Chapter 13: The King's Advisor

Standing straight outside the grand chamber doorway was a man in his fifties who was not only a person of great influence but also a prized asset to the Otheonate Kingdom.

His powerful and fascinating appearance reflected his status as the king's dependable advisor and..... a loyal friend.

The distressing incident surrounding Peta's unexpected death was one of those instances where the king immediately needed him. He was also a key figure in the palace thanks to his sharp intellect, strategic insight, and comprehensive knowledge of noble problems.

Two soldiers swung the door wide, exposing his dark grin and spreading an ominous air around the room. As the king's counselor, his visit was both expected and unsettling. He stood from his desk, the king's concerned gaze fastened on him, a mixture of hurry and worry visible in his eyes.

"Oh, you're here, Mathias!" shouted the king, his tone tinged with friendliness.

Mathias nodded respectfully, seeming attentive and collected. ''Yes, Your Highness, I arrived as soon as I got your message since it sounds like we need to take care of something important''

The king's presence was instantly felt in the large room where Mathias was standing. The room was ornately decorated, yet there was a pall of anxiety in the air. As they began to analyze the matter, Mathias' calculating eyes met the king's gaze.

"Marquess Mathias," the king said calmly, "We are dealing with a serious issue; the loss of my wife's cherished maid has devastated us all. And this should be looked into secretly because it might cause disturbances outside the palace.''

Mathias' lips twisted into a faint grin, indicating both his curiosity and his intelligence. "Indeed, Your Majesty, this is a very unfortunate tragedy."

Mathias carefully perused the written report, his expression growing more focused as he absorbed the details of the incident.

A subtle nervousness gnawed at him, his mind racing to comprehend the implications of the situation. The king's words echoed in his mind, a reminder of the gravity of the task before him.

As he reviewed the paper, Mathias became increasingly aware that the king was already privy to his capabilities as a skilled investigator. The revelation heightened his sense of unease, realizing that the stakes were even higher than he had initially anticipated.

The king's voice cut through the silence, his words direct and probing. "Mathias, I'm curious about your thoughts on this matter. What insights do you have regarding Peta's death?"

Mathias took a deep breath, his response measured and methodical. "Well...As I read these materials, Your Highness, something already came up to mind. The timing of Peta's murder closely coincides with the day of the death of the knight you ordered to be executed...swiftly."

The king's eyes narrowed slightly, a mixture of intrigue and surprise in his gaze. "You believe there's a connection?"

Mathias nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Indeed, my king. It's a distinct possibility. The proximity of these events suggests a deliberate link as if someone wanted to get revenge to you, my king ."

The king leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Explain further, Mathias."

Mathias carefully examined the written report in his hand before responding. His expression shifted, a subtle grin playing at the corners of his lips. After all, he had been studying the king's strategies and skills for a long time.

"Well, my king, while your swift action against the traitorous knight earned you respect, it also sowed seeds of resentment. This could be a calculated move to target you indirectly, striking at your heart by targeting those around you."

The king's eyes narrowed slightly, a mixture of intrigue and realization crossing his features.

"You think they are trying to send a message?"

Mathias nodded his demeanor that of a seasoned detective on the trail of a hidden truth.

"Exactly, my king. What better way to disrupt the kingdom's stability than to strike at its heart? The murder of Peta seems to have been timed purposefully, not as a mere coincidence."

As the king considered Mathias' words, he noted the gleam in Mathias' eyes. Clearly, he had something more to say.

"You have something else on your mind, Mathias?"

Mathias looked at the king with a mix of respect and intrigue.

"Your Highness, If my theory is correct, then we must focus on uncovering the connections. I suggest that all the prime suspects and witnesses must be carefully interrogated by us."

The king leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "Hmm..You're right, Mathias."

Mathias nodded, "I'm prepared to lead the interrogations and ensure that we find the truth."

The king looked at Mathias with a decisive nod.

"Consider it to be carried out, my king. We will find out the truth and punish those responsible,''Mathias said.

With a shared understanding, the king and Mathias exchanged a meaningful look. The wheels of investigation were set in motion, and the fate of the palace hung in the balance.

The King looked at him, ''Do not be afraid to take a seat; after all, these chairs are for my faithful followers, especially you, so please si-''

"I apologize, Your Highness, and I appreciate your kind invitation," Mathias politely declined, his tone brisk as he continued, "I have many responsibilities to attend to, including a birthday celebration for a friend."

"I will, my king. We'll get to the bottom of this," Mathias said with a nod.

After one last conversation, Mathias quickly turned and left the king's chamber.

Benjamin, who had been waiting quietly behind the door as Mathias departed the king's office, went forward when the king summoned him. As he spoke his next instruction, the king's gaze was focused.

"Benjamin, I want you to discreetly arrange for someone to keep an eye on Mathias. We must guarantee the secrecy of this investigation," the king stated, emphasizing the need to keep information about the ongoing events within the palace from leaking to the public.

Benjamin nodded, his loyalty unwavering. "Of course, my king. I'll make the necessary arrangements immediately."

"Good. Let us hope that Mathias' efforts will lead us to the culprit," the king said his face a mix of worry and resolve. The king reclined back in his chair as Benjamin went to carry out his commands, his thoughts distracted by the puzzles that had captured the castle.

The developing events were far from done, and the palace's stability depended on the acts of people seeking..... the truth.