The Second Life's

XXXI - Tell the Truth

“So, next week you will make your engagement party?”

“True, Ayahanda. The sooner the better. Considering my coronation is only a few months away,” Idris told the Emperor. “I don't want to procrastinate anymore. Right, Charlotte?” She's staring.

I'm nodding. “What Idris says is true, His Majesty the Emperor.”

Emperor smiled. “Alright then.” He suddenly coughed hard. “Ugh, I have to take my medicine right away. I'm sorry I can't accompany you two to dinner any longer. Please just enjoy the time you two.”

“Alright, Ayahanda.”

The Emperor left me and Idris alone. In silence, we continued our dinner. Idris finally opened his voice.

“Did the dress I chose for you not match your taste?” guess Idris. He didn't look at me, but I knew he was furious because his face was now as red as a tomato.

“Do I look less beautiful with this dress?” manyu tease.

“Not ..., not so, Charlotte.” Now Idris is upset because of my attitude towards him. “Only am I a bit sad because you are not wearing the dress of my choice.”

“Sorry Idris. This is the dress my father gave me. Because I have never worn it, I want to wear it when I meet my future in-laws,” I said lie.

Idris was touched. “Charlotte, I will definitely make you a great Queen. You will never be underestimated again by my mother or anyone else. I will take care of you forever,” Idris said.

What a ridiculous word. “Thank you, Idris.”

*

Idris led me into the living room after dinner. I thought Idris would just let me go home. It doesn't seem that easy.

My hour will soon be over. If I pass by, my headache will come back. I held my locket until it caused Idris' interest.

“I just saw the locket for the first time,” said Idris.

“This is from my mother. My dad just gave it to me,” I explained. I don't know how many lies I told in front of Idris. “I always remember my Mom when I touched her.”

“You used to not wear that locket,” Idris whispered. I can still hear it.

Again a strange word. While on Hunting Day, Idris also said the same strange thing. As if she were ...

“Do you love me too?” ask Idris.

What else does he want? “Yes, I love you, Idris.”

“Although I did something that could make you hurt?” ask Idris again.

“Stop joking, Idris. It's getting late at night. I have to go home soon,” I told him.

“But I still miss you,” said Idris. “When you meet and be alone like this, you have absolutely no intention to get closer to me.”

I smile. “All times are. You just have to be patient, Idris. I don't want to do anything hastily.”

Idris sighed and nodded in understanding. He stood up and extended his hand to me. “Come, I'll take you home.”

I welcome his hand and follow him towards the Imperial Train after bidding farewell to the Emperor. The queen is invisible and is reluctant to see me again today.

***

Jayden came to the Bronze Palace according to his promise. He did not forget to bring a chocolate snack in a large woven basket. His face looked delighted as I greeted him at the door. But a moment later, he questioned Isla's whereabouts.

It was a question I wanted to know the answer to as well.

“Isla not with Miss?” ask Jayden.

“Good, Miss Winston,” said Holly. Jayden gave the basket to Holly and she resigned.

Jayden and I stayed in the living room waiting for Holly to arrive. I know that Jayden has so many questions that my father and Layla have asked for him.

Including what he asked at the door.

“Why does Miss Winston's face look so serious?” ask Jayden. “Is there a problem that Miss did not attach in the mail?”

“Ya.” I bluntly. “There are serious problems that have occurred lately. And I hope you're not surprised to hear that, Jayden.”

Jayden was seen gulping. “What is it, Miss Charlotte?”

Geck! Geck! Geck!

“Nona, I brought you a snack and drink it.” That's Chloe. “And Mr. Franklin has also come.”

“Mr Franklin?” Jayden shocked.

I ignored Jayden for a moment. “Come in both of you.”

The door opens and Chloe and Hendery enter. Jayden is shocked to learn that he is the youngest son of Marquess Franklin, a gifted knight printer.

After Chloe left, I coughed a little to start our little meeting. Everything is well planned for now.

“Miss Charlotte, what does this mean?” ask Jayden. “Please describe in detail.”

“Mr Franklin was the man who would later become my personal knight at the Queen's Palace,”. “And this has to do with that serious problem. You know for yourself that magic is taboo today because of the extinction of magic crystals due to war. Right now I know that the truth is there is a dark magic user in Vanhoiren.”

“Mustahil,” murmured Jayden. “But listen if that dark magic is not an easy magic to control.”

I activated my remote hearing magic to prevent one person from eavesdropping because what I was going to talk about next was a very secret thing.

“Isla is a witch just like me,” I said.

“Nona Charlotte ...,” whispered Jayden. “Is Miss Charlotte serious?”

I'm nodding. “And Isla also helped me investigate this. The dark magic user is in the Silver Palace. Place Isla dikap.”

Jayden and Hendery were shocked. Just this time I exposed the secret of dark magic to others. Even to Hendery. I knew there were feelings of amazement, wonder, confusion, and disbelief. That's an understandable thing.

“Don't say ..., Concubine Sienna?” guess Hendery.

I'm nodding.

“Yes, this must be discussed with Mr. Viscount,” Jayden said.

“That's not the thing to do, Jayden,” I said. “I just want you to be my eyes and ears inside Vanhoiren city. Don't be suspicious, just plain enough but with a level of vigilance.”

“Eyes and ears?”

“At first I wanted to ask you to find me an experienced informant. But if I think about it again, it's a risky thing. Besides, Mr. Franklin is ready to join this plan,”. “Allowed, Mr Franklin?”

Hendery nodded. “The rewards I received were very tempting, it never hurts to join as long as it does not harm me.”

Jayden still looks unconvinced. “No, Miss Charlotte. It's very urgent. Moreover Miss will ascend the throne in that dangerous place!”

“I did it for you and the people of Vanhoiren,”. “I don't want you to suffer. And most importantly, I want to save Isla.”