In the castle’s library, aged oak bookshelves towered above Gabriel. Sunlight streamed in through tall stained-glass windows, transforming dust particles into an eerie dance of light and shadow. Row upon row of meticulously organized shelves contained books on every subject. The leather-bound tomes rested alongside weathered scrolls, each brimming with countless stories and ideas. He inhaled longer than normal, enjoying the earthy fragrance of parchment. He had come here with purpose, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy it for a moment. Books were his old friends; their pages whispered to him with comforting familiarity.

In the heart of the library stood a rectangular wooden table equipped with ink, quills, and parchment. Gabriel winced in pain as he lowered a heavy book onto the table, his face twisting with discomfort. He let out another grimace as he took a seat, his hand clenched so tightly on the armrest that his knuckles were turning white. He rubbed his aching ribs, wincing at the soreness from today’s new bruises.

Gabriel had spent countless hours in this library, sitting in this very chair and conversing with his tutor. I haven’t been here since Tunk left. His chest swelled with bittersweet nostalgia at the thought, evoking memories of days long gone.

As the lantern’s flicker illuminated the book in front of him, Gabriel's fingers skimmed the rough leather binding. Thin paper beneath his fingertips and the crisp shuffle as he turned each page soothed his restless mind.

He spent hours delving into the knowledge within the book's passages, seeking insights about wheat. He learned the process for sowing seeds and the opportune season to grow them. He read about the different varieties—and determined which ones would be found in Lord Loftus’s lands.

Gabriel explored the harvesting process in great detail. He had never understood the intricacies of the wheat farming process. There was surprising complexity hidden beneath a seemingly menial task.

He learned the signs used to determine the health and productivity of a wheat field. He now understood how to spot key indicators of a successful harvest. He familiarized himself with measuring yield, including estimating the weight of the harvested wheat and calculating the average number of grains. Gabriel also came across information on failed wheat crops. He educated himself about the signs of a crop that had perished due to natural causes versus deliberate actions, such as fire.

Equipped with this newfound knowledge, Gabriel could now investigate the validity of Lord Loftus's claims about his wheat crops. It would prove to be instrumental in discovering the truth behind the wheat shortage and potentially exposing his deception.

He was finishing off a manuscript detailing the wheat shortages a decade ago in Umbria when his attention was drawn to the sound of creaking hinges. A surge of anticipation coursed through him as he turned, expecting to see Jessinta as they had arranged. However, to his surprise, it was not only Jessinta but also Lovren who entered, their footsteps resonating in the vast expanse of the library.

He couldn’t decide whether he felt more relieved or curious at the unexpected arrival of Lovren. He hurriedly closed the book before him, placing it back on the table with urgency. The pages whispered their discontent as he left behind his pursuit of knowledge.

Filled with excitement, Gabriel leaped from his chair, nearly knocking the book off the table. He rushed toward Lovren, embracing him tightly. “I was worried about you. Welcome back.”

As they pulled apart, Lovren replied with a smirk, “Missed you too, Princeling, glad that you both missed me.”

“I didn’t miss you; I was just worried something had happened to father,” Jessinta half-heartedly protested, nervously scratching her head.

Gabriel asked, “What were you doing away, and why did it take you so long to come back?”

Lovren gestured towards the chairs, and they all took a seat. Gabriel winced again as he sat, and Jessinta's eyes flickered to him, but she refrained from asking. He was grateful; he didn't want to explain the physical toll he had paid for their antics over supper—enduring another pummeling from Rufus.

Lovren said, “Father and I went to the merchant guild branch in Palan, as you already know. What your mother told you was right; we were investigating Lord Loftus. I accompanied my father to the offices, where he questioned them about the historical amounts of wheat sold and the quantity of wheat being sold by neighboring provinces. Father found out that Lord Loftus was selling less wheat than they had in previous years, and that all revenue was declared to the kingdom. Turns out, he’s not evading taxes.”

Jessinta tilted her head to the side. “So, what does all this mean?”

Both Lovren and Jessinta both turned their attention to Gabriel, waiting for an explanation. He tapped his temple, nodding as he organized his thoughts. There must be more here to uncover. Lord Carnahy wouldn't have relied solely on the merchant guild for answers. There had to be another angle. Based on the information Lord Carnahy had, there would be no reason to further investigate Lord Loftus.

Gabriel looked up at Lovren and asked, “Why were you delayed?”

“Well,” Lovren hesitated before responding, “Father was waiting for someone in Palan… but they never showed up.”

“Did your father mention who he was waiting for? Or why?”

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

“He only mentioned that the person had some relevant information,” Lovren said. The fragments of information slowly beginning to piece together in Gabriel's mind.

“How did your father react when the person didn't arrive?” Gabriel pressed, anticipating the significance of Lovren's answer.

Jessinta and Lovren exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of the relevance of his question, but Lovren eventually replied, “He was angry at first, but... then, I sensed that he grew worried, almost afraid.”

Damn it to Ash. His mind was racing as understanding dawned upon him. Before he even realized it, the word escaped his mouth. “Shit!”

“Let me break it down for you—and hopefully, you'll tell me I'm completely wrong.” Lovren and Jessinta leaned closer, their brows furrowed in concern as they awaited his explanation.

Gabriel had dedicated a considerable amount of time over the past day studying Lord Loftus’s behaviors and spending habits, and even studying the maps of his lands, analyzing their terrain and agricultural significance.

“Lady Isa and Lord Loftus tend to dress very expensively, which is somewhat at odds with their current financial predicament. It makes me wonder what else they've been spending their money on recently. These are the things we can investigate to support my suspicions,” Gabriel began.

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Gabriel continued, “Yesterday, when we spoke directly with Lord Loftus and Lady Isa, she claimed that the Galatians were responsible for burning their crops. However, this contradicts what Lord Loftus told the king—he blamed it on the long winter. On its own, this discrepancy might not be significant, perhaps just an attempt by Lord Loftus to cover up his own failings in front of the other nobles.”

Lovren and Jessinta were hanging on every word. Gabriel went on, “But, Jess, what did the Lord answer yesterday when we asked if any soldiers had been killed?”

Jessinta's eyebrows furrowed in remembrance as she said, “He said none were killed, but how does that link together at all?”

With a deep breath, Gabriel knew it was time to reveal something he had kept from her. “I didn't tell you everything yesterday, and I apologize for that. I couldn't risk you becoming angry in front of them.” Jessinta's eyes bored into Gabriel, their intensity sharper than any blade he had ever faced in the training yard. He could sense her frustration and impatience, her wordless demand for answers.

Gathering his resolve, he carried on with his explanation, “After speaking with my mother yesterday, we suspect that Lord Loftus is pretending to have a lower supply of crops while secretly shipping them to the Galatians. By keeping his income off the books, reducing his expenditure, and gaining political power, he is manipulating the situation to his advantage.”

Lovren said, “I still don't understand.”

Realizing his explanation lacked clarity, Gabriel took a moment to reframe his thoughts. “Let's take a step back. How often do you think fights between the Galatians and us result in casualties on both sides?”

Lovren hesitated before responding, “Most of the time?”

Gabriel said, “In the past two years, since the war began again, I can't recall a single time where there have been zero casualties on either side.”

Realizing the implications, Jessinta nodded in agreement, her earlier anger forgotten.

“It's too much of a coincidence that none of Lord Loftus's soldiers were harmed. What if there was never a fight to begin with? What if Lord Loftus used this as an excuse to conveniently give the wheat to the Galatians, providing them with grain and earning extra money—while our people suffer from hunger?” Gabriel's anger surged as he spoke.

Lovren said, “Surely Lord Loftus wouldn't stoop to such a level. I find it hard to believe.” He saw Jessinta burrow her brows.

Gabriel's tone softened as he explained, “Lord Loftus is an ambitious man, driven by greed for wealth and power. A once-minor nobleman, he is now one of the most powerful men in the Kingdom. He gained his position through cunning and calculation. What would he be willing to do in order to achieve his desires? Considering his political influence, only he or your father could realistically seize power from the king.”

“Our father would never do that,” Lovren said, tightening his fist instinctively.

“I'm sorry, I know that. I just meant that there are only a few people who have amassed such political power. For someone who has risen so high, and with his well-known greed, wouldn't he do anything to obtain the throne?” Gabriel clarified.

“Not everyone is like your father, willing to kill to seize the throne,” Lovren retorted, causing Jessinta to gasp, her eyes widening.

Gabriel remained silent for a moment; his head bowed towards the table. Why is Lovren turning this on me. I know the king has committed many terrible deeds. But what he just said was treason; people had been executed for less.

Lovren glanced around anxiously, as if remembering where he was and fearing that someone might have overheard his words. After a lengthy pause, he broke the silence with a formal tone, “I apologize, my prince. I should not have spoken so.” His wide eyes revealed his fear, and it pained Gabriel to see his friend in such a state.

Gabriel said, “Lovren, you are one of my closest friends. Please don't call me, 'My Prince,' and don't fear what I would say. I would never betray you. I don't disagree with what you said. But, when I sat next to Lord Loftus, do you know what I thought? I couldn't help but notice how terribly similar he was to the king. And if the king would kill for the throne, I know in my heart that Loftus would too.”

As the weight of Gabriel's words sank in, Lovren's expression softened, his fear gradually subsiding. He murmured another apology, conveying his remorse through his eyes more than his words ever could.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Gabriel continued, “Nevertheless, I bring up these concerns to shed light on Lord Loftus's motivations and potential gains. I believe your father was awaiting a spy who could gather crucial information about Loftus's activities and provide the necessary proof. However, for reasons unknown, that spy never arrived, and troubles me deeply.”

Jessinta asked, “I still don’t understand the relevance of the burning crops?”

“The burning crops serves as a cover. Lady Isa seems unaware of the truth. Lord Loftus must have told her that the crops were destroyed by the Galatians, as she would be close enough to know that it wasn't due to the winter. Also, Loftus seemed eager to shut down the conversation, likely to prevent his wife from sharing too much information.”

“It all adds up. Though there are still many assumptions, if your suspicions are correct, then Lord Loftus must face the consequences.” Jessinta's solemn declaration resonated with the weight of their discoveries.

Nodding in agreement, Lovren's earlier misstep kept him silent. They sat there without speaking for a moment, silently acknowledging the immense task ahead. Proving Lord Loftus's treason would require gathering more evidence.

Finally, Gabriel said, “We need to uncover more information before we can expose Lord Loftus and accuse him of treason.”

Jessinta asked, “But how do we obtain that information?”

“We can't acquire it ourselves,” he admitted, dreading what he now realized was inevitable. There is only one solution. In a hushed tone of defeat, he said “I have a plan. It seems I'll need to pay the king a visit.”