The Abandoned Palace

"Who are you?! Leave this palace right now!"

The boy was dressed in ragged noble clothes and carrying a sword pointing at us. He had those eyes carrying hatred and mistrust, similar to a beast in front of its opponent. His hair flows and falls smoothly on his fierce beautiful face with unending flames.

"You said it was an abandoned palace?" Papa asked Max. "Who would have thought the owner of the palace would have welcomed us?"

"Mister, I swear the children in the capital said that it was abandoned three years ago. It was not my intention to deceit you," Max explained.

The boy's face darkened and warned us. "Leave right now. I don't like strangers wandering in my place.''

I guess we don't have any choice but to leave the palace. It has its owner and the owner, himself, despises us stepping from it. I grabbed Papa's hand to suggest that we should just return to the Imperial Palace. "Let's go —"

"No. We will not leave."

HUH?! All our faces, including the boy, were shocked by Papa's answer. THE OWNER OF THE PALACE ALREADY WANTS US TO LEAVE. PAPA, WE NEED TO LEAVE. What gets inside of Papa's head to say those words. We don't have the authority to decide on that!

"I like this palace. Its land is wide enough for us, the location is far enough from the capital, and it only needs renovation. The only downside is that there's an owner," Papa said. "So, I want to suggest a proposal. We will live here with you. In return, we will give you a large sum of money. That's a great deal, isn't it?"

The proposal was not bad. We could sell our mana stones to have money and give it to him. And with that, the boy could buy the things he needs. Seeing the state of the palace, I could tell that he was not eating enough food and his clothes were all worn out. Aside from that, how could a boy live alone in this palace? All alone. No one to rely on one.

"I will say it again. Leave this place right now," the boy firmly replied.

Seeing him act like that reminded me of someone. Someone hard-headed than anyone else and has an arrogant tone of voice. Yeah, he is like Papa. I never thought that I could meet someone like Papa. A younger version of him.

"That's too bad," Papa muttered. "Perhaps you will change your decision. We'll be back after three days and I expect a positive response."

"I will not change my mind—"

"It's a strawberry tart. Don't worry, it's delicious," I offered, giving him the box full of tarts.

"Do you take pity on me?'' he said angrily.

"No, I'm not," I answered. "In exchange for receiving it, would you mind if you give me your name?"

He was silent for a moment.

Then, straight to my eyes.

He spoke.

"Augustus. My name is Augustus Adalbert."

"I'm Brielle. It was lovely meeting you, Augustus."

***

Elysium Tower

Ian went to the top of the tower where Drystan was. He was escorted by Helden and three Imperial Knights as he went to the top of the tower. The light mages and newly hired priestesses greeted him as soon as they saw him.

"Stay right here. I'll talk to the Head Priest privately," Ian ordered Helden and the knights as soon as they arrived at the front door of the top of the tower.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Ian opened the door and saw Drystan in the middle of the darkroom filled with scattered files on the ground. The blue flutter of butterflies was all over the room. On the floor was Drystan, awoken by Ian's arrival.

"How could you work in this kind of environment?" asked Ian, lighting up the room.

"As you work here for many years, you'll end up getting used to it," replied Drystan, standing up. "Is it about the young lady brought by Duke Cohan, Your Majesty?"

"The news flies so fast."

"It's about the Royal Family so what do you expect," said Drystan. "Then, what do you want this humble priest to do, Your Majesty?"

"I want to confirm if that girl is my daughter," answered Ian. "Do in all means if that's what is needed to reveal the truth."

"Why do you need my help? Can't a parent recognize his daughter? Or are you expecting someone to be your daughter?" Drystan questioned.

Ian couldn't answer for a moment. And, then he gave a hollow laugh, "You're hitting on the right spot, Drystan."

"Eight years," muttered Drystan.

"What?"

"We need to wait for eight years before we can confirm if she is your daughter," explained Drystan. "We need to wait for the wolf moon to appear on the day we draw the moon ritual. It only appeared every sixteen years. How amusing…the last appearance of the wolf moon was the day the princess was born and died."

Ian's face hardened as he recalled the death of the princess. It was full of regret and sadness.

"Your Majesty, don't cry here in my office," complained Drystan.

"Being respectful and rude at the same time. That attitude of yours doesn't change," pointed out Ian. "My business ends here. I'll leave. Just send me an update time by time."

"Yes, Your Majesty," answered Drystan. "Before you go, Your Majesty, I'll give you some advice. Try to treat the young lady as your daughter while you're waiting for the wolf moon. Even if it's a small possibility, you need to consider it. You need to be a good father this time.''

Ian smiled at him and said, "I know, Drystan…I know. I'm aware of what I did to my daughter in the past and that can't be forgiven."