The Lurking Threat

We all departed from the scene, leaving it behind. Afterwards, Arin skillfully bound the thugs to the back of the cart, and the events that followed left me feeling somewhat unfortunate. Piro's cunning strategies seemed to work flawlessly, as she peacefully took her place beside the Princess. Meanwhile, I found myself seated next to Arin, assuming the responsibility of driving the cart. However, it was Arin's piercing gaze that troubled me the most, emanating a sense of menace and cautiousness throughout the journey. It wasn't until we approached the gate that his cautiousness peaked, evident in his careful control of the cart's speed and handling. Though it was part of the plan, I endured it in silence, refraining from voicing my discomfort.

As we drew closer to the gate, I couldn't resist the curiosity bubbling inside me and finally spoke up, breaking the silence. "So, what can you tell me about this place? The Republic of Harmonvale," I inquired, eager to learn more about our destination.

Arin remained unresponsive, leaving my question hanging in the air. Meanwhile, the sound of laughter and a serene atmosphere emanated from within the cart, adding a layer of mystery to our journey.

Arin tightened his grip on the reins and expertly guided the horse, leading us through the gate. Stepping into the bustling city, I couldn't help but be captivated by the vibrant and lively ambiance. People from all walks of life filled the streets, engaged in conversations, going about their daily affairs.

Children darted playfully, their youthful energy filling the air with excitement, while some adults engaged in animated debates or sought solace in their solitary moments. The sound of the cart's wheels grew louder, drawing the attention of blacksmiths and shopkeepers. Their inquisitive glances fixated on the bound thugs being dragged behind us, revealing a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Suddenly, a wave of chanting engulfed the surroundings, creating a mesmerizing welcome. Seizing the moment, I couldn't help but comment, "It appears they haven't laid eyes on the Princess in quite some time."

Arin finally broke his silence and replied, "Yeah. She was away for two years, receiving medical treatment."

Fascinated by this revelation, I exclaimed, "Oh, I see! What kind of medical treatment did she undergo? Is the Princess fully recovered now?"

As I posed these questions, the chant reverberated through the air, unveiling the name of the beloved Princess. "Welcome back, Princess Vespa! Welcome back, Sir Arin!"

The echoing voices resonated with warmth and respect, reflecting the genuine admiration the people held for both Arin and Princess Vespa.

Arin directed the cart straight ahead, leading us to a point where two paths diverged, each marked by a distinct signboard. One indicated the way to the western side, while the other pointed towards the eastern side.

Arin broke the silence by sharing his insight, "The heart of this region lies in the eastern side."

Nodding in understanding, I replied, "Hmm, I see."

Curiosity getting the better of me, I couldn't help but inquire, "And what lies in the western side?"

Arin let out a sigh and responded, "You really do ask a lot of questions. Well, that place is closed off and shrouded in secrecy."

Before I could offer any further remarks, a voice resonated inside my mind. Mindful to keep it internal, I responded, "Sylphalope, are you awake?"

"Yes, Master. However, I sense something foreboding in the opposite direction," she informed me.

Curious to know more, I asked, "Which direction are you referring to?"

"The western side," she replied, casting an air of mystery and caution over our impending choices.

Setting aside my concerns for the moment, I instructed Sylphalope to take some well-deserved rest. As the cart came to a halt, we found ourselves standing before a magnificent palace, surrounded by an opulent garden adorned with a grand fountain at its center.

Princess Vespa and Piro emerged from the cart as I opened the gate. Piro, wearing a sly smile, greeted me teasingly, "Well, well, how are you feeling, foolant?"

Suppressing any annoyance, I responded, "Good, dear friend, I hope you didn't cause any trouble for the princess."

Upon setting foot on the ground, several maids and attendants came rushing toward us, their faces filled with urgency. Both men and women were among them, all of them expressing a tinge of sadden at the arrival. Arin, sensing something amiss, inquired, "What’s this commotion?"

The group of attendants hesitated for a moment before one of them, a butler, arrived in a pristine coat and suit, his demeanor composed despite the obvious concern in his eyes. Arin directed his question to butler, "What is the matter, Brosan?"

Brosan took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. Finally, he managed to say, "His Majesty has been poisioned."

Princess Vespa's eyes widened with worry upon hearing the news. She anxiously asked, "What? How did this happen?"

Brosan, still unable to fully articulate the situation, simply replied, "Please, come and see for yourselves. Everyone has gathered there."

Understanding the urgency of the situation, the group wasted no time and hurriedly followed Brosan through the palace's grand halls and into a vast chamber. The room was filled with a mixture of guards, courtiers, and worried faces, their collective anxiety palpable.

As they approached the center of the chamber, the sight that unfolded before their eyes sent a chill down their spines. King Harlan, the beloved ruler of the Republic of Harmonvale, lay motionless on a lavishly decorated throne. His regal aura was overshadowed by a frail figure, his face pale and beads of sweat glistening on his forehead.

Upon seeing the sight of his father, Princess Vespa, saddened and sobbing, rushed to a lady on the left side of the throne. She was wearing a crown, leading me to assume that she was Queen Marissa, her mother. Arin, Piro, and I instinctively bent down in reverence. Arin, his voice filled with concern, asked, "How did this happen, Queen Marissa?"

A heavy, somber tone resonated from the right side of the chamber. An elderly courtier stepped forward, his face lined with worry. He spoke with a hushed voice, "A traveler entered the chamber, speaking with such sweetness and charm. He approached the king and engaged in conversation."

The elderly courtier explains that a traveler entered the chamber and engaged the king in conversation. As the courtier continues his account, he reveals that the traveler used a syringe hidden in his hand to inject the king with poison.

Arin, filled with disbelief, asked, "What? Where were the royal guards?" He rises to his feet, his expression reflecting a mix of concern and frustration.

The courtier responds, "All were here. But what we witnessed afterward was scary."

Queen Marissa, her voice filled with sadness, continues the narrative, "The man started laughing and saying that he finally killed." Her words hang heavy in the air, sending a shiver down the spines of those present.

In that moment, Piro and I exchange glances, realizing the gravity of the situation. We were closer to the truth than we had initially anticipated.