Penelope followed her father as he lead the way to Tybalt's side. The captain tensed as they neared, likely assuming they were just there to get through him as well. However, as the two positioned themselves to help block the outraged nobles from the staircase, he relaxed again and gave them an appreciative nod. John returned the nod before focusing his gaze on the crowd. "Regardless of what he did or did not do, it would be wise of you to all calm down and let the King and guards handle this. Your items will be tracked down and returned as soon as possible." John claimed. 

Adam clenched his jaw and shifted his gaze onto Penelope, glaring at her coldly. She returned the look with a glare of her own and held her head a little higher. It was clear that the baron didn't like her getting involved in these matters and that made her all the more certain he was behind the missing items. 

"If we let you handle it, he'll get away with it and we'll never get our items back! You failed to even stop him from taking them in the first place." Adam pointed out with a growl.

John eyed him for a moment before shifting his gaze on to the crowd. "I'd also advise you all to return to your rooms to check for these belongings... It's very likely they could have just been misplaced."

"Thank you, Vermillion. But I'm sure these people have already searched high and low for their belongings." came a new voice from the stairs. Penelope turned her head to see that the king had appeared with a guard. The guard hurried over to Tybalt, dipping his head to his superior and muttering something to him that she couldn't make out. Whatever it was, Tybalt gave a nod of approval in response. She shifted her gaze back over to the king as he frowned slightly at the crowd, who had now gone quiet at the appearance of their king. 

"Now then, I understand your frustration, especially given his history," the king went on. "but this must be handled civilly. Does anyone have any evidence that it was him?"

There was a silence before one of the nobles took a step forward. "He's the only new face at the castle.. And certainly the only one with a criminal history." he pointed out. "That should be evidence enough."

"That and I heard he was missing all day yesterday." Adam chimed in now with his gaze focused on the king. His words made Penelope tense slightly. The knight wanted to speak out in protest but knowing it'd only get her and Crow caught, she held her tongue for now. "I'm sure that gave him plenty of time to sneak around the castle." Fueled by the barons words, the crowd chorused in agreement. 

The king waved his hand for them to settle back down. "I'll have this looked into immediately. To those who are missing something, please step forward." he watched as Adam and two other nobles took a step forward then turned to Tybalt. "Please send a guard to accompany them to get a full report on each missing item. After that is done, have them all report to the throne room."

"Of course, your majesty." Tybalt dipped his head and began to turn to the two Vermillions. 

"Not those two." the king suddenly spoke up again as his gaze landed on both John and Penelope. "I'd like the Vermillions to come with me."

John glanced at Penelope before looking back to the king and dipping his head. The king shifted his gaze out onto the remaining crowd. "This matter will be settled quickly but only between those affected and my guards. I'd advise the rest of you to relax for now until a judgement is made." he explained then paused before turning to Tybalt and adding. "For now, no one is allowed on the third floor except for servants, my guards and the nobles whose items are missing. Make sure everyone is made aware of this." 

Once Tybalt nodded understandingly, the king gestured for John and Penelope to follow him up the staircase. Penelope felt her heart begin to beat anxiously as she wondered why the king had chosen them to accompany him. She figured they must be going to address Crow but why had he chosen two guards instead of just one?

"I need you two to speak with my viceroy on this matter and... one of you search his room." the king muttered quietly as he walked up the stairs slowly. 

"You think he did it?" John asked in a hushed tone, narrowing his eyes at the king. 

"Well, do you?"

John paused and glanced at Penelope before looking back to the king. "No. I believe someone might be framing him."

"It's hard to say but regardless, it wouldn't shock me if they were. Which is exactly why I need someone with that mentality to speak with him and search his room without jumping to conclusions... I expect both of you are capable of doing that?" the king glanced between them. 

Penelope blinked and glanced towards her father who gave a firm nod. "Of course." he muttered. 

"Good." the king said approvingly before falling quiet as they neared the top of the stairs.