117 Leopold (1/2)

Fifteen years ago

”How is the situation at Kimpler?” Leopold asked his new right hand. His name is Braun and despite being a Baron, Braun was talented and smart.

”Not good” Braun shook his head and pointed at the westernmost castle on the map laid on the table. ”They are low on provisions and the Tulosans greatly outnumber them. They need immediate reinforcements.”

”Have you told Marquis Benedict about it?”

Braun looked at him as if he wanted to say something. ”Your Majesty…”

”Go on” Leopold said. He wanted this to be over as soon as possible. His head was aching and he wanted to rest.

”I don't think Marquis Benedict is the best man for this. The Marquis is a great man, respected by everyone. But I think his sense of honor will get in the way. It would be better to have your brother lead the reinforcements”

”Wilson?” Leopold was bewildered by the Baron's suggestion. ”Wilson is in Ront. Why him?”

”Because he's more cunning that Marquis Benedict, Your Majesty. Unlike Marquis Benedict your brother is not shackled by things like honor. Also I think it would be better for a member of the royal family to lead the reinforcements. This is an invasion and we must show the people that the royal family will drive the invaders away or else they would murmur about how the royal family remained idle while Marquis Benedict defended the west.”

Leopold's curled his lips and a smile bloomed. This Baron sure is smart. It was the right decision to make him his right hand.

”Alright. I get your point” Leopold rose from his chair. ”I'll leave the rest to you Braun. You have my permission to recall Wilson. Anything else?”

Braun shook his head.

”Then I shall rest now” Leopold proceeded to the door and left the room.

”Your Majesty!” Rupert ran towards him as soon as he was outside. The guard was panting and was making a grim face. Leopold's heart raced. What is it now? Another invasion? Rebellion? Riots?

It was neither of those, but equally alarming.

”The third prince is missing” Rupert said. ”Along with Marquis Benedict's son.”

Leopold's headache immediately vanished. He woke everyone in the palace. From his guards to the cooks, he mobilized them all to search for Timothy. Even the city guards were tasked to search every nook and cranny of Nirvana for Timothy.

Leopold had started to fear for Timothy. Countless scenarios entered his mind. What if rebellious nobles had taken Timothy? What if it was the bandits? He was anxious and his anxiousness turned into anger.

He reprimanded the useless sentries. How could they let two small children go outside at this hour? He was furious. If something happens to Timothy, all their heads will roll.

He was gripping the collar of one of the sentries when Rupert called to him. Leopold turned his head and saw Timothy beside the royal guard. The boy was muddy. His hair had smudges of dried mud. In Timothy's hands was a nest.

Leopold let go of the sentry and ran towards Timothy. He knelt and shook his shoulder.

”Where have you been!?”

”I… I was out in the forest. Erik and I got some bird's nest”

Leopold looked at the nest in Timothy's hands. ”Nest?” he confusedly asked.

”For you father” Timothy gave an innocent smile. ”You can now eat bird's nest soup!”

”For… me?”

”Yes! You have been complaining this morning about our food. You said that you're craving bird's nest soup for your headache. I just… I just want to help. For the past days you have been sad. I don't want father to be sad”

Leopold's heart melted. He pulled the boy into an embrace, not caring about Timothy's muddiness.

”Never do that again Timothy. Never. You almost stopped my heart. Tell Rupert whenever you're going outside the palace. What you did was dangerous. Do you understand?”

”I'm sorry. It won't happen again.” Timothy said.

Leopold lifted him on his arms. He pointed to the sentries who were still shaking. ”Dismissed. Be thankful nothing bad happened to my son or else I don't know what I would have done to all of you.”

Leopold then carried Timothy to his room. His earlier headache was truly gone.

”Timothy, you must think about your actions. What if something happened to you? The world is not a friendly place. You must think before you act.” Leopold said while walking.

”But I really want to help.” The boy said next to his ear.

”You can't help. You're still a child.”