Thinking about their trustworthy faces made it certain.
“If only we could… communicate.”
Rieta stared into the distance and cautiously brought up the topic.
“With Vernon and Eddie…”
“The Princes?”
The soldiers asked in surprise, and Rieta nodded.
“For what we’re planning, internal cooperation is essential. If Father, no, King Liz closes the castle gates and holds out, we won’t be able to avoid significant damage on our end.”
“Well… that’s true.”
“Above all, the influence the Princes have built within the castle was for moments like this. It would be a waste not to use it.”
“But who among us can go and deliver the news to the Princes?”
In response to the soldier’s question, Moody, who had been tied up in a corner, sprang to his feet.
“I, I’ll do it!”
Of course, everyone in the room, including Rieta, looked at him with surprised eyes. It was understandable, he had been lying in the corner as if dead since he was brought in.
Soon, everyone burst into laughter.
“Are you crazy?”
“I’d trust a cat with fish before him.”
“Better go straight to the king and tell him myself.”
Amidst everyone’s mockery, Moody vigorously nodded his head.
“That, that’s not it!”
Then, as if feeling unjustly treated, he jumped up from his spot.
“I want to do something for Princess Rieta too. Let me join you.”
“Suddenly? You?”
Among them, someone grabbed his stomach and started laughing.
“It’s not sudden. My heart was moved by the kindness Princess showed me.”
He pointed to the cloth on his feet. It was the piece of clothing Rieta gave him so that he wouldn’t be cold.
“Princess, did you extend kindness even to such a person?”
Elisha asked with a frown.
“It wasn’t kindness. I just told him that medicine is a waste on someone like him, so he better not get sick.”
Even though Rieta replied playfully, Moody didn’t give up and pleaded to be allowed to go.
“I’m sorry, but that won’t do.”
This time it was Rieta. With a quite firm answer, Moody looked disappointed.
“Vernon and Eddie won’t easily trust you. I don’t want those kids to worry.”
Her words made sense, so Moody couldn’t say anything.
Certainly, to make the Princes wait for Rieta without worries, the person delivering the news had to be someone trustworthy. Rieta instinctively looked at Knox, who seemed to have sensed it and nodded immediately.
“Even among the soldiers guarding the gate, there are those closer to the Princes. Through them, I might be able to get in without being noticed by the King.”
Rieta’s face brightened.
“Then, can I leave it to you, Sir Knox?”
“Of course.”
Knox stood up, bowing deeply.
His action hinted at an excited feeling. Perhaps he was happy to meet the two Princes again.
*
“There’s another rebellion?”
King Liz, getting out of bed and hastily putting on his clothes, expressed his irritation. Not long ago, his response used to be something like, ‘Good, seems like there are plenty of people eager to become slaves.’
However, now the situation is different. The ongoing rebellions were exhausting the mercenaries, and the costs of managing the people brought in as slaves were steadily increasing, turning the royal treasury into the bread of those who were captured.
“Why does it seem like rebellions won’t stop this time?”
In the past, after a few executions, everyone would become scared and docile.
“. . . Perhaps it’s because there are no public executions?”
In fact, the absence of public executions was probably fortunate. The fact that the King did not display cruelty helped maintain a delicate public sentiment.
“I think so too.”
However, unfortunately, the royal advisor, who was unaware of the people’s sentiments, nodded in agreement with the King’s opinion.
“It can’t be helped.”
“Shall we choose a suitable candidate from the slaves for execution?”
“Well, um… that’s a bit of a waste.”
Considering the amount spent on a single slave so far, executing them seemed like a waste. There were only a few days left to sell them at a high price.
“Among those who cannot be sold as slaves, who would be a good candidate for execution?”
The King thought about each person by his side.
Just then, a perfect target for displaying cruelty came to mind.
“Someone worthy of all the crimes.”
Well, since he already banished them once, won’t this turn the tables?
“I am truly economical, a splendid King.”
The king happily received applause from his royal advisor, along with praises for his magnificent words.
*
A little later, Knox carried the message to the princes and left for Liz Castle. He still worried about the soldiers who had not arrived yet.
“Don’t worry, Sir Knox.”
Rieta assured him as he was about to mount his horse.
“I will make sure to take your soldiers.”
Knox looked at her for a moment and then nodded.
“I will trust Princess Rieta then.”
“I will also trust you, Sir Knox. My two brothers…”
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