48. Scheme

"Neither I nor my Ariana will take the blame. Somebody else will." said Xavier, pleased with himself.

Duke Lorenzo and Duchess Lily looked at each other in confusion.

"Who will? Persephone?" The Duke asked.

Xavier simply pushed a paper and a quill towards Duke Lorenzo. "Your Highness, start writing." He commanded.

With uncertainty, Duke Lorenzo dipped the quill in ink and waited for Xavier to give any information.

"Address the letter to the leader of leeches, Your Highness. And mention that we have decided to grant them the last whit of our cure considering their pathetic condition, on one tiny condition of ours."

"Oh!" Duke Lorenzo exclaimed upon realization while Duchess Lily smirked in satisfaction. "Perfect! This way, you acquire both Ariana and the Kingdom's trust."