7.1: Expedition

CHAPTER 7.1

Expedition

“I REFUSE,” Lucas immediately responded while he held the urge to cross his arms, “why me? I’m the crowned prince, King Alexander. I can’t abandon the kingdom. Why don’t we send some people to search for her?”

“Consider this as an expedition I specifically tailored for you,” King Alexander reasoned out as he gestured, “most princes don’t experience setting off in a journey, but some; specifically, those whose countries are involved in war, are sent out to fight in order to prove themselves worthy of the throne.”

“But I don’t have anyone to compete with.” Albeit his reply was nothing but a mere whisper, his father chuckled.

But the king sure agreed. It’s true. Lucas has no competition with ascending the throne, there is no direct heir aside from him and almost everyone sees him fit for being a leader. Well, almost since skeptics still lurk around every corner of their kingdom, doubting Lucas’ capabilities to lead which is something he can’t blame them for.

“And you have nothing to prove yet,” King Alexander soon replied with this mischievous smile that crept on his lips as he darted his gaze on him. It was as though the king was challenging him, “while it’s a fact that you can ascend the throne without any competition, have you ever proved anything to me and your people?”

Lucas gasped at the remark. What the hell? He always thought of proving his worth by studying hard and spending his time in training—he always passed his subjects with ease and he always believed that his excellency was enough to help him rule. Never had he ever thought that he’d be sent to an expedition!

“Anyway,” King Alexander trailed off before he cleared his throat and began to read the documents Duke Louwes placed in front of him, “I’m not asking for your approval, Lucas. Whether you like it or not, you’ll have to set out on an expedition to search for the Princess.”

“But wouldn’t that raise suspicions, King Alexander?” he asked, unsure of what is about to unfold in front of him.

Even though he has nothing to say or he’s not allowed to refuse this expedition, Lucas still thinks that the Demelza family would wonder where he’s been sent off. What if word comes out and war would boil out during his absence?

King Alexander then replies nonchalantly, “we could just say that I sent you off to complete an expedition. How would that sound suspicious? The Demelza family won’t think that we’re searching for someone who’s already lost.”

“No, but you used to be friends with the late king—”

“—and you’re engaged to the current princess,” King Alexander cut him off by throwing out an idea that he would never be able to debunk—and this, out of Lucas’ frustration, propelled him to suck in a breathe, “is there any way that they would raise their suspicion if you’re just about to wed Princess Luan?”

“No.”

“Exactly.” King Alexander clapped his hands. “If you’ve finally realized my points, then I want you to go back to your chamber and rest. I’ve heard from Chief Knight Lyte that you’re not feeling well, hence, she sent you our early to rest. You may go now.”

Lucas took a deep breathe and conceded to the king’s orders. He bowed down to give respects before he excused himself, but as he was about to turn his heel against his father, King Alexander reminded him of something.

“By the way, we’ll have a meeting with Merlin to discuss your expedition, Lucas,” King Alexander announced.

So, there’s really no way to back out, isn’t it? Lucas internally huffed at the thought. He really didn’t want to meddle with Princess Selene—but the situation called for it. What’s worse is that, he’ll be sent out to search for her. Moreover, if it meant betterment for both Izquierdo and Vintress kingdom, then he shall do whatever duty his father had passed upon him.

*

“YOU TOLD him to set off in a journey?!” Halos mahulog sa sahig ang panga ni Merlin nang marinig ang balita sa kanya ni Haring Arthur. “I know that you don’t like beating around the bush but a sudden expedition probably surprised him too! He just found out what’s happening within Izquierdo kingdom.”

“I’m aware. ‘Di ko rin dapat bibiglain si Lucas pero mayroon siyang nabanggit na lugar sa ‘kin habang nag-uusap kami.”

Parehong nag-uusap noon sina Merlin at Haring Alexander sa pamamagitan ng communication spell, na siyang hindi niya inasahan dahil kamakailan lang e naimbento ang telepono—a convenient device for communication because it doesn’t require mana. Ipinagpilitan kasi ni Haring Alexander na baka may makarinig ng usapan nilang dalawa ni Merlin kung sa telepono nila pag-uusapan ang tungkol sa ekspedisyong ibinigay ng hari sa prinsipe.

‘There could be people listening to our conversation and words may spread that we’ll be searching for Princess Selene,' was what he told Merlin in order to persuade him to resort by casting a communication spell instead.

“Merlin, alam mo ba ang Nethermoore?” pag-uusisa ng hari.

Kumunot ang noo ni Merlin. “I don’t believe so, King Alexander. Ano ba ang Nethermoore?”

“I figured. Recently, Lucas went to Izquierdo kingdom to investigate the royal family and the file I’ve provided him before. According to the mercenaries that I hired, there was a wasteland near Rutchill woods but they couldn’t get close to it since the security’s tight. Nonetheless, Lucas was able to sneak.”

Merlin paid extra attention to the conversation when he deemed the topic to be heavy. There’s this seeping burden in every words that escaped the king’s mouth as he explained the reason how he has heard this place called ‘Nethermoore’. In all honesty, when Merlin was still a citizen of Izquierdo kingdom, such place didn’t exist—and near Rutchill woods? As far as he can remember, the location near Rutchill woods was the village named aftee the woodlands, Rutchill village.

It was a small village but people lived with satisfaction and riches offered to them by its rich soil. If he remembers it correctly, the late King Arthur used to go on short expeditions to observe the entirety of his country and Merlin was able to accompany him once.

“There is no Nethermoore, King Alexander. Rather, it’s Rutchill village that’s located near the woodlands,” he explained as he held his chin, “but proceed with your explanation. It’s been a long time since I’ve dropped by the fallen kingdom, I’m not aware of the changes made by the Demelza family.”

With his approval, King Alexander shared what Prince Lucas told him. It was then when someone knocked on his door, a knight from Vintress palace, and gave him a document which contained a copy of Prince Lucas’ report from his investigation. According to the documents, Nethermoore is a hell worse than Etiathra—or hell, in simpler terms.

If both humans and vampires suffered from the hands of the royal family, then it’s most likely that Izquierdo kingdom is about to fall into shambles—to tiny pieces until it turns to dust. Indeed, the war and the Demelza’s current administration may have saved half or even less of the territory but if it seem like the citizens are experiencing the consequences, then it’ll take a toll on the territory itself.

There is no report of pollution—but Merlin knew that it probably loomed from other parts of the land, knowing that before Demelza family ascended the throne, they once polluted a small river in the villages of Redus and Sergia, but this is another story saved for something else.

King Alexander also mentioned child and women trafficking, slavery, torture, execution, and other horrendous murders to eradicate the people and vampires who still chose to place their trust on the Griego family—it is also included in Lucas’ report.

But Merlin’s question was... what if they’re only branded as the Griego family’s “supporters” in order to justify what seems to be “treachery”? The war occurred several years ago and only a few subordinates of the fallen royal family survived—including him.

“I want you to come here as soon as possible, Merlin. We’ll hold a meeting with my son,” King Alexander ordered, authority and dominance was evident in his voice, “also, if you may; kindly brief Prince Lucas on what he’s supposed to expect from his mission.”

“You mean... in finding Princess Selene, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

For some reason, Merlin could see King Alexander nod his head slowly and the images inside his head prompted him to let out a chuckle.

Then, he exhaled sharply. “Alright, I’ll make sure to clear my schedule.”

“You have a clear schedule, Merlin. You’re just strolling around Lullin village, acting as their guide,” King Alexander responded as a matter of fact-ly.

This made Merlin hum in amusement. “But I’ll have to see what I can do to set Prince Lucas’ expectations, Your Majesty. As you know... we’re not the only ones who’ll be searching for her from now on. There are others...”

A grim smile curled on his lips but there was no hint of evil in Merlin’s visage, rather; he looked menaced, threatened, as he thought of who else had their interest set on the lost vampire princess.

... assassins from Izquierdo kingdom.