[Seo-Yeon's POV]
After taking a deep breath, Seo-Yeon regained her composure. She then looked at Blue who sat down after watching Clover and the kids leave.
"Do you think it's alright to just let Clover and the kids go with only 5 guards?" Blue asked.
"Don't worry. While those guards may look like they're not much, they're actually very reliable and competent," Seo-Yeon answered with confidence.
"I see... By the way, where is Henry? I would imagine that he would be the first to come here to see you after hearing that his beloved wife and child were attacked," Blue asked.
Seo-Yeon paused for a second before giving Blue an answer.
"He's currently out to investigate a murder case that's been reported in one of the Southwest districts," Seo-Yeon answered. "Don't tell anyone yet. Except for Charles here, everyone else thinks that he's currently out on a hunting trip," she added.
"Murder? How many victims do we have right now?" Blue asked.
Seo-Yeon took a deep breath before explaining the current situation.
"For the past month, there's been a total of 15 cases where somebody would go missing for a few days before being found dead with all of their organs missing," Seo-Yeon answered. "The 15th discovered victim was a veteran soldier who fought with us during the war. Henry was angered by the report and went out with some soldiers to investigate the incident himself."
"Hm... This is certainly an odd situation... Why was I not informed about this?" Blue asked.
"The report about these deaths were given to us when you were not in the capital," said Seo-Yeon.
"Your Highness," said Charles as he raised his head after being lost in thought.
Charles, who was quietly listening to the conversation between Seo-Yeon and Blue, began to suggest his theory.
"When your Highness mentioned the missing organs... It had me thinking... Perhaps this is the work of some sort of cult?" Charles asked. "While I do not know much about cultists, I do know that they would often offer a sacrifice of something to who knows what."
This theory interested Seo-Yeon.
"That is possible. However, I think there's something weird about this..." said Seo-Yeon.
"You don't say... Is it the fact that there's somebody or something out there killing people and stealing their organs?" Blue asked.
Seo-Yeon shook her head.
"No. It's the fact that the bodies have been found mummified," said Seo-Yeon. "According to the victims' families, all of the victims mentioned about feeling sick and weak for a few days before their disappearance. After reporting about their illnesses to a nearby healing facility, they went missing for a few days and were found dead in a horrible state."
"Hmm... If the cultist theory is wrong then perhaps some sort of disease is spreading around the capital," said Charles.
Seo-Yeon disagreed.
"I don't think it's a disease," said Seo-Yeon. "It won't explain why the victims' organs were missing."
"I suppose that makes sense, your Highness," Charles nodded. "Then that would mean there is a possibility we might be dealing with cultists in the capital,"
"Let's not jump to any conclusions yet. Once my darling arrives from his investigation, we might be able to learn more about these deaths," said Seo-Yeon.
Blue and Charles agreed with that idea and nodded their heads.
"Agreed," said Blue.
"Understood," said Charles.
"Alright, no--" said Seo-Yeon before being interrupted.
Just as the queen was about to say something, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," said Seo-Yeon.
A single guard entered the room.
"Greetings, your highness," said the guard as he bowed his head.
"What is it?" Seo-Yeon asked after she raised her hand.
"A maid reported spotting 4 guards in front of the entrance. They appeared to be suffering from some sort of motion sickness," said the guard.
"I see..." said Seo-Yeon as she glanced at Blue. "Take them to the infirmary. The vice head-doctor will give them a drink that'll heal their stomachs," she ordered.
"Understood, your Highness," said the guard as he bowed once more and exited the room.
Once the guard left, Charles and Seo-Yeon stared at Blue.
"Apologies. I was panicking when I rushed into the castle and could not think straight," said Blue.
Despite his excuse, Seo-Yeon continued to stare at him, unimpressed.
"You know why I reacted like that..." said Blue.
"..." (Seo-Yeon)
Seo-Yeon then chuckled and gave Blue an understanding look.
"The search is still not making any progress, I'm assuming..." Seo-Yeon asked.
Blue remained silent for a few seconds before he began to speak.
"Aye... I got a report from the navy that they captured another Azidahakian slave ship and liberated over 200 captives. They were mostly kidnapped villagers from the Zanaharia Kingdom and ours. She wasn't among them..." said Blue as he looked disappointed.
"Don't worry, Blue... We'll find her, no matter what. For Celestine's sake," said Seo-Yeon as she slowly stood up from her chair.
"Aye..." said Blue.
Witnessing the gloomy atmosphere, Charles quickly tried to change the mood.
"Your highness, I believe your daughter is waiting for you. I shall investigate the attack further and report back, as soon as possible," said Charles.
"Good idea. I would also appreciate it if you and Blue fix that broken door later," said Seo-Yeon.
"Very well," Charles reluctantly answered.
Blue silently nodded.
"I shall see you all later when my darling returns," said Seo-Yeon as she left the room. "End of discussion."
"Your Highness," said Charles as he bowed his head.
After bowing his head, Charles left the room and headed towards the garden where the poorly attempted assassination took place.
"I shall return later," said Blue before preparing himself to leave.
"I know you will," Seo-Yeon chuckled.
As Seo-Yeon headed to the dining room, she paused and turned around.
"Are you going to head back to your home? If you're fine, you can have breakfast with us," said Seo-Yeon.
Blue, who was walking towards the stairs, paused as well to answered Seo-Yeon's question.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have some of Omar's dishes again," said Blue.
Seo-Yeon laughed and walked away as Blue caught up to her. As soon as Blue reached Seo-Yeon, she asked Blue a question.
"So, what happened to the captives after they were saved?" Seo-Yeon asked.
"They're currently at one of our strongholds to be treated as many of them were either sick or baldy malnourished," said Blue.
Seo-Yeon nearly lost her composure while listening to Blue.
"Those barbaric bastards..." Seo-Yeon murmured. "Did they find out where the slavers' base are a"
"Don't worry. The slavers are being tortured for information. We'll find out soon enough," said Blue.
"Hopefully," Seo-Yeon murmured.
They then quietly walked to the dining room after running out of things to talk about and witnessed an unbelievable scene.
"P-Princess? Is there anything else that you desire?" the head chef/Omar asked.
"Nope. I'm stuffed now..." Dunha answered as she patted her belly.
"Wow! Look at all of those bowls!" said Lily as she looked amazed.
"You certainly have your mother's appetite..." Clover whispered before closing her mouth after seeing Seo-Yeon.
In front of Dunha, were countless empty bowls. While Lily looked astonished at Dunha's appetite, Clover and the head chef were speechless. It was difficult to read the guards' reactions due to their helmets, however, it was obvious that they were surprised as well.
Blue and Seo-Yeon looked very surprised as well. Blue then began to smile.
"She's definitely your daughter. She has your appetite!" Blue laughed.
While Blue laughed, Seo-Yeon's eyes sparkled as she looked at Dunha.
"I know right? She's my cute little cinnamon bun~!" said Seo-Yeon as she proudly looked at her daughter finishing her last bowl. "Praise her more!" she whispered.
Blue then stopped laughing and looked at Seo-Yeon with an uncertain expression.
"Uh... It was just a jest but if it makes you happy, then let's go with that..." Blue murmured.
Seo-Yeon's ears twitched.
"Silence," said Seo-Yeon after she heard his mumbling.
(To Be Continued)
2020/03/20