Chapter 11

During the dark dawn, everything remained in total silence. The time for blooming flowers was close and the servants who had been busy since early morning were resting. On the second floor of the palace, light shined through a slightly opened door.

The king’s office.

The office was generally clean. Lu Havre, who was sitting comfortably on a chair, greeted Yeref. Yeref put down a decent pile of things on the table: a few pencils, folders, a series of foreign books, and the book King has been reading recently. It was a classic written by Machiavelli, <>. The owner picked it up and said “Report” using only his eyes.

“Your Highness, a report from Latrice Force on March 17th, Year of 322.”

“Read.”

“I will read from the beginning. At 6 A.M., Ashite-Ploca woke up about half an hour earlier than usual. My guess is because she got too excited about a visit from her colleague, L’avenant. Based on the evidence of a strong bond with the Queen and the Crown Prince, this is most likely to be true. Their meeting was about a welcome ceremony for the Crown Prince of Skara and Ramon Chater’s—”

“Wait.”

Lu Havre was reading <> and listening to Yeref’s report like it was classical music, then suddenly he waved his hand. Yeref, who was reporting without a single mistake, paused immediately. Lu Havre pointed to somewhere in the office. There was a thick pile of paperwork and reports that Yeref had given about Ashite piled up as high as the average adult’s knees.

“I have told you the reason why I do not read those. What is it?”

“You said on December 20th last year that the reports are too long. Second, they contain useless information. And third, the king already has a lot of other works to read over.”

“Yes. So, what did I do?”

“You have not read those papers ever since. Also, you have commanded to report either in writing or orally whenever a special occasion arises while watching over Skara’s Queen.”

Lu Havre nodded slightly after hearing Yeref repeat the same things he had said about three months ago. A smart and clever servant like him could be used effectively with the right guidance.

“Etutu knows how important task recording and reporting are and I’m not trying to say you are doing something useless. However, when you give an oral report, make it simple, especially a report like this. You know the reasons.”

Lu Havre decided to further explain despite his laziness. Today was Yeref’s first day reporting about Ashite. He had always shown excellency at guarding, watching, recording, and reporting and was Lu Havre’s favorite slave and a servant; however, sometimes he had to explain things in simpler terms.

“So, read it again.”

Yeref bowed his head in agreement.

“Yes, Your Highness. I apologize and will read again.”

Lu Havre merely gestured.

“No threatening movements nor problems were seen during the conversation. No exchanging of items. They seemed to have to planned to communicate through letters from now on. But do not worry; I will also be inspecting those like the last time.”

Lu Havre knew this well. Based on what he knew, the queen was not the type of person to cause trouble. She was just a queen who was satisfied with a bit of peace, but it would still be necessary to be strict. Inspecting the letters would not be a problem. Lu Havre nodded.

“Anything else?”

“As you have wished, I made sure the queen is comfortable during her stay. The queen said it herself as well.”

That much was obvious. Lu Havre did not move a muscle. While turning over a page, he spoke again. “Nice work. Do it like so going forward. Is that all?”

Yeref gestured gratitude for the praise. And cleared his throat.

“Your Highness. A rebellious and unfaithful rumor is still going around outside the palace. It is quieting down among court ladies; however, I think it is critical to clear out the rumor, find out the source, and thoroughly eradicate it.”

Lu Havre had a strange grin on his face. Yeref knew that expression. He grinned just like that right before murdering his relatives at the coronation ceremony and after slitting captives’ throats during a war. That grin was an indicator of his cruelty.

“Yeref.”

“Yes. Your Highness.”

“Who am I?”

“The only owner of the castle and conqueror of Ode and Nante.”

“Yes, that is right. No need to be swayed by mere talks. The people will eventually move on and the rumor will be forgotten.”

“…”

“But the feeling of fear lasts for a while.”

“…”

“If it turns out to be a false rumor, the perpetrator will be interrogated and punished appropriately. However, the rumor that has been going around about me is not all wrong. You should know as well.”

“… your Highness.”

The servant remained silent, bowing as in agreement. Lu Havre focused back on the book.

“Nice work. You may be dismissed.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Karbala.” Lu Havre called for a different servant as soon as Yeref left.

“You called me in, Your Highness?”

“I heard a response has come.”

“Yes. She gracefully accepted the invitation and will be heading out soon.”

Lu Havre grinned with satisfaction.

***

“Sir Hanavah-Iyena will be visiting in a few days.”

“… excuse me?” Lu Havre said dully to Ashite, who was slightly startled.

“I invited him.”

Delg Alchevs’k was coming? Ashite stared at Lu Havre. She held her soup spoon in midair then nodded as if nothing happened and continued with dinner. A thought came across her mind.

This king was quite interested in talents. She became more assured. He was only interested in keeping his throne and finding talented individuals to revive once defeated nations, not women or marriage even. He wanted this so badly he even invited a diplomat from a foreign country.

Delg Alchevs’k was the publicly admired genius head of the diplomacy department. “Sir” Hanavah-Iyena. He had his knight’s ordination ceremony at a considerably young age and his social status was not so high but he climbed to the top in this field. He was 27 years old when he became Skara’s head diplomat. On top of that, he was the one who made the peace treaty after the war ended. It was not an easy task. No details of the treaty were shared; however, based on how agreeable Lante was, he somehow made it happen.

Therefore, people agreed to the treaty, including Ashite and the king. Ashite thought about meeting with him.

“Your Highness. I have something to say.”

“What is it?”

“Would you allow me to meet Delg Alchevs’k?”

Lu Havre nodded in silence.

Ashite tried to swallow a light smile.

She smiled with satisfaction and certainty. The king was not interested in what she was doing. All she had to do was stay quiet like the first day. He silently let her do as she requested, including attending Tersunde, talking to some nobles at the party, having a meal with the King, going for a walk around the palace, meeting and exchanging letters with Skara’s crown prince and now, meeting with the diplomat.

She very much liked the freedom that came with such indifference. No one would intervene in such freeing life here if no trouble was caused. The owner of this country guaranteed her safety — things could not be more satisfying the more she thought about it.

After a few days, Ashite was able to meet with him.

The day had come for Delg Alchevs’k’s visit. The whole palace had been oddly bustling since early morning in preparation to greet the guest.

Ashite started her peaceful day like usual. She had breakfast in her bedroom, got ready with the help of the servants, and spent the morning reading a book from a library. It was time for lunch. The king usually joined her for a meal once every half-moon. She ate by herself but did not really feel lonely.

She went for a walk around the palace. The strong scent of flowers washed over her outside the palace with a bit sense of happiness.

Being surrounded by red and yellow flowers brought her back to her childhood and made her smile. And when she felt a little hungry, she went back in for snacks brought by the servants. While enjoying sweet treats, she spent time reading or practicing dancing by herself in her room. Eventually, the sun began to set.

Usually, she would be served dinner around this time, but there was a slight change today; she had to meet Delg Alchevs’k. There was not a grand welcoming ceremony because meeting the king himself would be enough. She knew it would be possible for the king to meet him around this time. Ashite blankly stared out the window. There was a red sunset.

After a while, a servant came to escort her. The king and Skara’s head diplomat were waiting. They walked down a hallway and stopped in front of a random room. The servant announced the princess’s arrival. The door opened. A well-built man was standing there.

It had been a while since Ashite was formally greeted by Skara.

“Greetings. I, from the household of Alchevs’k, Lizdeika Lebra Hanavah-Iyene Lahore Van Alchevs’k am honored to be meeting the high and noble third Queen, your Royal Majesty.”

After being greeted, she could not help but burst into laughter. It was her natural defense.

<>

Despite an ignoble origin, she was treated with contempt while growing as a King’s daughter and to be the princess she was now. Thanks to her royal social status, life was more bearable and stable in comparison during times of war. In the end, she was brought to a foreign nation as its captive as soon as the war had ended because she was the royal daughter. She was still safe in the King’s favor because she is a princess. However, no resources were provided from her country; instead, she got laughed at by other ladies back in Tersunde because she is merely a princess. Yet, she still got greeted formally by her nation’s servant in a different country.

Delg Alchevs’k knew well enough people have laughed at her. Yet here he was calling her high and noble, Skara’s daughter. <>

<>

Ashite laughed at him and herself. A short chuckle.

Hanavah stayed quiet, knowing what it meant. He managed to get back to a poker face. When the princess accepted the greeting and gestured, he calmly saw down. Slowly poured some tea.

Ashite lifted a teacup so lithely and gracefully as if she did not burst out in laughter not too long ago.

“Delg Alchevs’k. Long time no see. Have you been well?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. How have you been?”

Ashite smiled broadly. But Hanavah oddly got cold and uncomfortable by it.

“I have been good thanks to you. You do not look well. You must have been busy lately.”

“It may be because I do not deserve such a high position. It is nothing but a shame.”

“No. Who would deserve it more than you? You are doing great.”

“Your Majesty, I am honored with your words.”

“You must have a lot of tasks; how did you manage to come this far?”

“Urgent business must be taken care of. More importantly, I could not refuse an invitation from the king.”

“Father allowed?”

“Yes, gladly.”

Well, there was no better choice. Ashite nodded slightly and went straight to a point in a very calm voice.

“Delg Alchevs’k, I called you to tell you something.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Go ahead.”

“I heard you successfully sealed a treaty. Could you tell me?”

The words went by quickly yet lingered for awhile. Hanavah could barely hold his poker face. But that is it. He just stroked the teacup handle not being able to say anything. Ashite did not rush him.

Hanavah slowly closed his eyes.