"That's the end of my report"
"You may go now Jason"
After Jason left Prince Ethan's study, he started contemplating, this mission seemed to be going smoothly. Too smoothly, he felt like something bad was going to happen. Although increasing the cost of their daily necessities and a small revolt from the citizens seemed to do the trick. Is there a counterattack we might not be aware of?
" Prince Ethan your friend Duke Francis is here " Clara his personal maid told him while taking a leaving bow. Francis was the youngest duke in the country.
* * *
Francis was on his way to confirm the situation in Hasen, it was Saturday, so he had to go early to come back in time for school on Monday.
" You know according to my source this morning, everything is going smoothly, except for Duke Reinhart's faction. A bunch of greedy men being bossed around by another selfish guy doesn't sound like good news. Especially since he's part of the court." Francis said analyzing.
"Wait... I remember my dad called him to his study, it wasn't a very friendly meeting. It happened a week before school began. I think it was over this situation. " Ethan said thoughtfully.
" No wonder... That explains a few things. It seems your dad knows but lacks sufficient evidence for punishment. They seem unaffected by the increase in price. Just how much money have they cheated?" Francis asked with a frown.
" Or maybe... We have a traitor giving it to them at market price and foiling or plans." Ethan said with calm composure worthy of a Prince.
"But this was private though... Unless?"
" Investigate Hasen for confirmation first, even if it's just for a day do so yourself. " Ethan said thoughtfully.
" I'll do so no worries, also.... I asked Aura to come here for the weekend, I hope you can accept her my Lord." Francis said with a smirk.
Ethan's eyes flashed with an unreadable emotion, his hands turning to fist to hold back his fluster. " What! Why?"
He'd been avoiding her since his good friend just had to deliver her on a golden platter.
" Her dad... I pulled her dad on this."
" What! You know this is dangerous. You didn't even tell me. " Ethan said getting angry.
" And I'm sorry.." he replied taking a dramatic pause that was so like him and the drama he was creating now.
" Hasen is his turf, heck he's a Duke there and he's from the place, he has more connections there than I do. He can make the investigation faster, besides I feel there's a bigger plan Reinhart's faction has than just stealing loot like Robin hood 2.0 and we need to find out."
Ethan breathed out in exasperation and conceded. "Well you're right on that last point. If I've known him well over the years he's as ambitious as his son. If not more." He said squinting his eyes
" Give us something to work with, you may go" Ethan said patting his back as he made of .
" You could've said goodbye like a real friend, acting all formal." Francis said switching back to his playful style.
"Goodbye" Ethan said still walking ahead.
" Well with her here, there are guards and my trusted friend. Wouldn't want any harm to come to her while she's there, especially because of me. I'm not sure at this point how long this is going to last." Francis said to himself while walking out.
*************
Meanwhile back in his room Ethan had an excited look in his eyes as well as helpless. He's excited to see her but that means he'd be trying to avoid her here as well when he's supposed to play host.
'Ugh ' he thought ruffling his hair and bringing up his bangs more in the process.
"This is hard" he mummured, the feelings he had been avoiding all week was coming here with full blast over 24 hours.
Everytime he closed his eyes all he wants was her, but he couldn't become such a person. His reason wouldn't permit he. He groaned wishing things were much simpler, he'd have her in his arms right now forgetting about the world.
Soon enough.... Soon