The commotion in the market didn't escape the king's hearing. He heard about how the prisoner escaped with the help of several mysterious people.

Of course, he pretended to summon Kira and the four knights to interrogate them on what happened. 

The leader of the four knights immediately dropped himself to the floor and begged the king's mercy.  He was so sure that he would be punished with death for letting go of the person who had attempted to assassinate the previous monarchs.

However, much to his surprise, King Mars Strongmoor looked so understanding. He only ordered them to go find the kidnappers and brought reinforcement to also check Duke Preston's home.

"Even though the duke didn't admit it, we all know that Ellena Greystorm is his biological daughter. Perhaps, he saw this as a last-ditch attempt to save his only child," Mars said calmly. "Go find him and investigate. I strongly believe this must be related to him."

The four knights exchanged glances. The king's words made a lot of sense. They couldn't think of anyone who would have an interest to free Ellena. She didn't have anyone else in this world but Duke Preston and his wife.

No one in their right mind would try to free the enemy of the state and go against the crown. The consequence was just too bad. They would be stripped off of their titles, if any, and their wealth would be confiscated, also, their family would be sent to prison.

However, Duke  Preston must think he could cover up the crime with his influence and power. As long as his men succeeded and the crown couldn't trace it back to him, there was no evidence or witnesses to bring him down, then he could save his daughter from her punishment and just hide her, far away from Draec.

Ellena Greystorm could start a new life somewhere else. Her father's wealth was enough for her to have a good life for generations to come.

"We will check the duke's home, Your Majesty," said the knight, whose name was Eric. "I will talk to my commander to send reinforcement with us."

"Yes, do that. Please update me with any development," Mars said. "I want you to find the culprit and the mastermind behind all this."

"Understood, Your Majesty." The four knights dropped their bodies to the floor once again and thanked the king for his mercy. He didn't punish them for their incompetence, instead, he gave them an opportunity to correct the situation.

Once they left the throne room, Mars turned to Kira who stood still in the corner. He raised an eyebrow. "So?"

"My men have brought her to a secret place. I will go there now to get her to spill the secret on where Duke Preston hid his fortune," Kira said. "Then, I will 'capture' one of the thugs and bring him here to testify against the duke."

"Sounds good," Mars said. He liked working with Kira. She was ruthless, cold, and knew how to do the job well. "Then, I look forward to hearing from you soon."

"Yes." Kira turned around to go, but she halted her steps and suddenly turned to see Mars. She looked hesitant to ask the king a question. Her mouth opened but she couldn't utter the words.

So, Mars asked her instead. "Is there anything you would like to know, Miss Kira?"

Kira bit her lip and then replied. "Actually I... I'm thinking of going back to my father's place after I deal with Ellena. I will say goodbye to Emmelyn tomorrow. However... I don't know where I can find Lord Gewen."

"Oh.. do you want to say goodbye to him too?" Mars thought this was good progress. Kira must think Gewen and she had something that she needed to say goodbye to him before she left.

"Yes," Kira replied flatly. "I haven't seen him around the royal palace or even the capital since the trip to Southberry."

"Oh, really?" Mars agreed that it had been a long time. Usually, Gewen would always hover around his daughter but it's been more than one week that he was nowhere to be seen.

The last time he kind of 'disappeared' like this was when he caught venereal diseases that he almost died. Did he catch another one? No, right?

To Mars' knowledge, Gewen only slept with Kira after his long celibate. So, unless he caught that disease from Kira, then he must be clean.

Mars narrowed his eyes and looked at Kira. Did Kira have a venereal disease? He was wondering.

No. She looked like a guy repellant. She was too fierce and scary. No man in the right mind would date her and have sex with her and—

Well, except for Gewen.

But who said Gewen's mind is right?

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Kira growled. She was unhappy to see Mars's suspicious look. 

Mars immediately got rid of his wandering thoughts. Gewen's and Kira's sexual relationship was not his business.

"Have you tried his parents' house?" Mars asked back. What he meant by 'house' was a majestic and luxurious castle to the north of the capital. The Athibauds lived on a big land not far from Mars' old castle.

"I don't know where it is," Kira admitted. 

"Ahh.. I will ask a servant to come with you and show you his house. I think Gewen will be happy to see you," Mars said.

Well, he could actually imagine Gewen's happiness would be short-lived because he would immediately hear that the reason why Kira came to see him was to say goodbye.

Inwardly, the king felt bad because, for the first time in his life, Gewen fell in love with a woman, and his feelings seemed sincere. Sadly, the woman he loved didn't seem to have the same feelings for him as he did for her.

If he compared Gewen's situation to his and Emmelyn's, Mars wouldn't know what to do if Emmelyn rejected him. Having unrequited love was sad and painful.

Even though people could say that this was his karma because Gewen played with many women's hearts in the past, it didn't mean, as his best friend, Mars wouldn't feel sympathy for Gewen.

Kira looked away. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

Then she turned around and left.

***

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