The Route Outside

The King of Celeste did nothing for it regardless of the difficulties the city faced, even though some may affect the rest of the kingdom because Aldwyna also garnered tourists.

Many men from different Celestial cities and nobles that often visit Celeste would head to Aldwyna because of its abundance of brothels. Because brothels in Aldwyna earned more than the barter of harvest and goods, the King collected greater taxes from them.

The King didn't care if everyone in the city commits any crimes, corruption, or fraud, as long as they sustain the use of the tax collected from Aldwyna, that's all that mattered.

'This person and my father had the same mind and soul, perhaps. No wonder I despised them greatly.' She thought. This was also the reason why Fritz wanted his sister to reign beside him, to correct many aspects of the kingdom.

A princess can only do little for them, while her father is on the throne, Celeste will continue to only be known in the harvest.

"Well, it seemed like it took my son longer than two weeks in Shyna unlike what you told me. I became very impatient…" he scratched his nape, trying to force laughter that only sounded gauchely.

'This old man must have been needing something from Grandel.' She scowled.

"I see…then I'll make my way to the guest room."

Selestia loafed on the bed, at first, her mind was flocked with many thoughts. Selestia felt that all she ever did was think of a way to essentially plan her life in Thuhelda. She felt pressured and burdened with the responsibilities that awaits her, she knew she was not ready. That's why she intended to divorce the Emperor and if that did not succeed, she won't hesitate to escape no matter how stringent the Empire was. With all the deliberation, Selestia felt weary, her eyes come heavy and she fell asleep.

"Milady! Milady!"

It was Cecilia's voice that woke her, abruptly, irked, and bothered, Selestia rose from her bed. She caressed her head which felt heavy. It was aching. Perhaps, she lacked rest all along, she was so worked up the past few days ensuring her strategy came perfectly.

"I apologized for disturbing your rest but Duke Grandel had arrived during the daybreak. I came to inform you."

'Great, Grandel returned successfully. Does that mean he was off the hook? Or were the rumors about Thuhelda's security erroneous?'

She rubbed her head and stood. "Get me my change of clothes, Cecilia…"

Drenched with rain, Grandel took his clothes off and changed into neat clothing. He had gone off early from Thuhelda, he had too much to tell to even be wasting time. Since Selestia had blocked the route in Shyna by dispatching more guards, Grandel had no choice but to sneak his way into the main gate.

'Hopefully, Sir Francais wouldn't rat me out to the King after entering the main gate with no record of going out.' Grandel sighed.

"Grandel…"

Duke Barlock stood behind him. Hands-on his pockets he was serious. "How was the task Princess Selestia had given you went?"

'Did the princess tell her?' He was surprised, he gulped and his heart beat in nervousness. 'Did…she sell me out? Is it the reason why the route in Shyna was hoarded with more guards?'

"I heard from Mathilde that you did outstanding work in correcting and disciplining the guards who patrol the gate of the exit route in Shyna…I'm proud of you, son."

Grandel gazed at his father with confusion. He was baffled, it was unknown to him what his father mean. Of all the letters Selestia sent not one addressed anything regarding Shyna and the guard's discipline there.

"W-Why, thank you, father…" he feigned a smile.

'Well, that was a relief. I thought the princess had sold me out…'

"Well, father…I heard the princess is here. I want to discuss a matter with her…" he excused.

"Son, just hold on for a moment. You see, the princess has eyes on me, maybe she still has not let go of that little accident I stirred in Aldwyna. So maybe you could convince her that what was done in that city did gain profit for Celeste."

"Father…" Grandel scowled. "You've always been implementing that was done was an accident. Maybe the princess had every right to throw glares of contempt at you. Knowing Princess Selestia, she won't be easily convinced, I assure you that."

"But won't you give it a try for your old man? It's been years, how can she not forgive me? If the Princess won't settle with me, I'll live as an unofficial duke forever!" Barlock yelled in distress.

It's indeed true that because of what Barlock did in the city of Aldwyna that he became an unofficial duke. Princess Selestia gave an appeal to make him unofficial, he served lower than the

Viscounts. He could have been taken from his noble position with a high penalty but because the King was fond of the taxes that he juiced from the city he lessened Barlock's punishment.

To Selestia, that was unfair but the King deemed that it never was. He vied to convince her with the same reasoning Barlock had.

An unofficial noble's position is only higher than the gatekeepers of Celeste but their authority was not higher than any noble. Because of them, they receive smaller remuneration from the Majesty. Barlock who had eyes for wealth couldn't bear this penalty, since the appeal was made by Selestia only she could make it undone.

"Father, why do I have to convince and plead with the princess to expel you from your penalty when it isn't my fault? I did not make such a friendly relationship with the princess only to save you whenever you stir up a commotion."

Barlock couldn't believe it. Grandel finally, just this once in his life had talked back to him. Never once had his son done it. Not from a far distance, a clap approached the silence of the air.

"Well done, Grandel. You've proved you are trustworthy. State what reward you wished for and I will grant you your lust." she smiled.

Grandel looked at her with a serious look on his face. "Then, my princess…I wish you take me so I shall guide you and live with you in Thuhelda…"