Chapter 122 One Week Of Madness Part II: Unease

Royal Palace, Noble District.

At the same time the madness is happening, the nobles looked at the rising smoke from distances with restless expressions plastered on their face. They're waiting for the so-called counterattack that has yet to happen.

With each passing second, the enemy has gotten closer. The Royal Guards had a lot to do in terms of battle preparation. Although their highest leader in command, Philip, is nowhere to be seen, he leaves them with a defensive measure and strategy to be used. Royal Guards still has a decent line of leadership to take over Philip's position.

Obviously, Philip doesn't tell his subordinates that he is fleeing away. Instead, he convinces them that he is on the mission of securing the safety of the new king. He promised them that he would return as soon as possible which was not considered a lie since the context of the promise does not specify a limit for 'quickly'.

Thus, the left-behind soldiers have been operating under the presumption that Philip will return once the battle begins this entire time.

Due to that, Royal Guards spared a bare minimum amount of manpower for security. They had a hard time getting rid of the crowds and preventing them from breaking into the palace area.

Citizens are swarming into the palace ground and its vicinity like a locust, hoping to seek protection. It is getting out of hand and it shows no sign of end. The Royal Guards themselves are exhausted. They wonder if they would survive the incoming attack.

Despite the warning and threat given, it has little to no effect on them as fear has long dominated their hearts.

Catherina who could bear to stay coop any longer walks out of her room. She wants to know the current status.

"Where is the king?" Catherina asked in an instant she approached the soldier from behind.

The soldier was startled by the sudden appearance of the Queen Mother. Yet, he managed to recover his surprise. He replied without a delay, "Your Majesty, I apologise for my lack of knowledge. I have no idea of their whereabouts. I haven't seen the king for a while now."

Catherina expresses a scowl on her face, ignoring the soldier before her. In this crisis, she doesn't care about her poised public image. This is the fifth time she asked about Niall and she receives the same answer every single time.

For the past hour, albeit there's a movement on the guards' side, the high command of the Royal Guards has been silent. Her suspicion of her son has fled the city to save his own ass is getting stronger. And so does her anger.

"That asshole! He actually dared to run away! What a disappointment, he doesn't possess a quarter of his father's bravery," Catherina curses her son. This is the first time in many years she has been so angry.

Leaving with no choice left, she moves to her next destination. To the place where Count Caushilbo and his son reside.

Based on the Count's offer earlier, he must be willing to take charge of the Royal Guards.

Maids belonging to the Caushilbo family hastily informed the couple about the arrival of the Queen Mother. It surprised the couple and took them some time to prepare themselves.

"Please take a seat, Your Majesty." said the count. His maid immediately poured tea into the queen's cup.

"Thank you." Catherina sipped the tea served to her. The warm temperature of the tea was perfect for her to quench her thirst. She couldn't help but praise the tea that was prepared "I must say, your maid is really good at brewing tea."

"I'm glad that you like it, Your Majesty. May I ask the reason you're here? I don't think your majesty would come all the way here just for a cup of tea."

"Indeed, I wouldn't waste my time on trivial matters. However, before that, may I ask how the countess current condition is?"

"Sigh..." It's the first thing that comes out of his mouth. From his reaction, Catherina can safely assume it is not pleasing news.

"She is not particularly good but her condition is improving over the past few months. The death of our firstborn causes a huge damage to her...and me too. However, the news about the massacre of Szazki family caused her condition to take a turn for the worse. She returned to be emotionally unstable and often has an outburst now and then. I'm sure your majesty also understands the feeling of losing someone close to you more than my wife does."

"Yes," Catherina calmly replied. She sipped her tea first before continuing, "In a way, our fate is the same. The only difference is I know the killer of my son and most probably my husband too."

Count Caushilbo instantly raised his eyebrows. Like lightning struck on his head, he came to a realization. "Don't tell me the killer is..."

A simple nod is all Catherina has to do to confirm Count's guess. "You're right, although I lack evidence, my feeling strongly told me that Niall is responsible for it. Which brings me to my purpose of coming here. Apparently, Niall, the butler and presumably high rank of Royal Guards has fled."

"I'm sorry...What?" He was shocked by this revelation.

"Yes, you heard it right. Though I don't know where they're going, I am sure you understand the direness of our situation. If all nobles in the capital were to be captured or killed..." Catherina couldn't finish her word.

Will this kingdom still exist? Perhaps not with powerful nations eyeing for it right now. If it does exist, it's probably not the same as the one she knows.

"I see...You want me to take command, is it?"

"Yes, I'm sure you have a business to settle with him."

"Exactly! I wouldn't have a good sleep if I couldn't avenge the Szazki. Therefore, rest assured, Your Majesty." Count Caushilbo looks at Catherina with resolute eyes.

The Queen Mother doesn't utter any words but only smiles. If she gets out of this mess alive, she'd return to her home in Caberia and spend the rest of her life there.

She has no attachment to this kingdom anymore. All the people she cares for have long departed from this world.

Not long after, both of them heard a series of explosions nearby indicating the arrival of the enemy.