Chapter 31
It was early morning in Euntaras. They were packing and will start the journey soon after. The Elder of Euntaras were really grateful of the Duke's help. He promised to supply Euntaras leaves to Callavan as a form of gratitude. They will also train some knight to guard the springs, the stream, and the tree.
"Boy," Iowyrthe called Felix, "Really you don't want to be my knight?"
"I… I accept, but…" Felix hesitated, "Please assign me as the Princess's knight. So, even if you have trained me and you let go of her, I will follow her."
"Gaahhh, why…?! Why is it always her? I am the one who killed the beast."
"Ahem, Your Highness," Sir Thomas calmed him, "That's actually why." Judah and June laughed hard upon hearing those remark.
"He killed the beast, but he whined when people opt for Princess."
The elder and the townsfolk giggled. They were silently hoping, the Duke will be safe. They knew they wouldn't be here if it weren't for him.
"Alright, alright. Give your vow then, to her."
"Princess Iris, I vowed my life and loyalty to serve you as your shield, your bow, and your arrow. It came from my deepest heart and my clear reasoning, please accept."
Iris exhaled deeply, "I accept." She stretched out her hand and Felix kissed it. She was touched. Her chance of survival will definitely increase with Felix by her side.
"Princess, me too," Chan shouted.
"Me too," Taek followed. The Duke cold gaze fell upon them. They felt chill to their bones.
Princess Iris giggled. It was the most beautiful giggled voice they heard and the most beautiful sight they seen in this whole time of messy disaster. Iowyrthe was in the dazed seeing the sheer mauve lip colour smiled so beautifully. He suddenly remembered the potion kiss last night. He was blushing.
"Quick we need to move soon to Aurinko." Iowyrthe turned his back to hid his blushing red face.
With that they started the journey. In less than two hours they reached Aurinko. They went to the palace to greet the Emperor.
"Long live the Sun and the Moon of Lleuelyn." The Duke and The Princess greeted The Emperor and The Empress.
"Finally, I can meet you again, Princess. Please rest in the Eastern Palace. You must be tired. Io, we need to talk to you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Please excuse me."
She was escorted by Chan, Taek, and Felix along with the maids. The Eastern Palace was prepared for the Duke and his entourage. Sir Thomas has prepared the best room for her. Doctor June was also given her the Euntaras leaves for the wound in her palm. She suggested the Princess to drink the Euntaras potion every day, before she can procure the blood enhancer. Only 1-2 pills remained. The Princess thank her for her help but she didn't want to be a burden.
"Well, actually I was assigned by Io. Started from your second times you fainted. So, don't worry about payment and the treatment you need. I also have an assistant now."
"You were assigned to me?" Iris was confused. She didn't think the Duke will help her regarding her health.
Doctor June explained and asked her for her consent. She hesitated to said yes, but agreed in the end.
"I can't heal myself after all, so it will be just normal healing. However, I should be more careful to not absorb poison. Having personal doctor will be easier for me and better for my chance of survival." She thought to herself.
Meanwhile, in the Emperor study room, Iowyrthe, Judah, The Emperor, and The Empress were talking.
"We heard about the incident in Euntaras. Son, are you okay?" The Emperor spoken first.
"I am alright, Your Majesty. I am wounded, but I feel better because of the Euntaras leaves and essence Doctor June gave me."
"I am thinking to give Euntaras to you, son. It is under my ruling for too long."
"I did not object. June can research the Euntaras leaves and fruit benefit for medic. Even Metuselah, if you agree, maybe can use it for magic research."
"Good thinking. Now do it under my name. It will be my reward officially, if you married the Princess of Musou." The Emperor giggled. Iowyrthe sighed.
"Good thinking to you my love. I agree with your idea. Now, come here, my child. Hug your Aunty."
"Her Majesty Empress…" Iowyrthe embarrassed.
"I love you like my own son. Don't reject me." Iowyrthe then hugged her.
"Her Majesty, you truthfully loved him. I envy it." Marquis commented.
"He reminds me of my brother and she misses the late duchess so much as they were best friend in the past. Pardon me and my Empress doing, Marquis."
"Oh, that's alright. I just expressing my feeling, Your Majesty."
"Now, that you are here, why you do so many things to the Princess? Am I not told you that she is the key to our relationship with Musou Kingdom? How can you do something so dangerous? You indirectly made her drown, you limited her food, what else? You cut her firewood and she lost temperature? She fainted twice in your estate? You…!" The Empress tweaked his earlobes while nagging on his behaviours.
"Aaa… Aaa… I am sorry, I apologize, Aunt, Empress… Aaaaa…"
"Alright, if you broke up the engagement again, don't call me aunt ever. I will then marry you to Eugenie as you wanted."
"I don't want her."
"Then why?" She glared at Iowyrthe.
"I… I… I just…"
"He just need time, Her Majesty."
"Oh… Explain in detail, Marquis." The Empress calmed down.
"From my point of view, Her Majesty, he has changed." Marquis then explain everything happened in detail. He role played it the whole time. The Emperor and The Empress amused and laughed. Iowyrthe was not impressed but he can't do something to shut his friend because of His and Her Majesty.
"He did like this, Your Majesty. Ahem… 'You cried? Don't.'" Marquis acted like the Duke, "I believed this is a good sign Her Majesty."
"Ouuuhh, I felt relieved. The Princess seemed like a good person."
"Ouuuhh, the best. She has potential as duchess." Marquis explained about the Princess passionately.
"My own handpicked Princess was actually that nice."
"But she is weak." Iowyrthe interrupted.
"Iowyrthe Lleuelyn hear me carefully," The Emperor took a deep breath and said, "The Empress is weak too," The Empress pouted, "Don't be mad, my love, I only want to prove a point. But do you know, that I feel it is easier with her than only depends on myself. You don't need a perfect one or the strong one to rule with you, you need someone who make it easier." The Emperor hugged The Empress. Love radiated from their aura.
"Come son, come." The Emperor hugged him too, "Your father and this uncle is very proud of you. Now, think even deeper, son. I see that she's maybe not the one that you are looking for at the moment, but give her a chance. It is a bonus for me as Emperor if you marry her. It is huge advantage for Lleuelyn, of course. But follow your heart, son."