2 THE SYMBOL OF OTIS KINGDOM

The huge pillars that supported the gorgeous high ceiling in the Royal Palace always made the people gasp at its majesty when they saw it.

It can be felt how the symbols that were drawn and carved at the ceiling were meticulously made by the best artists and sculptors in the Kingdom.

The gold decorations and statues symbolizes wealth and fortune that the Kingdom had been experiencing since its founding.

But for the people that are working in the Royal Palace, it's a luxury to appreciate the beauty of the artworks in the ceiling.

Because the servants are busy running errands, doing their chores, bowing their heads down to greet nobles. To be more precise, the workers in the palace are always looking at the carpet floor.

Like the ones stationed at the door of the King's chamber... the maids and the butler, waiting for their master to wake up.

Knock… Knock…

"Your Majesty, the Chancellor is outside and is asking for an audience."

The personal butler of the King said after he entered the King's chamber.

Chancellor Norhas was waiting outside the room since the crack of dawn for His Majesty.

Chancellor Norhas knew that King Matthias IV would only avoid the aristocratic faction because the King found it bothersome to meet those greedy nobles.

"Haa… He's outside you say?" The King asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Tell him to come…"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

King Matthias IV, who opened his black eyes, slowly got up from his bed, was greeted with unpleasant news about the actions of the old family nobles who had been asking to have an audience with him.

His ruffled black hair is evidence that he was just sleeping peacefully earlier until it got interrupted because of the nobles who have been giving him a headache since a few days ago.

He finds it maddening to see the faces of those old greedy men who only knew how to take actions when they felt that their positions would take a hit after a rumor circulated in high society that Duke Hugh would come to live in the capital.

The door opened and Chancellor Norhas entered the King's chamber.

"Pleasant morning, Your Majesty. I greet the Ortis symbol of Strength."

The chancellor greets King Matthias in which in return, the King scowls at him.

"Hah…! What is so pleasant about a morning when I see your face?! You only bring unpleasant news whenever you visit my room."

"That's not true, Your Majesty. I also bring news about the Queen's actions… Well, I guess you're right. Your Majesty really is wise."

"Shut up!"

The Chancellor chuckled at the grumpy response of the King. Well, of course, he can sympathize with King Matthias IV because whenever he visits it's all about the news that would irritate him for the rest of the day.

"What is it you want?"

The King asked as he wore the bathrobe and walked across the room and sat on the sofa with his legs crossed.

"Your Majesty, you know that the aristocratic factions are getting more noisy these days… I think it's better to have an audience with them before Duke Hugh comes to the capital."

"Haaa… I really don't understand what those bastards are trying to achieve by pestering me…"

The butler entered with a cart and placed tea at the table. King Matthias IV sip his coffee first to make himself wake for the boring agenda that will take place in the throne room after he leaves his room.

After the butler left them again, Chancellor Norhas continued his report.

"They want you to send the Duke to the South border again where it is rumored to have sightings of bandits and illegal human traffickers."

"Are they stupid?! Why would I send my younger brother there when he just finished a war in the North? And besides, it's the complete opposite of his Duchy."

"Well, actually, Your Majesty. It seems to have reached the ears of the aristocrats that Duke Hugh will be staying in the capital for an unknown period of time. I think they don't want to risk the power balance in the capital because an influential man will be coming."

"Hah! I knew it! Those greedy bastards will gather their forces whenever they think that someone will become a political hindrance to their positions."

After a silent moment, KIng Matthias IV could only sighed as he knew that he could not just blindly shoo them away.

"Tell them to wait in the throne room… I'll deal with them today."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Chancellor Norhas leave after he got the answer he wanted from the King.

***

The red color of the carpet popped on the white marble floor that accentuates the beauty of the great hall.

However, given it's aesthetic and majesty, the people that were in the throne room were chaotic first thing in the morning.

The Queen's aristocratic faction marched in the throne room and His Majesty can't help but attend the throne room and do his duty because the nobles that are said to be in the great hall are causing uproar.

The nobles standing inside the great hall were protesting to King Matthias IV, who was frowning at the ridiculous amount of complaints that he was hearing since he sat on his red throne.

"Your Majesty, as your loyal servant I would like to give my insights…"

"No! Your Majesty, we should send a person who has been in many battles…"

"What are you talking about? Are you talking about that person?! He only arrived two days ago and you want him to leave the Capital again?!"

"But his talent shines on the battlefield... and he has never once been defeated. We should send him, Your Majesty!"

King Matthias IV is already leaning his head to his left hand. The crown sitting atop of his head is slipping because of how many times he leaned towards his left side while listening to the complaints of his subjects.

"Enough!"

His loud voice rang inside the throne room. The nobles can feel the authority and dominance in his voice.

"You've been babbling non-stop like children throwing tantrums! Have some shame and act like nobles!"

"We're sorry, Your Majesty."

The nobles answered and bowed their heads as they tried to be proper again after displaying the disgraceful act in front of King Matthias IV.

They argue and bicker like young children after learning that the Duke of the North, who is known to be atrocious in the battlefield, will be staying in the capital for unknown reasons.

But what they know is that King Matthias IV was the one to invite him to reside in the Capital for God knows how long.

"Duke Harper… would you kindly state what concerns my vassals are talking about that they even forget the presence of their King?"

"Ahem…"

"Haa…"

The shame in the noble's faces was visible that they couldn't stand straight.

Step…

Duke Harper's red hair always stands out as it is the characteristic of the Duke's house in the Capital. As well as the hair of Queen Matilda.

He is the leader of the aristocratic faction and the brother of the Queen steps in after King Matthias IV gives him the floor.

"Your Majesty the King, we are just worried…"

King Matthias IV was amused at how Duke Harper worded his words.

"And why are you worried, Duke Harper?"

Duke Harper's looks at the King with such worries in his red eyes.

"... you should be aware that Duke Hugh has won the war and the influence from the masses. It could become a political problem, Your Majesty."

"What are you implying, Duke Harper?!"

"...Your Majesty, I am just worried that the Duke will be clouded with his power and will make a mistake… besides, the South needed a commander that would lead them in the investigation and subjugation."

The Duke said, still his tone and action was full of concern to the King.

Other nobles that were standing before the King also agreed to his remarks.

"Your Majesty, If I may be given the chance to speak…" Chancellor Norhas step in and asked King Matthias IV.

"You may…"

"Thank you, Your Majesty… Duke Hugh must have been tired from fighting in the frontline. Of course, your Majesty, it is one of the great achievements of his life that he could serve the Ortis Kingdom as well as Your Majesty…"

"That's right, Chancellor.. The Duke should stay in his-"

Before Duke Harper could finish his words, Chancellor Norhas continued what he wanted to say to the King.

"However, the bloodbath must have left a hole in his heart. As we all know, the rumors of his victory in the North have a lot of questionable deeds that some may find it hard to sleep at night…"

"But still… the South needs a talented commander like Duke Hugh…" Duke Harper interrupted.

Chancellor Norhas smirked at the enthusiasm of Duke Harper to make Duke Hugh to not stay in the capital as it will affect his position in the capital if Duke Hugh stayed longer.

"Duke Harper, If you're in the position of Duke Hugh, would you be pleased if you left just right after you arrived?"

"..."

When Chancellor Norhas saw that Duke Harper didn't have a retort to his question, he knew that he already won.

King Matthias IV hid his smirk when he saw the frustrated look of the Duke.

"I think the Duke would appreciate it, if he could stay in the capital for a while and enjoy the beauty that the capital offers."

When no one seemed to have any more complaints, King Matthias IV was bothered by what Chancellor Norhas said earlier and mumbled to himself.

"Him? Left a hole? hah!"

The King chuckled at the ridiculous nonsense that Count Norhas was saying.