Chapter 75 – Significant Changes in the Palace (2)

“Her Majesty, the Queen,” he immediately answered, “She gave her permission to open the gates, to allow a servant girl to return home.”

Upon hearing Sven’s report, Kasser immediately put the pieces together. Sven wasn’t ordered to keep watch over the gates. No, he was tasked to keep watch over something more important.

He was tasked to spy on the queen.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Chancellor Verus was trying to keep an eye on the queen. After her disappearance on his watch when the dry season ended, it must have prompted Verus to take measures to avoid it.

To his knowledge, Verus and Jin had a neutral relationship, up until that very moment she tried to escape the desert.

This was exactly how he imagined Verus would react after that incident.

Verus was a perfectionist, even to the point of being paranoid. He was probably thinking along the lines that as the war progressed, the people would have less focus on her, and it would be the perfect time to pull another stunt as before.

And though he understood where Verus was coming from, Kasser couldn’t help but feel insulted. Not because Verus was overstepping his boundaries, or abusing his power…

It was the sole fact that the queen was suspected that made his blood boil. His logic was completely overridden by his emotions.

“I want you to go, and report to Chancellor Verus, to pull back each and every last one of his men he tasked with spying on the queen!” he hissed at Sven, who flinched, “And tell him, if he does this again, I’ll be the one he’s up against.”

“A-at once, Your Grace.” Sven stuttered, ready to move to execute his command.

“And tell him, as well,” Kasser called out once again, halting him in his tracks, “This isn’t over yet. I’ll deal with him soon, until then, he’s to stay away from the queen, and the palace.”

“As you wish, Your Grace.” and with that, he swiftly left. Kasser let out a deep sigh, before straightening up once more, and called for the steward.

“Did something happen to the general?” he asked as soon as the steward had arrived.

“None, Your Grace,” he answered, and Kasser frowned as he looked at his empty desk.

Prime Minister Verus’ authority only held true when it concerned state affairs. Internal affairs were strictly off-limits, for they were separate things. Only the royal family held such authority on handling these affairs, no one else.

So why is it empty? He thought to himself.

Normally after a long absence, such as now, there would be stacks upon stacks of reports awaiting his approval by his return, because only he could resolve it. Even when there was nothing but trivial things that’s happened, it should still be reported.

Had the General made some mistake? Kasser couldn’t shake the growing suspicion.

He nodded to the steward, before he turned back to him, “And the queen, has she left me any message?” he asked, and the steward shook his head.

“No. Your Grace.”

Then why was she waiting for me? He couldn’t wrap his mind around it.

Not to mention the missing reports, but it wasn’t such an issue as much as confusion. He didn’t need to disturb the General only to end up confronting her. It could have been that the past few days were so uneventful inside the palace, that no one had remembered to make a report.

“Your Grace, I would also like to inform you that your bath is drawn. Would you like us to assist you?” the steward asked, and Kasser paused at the offer.

Initially, he was only going to pass by to see how things were going so far: lift the ban on going outside and go over critical events and settling important affairs; before heading out once more to clean up the aftermath.

But with the absence of reports, he suddenly had enough time to rest up. He was tempted to accept his offer. After all, it’s been a long time since he’s had the luxury of enjoying a simple thing such as a warm bath, delicious meal, and a decent amount of sleep, especially in the past few days.

“Alright,” he said, and as if sensing his hurry, the steward even prepared some light snacks for him to eat while he bathed.

When Kasser came out from his bath, he was noticeably more relaxed. His stomach was also not complaining for once. Ah, he missed this feeling.

As he was getting dressed, the steward once more came up at him and bowed.

“Your Grace, General Sarah requests an audience with you.”

“Send the General to my office; I shall meet with her there.”

“At once, Your Grace.” the steward bowed and left to relay the message. When Kasser arrived, he wasn’t surprised to see General Sarah was already there, waiting for him. When she saw him, she greeted him with a bow.

“Your Highness, it’s wonderful to see you!” she said, and Kasser nodded at her and went behind his desk.

“Wonderful to see you as well, General, excellent work on holding the fort together.”

“I only did my job, Your Highness.”

“Nonetheless, if it weren’t for you I would have been reluctant to leave my kingdom unattended for so long.”

“I am flattered with how highly His Highness thinks of me.” Sarah told him humbly, “But truly, it was the queen’s effort you have to thank for. I was merely assisting.”

Kasser tapped his fingers on his desk, scrutinizing Sarah, taking note of her actions and expressions. It didn’t seem like she was telling him simply because it was as expected of her.

“Yes, the queen, which reminds me,” he said, “You opened the gates up for a servant girl, on her orders?” he clarified, and Sarah confirmed it.

“Yes, Your Highness,” she then launched on a brief explanation of what happened that led up to the queen, giving her permission to let the servant girl home.

“So why wasn’t there a report about this?”

“The queen has told us she’ll post the report herself, and would give it to you upon your return. She’s the one handling all the internal affairs during your absence. We only followed orders.”

It was brief, quick, and concisely answered. Kasser would have believed Sarah at face value before, but since then he’s learned that even the General could keep secrets from him. After all, it was only until recently did he learn that Sarah had an uncomfortable relationship with the Queen.

She could be keeping silent in fear of upsetting her superior.

“General, I value my people’s opinion most dearly.” he said softly, “If anything feels wrong, you tell me immediately.” Sarah frowned and shook her head.

“Your Highness, of course!” she exclaimed, “I’d never dare to deceive you,” she told him, and Kasser nodded, satisfied.

“Alright.”

After a few more conversations, the General soon left, leaving Kasser on his desk, mulling over his thoughts.

Change after change has happened, and it was all centered around his wife, the queen. At first, he thought the memory loss of the queen was but a small miracle. He never anticipated it to come along with such significant changes…

Much like the growing ripples on still water when a small pebble is thrown at it.

He looked at the window, seeing the still darkened sky and sighed, leaning back on his chair. There was still a long way to go until sunrise.

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