CH 41.1

“What?”

“As people begin to think about things more and more, they start to become certain about what it is that they want.”

Silence hung in the air.

“Then, once you are certain of what you want, you can no longer let go of it.”

“Ah….” Iveka said, squeezing her eyes shut. “Then it was wrong from the beginning. I shouldn’t have said that to the seniors.”

She had no idea where things had gone wrong. It must have been because they had spent his birthday together. They had shared a meal together, before taking a walk near Lake Menata, which many people did every day.

She had done similar things with other men, so why was this different?

Iveka realized that she was alone. Her love affair thus far had been mild in nature, only possible because she concealed her identity. She hid the fact that ‘Eve Jean’ of the Royal Orchestra was also an employee of the Investigation Bureau.

He was the first person she had told about her double identity.

She could not help it, she talked to him so often, her secrets were bound to come out eventually. She had slipped up that day at the park, telling him more than she had planned to.

“You know Reina?” Ivekaasked blankly.

“I… I think I like the reflection of myself in his eyes.”

“What are you talking about?”

“That’s how he sees me. Thoughtful, competent, I can deal with extreme pain, and have no knowledge gaps…… That’s how I express myself to them.”

“I don’t think so.”

Reina frowned, a crease appearing in the middle of her forehead.

“It’s natural to want to appear beautiful in front of people. It’s not a crime to want to be accepted by someone. I think he’s really meant to be your partner. Isn’t it love when you’re happy?”

Iveka said nothing.

She thought that it would be better if Kaiden came back soon. It would be easier for her to catch smugglers if he was around.

Iveka knew that the time had come for her to let go, but she was no longer sure that she could.

***

The king was always busy. Of course, not every king was always busy, but Daniel always had things to do. He met with a lot of people each day, finding out valuable information. In addition, he exercised each morning, keeping his body in shape. He approved almost every official document issued. Despite everything that kept him busy, he looked forward to Iveka’s comprehensive report.

Anriq noticed that Daniel took a personal interest in the woman. He asked her for her opinion and actually listened to what she said. Daniel took an interest in her personal life. Moreover, Daniel had been preparing flavours of tea that he did not like.

Daniel had not asked any personal questions to a pharmacist, who had clearly had her eye on becoming queen. Instead, he asked the woman from the investigative department questions.

He would laugh and smile at her simple answers. Sometimes, Anriq would find him standing in his room, looking at the card she had given him.

As Anriq observed them interacting on the king’s birthday, it was obvious that they had crossed the line between being only the king and his subject. Anriq was not sure when that had started, but it was clear that they were comfortable with each other.

When the two of them had been sitting in the park, sharing a cup of tea, Anriq noticed the king’s expression. It was different to how he looked when talking to anyone else. He seemed to be teasing her.

However, in a conversation with investigative director Lucas, Daniel told Kayden to return to the post of delivering the comprehensive report.

Anriq was not in a position where he could ask his king why. However, it soon became clear. Daniel’s half-brother Ruben had entered the monastery while volunteering there.

“Staram? Is something going on?”

Ruben was a progressive member of the royal family who quarrelled with Daniel over the throne. He was confident that the empire’s rebellion would end in success. Of course, the rebels had a great interest in the electrical technology of Staram Island.

“The smuggling of items from Staram is increasing greatly. I don’t think there’s any particular demand, but I’m working on something.”

“You are the king, you have other things that take up your time. Why don’t you let the investigation department take care of that?”

“There are always signs before something big happens. It’s important to look out for those signs before it is too late. If Staram side wins, there will be great tragedy across the land. I’m asking you because I think it’s better to ask my brother than the investigation bureau.”

Daniel placed the report next to him and lowered his eyes.

“If there’s room to compromise, I’ll do so.”

“What are you doing”?

“Anything I need to.”