"Did the prince just mention that the woman was his sister?"
"Princess Elaine? But wasn't she missing?"
Everyone present was asking the same kind of questions. Walter smiled as he looked around putting us in a tight squeeze. He's recklessly disclosing Michelle's identity...
"I'm glad that father has finally found my dear sister! Now we can all be reunited as a family." [Walter]
"Y-yes... Everyone! This is the announcement that I was talking about earlier let's continue on with the celebration!!" [King Alex]
"Yeah!!" [Everyone]
"Long live the King!"
"Long live the Princess!"
"Long live the Republic!"
"Your highness we have some questio-" [Melvin]
"Save it for later Melvin." [King Alex]
The other advisers want to question the King but were stopped by him. King Alexis was doing immediate damage control to prevent things from going even more out of hand as expected of a ruler.
When the crowd had finally dispersed King Alexis went to Angelica.
"Angelica." [King Alex]
"Yes, grandfather?" [Angelica]
King Alexis with a serious expression leaned close to me and whispered in my ear. "Is there a place where a few people can talk in private?"
"The city hall. There's a room where people do negotiations privately and since it's closed during the celebration, no-one will be able to eavesdrop." [Angelica]
"That would suffice." [King Alex]
After I led them there. Grandfather told me to come in because it is a family matter.
The whole city hall was like a fortress surrounded by knights. Kate and Regina stood guard just outside of the meeting room.
Inside were I, Michelle, Steven, King Alexis, and Walter.
"Walter, what are you doing here?" [King Alex]
"There was news that you were successful at taking the cities back. I came here to see those amazing buildings that I've heard so much about. Also aren't you glad to see me?" [Walter]
With just a few words the tension within the room is already high.
"Good to see you brother." [Michelle]
"My dear sister. I was very worried about you. I'm glad that you are alright." [Walter]
"Tha-nk... you..." [Michelle]
"How come you just disappeared all these years without even informing us that you were fine all along?" [Walter]
His eyes were telling us that he knew the answer already. His words, however, were telling something different. It's like he's pretending that he actually cared.
"I..." [Michelle]
I'm going to cover for her. I do not like the way this person is treating them.
"It is as it says. Mother was kidnapped." [Angelica]
"By, Terrence." [Walter]
He glances at Steven and gives him an insulting look, but Steven pays no heed. I try to ignore it and continued.
"No, it was bandits. Father was only framed because he rescued her. There was also a reason why mother hadn't contacted you, for there was information that the perpetrators were from another kingdom." [Angelica]
"So you must be my niece. Angelica, correct? This is the highest crime that can be committed against us. We should invade them to set as an example for the others." [Walter]
"The identity of the said kingdom is still not known. It would be bad if we attacked the wrong country." [Angelica]
He looks at me like I am some kind of a pest. Damn it he's not falling for it...
"Hmm... so, how did sister come to have you?" [Walter]
"I fell in love with Terrence, after he saved me." [Michelle]
(Tch)
Seeing that he tried to target me. Michelle stepped in and hid me behind her back. At the same time, Walter clicked his tongue.
"I haven't heard any news of you coming here, father." [Walter]
"Well, it is sudden. I was even more surprised that you chose to visit this place first than me." [King Alex]
Seeing that I'm untouchable. He just went and annoyed grandfather instead. Even his relationship with grandfather is also in tatters it seems.
"Was this also a part of your plan father?" [Walter]
"What plan?" [King Alex]
"Is this the reason why you hadn't requested my help in taking back the cities? Or was it because you and sister planned for this all along?!" [Walter]
"No, because you and your men lacked skill and experience." [King Alex]
"While she was away happily spending her life from god knows where. I have been defending our kingdom from countless enemies in your stead, what can SHE! Possibly excel from me?!" [Walter]
"Compassion, kindness and most of all the value of lives. Tell me my son, how many boys and men have you sent to their deaths while they served you in your campaigns." [King Alex]
"Then her!" [Walter]
He tried to change the subject and pointed his finger towards me and glared.
"What about Angelica?" [King Alex]
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Grandfather raised a brow he seems to be offended that I was being targeted.
"Are you going to put her next to the throne, is that why you are supporting this woman now?!" [Walter]
"No, but that sounds like a good suggestion. She is fit to rule over the kingdom and with her intelligence, she can bring great achievements." [King Alex]
I was speechless. He winked at me to show that it was a bluff, yet I still find it hard to believe that he was joking. He really should lay off the jokes...
"In order for her to be eligible, she has to have a title of a princess." [Walter]
"You do know that I can simply hand over the crown to her and tell everyone that she is my successor." [King Alex]
Walter was trying to think up a counter-attack to King Alexis' statement. Does he feel threatened of me being the next possible ruler? But I wasn't even planning on ruling anyway.
"Sister, do you have any plans in inheriting the throne?" [Walter]
"A... I..." [Michelle]
"I thought so. I once looked up to you, but I still won't forgive you for what you've done." [Walter]
He looked away from Michelle in disappointment. I don't get this asshole, whenever he gets backed up into a corner he targets somebody else.
"My mother does not choose t- [Angelica]
"Shut your mouth you insignificant fool, this does not concern you." [Walter]
I felt a cold chill from his glare, his words carried a sinister aura along with it.
"Walter stop it. This isn't funny anymore." [King Alex]
"You find this funny? Have you finally become senile HUH?! Father!" [Walter]
King Alex was taken aback at what his son has just said to him. He wasn't expecting him to answer like that... Shocked, King Alex wasn't able to answer anymore.
Seeing that he has shot back at King Alex and Michelle, he went back at me.
"How about we make a deal then?" [Walter]
"A deal?" [Angelica]
"If you say that you will never vie for the throne. Then I promise to say that we've simply hidden my sister for her to escape from being assassinated during her wedding, thus removing all of the problems we have for now. I'll also leave this city untouched for either you or her to govern and if you still aren't content with that. I will use my name to protect you from the other nobles and not go after you and your inventions so that you can keep on continuing with your own little adventures. So... what would your choice be?" [Walther]
"The way you say it seems to me like you are trying to threaten me into it." [Angelica]
"I am not trying. It is because I AM THREATENING YOU." [Walter]
Michelle interjects and says: "If you try to put my daughter and family in danger then I will have to present myself as the next successor."
"Dear sister, you are basically dead and forgotten by the people, do you think that they would readily accept you back just because you wanted the throne?" [Walter]
"If I have to prove something to them then I will." [Michelle]
"Prove what? You playing house with that peasant over there all this time? You make me laugh. If that scandal were to come out the populace will go out in anger and id have to put you in exile elsewhere." [Walter]
The cat or should I say, Walter, has got all of our tongues. Fucker has already planned for this.
"?!" [Angelica]
Then... at the corner of the room. I saw Steven... no... Father, who was being silent all of this time, was slowly reaching for his trident. He's going to kill Walter?!
I knew that if a commoner tried to harm a noble they would get a harsh punishment, but if they kill them they could be executed for it.
"Come with me to another room, the two of us will talk there." [Angelica]
When he heard me talk as if being snapped out of it. His hand stops short of the trident.
"A wise choice." [Walter]
I let Walter go out first and stared at father in the eye before I left.
"Angelica?" [Kate]
"Was the meeting finished?" [Regina]
"No, but can I ask the both of you to stay here?" [Angelica]
They both seem to get the gist of what I'm saying and nodded their heads.
We moved to a room a bit farther from there to avoid the others from hearing our conversation. I checked outside before closing the door to make sure nobody was around.
Walter sits in a chair with his feet crossed and acts smugly at me.
"Now then, let's get back to business." [Walter]
"I will agree to your terms but." [Angelica]
"But?" [Walter]
"If you try to harm my fam- [Angelica]
"What CAN, YOU DO, if I DID harm your mother AND father?" [Walter]
He interrupted me from finishing. This fucking cunt...
"If you aren't stupid enough you will know what will happen." [Angelica]
"Hou... amuse me." [Walter]
Still acting on the high horse huh? Well, I'll shake you up a little.
"Then I will have nothing else to lose as I've already lost everything by then. I will take you down with me if I have to." [Angelica]
Walter fell silent as I released all of the killing intent that I've had hidden inside of me. Thinking all of the horrible things that I can possibly do to him if he ever tries to lay even a single finger on my precious mother and father.
If it ever comes down to it I will kill him myself here and now. I wouldn't care about what happens to me after that.
His smug personality is long gone. He looks at me as drops of sweat poured down on his face.
I'm not trapped here with you, you are stuck here with me. Now make your choice and make sure to do it wisely.
"A-alright..." [Walter]
My meeting with Walter came to a close and we followed him outside. He tells about Michelle's circumstances to everyone from the people to advisers and they had all taken the bluff for now.
Oscar opens the door to his carriage. As it opened, a girl with blonde hair almost the same age as me, ran to Walter.
She seemed to be trying to speak with him, but he continued past her and got on the carriage.
The girl went over to us. When she got closer, I can see that she has a beautiful face and figure.
"I apologize in father's stead. Please forgive him, if he has ever done or said something bad."
She bowed to grandfather and also to us in our surprise.
"Alicia?" [King Alex]
"Alicia! We're going back, get inside the carriage now!" [Walter]
Before King Alex can say anything else. Walter, shouted from the inside of the carriage.
"C-coming! Again, I'm sorry please forgive my father. Grandfather... everyone..." [Alicia]
With the last bow she trotted away while holding the hem of her dress and just like that, they were off.
Alicia, huh... I think I like her.
"Sorry for pulling you into this mess. I never imagined Walter coming here." [King Alex]
"It's fine." [Angelica/Michelle]
We both spoke in unison and tried to tone it down.
"Heh, like daughter like granddaughter." [King Alex]
After that, we finished the celebration without any other incident.
Back in the sister's building, most of the sisters were already asleep in their beds. Preparing for almost a day and then serving the following day.
I liked seeing them sleep in their cute little maid uniforms, there happens to be a few who knew how to sew clothing and made them.
In order not to disturb the sisters, the four of us slept in a separate room.
The next morning. I entered the City Hall and was greeted by the staff. There I proceeded to the second floor. Closing the door behind me I let out a sigh...
"Hahh... yesterday was so stressful..." [Angelica]
I leaned over the wall by the side.
"Are you alright my daughter?"
"Depends... If you cook my favorite dish then I will be, mother." [Angelica]
Sitting at her desk, showing a smile. Michelle asked.
"Honey, you said to me that you wanted to have some authority." [Michelle]
"Yes, but not this kind of A-U-T-H-O-R-I-T-Y." [Angelica]
Was she asking if I planned on governing the city? I still don't know much of this world, call it selfish if you will, but I know the stuff that I can and cannot do.
"Mother." [Angelica]
"Yes. My daughter?" [Michelle]
"Can I leave the governance of the city to you?" [Angelica]
"Are you sure that you want me to do that?" [Michelle]
"Yes, please take this as a personal request from me." [Angelica]
"If you say it like that. How can I possibly refuse..." [Michelle]
"Thank you mother..." [Angelica]
Michelle is really caring as she always has been. I left her in the office and met up with Steven who is now outside of the door.
Upon seeing Steven I greeted him.
"Father." [Angelica]
"Angelica." [Steven]
"Thank yo-" [Angelica/Steven]
"Ah." [Steven]
"Heheh." [Angelica]
Our conversation started kind of awkward but we managed to both laugh it off.
"Father, please don't do that again..." [Angelica]
"Do what?" [Steven]
"Acting like you don't know it..." [Angelica]
"I would do it to protect you both." [Steven]
"I will also do the same for you given the circumstances." [Angelica]
We stayed for another two days here in Dalio. While King Alexis and his party returned to the capital.
I hugged Steven and Michelle then said goodbye to them and moved to where the guys were.
"Stop bugging me, cane boy!" [Angelica]
"I'm coming whether you like it or not!" [Irvine]
"Do you want me to play golf with your balls again?" [Angelica]
"I don't know what golf is, but I feel what you are saying is an insult!" [Irvine]
We now have an additional unwelcomed member to our party.
I left the governing of the city to Michelle and Steven.
Mrs. Helen attended the shop with Evelyn, who is the acting mascot/guard dog while I'm gone.
Jose became the temporary headmaster of the school, which fits him just right. He's like Albus Dumbledore, only perverted... I told him to lay his hands off of the sisters when teaching magic. Evelyn, also becomes a weapons instructor, under the condition that she gets treats as payment...
We left Dalio and said goodbye to everyone as we continued on with our adventures.