Chapter 255 (1/2)

Chapter 255: Chapter 255

“… Well, it’s nothing. As I have something to talk with you about the temple, I would like to let you know about it.”

“Oh yes, Your Majesty.”

‘Well, I don’t think I need to report to him directly.’

I felt a bit strange about his intentions, but what he said made sense. It was natural that he was very much concerned about the festival because it was the first big event after his coronation, and that he needed to contact me directly to solve the poison case.

For whatever reason, I felt much more relaxed as our conversation continued, so I presented the documents to him with a light heart. While he was reviewing them, I sorted out what I needed to brief him about with respect to my deal with Duke Jena Jr. yesterday and my conversation with my father this morning.

After finding out the location of the secret vault, I asked my father for help after giving him a full briefing about my deal with Duke Jena Jr. I asked him whether I could use the blessed criminal for my plan. At first my father hardened his face, asking me why I was looking for him, but he soon nodded his head, agreeing to my plan after hearing the details. He also promised that he would try his best to help me obtain the seal.

The seal, featuring a shield, a sword, a rose, with the inscription of the phrase ‘Volente Castina.’

If I could obtain it, I would be able to prove the crime of Duke Jenna in conjunction with the documents about Earl Lanier, which I had acquired recently, and the documents I received from Earl Apinu the other day. I could finally wrap up the investigation into my poisoning case that took me almost a year.

Besides, I could have him punished for poisoning the emperor, which was not yet proven at this point. Of course, it would not be easy because he should be charged with treason, not just injury. But it would not be impossible if I back it up with the testimony of the two High Priests who already agreed to testify, the testimony of Ian Belot and other men at the palace affairs office, and some other hard evidence that I’m still trying to find. Besides…

“… Aristia? ”

“… Yes, Your Majesty? ”

“Why were you thinking so hard? You didn’t respond even after I called you several times. ”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I was just organizing some things in my mind to brief you on.”

Trying to shake off some doubt that kept coming to my mind, I answered calmly.

Apparently everything seemed to be working out well, but I felt somewhat strange. The more I dug into this incident, the more I felt some strange shadow was lurking around me.

“Really? Hmm. Is there any progress in your investigation?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Actually…”

I thought I had better keep my deal with Duke Jena Jr secret, so I briefed him about the findings of my investigation up to now except for the deal, ranging from the unearthing of Earl Lanier’s hidden documents, the involvement of the temple in the acquisition of poison to the discovery of the winemaker’s daughter and even her exposure to possible danger.

When I was done giving him a long briefing, he, who kept silent all along, said with a pensive expression, “I see. Then, the thing is time.”

“That’s right.”

“I think you had better wrap it up as early as possible, given the High Priest’s remarks. Let’s rescue the woman in question as soon as the festival is over, and let’s start working on it right away. ”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

When I answered politely, he said with a sign after moving his lips for a moment as if to say something, “You are really… … . ”

“Pardon, Your Majesty?”

“… Oh, nothing. Never mind.”

Leaning against the back of his chair, he sighed again deeply, looking silently out of the window. Following his gaze, I also looked out the window.

The world seen through the window was all colored gray with rain. When I saw the pouring rain, I recalled the rainy autumn day when I spent with him. At that time I was scared of him, rather than sharing each other’s warmth. But we were sharing silence back then like now.

How much time passed?

When I was looking out the window blankly, lost in memories, I heard him calling me, breaking the sheer silence.

“Aristia.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You told me the other day that you don’t hate rainy days, right? Then how about walking in the rain? Do you like it? ”

“Yes, I do like it.”

When I readily nodded, he took his eyes off the window and looked at me.

“Then, will you walk with me for a minute?”

“Pardon? Why are you suddenly…?”

“Well, I’ve got a headache with all sorts of things on my mind. If you don’t mind, I would like to get out for some fresh air with you.”