel better." she explained in a stuttering voice.
"Who is this man?"
"I found him on the riverbank near the border. He was lying unconscious. Could he be a fugitive? Or a criminal?"
"Not necessarily, but be careful."
The sky was completely dark. The young man lit a lamp from a fire torch to illuminate the small house. The healer had already rested while he himself was still with his foreign guest. He touched the man's forehead - it felt warm. With sweat pouring from his forehead.
His breath was ragged, and sure enough he might have a fever. His body was shivering and his mouth was muttering words he couldn't understand. Another layer of cloth was added to cover him to make him feel warmer.
*****
His suspicions about the involvement of foreign countries in this case grew. First, Adam couldn't find any connections or networks between the Ministers and nobles, a good thing that indicated that they were clean. He didn't think this case would be so complicated. Even one of the nobles was the victim. Therefore, he didn't think that there was someone inside who betrayed him, besides Francilius of course.
This was clearly a threat, a bluff or an insult directed at him. And Adam didn't like being threatened. If there was a rival who wanted to kill him, he could immediately declare war. Instead of creating negative rumors in his country. And even though only two people died mysteriously, they were still human. It couldn't be ignored.
Gwylion had been Wilhelmia's best friend since ancient times, even their ancestors were connected in the same family tree. Moreover, King Henry loved Adam like his own son. It was impossible for Gwylion to do something like that.
Adam tried to recognize who his enemy was. Who might be standing in the shadows and laughing at his stupidity. Grissham, there was no clear reason behind the tension they had, even in history there had never been a written conflict. But the attitude of the Southern Kingdom was to withdraw and create ice between them. Adam understood, because it was common for a Kingdom to maintain privacy.
Even though the King and Queen did not come, they sent the Princess. That was a good sign. Princess Carmellia was sent all the way to be a peace cure. Although not officially only as a symbol. If Grissham, for example, had a grudge, why didn't he declare it directly.
Noxawest, the Western Kingdom. The only one who only sent a servant of the Kingdom. There was no word of thanks or apology. Even though his father and mother used to have good relations with the Noxawest Royal family. That could be seen as odd. But there was also no reason for a dispute or hatred with the Noxawest Kingdom.
What about small countries like Yorkshire, Edovale or Yale. Those around Wilhelmia. The man shook his head, there was no way they would want to harm themselves by doing something to Wilhelmia.
"Have you looked into Francilius's network?"
"Your Magesty, Minister Jaquet has nothing to do with this. He doesn't know anything. Francilius himself doesn't have any close friends. either fellow servants in Jaquet's residence or in the neighborhood where he lives on Lotus Street. I think he works alone here."
"How is that possible? Was he also the one who poisoned the two victims?"
"I think the one who made the poison was an outsider, Your Majesty. From the data I read about Francilius, that man has no education in medicine whatsoever. Then isn't he the younger brother of your Royal Advisor? Is he also suspect?"
"Ackerley? No, he's clean. I guarantee it."
Adam looked so stressed, it was very readable from his face. His eyes looked out the window as the train started to leave Wilhelmia. His big project with the fortress was going well, he could see significant developments in construction.
"I don't even know my enemy, how can I win this game. It seems like they are stalling for time or want to make me understand something."
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
"I mean maybe they want to show me something. Like playing a puzzle."
"Is that so? Does that mean that all the things that happen can lead us to something?"
"Yes, it could be. What does it have to do with the rumors of witches, poison, night women and nobles? Tsk. I really hate this way of working." His voice was suppressed.
"Calm down Your Majesty, I've only been working for a day but I've already gotten a lot of information. I'm sure this case will be solved soon."
Adam just stared at the vast green meadow.
Anthony with his jet black eyes had been watching the King all this time. Without looking away at all. "Then does your Knight really behave like that?"
Adam sighed, "I don't know. I don't know him that well."
"I noticed that he seems unprofessional."
"Is that so?"
"I mean, if his behavior is that despicable. Does he deserve that title?"
Adam listened silently. His mind was alert not to think about unimportant problems. "I just don't want you to be with the wrong person. There are still many who are loyal and better than that young man. Besides, isn't he still too young? He definitely doesn't have much experience."
Adam didn't answer.
"Aren't you angry that I interfered in your personal affairs?"
"No."
"Then how about I replace him? I don't need any title. You can count on me. Anytime."
Adam glanced at the man beside him. "Anthony, enough. I don't want to hear anything else."
The man sighed. "I can do more than him."
"I know."
"Then why did you send me that letter? Is it because of him, your knight?"
Adam looked deeply into the eyes of the man in front of him, "It was my own decision."
Anthony fell silent hearing Adam's answer, it wouldn't be good if he forced his will. "Alright. I give up. In this conversation. Sorry for being rude."
"No, it's just... there are places where we can't go together." He continued, "King Henry doesn't need to know."
"He doesn't know anything."
They were silent for a moment. Silence fell again. Anthony smiled because he realized that he should be grateful for their meeting that time.
"Maybe now we can talk about this problem."
Adam nodded slowly.
"My friend told me that two days ago a man was found on the outer border of Yorkshire. With severe injuries. He couldn't get any information out of the man. Unconscious for a whole day. If I'm not mistaken, the man could be Doctor Louis."
He didn't know how many hours he had been sitting beside the middle-aged man. Occasionally pacing around the house. Confused because it seemed like the stranger was very important, that he had to be guarded.
Yesterday he was completely unconscious. The fever lasted quite a long time. He even thought that the man would not survive. His grandmother who worked as a trusted and fortunate healer in the country continued to give him herbs that would close his wounds and lower his fever.
Luckily that morning he regained consciousness and managed to drink and eat a bowl of porridge. A little energy to keep him alive longer. He himself patiently fed the stranger. Even though he was asked any question the man could not remember. Even his own name. His head must have hit hard that he could not remember anything.
A small groan was heard, as if trying to say something. He brought the young man's ear close, and a plea for help was heard. "What happened to you?"
"Y-your M-..."
"Your Majesty? Sir. Heremi? The leader of this country?"
The man shook his head weakly, "Your majesty, the king."
"The king?"
The man struggled to speak. "He did this to you?"
There was no answer, but the man nodded - suddenly unconscious again. The young man was confused, what was the connection between this mysterious man and a king.
"Leighton? Hello?" suddenly a man's voice was heard from the yard of his wooden house - calling his name.
The man called Leighton immediately opened the door for the guest he had been waiting for. "Mr. Tivius! Welcome. Come, this way."
Anthony embraced Leighton intimately, "This is my old friend, Your Majesty."
"Of course." Adam smiled, stepping in. Walking behind Anthony, through a narrow hallway with wooden floors and walls. They entered a fairly large room with a pungent smell of spices. Then Adam saw a man lying on a thin mattress on the floor.
"He is Doctor Louis. Thank God he is still alive." A happy expression was visible on Adam's face. Taking a seat beside Louis and observing him. "You are right Anthony. Thank you very much."
Leighton sat beside Adam, "Who is this rich man?" he asked Anthony while occasionally glancing at the King's luxurious clothes. The man just laughed, "You don't know him? Be careful, you could be hanged if you are rude."
Adam smiled and extended his hand, "I am Adam. Anthony's friend. A nobody, just an ordinary person."
Leighton greeted him warmly. "I am Leighton, Sir."
"You treated this man? Then take it, to cover your medical expenses." Adam gave a few pieces of silver into the young man's hand. His expression was so shocked, "Really!? This is too much Sir! I was only there to accompany him, while my grandmother treated him." The young man looked hesitant towards Adam.
"Can you tell me in detail, what happened?"
Leighton nodded, "Maybe Mr. Anthony has told you about it. I found this man on the riverbank, near the outermost border of Yorkshire. Because he was badly injured he was unconscious and I brought him here. Yesterday he didn't wake up all day, because of a fever. He was delirious about something I didn't understand."
"This man seems to have lost his memory, I tried to ask his name. It seems he doesn't remember. But just before you gentlemen came, he was delirious about something. He said 'His Majesty the King'. He didn't know who the King was. That was all he said."
Adam nodded, "Are you the only one who knows about this?"
"Yes sir, only me and grandma. I didn't tell anyone."
"How did Anthony know about this?"
"Mr. Tivius asked me to always give him news. I know his job. So if there is a stranger like this I will immediately tell him. I'm afraid he's a fugitive." He said in a whisper.
Adam chuckled and got up, asking Doctor Louis to be brought into his carriage immediately. "Leighton. Thank you for your help. Please keep this a secret from anyone."
"Yes sir! Thank you for the money once again. Have a nice trip." His hand waved enthusiastically.
***
The young man continued to drift away in his reverie, while his feet had been following every step the girl took. From behind his back he noticed how beautiful the woman was. Able to bind the hearts of anyone who saw her.
His regrets resurfaced in his heart, he had made the King displeased if he was beside her. Carmellia herself did not realize that she had made a mistake, but she understood that yesterday's incident deserved to make the King angry.
Weithia now felt so distant from Carmellia.
He took a deep breath, his Master was busy with state obligations and the case, but not with him, but a stranger who suddenly came into the man's life.
on a path, decorated with wild flowers on both sides. Weithia and the Princess always spent time together on the third day of her arrival. There was no other choice, after all this was the King's order.
There was no chaos in Tropes City, all was safe and sound under the security of the General. When everyone was busy with their duties, Weithia instead became a chat friend for this girl. She looked up to see one of the palace towers. Soon the bell would ring once. They decided to return to the palace.
Weithia heard that Adam had managed to find Doctor Louis with the man, but unfortunately he had lost his memory. So there was no information that could be obtained from him. The palace was not so crowded, especially since the castle was only opened for the first day's harvest party.
That afternoon Weithia was suddenly visited by a soldier who brought Adam's order, asking her to attend a meeting. While the Princess was left with her maid. With enthusiasm the young man hurried along the palace corridor. His breath was labored. When he arrived in the room, the situation was quite calm as he had imagined. Many of the chairs were empty. Trevor told him to come in and wait until the King finished speaking.
"I have set a new policy regarding taxes that will be imposed on the people. The meeting ends here."
A Minister with a thick beard stood up, "Permission to speak, Your Majesty."
"Please."
"How is the mysterious murder case going? Are there any developments?"
"I am still keeping it a secret. If it is not important, it is better not to know, for the safety of the investigation."
The old man bowed and thanked him. "We beg your leave, Your Majesty."
Several members of the Wilhelmian parliament left the meeting room quietly. They seemed to agree with the King's decision regarding the newly updated tax regulations. Weithia was nervous with his presence in the middle of the room.
"Weithia." Adam's voice sounded softly calling her name.
"Yes. Your Majesty."
"I would like to assign you with Mr. Tivius and your senior Robin. They will explain it to you. That's all."
Weithia was a little confused by Adam's quick words. He didn't have time to ask or answer. "Yes, Your Majesty." At least he didn't have to spend time with the Princess. With enthusiasm, his feet walked back to Haven headquarters.
He met Robin who was getting ready with his horse in the front yard of the headquarters. His hair looked shorter, his nape and temples were shaved thin. His dark blue eyes glanced at Weithia who had just gotten off her horse.
"Good afternoon, senior." He said politely.
"Just call me Robin."
Weithia chuckled, "Did the King assign us something?"
"Yes. Why? Afraid?" a deep voice was heard from behind Weithia. With his all-black clothes. His voice sounded like a sarcasm.
"Sir Tivius, if you have a problem with me. Please just say it." Weithia said no less sarcastically. "Oh of course there is. You're a little boy who's flirting with a girl, while your master is having trouble working. Your behavior disgusts me, how can someone like you get the title of Knight."
"Okay, okay, sir. Let's get back to work."
Weithia's anger overflowed, "I'm not flirting. Besides, it was the King's order to guard the Princess while he was absent. Please do not accuse me of anything. Your tongue is your sword, Sir."
Weithia got back on his horse followed by Robin. "I don't care about your words. The fact is that I have been appointed by His Majesty directly. That's what's important. If you question my loyalty, it's better not to. Now we must immediately carry out his orders."
Anthony with a sour face got on his horse. Robin explained, "His Majesty asked us to find the maker of this poison." He took out a small bottle from his pocket. "The doctor managed to find the type, General Trevor just brought it to the King this morning. And our job is to find the person who can make this."
Weithia nodded, and the three men headed straight for Tropes City. The Knight led the way, besides being familiar with the ins and outs of Wilhelmia. They passed through the busy city streets.
"There aren't many shops that sell potions in Tropes. One of them is this one. As far as I know the owner is a healer."
Weithia immediately found the first shop. The smell of flowers and herbs was pungent when the door was opened. "Excuse me, is there anyone?" he said.
An old man came with his wooden stick. "Can I help you?" his voice was calm and his gaze seemed to have a lot of experience.
Robin held out the small bottle, "Can you make this potion?" The old man could already tell from its appearance that the liquid was poison. Its color was clear and bluish, and too clear to be made from not ordinary herbs. "I can't, this shop only sells herbs for bathing, medicine and cooking, sir."
"I haven't seen this liquid for a long time. You better not open the lid and smell it because it will be dangerous." He said softly.
"Do you know much?"
"I only know from its texture. My father used to make something like this. But a long time ago. Because the ingredients were very rare and hard to find. And people bought them for bad purposes so he stopped."
"Do you think there are other shops that can make this in Wilhelmia?"
"I don't know, sir, because usually the potion makers keep their potion recipes a secret. As far as I know, there are barely shops selling potions and medicines in this country. One i know is near Lotus Street."
"Then thank you for the information." The three men got out and got back on their horses.
The journey continued, "Isn't Lotus Street where Francilius lives?" Weithia asked again.
"No need to feel strange. Just show me where it is."
Weithia was clearly annoyed by the strange man's tone, his attitude was cold, his speech was curt. It was surprising because it could be said that it was their first meeting. But he had clearly shown his hatred for Weithia. There wasn't much he could do now. The important thing for now was to get satisfactory results for the King.
That day the sun was shining brightly. Beads of sweat could be felt falling from the men's chins. Riding was quite slow, because the city traffic was quite dense. Finally they arrived at a row of shophouses stretching along the road.
Lotus Street.
The left and right sides felt very narrow. The shady trees made the area feel dark even during the day. Two Wilhelmian soldiers were seen guarding in front of Francilius' house. They saluted when they saw Weithia and Robin passing by. The three of them immediately headed to the building Weithia pointed to. It looked more like a drugstore than a place to make poison, several shops away from the fugitive's house.
"Excuse me." Weithia called out several times but there was no answer. The fourth time a middle-aged woman came out with a friendly face. "Please come in."
"We just want to ask a few things, would you mind, ma'am?"
"Of course, are you from the Kingdom?"
"Yes. We want to ask if you have ever seen this potion before?"
The woman studied him carefully, "Sorry, I don't know." But her wrinkled hands slowly took the small bottle and examined it at a closer distance. "I sell medicines, sir, but I have never made this potion."
Weithia took the time to speak up, "One more thing, is the man named Francilius, who lives in the building over there. Often comes here?"
"Francilius? The man with silver hair? He came twice just to buy some headache medicine."
"Never bought anything else?"
The woman shook her head. "Was he always alone?"
"Yes. Just by himself."
The two potion-making places in Wilhelmia had no results. Weithia was a little hesitant – afraid of disappointing her Master. She racked her brains a little, where else could she have missed.
"Maybe we'll go to the border."
Robin glanced, "Is there a potion maker there?"
"I remember that, Senior."
The next place was located outside the Tropes, more on the border and in the countryside. It took quite a long time even on horseback. The heat of the sun made their clothes wet with sweat.
The three of them walked along a path flanked by wheat fields, which were empty from the harvest. No one wanted to start a conversation – the three men felt more comfortable in a tense and unfamiliar atmosphere. Until Weithia tried to speak – while his hands were still on the reins.
"Sir Tivius? May I ask you something?"
Anthony remained silent.
"Did you know His Majesty before?" Weithia said quietly.
"What do you care?"
"Of course I care about everything related to His Majesty, I'm just curious."
"Curiosity can get you into trouble." He said coldly.
"Excuse me, but did His Majesty say anything about what happened yesterday?"
"What happened, Weithia?" Robin asked.
Anthony now glanced at Weithia. "Not really, how well do you know His Majesty?"
Weithia smiled bitterly, "I don't know anything about him. I've only been working for him for a few months."
"I think before you work, get to know your Master well. So you won't be confused on the way."
"I would like to apologize for my behavior that was not pleasing to you and His Majesty. I understand that it was beyond my authority."
Robin listened silently.
"I just think, don't bite the hand that feeds you."
Weithia was now silent.
"As far as I know, His Majesty won't be angry over such a trivial matter. He probably just doesn't like it when something that is already his moves on its own without his permission."
"I know him well myself. He is a person who has a high desire for freedom. Prioritizing the moral code that he has held since childhood. Putting others first then himself. Just imagine perfection, many say that no one is perfect. But they just don't know His Majesty."
"Freedom? Tell me, Sir."
"Maybe not much, but the thing he has always wanted to do is leave the Kingdom and spend his life traveling the world. Not trapped behind his crown. You may know about his past. Becoming a King was not his wish. He rose alone and decided to fulfill his duty. Putting Wilhelmia first and abandoning his dream."
Weithia listened attentively, "I didn't know about that at all. What I always heard when serving his kingdom was about his kindness like a flowing river, never stopping even when hit by drought. He was also very intelligent. His knowledge seemed endless, to teach me many things."
"War techniques, knowledge of the language of flowers, about poetry, table manners and many more. His Majesty even allowed me to read in his personal library."
Weithia enthusiastically explained, "Poetry for him is like stumbling in the dark looking for the right words to describe the feeling he gets when someone he loves smiles in his sleep."
Anthony smiled at the young man's words. Their horses had now stepped away from the wheat fields. Arriving at a settlement with small houses that Weithia thought looked cute. He remembered when his mother had brought him to this place before. They stopped at a wooden house with a porch filled with ornamental flowers. A young woman greeted the men warmly and led them inside.
"Father, there is a customer."
"Good afternoon, sir." Anthony said softly.
"Good afternoon. What is the matter with the royal envoy coming to our shop?" The man said while looking at the phoenix symbol on the uniforms that Weithia and Robin were wearing.
"We came just to ask about this." Robin handed over the small bottle. The middle-aged man studied it seriously for a while.
"Is this the essence of Aconitum Napellus?"
"What is it, sir?" Weithia asked.
"The plant looks like lavender at first glance, but it is not. This is one of the most poisonous plants. It can cause various complications such as paralysis of the lungs and heart. It can cause people who drink this liquid to have difficulty breathing until they die or their heart stops beating suddenly. If I'm not mistaken."
The three men looked at each other. "What will happen to people who die from this plant?"
"Because their breathing suddenly stops, their lungs don't function. Or the blood vessels to the heart rupture. The victim can die instantly, their body will turn blue and pale due to lack of oxygen at the beginning."
Weithia nodded in understanding, "Where can this plant be found?"
"In Wilhelmia itself, there is none. I am not sure, but maybe in the lowlands."
"We understand, is there anyone in Wilhelmia who uses this? To your knowledge?"
The man shook his head. "My place itself does not sell poison, sirs. Sorry . That's all I know about the liquid."
"Lowlands, huh?"
*********
The moment of truth inside him seemed to burst out wildly. Memories of the past seemed not to be the deciding factor. One afternoon when he first saw Weithia, on a hot afternoon like this. The young man was present on his first day as Haven's student. A young spirit full of enthusiasm, was something he had never had. Envy then formed, gradually turning into curiosity.
Watching from the balcony that was less beautiful than the young man's smile. Hearing music in his cheerful laughter. Writing poetry in a thin book with words that crossed his mind. The young man had asked him why he had that facial expression. As if he was bathed in sunlight. Of course because of him. Adam smiled when he heard it.
It was impossible to harbor jealousy for too long. It was better to do something by ordering Weithia to leave with Anthony and Robin. They had just left a few moments ago. The Princess had lunch with her ladies on the palace terrace, Adam deliberately did not join.
His eyes were blank looking at the pile of papers in front of him. Fed up with his daily life. Not long after, Ackerley came in with additional documents that he had never expected. He sat in front of his desk for hours, there would be no time to talk to the young man if he was lazy.
He glanced at the sky for a moment, the sun was lowering on the horizon. A line of orange light fell on his face softly. Trevor had just come out of his room to report the results of the three men's work. Only by visiting three potion shops, of course it was fast.
"Deadly night shadow flowers. Like lavender, huh?" he muttered.
"Lowlands. It could be if the place is close to the sea. Noxawest and Willhelmia are in the highlands. Moreover, Noxawest is in the mountain valley. Only Gwylion and Grissham fit the information." Trevor said just now.
Carmellia fell into Adam's mind who was hugging his Knight's neck tightly. "What is the real purpose of the Princess's arrival here. Does she just want to attend my party?" Adam leaned his head on the back of the chair.
"Gwylion could not have done this, Your Majesty. While there is no sign of Grissham himself. What are your orders now?" Trevor's words replayed in his mind.
"Orders? I haven't thought about it." The King muttered, who was now alone in his office - looking monotonous and boring. The sky was getting darker. His gaze stared blankly at the ceiling of the room. Staring at a crystal chandelier that shone brightly - several candles hidden in glass glasses, could not hide their light.