Raidan adjusted the collar of his official King’s robe as Mabel helped him fasten the buttons.
"Be careful," she murmured, fingers moving with practiced ease. "It’s been a long time since you last visited the borders."
Raidan gave a soft hum in response. "I’ll be back within a few hours, so don’t worry. Once the pact is signed, peace will finally return to the Southern Border."
Mabel paused, her expression tightening. "The conditions were harsh... You have to behead five of your own officials."
"It’s necessary," Raidan said firmly, though a flicker of regret crossed his eyes. "They acted without conducting a proper investigation. Their recklessness cost us dearly. The entire kingdom suffered for their mistake. But more than that..." He sighed. "Casaio suffered the most. It broke him."
Mabel’s gaze lowered. "He’s decided to be with Zilia again. If I oppose him now, he’ll see me as the villain. I’ve decided to let him choose his own path."
"That’s good to hear." Raidan gave her a small nod, but then hesitated. "Did you hear anything from Gabriel? I tried calling him, but he didn’t answer. What exactly happened to make him so angry?"
"For now, focus on your mission," Mabel replied with a stern tone. "Gabriel is always like this. He buries his thoughts too deep to understand."
Raidan studied her for a moment, as if wanting to say more, but instead gave a nod and turned to leave.
~~~~
Meanwhile, in his study, Gabriel stood over the desk, flipping through the report Karmen had prepared.
"These eyewitnesses..." he began, eyes scanning the details. "I want their recorded statements. They must be personally delivered to me."
"We’d have to bring them here for that. I’m not sure it’s even feasible," Karmen said cautiously.
Gabriel didn’t look up from the report. "Not every case had eyewitnesses, true. But for the ones that did, it’s absolutely feasible. You can make the arrangements. I trust you’re capable."
Karmen hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Prince Dominick called me early this morning. He expressed interest in taking over the investigation, especially the interrogations of the eyewitnesses."
Gabriel finally raised his eyes to meet hers.
"He’s in the capital," Karmen continued. "It would be more efficient if you let your brother handle it. The logistics would be simpler, and... he seemed determined to help."
"Fine. Let Nick handle it," Gabriel said, placing the file down on the desk with a soft thud. "I should focus on other matters anyway. I’ve been neglecting work ever since I returned to the palace."
Karmen picked up the file, hesitating before speaking. "About Carlos... don’t you think there’s something strange about him?"
Gabriel leaned back into his leather chair, brows knitting together. "What do you mean?"
"It’s just... he’s a bit off," Karmen replied, unsure of how to put it into words.
Gabriel gave a faint scoff. "He’s a witch’s son. What do you expect from someone like that?" He paused, then looked at her more intently. "But that’s not all, is it? You’re holding something back. Say it. You know there are no secrets between us."
"When he shook hands with me," Karmen began, "he told me I’ve hurt someone recently. Then he said I should stay true to my nature, about what I feel."
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