Chapter 279: The Hidden Matters
"I see..."
I muttered as I listened to Cassandra’s explanation. After pondering a bit, I found the right answer.
{Thank you for your help, but I already took care of that matter. Baron should wake up by the end of the day.}
Well, since Lady Nisha said she would take care of it after I left her domain, we could assume that was already handled.
Cassandra’s eyes widened in surprise. {O-oh, I understand.}
I smiled at her. {You being worried and offering help is more than enough. I really appreciate it.}
She recovered quickly and nodded, though I could see the lingering questions in her eyes. She probably wanted to ask me how I did it.
"I have to head to work now," I said, glancing in the direction of the workplace. "You can return to the castle by yourself, right?"
She wasn’t surprised by this, I’d already explained my work arrangement yesterday during breakfast.
"Alright, don’t tire yourself," she nodded and prepared to leave.
"Take care, thanks for the morning too," I waved her off as she headed back to the upper keep, then made my way to old man Avir’s workshop.
I only hoped I could learn about the ’hidden matters’ those two were gonna tell Mother.
_____ ___ _
Eclipse Castle - Evening.
Princess Auera and her knight Vance sat across from Baroness and, to everyone’s amazement, Baron Nusayel himself.
The baron’s recovery had been nothing short of miraculous. By lunchtime, he had regained most of his health and awakened, sending waves of surprise and relief throughout the entire castle.
It took almost half a day for it to settle down.
And they had just finished with the formal greetings and pleasantries, the weight of more serious matters now settling over the room.
"So, what is it you truly wanted to discuss?" Baron Nusayel asked, his voice slightly hoarse from his recent ordeal.
Auera swallowed nervously before beginning. "I’ve been sent here by my father, His Majesty the King. Your family has been invited to attend a special gathering."
"A gathering?" Nusayel asked, confusion evident in his tone.
Auera nodded solemnly. "Father is planning to make an important announcement to the entire kingdom. He will also be selecting the final rightful heir to the throne."
"I see..." The baron nodded solemnly, processing the information. "But what does that have to do with us? We’re merely a small barony fulfilling our duties to the crown and the kingdom."
"That’s..." Auera hesitated, uncertainty flickering across her face. "I don’t know the specifics. Father didn’t explain his reasoning to anyone. He only insisted that your presence was required."
Baroness Selvienne leaned forward slightly, concern creasing her brow. "When and where is this gathering supposed to take place?"
"A week later, at the Royal Castle," Auera replied.
"Must the entire family attend in person, or would one representative suffice?" Baron Nusayel inquired.
Auera hesitated, doubt crossing her features as she clearly didn’t know the answer, or just couldn’t remember it.
Vance noticed her predicament and clapped softly to get her attention, then began communicating through subtle hand gestures. Auera nodded as she followed his silent instructions.
The baron and baroness exchanged knowing glances as they observed the two youths. They were happy to see their son’s only friend grow up, but it also reminded them of him.
Auera then turned back to them, not noticing the atmosphere. "As long as the head of the family is present, that should be sufficient. However, it’s strongly advised to bring members of the younger generation as well. So they can witness the ’birth of the true heir’ and become acquainted with other noble families during the gathering."
She paused to take a breath, then continued, "There will be a formal party first, followed by the special announcement, and finally the selection ceremony."
Baroness exchanged a meaningful glance with her husband.
"That’s quite an elaborate affair. It sounds like His Majesty had been planning this for some time." Baron squinted slightly. "And all the noble families are expected to attend?"
"Yes," Auera confirmed. "From what I understand, invitations have been sent to every noble house in the kingdom."
Baron nodded, sighing inwardly. Just when he thought he was recovered, another headache was on its way.
But what could he do? He was just a small baron, nothing more.
"Alright, I will go myself then."
"O-Ok." Auera nodded quickly.
The baron noticed her fidgeting slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the fabric of her dress.
"Is there something else you wanted to ask?" He inquired gently.
Auera looked surprised, her eyes darting to Vance, who gave her a reassuring nod.
She took a deep breath and stilled herself.
"Yes..."
"I wanted to ask for your help."
"Help? What kind of help?" Baron asked, growing more attentive.
"This... This is also related to your family’s safety," she said quietly.
The baron’s demeanor shifted immediately, becoming serious as he leaned forward. "...Go on."
Auera’s voice dropped to barely above a whisper.
"Can you... protect us?" Her hands were clenched now, knuckles white. "I think... one of my... s-siblings has sent assassins after me."
"!"
The room fell deeply quiet.
"..."
The baron’s expression darkened as the implications sank in.
Political maneuvering within the royal family was nothing new, but for it to escalate to assassination attempts meant the situation was far more serious than a simple succession announcement.
"Which... sibling do you suspect?" he asked quietly.
Auera’s hands trembled slightly. "I... I’m not entirely certain, but the timing suggests someone who would benefit the most from the upcoming selection. However... I have no chance at succeeding the throne... I don’t understand... Why would they do this?"
Why would he do this?
She thought, tears streaming down her cheeks, subconsciously.
The baroness reached across the table, gently placing her hand over Auera’s trembling ones.
"You’re safe here, child. We’ll protect you."
Baron Nusayel’s jaw tightened with resolve. "If someone is targeting a member of the royal family under our roof, it becomes our responsibility. More than that, it’s an attack on our honor."
"Even if you weren’t a princess, you were a friend of my son. So, both of you can rest assured."
Vance nodded in appreciation, gesturing his thanks.
Baron leaned back, his mind already working through the full implications.
They probably wanted to kill her in the keep or their territory, and then blame them for her death. He knew there was more to it than just a simple gathering. The entire kingdom was about to become a powder keg. And somehow, his small barony had been deeply drawn into it as well.
"Don’t worry. Everything is going to be ok."
...Right?