"Looks like everyone's here. Morias, tell us everything," Dad spoke, smiling at the masked chef across us at the end of this long table. I'm currently on his lap, because he refused to let me go. Meanwhile, my beloved fairy is also on my lap, and she's sleeping like a baby!
"Understood, Your Imperial Majesty. These are the papers I stole from the Baron. I'm pretty sure he won't suspect me of stealing this, because I never leave his vision when I was there. His butler even escorted me out," Morias placed a pile of papers on the table and dang that was a lot of papers. He seems really confident that the Baron won't suspect him. I wonder how he stole these.
Dad raised his right arm and the papers floats towards our direction. Dad read the first paper on top, and my eyes widened when I saw what it was.
An agreement of alliance...and there are three more vassals that are involved in this agreement! What's worse is that it was signed three years ago! I haven't been introduced to my family yet that time.
The other papers made my father's expression turned sour.
We were right. There's a monsters trafficking happening in the Western Dukedom. But...
"There's no mention of the Kingdom," Dad said. He placed the paper on the table again and placed his hand above it, and then his hand glows white, creating copies of the papers and handling it to everyone here.
A human printer.
"That means...the Kingdom is not colluding with them?" Brother Aeli asked.
Finally, the kingdom has become a good one in their minds.
"But, why weren't they contacting us?" Brother Dae asked.
Why do I feel nervous just by the thought that the kingdom have stopped communicating with our empire?
"Well, before their contacts reach us they need to pass through the Western Dukedom," Brother Heli answered. Everyone agreed by nodding their heads.
"Maybe they've been trying to send letters. The dukedom is the one cutting the connection," Asher spoke while looking at the papers. I don't know if he's reading it or not, since he's just looking at each paper for a few seconds and then proceed to the next one.
"But, if that's the case. They can also manipulate the kingdom by making them think that we cut ties with them," Ziel spoke. And yep, he's here of course. He has to be here.
"Hmm, that's possible too," Brother Heli replied.
I love the fact that even though some people here hates each other, they become serious in times like this.
"But, as there is no mention of the kingdom here. It could be that they are not much significant for the dukedom's plans," I mumbled. I'm not sure, so I hope they didn't hear that.
"Yes. That's possible too," Dad placed his hand on top of my head and smiled at me. I did the same as I face the papers on the table.
They heard it...
"We really need to go there as soon as possible, so we get to the botton of this," Asher clicked his tongue and sighed in disbelief. He looks annoyed. Well, I'm sure he never wanted to get involved in this affairs, but here he is because he's the only one who can do something about that barrier.
"First. We need to arrest these people,"
Dad's voice sounded raging mad even though he wasn't yelling. I can tell that these Earls, Baron, and Viscount will face the wrath of the Ciera.
•
"Your Grace! Please come down to the first floor!" The butler of Baron Florian slammed the door of his office and called him with a panicked voice.
The Baron's expression turned into a malevolent expression, with a sadistic smile plastered on his lips.
"Is this the time? Did Mister Morias actually killed the Imperial Family?!"
He smirked as he rush down to the first floor. However, he was welcomed by the Imperial Knights, and his knights were outnumbered and knocked down. In front of all the knights is the Third Prince with his eyes glowing gold. The Baron's eyes widened as he stare at the Third Prince in front of him. With the Young Master of Count Laverde.
"Why..." The Baron mumbled.
"Why are you still alive?!" He clenched his fist.
"For attempting to murder the Imprial Family, you are under arrest. Baron Cohen Florian," The Baron flinched as he comes back to reality. He forced a smile and raise his arms.
"Your Highness. Why is it so sudden? I don't understand what you are saying, Your Highness," He forced a laugh and grits his teeth while looking at the Third Prince.
"There is already a warrant of arrest issued by the Emperor. If you want to try and fight for your rights, look for a lawyer that is willing to help you...but I doubt there will be such people," Diellzain narrowed his eyes and glared to the Baron, he then raised his arm and spread his palm. Kafziel handed him the papers that Morias stole and when Diellzain received it, he quick throw it in front of the Baron.
"These are the evidences. You can prove that it is forged. But, these are only the evidences we got from your office, we have more...from Count Morris, Count Hernon, and Viscount Elois. The two Counts even admitted it already...that the four of your are colluding with the Western Dukedom," Diellzain smirked, but he was lying. Because the Counts have yet to confess anything after they were arrested.
The Baron looked at him in horror. He's started sweating, and grind his teeth.
"No...no...I didn't even noticed that these papers are missing. I thought I hid these--wait, last night..."
"M-Morias...!" Diellzain glared at him and points his index finger to the Baron. A lightning struck on the Baron and he was paralyzed.
"Arrest him," Diellzain turned around, followed by Kafziel as the knights gather around the Baron and carry him.
"These fuckers had the guts to try and kill us, huh? We'll make sure they will be the ones to meet death," Diellzain said. His voice full of anger, and his expression is dark. Kafziel glanced at his captain before he spoke.
"I'll make sure to describe your expression, wordings, and the tone of voice to the Princess very well, in detail," Kafziel said calmly. The Third Prince jolted when he heard Kafziel's word, and then turned to him with a glare.
"Just you dare, and you will not live to see the sun tomorrow,"
"That too. I'll tell the Princess that Your Highness threatened me,"
"What the---you jerk!"
"That too,"
"This fuc---tsk!"
•
I throw myself on my bed as I take a deep breath. I heard from Asher that the Baron, the two Earls and the Viscount were arrested earlier. They were sent to the interrogation basement—more like, torture chamber, and will be interrogated by my eldest brother. Somehow, I want to witness that.
I lift my body and a huge smile plastered on my face.
"Themissss!" I called, jumping down from my bed.
"Master, where are we going?" Eri asked, flying beside me. And she looks excited too. Maybe she's thinking we'll go out somewhere.
"The interrogation basement!"
"Huh..."
I turned to the door when I heard Themis voice, and boy was she surprised! She never thought that her little princess will even think of going to the interrogation basement!
"Princess, you're going...where?" She looks really shocked, no uhm--instead of shock, she looks uhm devastated, yes.
"Interrogation basement! Brother Heli's there, right?" I asked, walking pass by her but still looking at her with a smile on my face.
"Princess, the--the interrogation basement is not a place that Your Highness should go," she's right, but I want to see the faces of those people begging in despair--
Wait, what am I thinking?! No way I just thought that!
Still, I want to take part in the interrogation.
"Princess, please go back to your room. The interrogation basement is too much for you, it's a--"
"Ali?" Oh, Brother Dae is here!
"Brotheeer!" I called, running towards him. He spread his arm and smiled at me gently.
"You're still awake at this hour? Where are you going?" He asked after I hugged him. He holds my hand as we starts walking.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Third Prince," Themis greets as she follows us from behind. My brother just smiled at him and faced me again.
"To the interrogation basement!" He was stunned in his place as he look at me with those widened eyes. Even him is surprised.
"Ali, what are you talking about? You can't go to such place--"
"But I wanna gooo! I want to see the faces of those people who betrayed Dad!" He blinked for a couple of times and looked at me with concern.
"You know, Ali. The interrogation basement is not just for interrogating them...they are being..."
"Tortured, too. Right?" I asked, and both him and Themis got even more surpised. I don't even know how to describe their expressions now.
"Where did you hear such word, little princess?" My brother asked as he sigh in disbelief and shook his head.
"From Asher! He told me earlier!"
"That--jerk of a magician!" Brother Dae clenched his right fist and grits his teeth before slapping his forehead and shaking his head again.
"But still, Ali. That place will have the smell of dried blood, and obviously you'll see the faces of those traitors broken--it's not a good sight to see," Brother Dae spoke.
...He's worried about me.
Haha.
Two years ago when I arrived here I only saw them as monsters. But now he looks at me with such worried face and talks to me with gentle voice. Even if there are many problems, having the right family will always cheer me up.
"Thanks for worrying about me, Brother! But, I want to see them!"
"But, that's not a mere interrogation basement, you know? It's a torture--"
"Chamber too ~ yes, I know, Brother," Wow, I think his face now describes the feeling of fear more than surprised.
"Ali...did that Astra told you about this too?"
Oh no. Asher might be in a tight spot if I use his name too much. My family already hates his arrogance and guts, so I shouldn't add more fuel to it.
"Hmm, actually I already know it before Asher mentioned the interrogation basement. I've read it in a lot of books, including the torture chamber too!" I replied. I also decided to start walking.
Eri is once again sleeping--on top of my head. I wonder why this fairy loves sleeping so much.
"Still..."
"Please, brother ~ I also want to see Brother Heli working," I let go of his hand and clasped my hands together while giving him the 'puppy eye'. He stared at me for a moment before he sighed, his shoulder even fell.
"Alright...let's go," he said, reaching for my hand again and we started walking.
***