Arthur's night was once again riddled with nightmares. In his dream he was once again living the same day that Roselina had unveiled herself as a traitor and instead of leaving she attacked Arthur and cut him down. The moment her sword reached Arthur's chest. Thus caused Arthur to feel a phantom pain in his chest. This caused Arthur to jerk and wake up from his dream clutching his chest. He started breathing heavily and he was sweating as his sweat fell from his face into his bedsheet. He looked ahead and saw the bedframe. Confused he looked around the room and found himself awake from a nightmare. That's when he took a deep breath of relief. He wanted to drink some water and there was some water besides the drawer kept specifically for him.
But once again his paranoia kicked in. His throat was dry, quenched from thirst he exited his room and entered the kitchen to drink water. He saw the water on the counter to be used for preparing meals but once again his paranoia kicked in. He left the palace entirely before the eyes of the guards to a well just a few meters away from the palace and he looked down the well but was met with a pitch black pit. He threw the bucket inside the water and drew water. But once again he was met with the question of would the well be poisoned as well.
Arthur calmed himself down and thought hard about securing a clear source of water. He had an idea about using a guards bottle to drink since it will be most likely edible.
Denying that idea he finally made up courage and finally drank water. And finally he quenched his thirst. The guards guarding him were watching as well. But didn't say anything.
They were very carefully watching Arthur's each and every reaction and movement.
But one thing was clear for them. He didn't fell for their trap as he didn't drink the water besides him was poisoned as well.
Finally he went back to sleep. And was again woken up by the head maid. Arthur got up and washed up and waited for Seig to come and force him to have breakfast with him by coercing him. Sieg was very uncomfortable since in his mind. He could see his Father's disappointed face and himself as a corpse hung on a spear. Hanging from a wall. Still reluctant he couldn't even deny Arthur and he took advantage of that. Arthur had a good and delicious breakfast free from worries. While Sieg was fuming from worry.
Sieg walked with Arthur to his office. And started his daily reports. " The spymaster was asking about the ledger. Saying there are even more entries in the ledger right now. He needs the ledger back to manage it.". It suddenly hit Arthur he had completely forgotten about the ledger. The spymaster had lent him. Since Arthur's entire attention was on the diary his father gave. His memory about the ledger evaporated.
Arthur thought for a small moment and asked Sieg. " Sieg do you know how to read runic language". Sieg started blankly at Arthur as he replied " I wouldn't be a Volsung if I didn't know how to. But my own schedule is full while managing yours.". Sieg had taken a jab at Arthur while Arthur brushed it off " So what does my day looks like today?". Sieg read his schedule " For today, you will be doing paperwork till 12 then have lunch with few people from the ministry wanting some clarification about things. Then paperwork again and finally ending your day."
It took a few seconds to realize for Sieg but it seems he had dug his own grave with his own hands. And before Arthur could say it he said it himself." I guess I do have time to decipher the ledger ". Hearing this Arthur firmly patted Sieg's shoulder. " Thank you Siegfried Volsung, for rescuing me. But don't worry after you are done I shall cross check the ledger again in case you miss a few details or write something wrong. ". Saying this Arthur laughed loudly and proceeded to open his office door and entered. Meanwhile Sieg just stood there and sighed." Work is work, Sieg ". Saying this phrase to remind himself of his priorities he entered the office where Arthur had already began signing a few documents just awaiting the royal seal which he would apply for last. And Sieg took the ledger to the library in the palace. Where there were books related to every subject specifically selected and curated by the royal librarian.
Who works hard to maintain and update the library frequently.
A bookworm through and through and she aims to seek the Holy grail of books. The hidden library. Where all of the secrets of the world rests. Where lies knowledge beyond the world's truth and lies. A library where the smallest of inconsistencies and mysteries can be explained in a very detailed and simple manner. For many years it was said that during crisis. The King visits the library to access its knowledge and exercise it on the kingdom to save it from its certain ruin.
And for her it was nothing but a trove of treasure through and through. But even after her years of snooping through the library she couldn't even find a single trace of it. She was searching for a myth. And the only one who could lead her to the library was the King himself no matter. No matter if she has to end the King herself. The knowledge will be hers and hers only.
The librarian looked over Sieg as he was racking his head deciphering both the reason and the ledger for half an hour.
Sieg thought in parallel " Why is this stupid thing written in runic language". Besides him a piece of paper on which notations were written. And a seperate paper where he wrote the outcome.
The librarian thought of a plan since the King's closest advisor was here it was the perfect time to climb up the ladder. The librarian approached Sieg and said " Aren't those runes, this part you've written it incorrectly and here this conversion is wrong".
Sieg looked at the librarian with the eyes of suspicion.
" So, what do you want.". The librarian just smiled simply
". I would just like to be of help to his highness. If you want I can do your work for you. In exchange just let me meet his highness once".
Sieg was already very frustrated with the ledger so he gladly gave it to the librarian. But with a warning " High highness shall be looking over the ledger soon. Giving assurance to Sieg the librarian replied" I shall make sure that my work is impeccable ".
Sieg promptly left the library knowing that he had proudly left his work in capable hands. But before going back to the King. He decided to stop by the kitchen to meet the Head chef. And secretly Instructed him that Arthur had caught onto his scheme and to hold back the poison for the time being. And finally he once again entered his office.
And started working alongside Arthur.
Arthur jokingly asked " I've must have underestimate the capability of Volsung if you're done this quick". Sieg took it very lightly " I've delegated this task to more professional colleagues." Arthur pushed a pile of papers towards Sieg
" Then, I would also like to delegate this important task to my very professional colleague".
And now he regrets his choice to delegate the task. As work is now assigned to him. But Sieg just siletnyl sighs and sit on the same desk as Arthur as he helps him with his work.
Finally it was 12 pm. Arthur and Sieg both got up from their desk and left the room for a small break. And as they did they were encountered by the Head butler holding a sealed envelope. He gave the mail to Arthur and promptly left.
Arthur asked Sieg to move ahead while he once again isolated himself in his office with a pile of papers on his desk. Using a letter opener he opened the letter. The seal on the mail was of a rare water deer. Who grows very long and beautiful horns.
It was the seal of the house of Daramten. They knew that the Former King and Queen were coming to visit their estate.
They wrote.
Dear Arthur,
I am the Head of House Daramten, Lern Daramten. We were expecting your highnesses parents to visit us shortly. But it has been way past their alloted time frame. We had received the notice of their departure but we are still awaiting their arrival. Please confirm on your end. We have also sent some guards to trace their route backwards. I will update the situation as it unfolds.
Head of house Daramten
Lern Daramten.
Arthur read this mail and it was not official the situation he was fearing so much was slowly unfolding away from his eyes but within his presence. And even if he stopped bis father. It might have endangered him instead.
Arthur was left just staring at the letter in his hand. He wasn't even reading a single word but he was thinking many retrospective situation were unfolding within his mind.
What if he could have stopped them. What if he had pursuaded his father to stop. What if, what if, what if. The string of What Ifs weren't stopping. Until he was sweating.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door, Arthur couldn't hear the first knock but then the knock grew louder until it reached his ears. Arthur quickly responded to the knock.
And asked the person to enter. The Head butler had entered the room and asked Arthur " Your Highness, it is time for the luncheon. The ministers are awaiting your presence".
Arthur just as always acted normally while hiding his anxiousness " I shall be there in a moment till then tend to the ministers". The Head butler took the orders and left.
And Arthur had to leave the mail opened in his drawers.
Finally leaving to tend to important matters.