[u]Several Hours Ago, in Rascade Royal Palace [/u] Fredricus was not in a good mood. Barely a few hours after the investigation team departed and he already got the first bout of ill news involving them, and it seemingly only grew worse as the clock ticked. Some of them caused a ruckus at the mausoleum. The monarch understood that it was highly likely for the two incidents to be involved, and investigating both ends may yield results. That much was within an acceptable bound. But then his men had caught wind on a particular message that was spreading quickly among the nobles currently present in the capital, the content which brought him to the brink of cursing and breaking things. The royal tutor, one of the more trusted member of the team, had leaked its purpose toward the Delving. The loudest proponent to the war, given the best ammunition they could've possibly hoped for. It took all his self control not to tear his hair out and scream in frustration. Just which part of discreet was so difficult to understand? The nobles would've crowded into his court by the next morning. That much was predictable, and Fredricus had already drafted the right set of excuses to buy some time. It wouldn't be all; yet another incident resurfaced. And then another one, soon after. The king barely got a few hours of sleep when he was woken up to be informed of terrorist attacks in the capital. As if there's not enough unrest already. Just which part of discreet was SO DIFFICULT to understand? The morning court went... better than expected, surprisingly. Fredricus managed to appease them by claiming that he had the prince sent to a secret safe house. The nobles weren't satisfied with just that, of course. They demand to see the prince to truly dispel the rumor. But Fredricus insisted that recalling his heir was possible, but it'll take time to be done in secret. He wouldn't want to give any chance for an assassination attempt to happen after all. That pretext bought him... three, four days. Maybe five, if he truly stretches it. That fool Henri had just brought the timetable down by weeks, and all he could hope was Matilda and Jazdia pulling through on their joint effort to recover his son. Shortly after he retreated to his chamber, Fredricus threw himself to his chair and waved at his chamberlain. [b][color=#d896ff]"Summon him now."[/color][/b] Admiral Silas Delving walked in. A war hero and always been, Champion of the Delving clan and the shining herald of the Kindeance navy. However, for a knight in shining armor like him, his bearing was surprisingly languid today, and he didn’t look particularly happy to have this exclusive audience with the King himself. In fact, he looked like he desperately would like to slink away unnoticed. And Fredricus knew damn well why. No, it was completely unrelated to the secret Henri had leaked. Though Fredricus knew that Delvings were the one who relayed the news, he knew a baseless accusation would only serve him so much, and being a prominent clan they were, Delving could evade the allegation and use it against him. No, that can wait, now Silas was here to explain the blunder made by his brother, Aaron Delving, Rascade's own constable. The second heir of the clan got into some bad raid against the local crime element and got the entire squad decimated. The man was spirited away by his family way too quickly, leaving behind only a very one-sided report that... of course implicated part of the investigation team. Of course, Fredricus was not amused with that report alone and summoned the constable to explain himself. The emissary he sent returned to inform him that Aaron Delving was badly injured and Silas would explain it in his stead, both as a brother, and the second-in-command of that ill-fated raid. It was surprising, but not entirely unexpected. [b][color=#d896ff]"It was bad enough that your brother thought it a good idea to conduct a raid without coordinating with other Generals... with me,”[/color][/b] Fredricus began. [b][color=#d896ff]"But to criminalize people bearing my seal and threaten to kill them? I must ask, Admiral, what in the God’s name were both of you thinking?"[/color][/b] [b][color=FEF9A7]"It is indeed an unfortunate turn of events My lord. But rest assured that we have everything under control."[/color][/b] [b][color=#d896ff]"Under control? Seven guards were killed, and a few more injured!"[/color][/b] The King blared. [b][color=#d896ff]"Whatever your definition of under control is irreversible damage now. I was expected better of you."[/color][/b] A frown appeared on Silas' handsome visage. The admiral rallied somehow, but still remain knelt. [b][color=FEF9A7]"I am sure of that, Your Highness, and we too expected some trust for His Majesty toward his own men, as he demonstrates toward the Royal Guards even after that fateful day."[/color][/b] It was a hit on Silas' part. Fredricus still smarted from the fact that the assassins were escaped under the nose of his trusted guards. But it wasn’t a particularly wise hit. The King frowned and continued. [b][color=#d896ff]"Admiral. I hope your pathetic attempt to compare isn't a part of some disturbing trend. Their failure to capture the traitors was regrettable, but they did exceptionally well as my shield. I still couldn't say the same to your brother and his men, especially after the utter incompetence the whole constabulary had shown. You and your brother would do well to remember that. [/color][/b] Silas raised his head. There was a deviant glint in his eyes when he spoke.[b][color=FEF9A7]"We do remember. And I’m sure His Majesty understands how I must feel. But, Mercy, lord! I know time is precious and Your Highness wanted the result to come swiftly, but to think he would appoint foreign investigators and put aside those who have served and are ever at his service is lamentable... and no wise man will deem it wise."[/color][/b] Fredricus stared at him in utter astonishment. He was perfectly aware of what this Delving had implied. But to do anything about was too late now, his kingdom grew, and so did his allies, and he did not need a stuffy Admiral to remind him that every decision he made would bring political consequences. Brushed aside the implied threat like it was nothing, Fredricus rumbled. [b][color=#d896ff]"So you think you're smarter than me, huh?"[/color][/b] [b][color=FEF9A7]"No... Your Highness, no, I was simply trying to voice my concern that His Majesty was too quick to judge carefulness as incompetency."[/color][/b] [b][color=#d896ff]"Then what the hell would you call it then?!"[/color][/b] Snapped Fredricus, he glared at the Admiral who now seemed to physically diminish right in front of his eyes. That old suspicion resurfaced, but now for no particular reason other than he was exhausted and easily agitated. Only after a full minute regaining his composure, Fred continued, his eyes were bloodshot when he spoke with deceptive mildness [b][color=#d896ff]"Admiral, you shall not speak about this anymore. I know Aaron is your brother, but I do hope your ties will not cloud your judgment. Your brother was lucky his revocation was solely based on sheer incompetency alone, and not something else that I deem based on the lack of loyalty. Now I want to hear your plan for the aftermath of that botched raid, so we can conclude this meeting."[/color][/b] [b][color=FEF9A7]"Very well, your highness. On behalf of my family I offer an apology for my younger brother's behavior. We shall spare no effort to investigate on what exactly happened in that raid, and the families of the victims shall be well-compensated. This I guarantee under the name of Delving."[/color][/b] Sighed, Fredricus leaned on his chair, he still had a lot to say, but again, it best not to press it now. [b][color=#d896ff]"Very well, Admiral. You are dismissed."[/color][/b] [b][color=FEF9A7]'Your Highness."[/color][/b] bowing obsequiously the whole way out, Silas left the room. His face was calm yet seemed to contemplate. If it was because of fear, Fredricus thought it would be a good sign, if not, well, The King had no shortage of ways to make his point. [center]***[/center] The meetings were not over yet. One left, other came in. Soon He was joined by Matilda's squire, who was present to listen in on that mess of a circus earlier. [b][color=#d896ff]"And that's the gist of it, squire Anderson. I believe you understand how tight our timeline have become?"[/color][/b] Fredricus looked closely on the squire's kneeling figure, unable to fully hide the weariness in his voice. He was trying his best, he truly was. It was just so, so, tiring to do what's right. [b][color=#4269E2]"Yes, your majesty. I shall depart to deliver this news at once. I'm sure Dame Matilda had found some progress since we last met."[/color][/b] [b][color=#d896ff]"I hope so too, young man. There is much at stake here. Go, and may that vampire lord guide you to the straightest path."[/color][/b] [b][color=#4269E2]"Your will be done."[/color][/b] As the squire left him alone with his demons, Fredricus couldn't quite hold back from letting out a deep sigh. When will this ordeal end? He hope it's soon. Fredricus wasn't sure how much longer can he last. The pressure's mounting, and any time now it might well break his back and that'll be it. [b][color=#d896ff]"I really could use some drinks right now..."[/color][/b]