CHAPTER 9.5: THE CASE OF JAMES WALTER REED

***The Dungeons of the Holy Palatial Gardens***

In contrast to the common connotation of the word, the Dungeons of the Holy Palatial Gardens could be considered more as a ‘guest room’, rather than an actual dungeon. Complying with the wishes of the current Human Saint, it was refurbished into a ‘humane’ holding facility to anyone who was unlucky enough to earn the ire of anyone from the Holy Palatial Gardens. The walls were painted white with gold trimmings, and there were quality furnishings put in place, so that anyone incarcerated there would have a ‘comfortable time’.

The only differences were that the dungeons had no windows, and the only access outside was guarded by Her Holiness’ Paladin Guards.

“…”

For several weeks after his capture, James Walter Reed II was the sole person in that place. Food was given regularly, and he was being treated according to his former status as the king of Nerfes. Even so, the anguish of not having allowed out of the dungeons was taking the toll on his head. None of his friends had dropped for a visit. While he could understand why, the loneliness was something that he wished someone would help him fight off.

“!!!”

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sounds of the dungeon door being opened. As it was not yet time for his food to arrive, the former king got up from his bed, and approached the door of his cell.

A Paladin Guard announced, “Her Holiness, Lady Madelaine Ann Rubinforth, now makes her presence.”

“!!!” At once, James hurried away from the cell door. Though he half-expected to see Maddie again, he didn’t wish for it to happen yet. However, his efforts were in vain, as he had no other place to run to.

“You know, it’s pretty weird that we’d meet again in this kind of circumstance,” Maddie told him as she entered; she was reading his mind the entire time, “If possible, I don’t want to see you in such a state, but I guess we have no choice…”

James, though he never wanted to talk, turned to Maddie anyway. The Saint was not alone; beside her was Lily, as well as a pair of Paladin Guards, standing by the cell door, which was left open. The former king stood at his spot, silent, for he realized he had nothing to say.

“It’s fine, James,” Maddie told him, “I’ve already forgiven you long before you were captured. In fact, the reason we ran after you was that, we’re fearful for your safety.”

“Yes,” Lily added, “the people surely didn’t like what you did to Kuro, their champion. Only the heavens know what could’ve happen if they caught you instead of us.”

“I…” the former king wanted to ask for forgiveness, even though the Saint had already said he’s forgiven. He had many things to tell his friends; however, he didn’t know where to start.

“James,” Maddie’s voice was firm, “we can talk about a lot of things later, but I’d like to request from you that you write the names of your co-conspirators for the disappearance of Kuro, about their involvement, and then sign it.”

The former king was surprised by Maddie’s words that he blurted out, “Can’t you read my mind? I know you already seen their identities before you asked me about it!”

“No, James, I wanted it to come from you,” she reiterated, “The common folk of Chersea and I have the same sentiments; we wanted justice done for what you and the other nobles did to Kuro. Here’s your chance to do restitution for your wrongdoings, and I’m asking you to help. Write the names of your co-conspirators, then sign the document. You can read it, if you want to be sure we’re not duping you.”

“Nah, my sins are great that I deserve whatever you do to me.”

“Indeed,” Maddie was firm, “However, I’m sure Kuro would never want me to take vengeance for him. So, rest easy.”

“Kuro! Why is it always Kuro?” the former king exclaimed, and then sighed as he took the pen and paper from Maddie, “I…I envy him. Whatever did that guy do to earn the love of everyone around him?”

“Well, he puts his friends first, instead of letting his feelings cloud his judgment,” Lily answered, “James, we’re not asking you to be like him; but if you can be mindful of the people around you, I think you’d earn their trust as well.”

“Lily’s right,” Maddie backed her up, “We’re not asking you to emulate Kuro; you’re a person of your own.”

“Haa…you guys…you’ve really changed a lot since that man came into your lives,” James commented, “I wish I could also change, but I’ve already been disgraced…”

“It’s not too late for you,” the Saint replied, “Sure, you’re disgraced right now, and some things might not return the way it was before. But you can always take back your lost dignity. That’s what Kuro taught me before, you know?”