64 Change (1/2)

”Where are they going?” Henry asked as he pointed at the multitude of wagons exiting Solon.

”Home” Freya answered. ”Inkit, Hadea, Canton and of course Vanadis had all cut their ties to Castonia. Our allies abandoned us and only relations with Wismar remains. Only Wismarine merchants remain in the city. If this continues, Castonia will face hard times.”

”I can't blame them though” Henry leaned on the wall of Solon. ”What your King did was dishonorable. Trying to kill your own guest is a vile crime that shouldn't exist even in imagination.”

Freya also leaned on the wall beside Henry ”Is killing your own guest a crime in the book of knights?”

”It's not specifically written, but I believe that's because the first Grandmaster never thought that such vileness could exist in this world. And even if it isn't a crime, a person's wickedness should have a limit. May the Omniscient guide King Leopold's soul into the light. May his power lead the King to repentance.”

Freya pursed her lips to prevent her smile from being seen. She was amused by Henry's firm belief in justice and righteousness. Although Henry had committed crimes before, he was trying to fix his mistakes. She was impressed.

Also, Freya knew that it was the Wismarines who perpetrated the assassination attempt against Lucia. Although King Leopold wasn't faultless, Freya knew that the King did not want this. Castonia had become weaker than ever. Nevertheless, the other nations blamed Castonia for the crime. Inkit, Hadea and Canton who were allied to Castonia were on the process of sending soldiers to help the fight against Tulosa. When the news of Lucia's failed assassination spread, the three Kingdoms withdrew their troops, recalled their ambassadors and broke the alliance and trade agreement with Castonia. Vanadis, on the other hand, was on the verge of declaring war. Rumors say that King Edmund just hired 30 companies of mercenaries.

”I'm not worried though.” Freya said ”Timothy will fix this. Even though the people now hate King Leopold, they still trust Timothy. And the news of Timothy rushing with his guards to rescue Lucia was spread by yours truly” she made a mocking bow.

Henry laughed at little but then his face returned to its usual serious state.

Freya was shocked. He laughed! Ever since she met him a month ago, Freya had never seen Henry laugh. He was always serious and gloomy as if he was carrying all of the world's problems.

”You laughed!” Freya pointed at Henry

Henry was equally shocked. ”I did?” he asked

”Yes you did! We must thank the Omniscient for this wonderful day!” she announced ”You should laugh more Henry. You're cute when you- I mean your face looks better when you're not your usual gloomy self.”

Henry smiled ”You think so?”

”Yes” Freya nodded with a smile on her face.

”Then thank you for your advice. I'll keep it in mind.” Henry then looked towards the hundreds of wagons exiting the city. ”Are you not worried about him? He's been missing for days”

Freya also looked at the wagons. ”I am. His life is in danger. I can't sleep well at night because I'm worried about him.”

”May I ask you a question?”

Freya nodded.

”You really do love him, don't you?”

Freya did not expect that Henry would question her about this. As for her answer, she doesn't know. The pain from Timothy's rejection was gone. Of course she was worried about Tim's safety, but it was different from what she felt back in Nirvana. She really doesn't know how to answer.

”Yes” she said halfheartedly.

”Oh” Henry went back to his gloomy self. ”I see”

After that, the two of them were silent for a long time. There was an atmosphere of awkwardness.

Suddenly their silence was interrupted by a shout.

”Prince Timothy is back! He's back!”

The merchants stopped their wagons and made a commotion. Freya and Henry looked at each other. They went closer to the gate to take a closer look.

After a few moments, men on horseback entered the city. Freya saw that the one at the front was Timothy and beside him was Lucia. The people surrounded their party.

”Prince Timothy!”

”It's Princess Lucia. She's safe!” A Vanadian merchant shouted.

”Prince Timothy please save Castonia!”

Shouts and cheers mixed in the air until Timothy raised his hand to silence the crowd. In less than a minute, the crowd hushed and listened carefully to what Timothy was going to say.

”Castonia is in ruins!” he started ”Our honor has been tarnished and our allies had abandoned us. These are dark times for our Kingdom.”

He then balled his fist and gritted his teeth. ”But I promise you that I will fix this. I am here and you don't have to be afraid anymore. We shall restore what we lost. Lucia Vanadis will stay by my side and she will give me her support. Isn't that right, Princess Lucia Vanadis?”

He turned his head towards Lucia.