Arin Helev was on a pavilion, chatting with Iria as he waited for his friend to arrive.
"I think it's better for you to rest in the chamber," the King pointed out. "The weather is cold here outdoors."
"Winter only started, Arin. Once it reaches its peak, I won't be able to go out much anymore. So, I have to take advantage of this and go out often while I could. Besides, I'm only here to get some fresh air," Iria replied in a calm voice.
Arin stared at her for a few seconds before he asked, "How did you get through winter last year?"
The Queen recalled and said, "Cedore isn't that cold compared to Qalagon. However, when it's hard to bear, I locked up myself in my chamber. I helped my uncle a lot and I always have many works to do anyway. So, no one suspects me.."
"They deserve to know, Iria," Arin said in a firm yet calm voice. "They are your family."
"I know."
"Orius... it will be hard for him if he hears this," Arin sighed, thinking of her response. "You know but you never did."
Iria maintained her silence for a while and asked, "When will Hanson arrive?"
Her question only made Arin frowned. "You always change the topic."
"I know that everything you said is right, Arin," Iria replied. "Don't worry. I already learned my lesson."
He glanced at her as if he was trying to know if she was serious. Then he finally nodded with a little smile. "I'll trust you." He glanced around their surroundings and said, "Everything will be fine soon, Iria. This case... it will soon be solved."
Iria raised a brow, confused. "Do you find some lead?" she promptly asked.
"Kind of. I'll explain to you once I prove it."
Iria noticed that something was strange but she still nodded. He was always trustworthy anyway.
It wasn't a matter of time before Antony came and informed the King that General Hanson was here.
"Can I come and watch you two?" Iria asked.
"Let's do it some other time," Arin quickly replied. "You already stayed outdoors for almost an hour. It's not good for your shoulder."
Though Iria still wished to stay outdoors for a bit longer, she knew that he was right. "Fine then," she responded with a nod.
With that said, Arin left for the training ground while she retreated to her chamber.
*
"I just realized that whenever we train together, you always pick archery and we rarely have a friendly match on sword fighting," Arin Helev said to his friend who was standing beside him with his gaze focused on the target. "And everyone in this kingdom knew that archery is my strength."
"Even if I pick sword fighting, I won't be able to win," Hanson Lorin said and released the arrow which perfectly hit the bull's eye. Slightly raising his bow, he added, "So, choosing the less taxing one is a smart move."
Aiming at the target, the King pulled the string and focused. "When we were young, my father always told me that I'm lucky to have a friend like you. It's because for royals, true friendship is like a rare gem that doesn't always come by. That's why I always cherish our friendship."
Arin released the arrow and perfectly hit the bull's eye just like his friend. Without saying anything, Hanson Lorin picked up another arrow and took aim while Arin stared at him.
The General pulled the string and focused on the target once again. However, just when he was about to release it, he slowly reduced the pressure until both his hands fell to his sides. Then he turned to the King who was still observing him.
Hanson understood the situation and put away the bow and arrow before he dropped to his knees. "You already know everything, Your Majesty. Why must you feign ignorance?"
Glancing down at his friend who kneeled before him, the King's face was unreadable. "It's really you," he muttered and added, "The one who sent that letter to me. You know that I found out but you still came."
"This is my homeland. I won't go anywhere," Hanson Lorin muttered.
The King put away his bow. "Do you know what I wondered for the whole day, Hanson? I wonder how long will you be able to hold back and how far will you be willing to go. I also wonder how long will you be able to feign ignorance."
"Your Majesty -"
"I couldn't believe it at first but... the handwriting I saw on those scrolls in your desk is undeniably similar to the one I receive that day," Arin Helev said. He briefly turned away and looked at his friend again. "What am I suppose to do now?"
"I cannot stop my father," Hanson uttered, looking up at the King. "I know that he is going down the wrong path but I can't reveal anything knowing the punishment for his crime. I hope that he will be back to his sense but... " he paused as he couldn't continue anymore.
"When did you find out?" Arin inquired. Much to the General's surprise, he was very calm but... that was never a good sign.
"The night before the assassination attempt happened," Hanson replied. "I overheard him giving the order to the assassins. When I first heard of the missing cases, I have no idea that my father is the one behind them. I can only send you that letter."
Arin Helev clenched his fist, trying to keep himself in check. It was so hard and looking at his friend, his heart broke!
He knew why the Minister of War did this. He already figured out everything during the day and... he also knew how much his father meant to Hanson.
He finds himself stuck in the situation which he truly hated!
Arin knew that the Minister of War was always a trustworthy official who was loyal to the throne and the kingdom. If only he didn't lose his eldest son in that war 4 years ago, none of this would have happened.....
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