Matthew froze in surprise when he heard those words. He slowly pulled the dagger away from the bandit's throat and took a few steps back.

he asked in disbelief.

the bandit replied.

he asked in a threatening tone.

asked the bandits' leader, an expression of pure shock on his face.

he shouted.

asked Matthew with an intimidating look.

The bandit freezed at the question. He started trembling like a leaf of fear, then collapsed on the ground on his knees.

he confessed.

the captain asked, a little bit surprised.

he asked, raising an eyebrow.

he asked coldly.

he said, annoyed.

Matthew stayed silent for a moment. Then, he burst into a huge laugh, leaving the bandit very puzzled in front of him.

he said with a smirk.

the bandit whispered, sobbing.

Matthew looked him in disgust. Then, he left the cell, letting the guard close it after him.

Matthew stayed silent for a little while.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

The next morning, Azusa and Mina went to the princess' room. Azusa took the key that her best friend had given her before leaving to unlock the door.

Mina asked, confused.

The young girl opened the door and entered the room. Then, she walked over to the desk by the window and started rummaging through its drawers.

Mina repeated impatiently.

Azusa continued to search as Mina admired the decoration of the room. Pretty curtains covered the windows and the veranda while warm carpets covered the floor. At the far end of the room was a large bed covered with silk sheets and cotton pillows.

She noticed the small bookcase that was in a small corner next to the bed. The latter was full of books of different sizes and covers.

She walked over to it and started reading some headlines that were marked on the border.

Azusa replied with a smile.

Mina picked up a book and began to leaf through it to see its contents.

The girl put the book back in its place and turned around to look at her friend, when her gaze fell on the bedside table where the little music box was.

She stepped forward and took the object in her hands to contemplate it.

she thought, smiling.

As she tried to open it, she noticed below the small lock a tiny emblem made of gold. She looked at it for a long time insistently.

Azusa exclaimed, startling Mina.

The girl quickly put the music box back in its place and walked over to her friend.

she laughed.

At that moment, someone knocked on the door which surprised the girls.

Azusa ordered hesitantly.

It was Gardner who came in, completely breathless.

he said urgently.

Azusa asked, puzzled.

said Azusa, annoyed.

Mina suggested.

The young girl sighed heavily.

After that, they left the room. Azusa made sure to lock the door again before heading to the salon.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

Meanwhile, at the training field, Matthew was supervising the exercises of the new young knights who had just joined the army. He watched them one by one and corrected their smallest mistakes.

A few minutes later, Eric appeared, dressed in his armor, and walked over to his companion.

he greeted with a smile.

he replied, smiling slightly.

Matthew looked back at the knights who kept on training.

he suggested.

Eric replied, a little bit hesitant.

The two young knights moved away from the training ground to make sure no one was listening to them.

Eric said.

he asked, surprised.

he exclaimed in shock.

he asked again, completely confused.

Eric replied.

Matthew sighed deeply.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

Once in the small salon, Azusa found herself facing Cecilia who was sitting in one of the armchairs near the window, drinking tea.

The girl was wearing a sky blue, long-sleeved dress with a pair of brown ankle boots and pearl jewelry. Her hair was styled in a low ponytail.

Seeing Azusa entering, she stood up and bowed to her.

she greeted.

Azusa replied coldly.

she asked with arrogance.

Cecilia sighed heavily, then smirked.

she said sarcastically.

Azusa replied bitterly.

As she walked towards the door, Cecilia walked past Azusa, approached her and whispered in her ear.

she said with a cocky smile.

She left the room, leaving behind an Azusa more pissed off than ever.

she whispered angrily.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

At the palace entrance, in the large courtyard, a pretty carriage awaited Cecilia's return.

Seeing her, the middle-aged footman opened the door so that the girl could get in.

she said.

She sat down in the seat as George closed the door behind her and climbed up to sit next to the driver.

she said in a little voice.

a male voice asked her.

she replied as she watched the landscapes pass before her eyes through the window.

The handsome young man sitting in front of her, very tall and very muscular with a pale skin, snow-white hair and red eyes like burning rubies, lowered his head and smiled slightly.