Two weeks has passed by and Aurelian had started his own private investigation. Both by the southern and Northern region where the phantom veil elixir can be found. He personally went about, following leads and asking questions. But somehow it all leads to a dead end. From his intel, about seven people that were present on the ball night, died that year. Including Noble men, the head of security and a young herbalist. "The person behind that incident made sure to cover his tracks", Aurelian muttered to himself inside the moving carriage. He was currently on his way to visit the family of the young herbalist in the Northern region. He had informed Draven of his whereabouts and the current status of his investigation. Upon arriving at the late young herbalist family house. He decends from the carriage and looked at the house in front of him. Small but humble. Stepping to the front door he hopes against hope that he gets some helpful informations. He takes a deep breath and knock. After a while, a middle aged woman opens the door. She takes in Aurelian's posture, his attire then the guards behind him. "You.. you're the Royal Consort," she states after a full minute of silence. Aurelian nods and smiles, "I am Prince Aurelian… Husband to the Crown Prince." The woman bows quickly. "Your Grace… I didn't recognise you. I'm sorry," she apologizes. "It's okay, ma'am. I should be the one apologising for coming without a clear invitation." "No, not at all, please come in, Your Grace." Aurelian nods and follows her in. His assigned guards stands outside, keeping watch. Inside, the woman pours Aurelian a cup of warm tea, "Your highness, I'm sorry, this is all I have", she apologizes, voice low and shaky. Aurelian sips the tea and let out a satisfied moan,"this is very tasty ma'am, thank you".
The woman smiles at Aurelian's compliment, the tension in her shoulders visibly relaxing. "To what do I owe this visit, Your Grace?" She asks, folding her hands on her lap. Aurelian takes in her nervous gesture before speaking,"well...I have a few questions regarding your late son, may his soul be blessed", he states, adding a little prayer as respect. The woman takes in a shuddering breath and smiles weakly,"Your Grace, my son, Caelum died years ago,c...can I know what t..this is about?" She asks. Aurelian falls silent for a while, ruminating on how much to reveal. "Your son has been connected to an ongoing investigation" he says finally. The woman gasps, not too loudly but enough to express her surprise or perhaps panic? "It'll be appreciated if you can...tell me about your son...or something he was involved in before his death", Aurelian added. He wasn't persuading her but he knew the information she could give would be helpful. "Caelum... he was a good kid, you know", she started. "At a young age, he showed interest in herbs and antidotes and... healing others", she continued. Aurelian leaned forward, listening to her words intently. "So, he studied... about healing", she paused, her brows creasing together, "but then one day, he came home, saying he needs to learn about poisons", She added, unshed tears shining in her eyes. "Did he mention the reason for the sudden change in interest?" Aurelian questioned. "He had mentioned that the Grand Duke was going to give a special opportunity to one person whose specialty is poison", she replied. Aurelian raised an eyebrow, "the Grand Duke?" He asks. The woman nods and continues, "Caelum changed drastically, from being a sweet healer to someone obsessed with studying poisons" "I'm sorry but during this time, was there perhaps someone else he was working with?" Aurelian asks. "No, no-one, he did all his studying himself" she replied. Aurelian leans back, his thoughts connecting, he's gotten another lead. The Grand Duke is involved somehow, but how? Just then the woman suddenly remembers something, "Although there was something weird then, the head of security would often come, asking Caelum if he's found 'the poison' yet" she states. For Aurelian the missing gaps were beginning to fill. He was now certain that the young herbalist was the one who recommended the phantom veil elixir. "I found it weird at the time because, the head of security is known for his close relationship with the Grand Duke" the woman added. That was the final clue for Aurelian. If the Grand Duke had found someone to look for an effective poison, then the head of security was the one who allowed the poison to get past the security. But motive? He couldn't put his finger on a reason behind it. Aurelian rose to his feet,"Thank you very much for your cooperation ma'am, you've been helpful" he says gratefully. The woman quickly stands up and bow,"anytime, your Grace, anytime". Aurelian smiles and exits the house. The guards outside bowed as he comes out. They lead him back to the carriage. Aurelian enters the carriage, his mind pulsing with the need to tell Draven what he had uncovered. But as the carriage starts moving, some men, wearing masks surrounds the carriage. They easily overpower Aurelian's guards because of their numbers. Aurelian tries to fight back but he was knocked unconscious from behind. They bundle Aurelian and carry him away, deep into the Northern region. Far within the Northern region, danger waited with open arms.