20 20. An Offer Of Assistance

Ariadne woke early this morning. The girl is now more comfortable bathing herself. Ariadne no longer likes to bathe with the servants present. So the servants who served her bathed now could only wait for Ariadne in front of the bath.

After a bath, Ariadne goes for breakfast as usual. All sorts of side dishes are on the table. A big, long dining table. Of course, only Ariadne was at that great dining table. Not forgetting the servants were also standing around the girl.

Elie could never eat with Ariadne. That woman must be busy with work in the morning. Elie must be in the royal hall with the ministers and advisers. Working on documents Ariadne agreed to pass on to workers in the diamond mines yesterday.

The kingdom's economic situation is going well every day. Diamonds were imported to another country or another kingdom in need. In this day and age, money is still gold, like coins and jewels. After earning a lot of gold coins, Ariadne was able to pay the salary of every court worker every month.

The royal money keeps turning. The needs of the people working the diamond should also be met and no one should go hungry. Ariadne has promised the people. To properly govern her financial affairs, Ariadne assures that there will be no corruption in her kingdom.

The tax money granted by the villagers, Ariadne used to care for the beauties along the way. That's the reason why imperial village diamonds always look so beautiful and clean. Ariadne has been fair to her reign.

"Elie, is everything all right?" Ariadne asked Elie. The girl had just entered the royal hall after having finished her breakfast.

Elie nodded politely. "Yes, princess. You can check all the work."

"All right, I believe you. Arrange all ministers and advisers. If there's anything else or any trouble, let me know."

Elie, Marlyn, and Jason nodded politely. These three are indeed Ariadne's footstool. The inner man Ariadne believed to be running the empire since he was only ten years old.

"Ah, where did Darian go?" Asked Ariadne.

"He went to the mines. Check the situation there and check the health of the miners." Elie explained.

Ariadne smiled. "Well, everything always works out fine. I thank you who are always there for my kingdom." She said.

Marlyn nodded and gave a friendly smile. His beard is white. The man was of a moderate build and a friendly face. "Of course, princess. We'll always be there for you and for the kingdom. We've existed since the reign of your father and mother." Marlyn said politely.

Ariadne nodded in understanding. "Thank you so much, Marlyn, Jason. I'm sending gifts to your families."

"Ah, there's no need to over do it, princess. Our family is very enough." Jason said.

Ariadne shakes her head. "No, Jason, don't take anything from me. You've been very, very good. Elie, send a gift to their families this afternoon. I'll be very grateful to you."

Elie nodded instantly. "Yes, princess. I'll have it ready by noon."

"I don't want to touch the documents for today. Secure my throne. I wanna go see Griffin."

"Griffin? Who's that?" Elie asked with curiosity.

Ariadne laughed. "Griffin. That's my horse. I trust you with today's activities, Elie."

"Yes, princess. Come back for lunch." Said Elie.

Ariadne nodded. The girl went straight to the riding field on her own. Ariadne is still wearing her blooming gown and her diamond crown. She didn't intend to ride Griffin, she just wanted to see Griffin for a while.

Ariadne has refused to be followed by the servants behind her. It bothers her a lot. So, Ariadne only wants to walk freely anywhere.

The guards and the soldiers also stood at every corner of the palace. Ariadne will always be safe with the eyes of all of them.

Ariadne smiled when she discovered that Griffin had just been cleaned. The horse stayed in the stable eating its food. Ariadne stroke Griffin's face.

"In two days' time, you will come with me to see Charlotte. Make sure you're healthy and in no pain, Griffin. I'll make a special cage for you later." Says Ariadne to Griffin.

Griffin is just a horse, he only responded to Ariadne's words with a soft snort from his nose.

After ten minutes in the stables, Ariadne just stepped out of there. She had no intention of breaking griffin out. The riding field looks clear. Some of the horses were put out for combat training.

Some of the soldiers were seen training. At each other's throats yet they were on their horses. Ariadne marveled at her soldiers who continued to practice daily. Although there has been no war in the past, yet all soldiers are required to keep training.

As Ariadne enjoyed the view of the men practicing, a maid approached her. The young maid nodded politely to Ariadne.

"Sorry to interrupt your time, princess." Said the waiter.

"It's okay. What brings you here?" Asked Ariadne.

"Prince Avery's here to see you. He's waiting for you in the park seat."

"Ah, here he comes again. All right, I'll be there in fifteen minutes. You go first. Tell him to wait for me."

The maid nodded in understanding. Then she excused herself from Ariadne's presence and returned to the palace.

Ariadne is marching slowly to return to the palace. She doesn't want to rush into Avery's. Apparently, Ariadne's affection for Avery is waning.

*

"Prince Avery, what brings you to see me?"

Avery turned straight back. The man smiled with a rose in his hand. Avery saw clearly Ariadne's always pretty in her everyday dress.

"I'm sorry for seeing you again today." Avery said, giving the rose to Ariadne.

Ariadne received a rose from Avery. She smelled the roses in appreciation for what Avery had given her. Of course they smell nice.

"It's okay. Are you okay?" Asked Ariadne.

Avery nodded. "Of course. I'm just busy working the empire with my father."

"I have heard word, that the kingdom of the economic pearls is hard. Is that true?"

"Ah, where did you hear that from, princess?"

"The talk spread. I heard from some of the servants and residents. Is that true?"

Avery smiled slightly. "Yes, sometimes the royal economy has a fall. I'm trying to fix that."

"Shall I help you, Avery?"

***