That night was a difficult one. Several tis Arielle’s temperature fluctuated drastically. Both Ronan and Namina were on standby at all tis. Arielle never woke up or opened her eyes. She only occasionally squird and muttered, ’cold’ or ’hot’.
When the morning ca, there was still no sign that Arielle would co to her senses. Junia, the child who fainted yesterday with Arielle, had woken up and was being treated by a doctor. So did her father, Mr. Arthur, and her older sister, July.
Ronan did not give permission when Mrs. Arthur asked to see Arielle so that she could thank her.
The man took Arielle’s hand and looked at each of the girl’s fingers carefully, as he thought he couldn’t let Arielle go on like this. He got up quickly from the bed. But when he grabbed his shirt, Ronan hesitated again.
If he rode fast, it would take him half a day to get to the palace, and bringing Priest Elis here would also take him half a day.
Besides, if he brought Priest Elis to his manor here, then who would guard the trigram of the globe? He couldn’t ride with Arielle in Northendell’s cold weather either.
Ronan cursed because he couldn’t do anything for Arielle. He rubbed his face in annoyance. He was at a dead end.
He noticed yesterday’s fox who was enjoying its breakfast prepared by Tania. Ronan turned to Arielle and laid down next to the girl again.
"Hey, don’t you want to wake up, sweetheart? At least you have to fill your stomach first," the man whispered as he held Arielle’s peaceful face.
He rested his forehead against Arielle’s then closed his eyes for a mont. He spoke in a low voice.
"You can sleep again after breakfast... don’t make worry like this."
Ronan tried to ignore the knock on his door. But he knew well enough who was knocking on his door in that impatient manner. Ronan guessed right, only a few monts later, William opened the door.
"Western representatives have received the alert we sent yesterday, and they want to et you at the border."
"You can represent . I’m busy," Ronan replied casually.
"The king of Wolgast himself will et you."
"Fuck. Do you still not understand that I am busy?"
William knew this would happen. He withdrew and sent a knight to give an answer that His Majesty the King was on other business and William would represent.
Not long after, the knight ca with several others on horseback. William, who was reading his book at the window, realized that the ssenger had arrived back with three people from the West. He threw away his book and imdiately ran to the king’s room.
Ronan, who was reading a book and occasionally rubbing Arielle’s head, was surprised because the door was opened so suddenly.
"King from Wolgast ca."
"What are you saying?"
"I didn’t see much of a group, but the ssenger I sent is back with a group from the West. And one of them is King Petra himself."
Ronan growled in annoyance, then cursed loudly.
"Go order the knights to check outside the manor and guard the entrance," he ordered. The man grabbed his clothes and put them on carelessly. He tied his belt with his sword at his hip. He did not forget the mask that was also tied tightly.
He looked at Arielle once more. He ordered Tania to look after Arielle then he went down the stairs. William stood behind Ronan and gestured for the guard to open the door.
In front of him stood a man that wore a hood. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword as he pulled back his hood and gave a big smile. But Ronan was not at all impressed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty King Ronan D. Blackthorn, leader of Northendell. The King of Wolgast, His Majesty Petra Frederick, would like to see you," a man shouted behind King Petra’s body.
"Hey, Ronan. Long ti no see," said Petra casually.
Ronan was still standing where he was. He didn’t even bother to hide his expression of annoyance.
"Ah, you’re still as stiff as the last ti we t at my coronation three years ago," Petra said with a chuckle.
"Say what you want," said Ronan coldly. He didn’t want to bother to be friendly.
"Ah, I have received your warning. I have to admit, I was quite surprised," Petra said, cheerfully. He stepped forward, and Ronan put his hand on the handle of the sword on his hip.
Petra, who saw Ronan’s defensive attitude, raised his hands.
"I promise, I’m not bringing anyone but these two bodyguards of mine."
"You’re brave enough to set foot in the North with just two bodyguards," said Ronan, who then turned around.
William signaled for King Petra to follow Ronan in. He ordered the king’s two guards to wait outside the manor. Both looked hesitant as they wanted to protest, but Petra raised one of his hands, asking them to remain calm.
"Well, we work well together, don’t we? So, what am I worried about? The four-pillar kingdoms signed a peace treaty a long ti ago."
Ronan laughed scornfully at the naivety of the viceroy behind him. Petra was only three years his junior. He was appointed to succeed his father three years ago to lead Wolgast.
Nothing really happened during his reign. From the information obtained, his father was still making decisions from behind Petra’s back.
Ronan led Petra into his study.
"I won’t offer you food or drink because I hope you return to the West soon," said Ronan which received a laugh from Petra.
"Okay... now let’s talk about our business," Petra replied, his tone turned serious.
***
Tania massaged Arielle’s hand gently. Arielle’s condition reminded her of what happened nine years ago. At that ti, Princess Arielle disappeared from Princess Andrea’s birthday party and was found unconscious in her tattered dress on the edge of the forest near the palace.
Arielle’s body temperature would rise and drop drastically for a few days. In the South, they didn’t have priests who could use heat trigrams to help with treatnts, so doctors only provided treatnt like people suffering from a common cold.
After a few days of an uncertain body condition, Arielle woke up and said that she did not rember anything that happened while in the forest.
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