Chapter 11

Chapter 11

“Well, so it’s you guys.”

The gardeners, ladies-in-waiting, maids, servants, and other related low-ranking nobles... There seemed to be a variety in the mix. If Davey had tried to catch them himself, probably half of them would have run away, so this was good. They were supposed to be working at the palace, but had taken advantage of Davey’s coma and ran away. They were also embezzlement criminals, taking their salaries without paying back a penny.

They looked terrified upon seeing Davey, as the rumor that he had lost his mind had already spread.

“Royal Attendant Bespard.” “Yes, Your Highness.”

“What is the punishment in this case?”

“They are heinous criminals. Originally, the punishment was the beheading of them and their immediate family members,” Bespard replied without hesitation.

The servants, who were tied up, were left in horror.

“Yo... Your Highness! I have committed a terrible crime!” “P... Please spare our lives!”

Most humans were willing to forgive after seeing people tremble and beg for forgiveness. Even if Davey was said to be crazy, he still was a ruler with a soft spot for affection, so the servants probably thought that he might cut them some slack. Or maybe this was their attempt at grasping at straws to live on.

“There’s a funny rumor that’s been spreading around the palace recently.”

“What ‘rumor’ are you talking about?”

Ignoring the people begging on their knees, Davey spoke while staring at the royal attendant Bespard, “That I’m crazy for blood.”

“There is a rumor of that sort, yes.” Bespard spoke firmly, as if he could never speak in an evading manner.

Since the priest who came to treat Davey at his palace was slashed by a sword, it wasn’t strange that a rumor like that was going around. It was an immediate punishment without any investigation.

Of course, that was not a good enough reason to do something to Davey. This was basically why Queen Lynesse had only punished Davey with probation and was just quietly watching him. But something else may happen if Davey’s position weakened even more and the unjust ruling got worse with time. For now, all Davey was doing was punishing those who had violated the law.

“Then I must act accordingly.”

Royal Attendant Bespard silently lowered his head, then spoke to the knights who brought these kneeling servants. “Did you hear His Highness’ command?” “Yes!”

“Take them away. They are heinous criminals who dared to embezzle the precious national treasury. Lock them up and don’t even give them water. You will be beheaded in four days!”

“Oh, Mister Royal Attendant!”

“Please don’t kill me!”

Clearly ignoring the begging and crying, Bespard shouted sternly, “They are ones that leeched off the kingdom’s subjects and filled their own bellies. What are you doing?! Take them away!”

After those words, the knights dragged the begging and crying people out. Once that was done, Bespard addressed Davey again. “Then I will take my leave, Your Highness.”

“Did you say that this was an order from Her Majesty the Queen?”

“Yes. She said that she had been looking for those who dared to embezzle the national treasury.”

“That’s freaking ridiculous.”

Bespard was a little shocked at Davey’s words. “Your Highness, please remember your rank and use less profane language, please.”

‘Sorry, pops, but I’ve seen it all now

.

I remember you used to smile at me often and give me snacks when I was younger.’

“I will pick new people to work and have them here by the afternoon.”

“Put Amy as my personal lady-in-waiting. Since she’s had a lot on her plate, promote her to head of the ladies-in-waiting. And I can give bonuses separate from the palace’s budget, right?” “That’s right.”

Davey missed these voices. As he smiled with delight and allowed them to come in, the door flew open and a little boy and girl came running in. They were two children with green hair that suited them well. Fourth Prince Baris, and his twin, the Second Princess Winley, were both 14 years old.

“It’s been a while.”

“Big brother! When I heard that you had woken up, I managed to find time and came here on my horse as fast as I could. What a relief!” Baris shouted cutely.

When Davey ruffled Baris’ hair, Winley approached Davey as if she wanted a pat too. Davey then asked with a big grin, “Have you guys been well?”

The two nodded energetically.

“Of course. I am your younger brother. Nothing about living in the countryside is hard.”

“Ha! Weren’t you the one complaining nonstop?”

“What? How dare you speak to your older brother like that? And didn’t you also complain about the robbers as well?”

“You’re funny! You call someone born five minutes early older?”

“Ha!”

Seeing them bicker and chatter, Davey couldn’t help but smile. They were part of the few who weren’t Davey’s enemies. Just like in the past, they were people Davey trusted.

7. Surprise Attack.

Unlike the stupid, thoughtless Second Prince Carlus, or the creepy Benedict who had a twisted ideology, Baris and Winley were funny enough to make one doubt their royal status. They just seemed like bickering twin brothers and sisters.

The two had loud personalities, and they were now busy growling at each other. They almost forgot that Davey was there. Davey really felt like he was seeing children in their early teens. These guys were only 14; they had time to be childish and to play–well, at least by Davey’s standards.

“I’m glad to hear that you’ve been well. You were so little, and now you’ve grown so much.”

“It’s been six years, after all. After you collapsed, we went straight to the countryside.”

As Baris mumbled, looking somewhat angry, Davey couldn’t help but smile. He said, “Yeah, I roughly know about the situation.” It was safe to say that Queen Lynesse got rid of Baris, who was a distraction when choosing the candidate for the next king. It was also Queen Lynesse who sold over the First Princess Tanya, the First Concubine’s daughter, to a different country without batting an eyelid. Thus, Davey understood why she tried to get rid of the two, who had quite loud personalities.

“And you saw Father?”

“Yes.”

“How is he doing?”

“He looked a little tired. And...” Baris stopped in the middle of his sentence.

At the same time, Winley tilted her head in confusion. “Davey, you have not met Father yet?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

Winley frowned at Davey’s remark, as if she didn’t like it. “Oh my...”

The king’s own son woke up from a coma after six years, and it’s been five months. Yet, Davey hasn’t seen his father’s face.

“I’ll probably get to meet him soon.”

“Big brother....”

Baris and Winley were also Davey’s step-siblings, but unlike the Second and Third Princes, these two really liked Davey. It was probably because, like Davey, they were also affectionate. But they were also tenacious and hardworking as well. That was why Davey liked and trusted them; the fact that Baris would be perfect as the next king would always be true.

“How could Her Majesty the Queen be so cold...” Winley reached out to Davey with a tearful face, and Davey hugged her. He silently patted her on the back.

“Are you feeling okay? I saw it on the way here. The palace...”

Davey nodded at Baris, who couldn’t finish his sentence. He explained, “There were people who embezzled the national treasury. Since I caught all of them and dragged them out, things should return to normal soon.”

Listening to Davey, Baris clenched his jaw in anger. “How could they... They knowingly abandoned you! By using the fact you were bedridden!”