The spymaster disappeared as if he never existed in the first place and Arthur was left wondering about his Intel. The ledger was recreated and thus the original ledger is still in the hands of the count. But to go so far as to copy each and every rune and the entire ledger that takes insane dedication and determination to not get caught. This ledger needed to be thoroughly judged whether it was just a ruse or an actual ledger. He couldn't gauge the spymaster's intention. If he was also a traitor then it would make sense. For the ledger to be falsified as writing in runic language wouldn't make a lick of sense in the first place. But the risk is if the information is falsified intentionally then he shall be executed silently.
Arthur was deciding whether to be impressed by the decimation of the spymaster or to hold him within his skepticism. Because it seems that the spymaster might also be a traitor. Arthur also thought a bit but except Roselina Noone had admitted or even so give a hint over being a traitor. It sounded absurd but maybe just Roselina was a traitor and everyone else was loyal to the crown.
Many questions rose in his mind. While he had nothing but his father's word. He imagined a scale on which one was his father's word and the other side being everyone else.
The imaginary scales appeared to tilt slightly more in favor of others balancing the scale equally in both sides.
Arthur wanted to think a bit more over this matter as he walked down the aisle he saw servants running around and carrying luggage. Arthur asked its purpose and thr servant replied. " Your highness, your mother and father are leaving for the dukedom". She didn't specify which but it was entirely clear that they were heading over to Roselina's place for some reason.
Arthur kept walking before Sieg had found him and joined him as both were headed for Arthur's office. Sieg casually asked " My king, some documents require your urgent attention". Arthur agreed to Sieg's request and as they walked Arthur was reminded of his past. When he was a child playing with others. Sieg always used to call him by his name. But as they grew up they became much distant. He slowly started distancing himself from Arthur even though they met regularly.
Even now when he was standing besides Arthur he felt afar and now with the entire fiasco it seemed like he wasn't even there. Both of them entered the office and Arthur sat on his chair and felt the same comfort again before being pulled back to reality by Sieg. " The Baron Laron has still not yet paid this years taxes to the Central administration"
Baron Laron is a noble who's territory lies to the outmost side of the kingdom. His territory is major occupation is Farming and Livestock trading. But due to droughts the Baron has not abke to pay his taxes. As his own farmers cannot pay the baron.
Sieg looked at the document and passed Arthur another document which was a request for aid from the same baron.
" The baron has requested aid and tax exemption for his territory." The petition read that there had been a drought and the rivers had been dried up. The remaining water is being used for the survival of the people. And meanwhile the other regions are thriving but they are selling water at a very hefty price
Arthur scratched his head and in his mind the words echoed "This is a problem, giving tax exemption might be an excuse to get out of paying taxes. I have no idea if the drought is even real."
Arthur asked Sieg for help " Sieg, is there really a drought in the barony?". Sieg looked at the struggling Arthur trying to find a solution and tried to be helpful" The reports does indicate a drought but I can send in a unit to check the status of the barony ".
Something within Arthur striked" Send in two units from different factions at different intervals. One unit shall be with the Baron themselves and another will inspect the villages . If what the Baron says is true then both reports will turn out identical ".
Sieg's workload had increased and he was certainly not happy but in his mind he repeated" Work is work".
Arthur tried to gauge Sieg once more. " What do you think what would be better". There would be a choice before Sieg one would be just praising Arthur's decision. But as far as he knew him he would never praise him then next would be an attempt to slightly tweak the plan in his favor.
" The trip to the barony will take around a three days even on a horse. To return it will take a week and to dispatch another with take up to two weeks. If this is serious then it might cause devastating damage to the people who might die due to the lack of food ".
Sieg's concern was correct. The more they delay the more innocents die. Although even those innocents are traitors but there is still no definitive proof. If so they might have created their own militia and tried to overthrow the kingdom already. Arthur was growing more and more uncertain about whether his father's words were true or not.
How Roselina backstabbed him and the bombing can be two serperate distinct events. Should he be biased knowing that they are all traitors yet he has to aid them. All of these thoughts swirled in Arthur's brain. But he still decided to move forward with his decision. Just a minor change of plan.
" Sieg we are moving forward with the plan, send the first unit with an estimated amount which could last for two weeks as temporary aid. And then send the second unit without anything. Order them to blend with the commoners"
Sieg complied with Arthur " As you wish, my King". With this an urgent matter was taken care of. Arthur also rounded a few more task which were just requiring his signature and royal seal as well as some replies to letters from both commeners and nobles alike. At one point Arthur's hand had started paining due to writing continously and had to take a small break.
It was time for lunch. Sieg proceeded to leave the palace and eat at a restaurant outside the palace. While the royal chef had prepared a delicious and savory meal for the royal family. The table was a grand table with Arthur his father and mother. The lunch was served and Arthur began eating with the utmost etiquette he could muster. Each movement of his fork and knife was for a purpose and even when Arthur wanted to smile with joy when he ate his food he contained himself within a box surrounded by table manners.
When his father had finished his food. He waited for Arthur to finish before he said anything " Arthur, we have decided to leave for the Dukedom in a few hours. We will be back within a few days. If you encounter any difficulty, try your best to handke it . Also Sieg is there as well to help out".
Arthur knew the moment where they part had arrived. The cutlery which was in Arthur's hands suddenly slipped from his hands. And Arthur looked down at the cutlery with widened eyes and he noticed his hands minutely shaking to stabilize himself he grabbed the table cloth and held it tightly clutched within his hands as he forced a natural smile upon his face. " Have a good journey" these were the words Arthur forced from his mouth that's why they came half hearted. The Chef bought the second course and as the lunch began to near its close. Arthur could feel himself losing g more and more words he wanted to say. He was quiet during the lunch but from inside he felt like he was quivering.
All of them washed their hands and Arthur proceeded to return to work while his parents were starting to prepare for their leave. Arthur tried to pretend nothing was wrong as he deluded himself and once again started working. But the moment he started writing his pen started going awry. And Arthur mistakenly pushed the pen too hard and broke the nib causing the ink to flow out of the pen. And soiling his desk. Sieg immediately reacted and called in a servant to clean the desk with a washcloth and wiped it a second time.
Sieg noticed that Arthur was more stressed now than before. His mind started juggling between whether to say something or to stay silent. But he took the initiative
" My Lord, please remain calm." This was all Sieg could muster within himself. As each word he more he wanted to say he could feel the same being applied to him as well.
Arthur got up from his desk and asked Sieg " Are there any other matters which require my urgent attention ". Sieg just nodded. Arthur decided to end his work for now as he decided he must atleast bid his parents farewell.
The Former King himself was looking over the preparations.
While his mother approached Arthur" Arthur we'll be leaving for a few days to the Dutchy. After your broken engagement we decided to smooth things over by talking with them *.
She continued " It will be just a matter of a few days". Arthur looked sad from the inside but his face didn't change much.
Before Arthur could say anything the Former King called the Queen over and before Arthur could speak anything she left Arthur's side. And within moments she seated herself within the carriage while Arthur just watched. His father came over and with a low voice he said " After I leave you can open my diary". His father had said it in a low voice but it felt like the voice echoed as he remembered what his father said about the diary " When the mightiest in the kingdom shall bite the dust only then open this book". His father hugged him and then left he also left his side. And again Arthur could only watched as he stepped into the carriage and both waved their hands indicating their leave. The carriage rider tigged the ropes and the horse walked forward eventually leaving the palace grounds. The more the carriage went forward the more solitary Arthur found himself within the confines of the palace.