Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 20: The Unexpected Result, Part 5
...—Royal Palace, Cornnas, Emeralna— Province...
“Nona Artemys, Commander Zenith has arrived.” Jenny came to report, behind her there was already Zenith von Myera with a serious expression on the face of—an expression that could be said to be unusual.
“It's good to see you again, Commander Zenith.” Artemys put aside the document sheet to the corner of the table, his eyes looking at the brownish slice of Eight Commander with an expression as flat as a sheet of paper. “I don't think I can come back alive. Ha-ha-ha.”
Heh, she is really unhappy, inner Zenith commented on Artemys' “ha-ha-ha”. It was not the laughter of the princess. He just muttered “ha-ha-ha” only, no more—you if he was really unhappy with what happened. “I'm also glad Your Majesty can return safely,” he added as he held back a groan from passing through the cracks of his lips, stepping up to level with Jenny.
“Given how easily the kidnapper infiltrated the palace, I thought you were unhappy with my administration of the province. I'm relieved my assumptions weren't right, Commander.”
“Te-Of course, Your Highness.” Cold sweat filled Zenith—'s temple not out of fear, but hearing the words made him very tired (or so he believed). “I have not once questioned His Majesty's abilities. Merely, the kidnapper's ability was truly troublesome. My trust soldier he can be fooled. They don't even realize something's wrong before it's too late.”
“Then I assume you understand why I called you here?”
Technically, Zenith is not required to fulfill Artemys calls. The only one who can rule it other than Emperor Nueva is Princess Kanna. However, he felt responsible for the incident that had happened. The Emeralna Province still did not have their own independent forces; the provincial defense, especially the cities and more especially the palaces, was at first on the task list of the Imperial Army's 8th Division. That's why Zenith came even though she had the right to refuse.
“At least I can make sure His Majesty wants me to strengthen the guard against the palace."
That's palpable. After an incident that tarnished the good name of the 8th Division like that, strengthening guard is the main thing to note.
“That's true, but that's not the main reason I called Commander Zenith here.” Artemys took out an envelope from his desk drawer. “I want Commander Zenith tomorrow morning to Nevada to directly report my return here. Do that along with giving this letter to Kanna.” Artemys pushed the black ampoule to the edge of the table. “Ah, of course I have no right to rule Commander Zenith, but..”.
Zenith refrained from showing her reluctance, but she did not hide a sigh. “I understand,” he said as he picked up the black envelope. “I'll be in Nevada tomorrow. Is there anything else I should do?”
“Nothing. You can come back, Commander Zenith. I expect the performance of the Imperial Army's 8th Division will no longer disappoint.”
Zenith nodded at Artemys, then passed by while putting the envelope in the pocket of her commander's robe. “Division 8 will try its best to pay for the mistakes that have been made,” he said before actually leaving the room.
“How are dinner preparations going, Jenny?” artemys asked almost a minute after Zenith left. “I assume you've set everything up?”
“That's right, Miss; everything will already be ready as Miss wants before dusk arrives. Miss can focus on handling those documents.”
...* * *...
The sun had just set perfectly when Monica and Xavier set foot in his former capital of the Emeralna Kingdom. They didn't go straight to the palace. The two walked down the main street of the city while enjoying the night air that had just come.
It wasn't because Xavier hadn't told Monica about their purpose here. He had already said that they would have a night with Artemys. He had already explained that they would spend the night in the city palace. Xavier takes Monica through the city gates to give her time to prepare. He did not say anything about his relationship and Artemys, but perhaps Monica could have guessed it.
They stepped in silence, hand in hand towards the great palace that was at the end of the eye. Only the whispers of other pedestrians whimper, as well as the friction between the sole of the shoe and the rough surface of the road. And, barely noticeably, the two arrived before the half-opened gate of the palace.
“Er, Monica,” call Xavier suddenly—make Monica spontaneously turn her head. “I have to see Commander Zenith first. Once you're done talking to him, I'll be straight here.”
“You just want to escape, don't you?” monica asked with suspicious eyes.
“Ha-ha-ha, of course not. I just need to talk to Zenith. I will definitely be back.”
And, again, Xavier instantly disappeared with teleportation magic before Monica had a chance to open her voice.
“Basic idiott,” grumbled Monica with mixed emotions. Basic super idiott, he added in his heart as he continued to step.
“Suppose a Nonalah named Monica, someone who is very close to Mr Xavier?”
Monica nodded her head assentingly asked the lady dressed in maid typical clothes. “I don't understand why I'd like to attend Princess Artemys' dinner invitation, and I didn't know I'd be able to resist being upset or not. But yeah, I'm Monica you mean. And as you can see, Xavier has escaped. That's cowardly of him, isn't it?”
The maid's lips curled thinly. “That's a way of looking that can't be blamed. However, if Miss wants to see it from positive glasses, doesn't Mr Xavier want to give Miss the opportunity to talk alone with Miss Artemys? I think it's a good gesture from him.” Then the maid immediately invited Monica to follow him without waiting for the response of the girl.
“Hah?” Monica doesn't believe the maid will look positively on what Xavier is doing. “Gestur well from where?” ask her with accelerated legs. “She just ran away because she didn't want to get involved in our conversation. There is absolutely no plus side!”
...—Division Headquarters 8 Imperial Army—...
“...Commander Xavier von Hernandez.” Zenith looked at the lazy Xavier standing in front of her study door. “What can I help you with? Ah, I hope nothing; I'm too lazy to help.”
“Hmph,” grunts Xavier. “I don't need your help. I'm just here to inquire about the incident that got Artemys kidnapped,” lies Xavier. “You are responsible for the security of the city and the palace. Of course you have at least a little information about it.”
“Ck, comein. But do not expect more; we really do not get much information other than the fact that the culprit has high-level illusion magic.”
...—Royal Palace—...
A friendly smile develops on Artemys lips as Jenny arrives at the palace living room along with the eleven twelve girl with Kanna. “I assume you're Monica,” she said as she stood up and approached the girl.
Monica nodded. He seemed to be about to ask, but quickly canceled his intention.
“My name is Artemys el Vermillion,” continued Artemys while holding Monica's right hand with both hands. “Like Xavier, you can call me Artemys. There is no need to wear formalities between us. Ah, I happen to not have a bath yet, how about we talk in the palace herbal bath?”
Without waiting for Monica's response, Artemys immediately pulled the girl to follow him. “I'm very proud of the herbal baths in this palace, even Kanna likes it. I'm sure you'll be the same. Xavier is likely to be back in an hour, the action is very predictable. We can talk comfortably and freely while enjoying the warmth of herbal water. You don't mind, do you, Monica?”
...»»» End of Chapter 20 «««...