Chapter 2: Fianceé

After arranging everything, Garen suddenly recalled why he was looking for the Commander in a hurry earlier. He seemed to have forgotten the urgent matter once he realized that the Commander hadn't been back yet. He turned and took his horse straight to the Commander's residence.

Although His Royal Highness Rhy Crown had the highest status, his residence wasn't extravagant. All the servants were meticulously doing their work and moving around without making any sound. One wouldn't even be able to hear the sound of their steps. All because His Royal Highness liked quietness and peace.

So, the people in his retinue were specially trained to take care of his needs and make him feel as comfortable as possible.

"Where is the Commander?" asked Garen to the butler.

Butler, Albert De Ros had been with the Royal Highness for the longest time. He watched the Royal Prince growing up. He was a middle-aged man but it was difficult to tell his age from his face alone. He was highly qualified and was a man of few words as well.

"Lord has just entered the study," answered Albert, looking as indifferent as ever.

He was neither humble nor overbearing. Everyone knew he was the most trusted aide of the Royal Highness and held the highest authority in Royal Prince's retinue. There was no need for him to be humble before anyone or give in to them.

The reason he was highly favored and trusted by the Commander was that Albert was only loyal to him. Even in the whole Royal family, this butler had never given anyone the right to order him around. He made it clear where his loyalty lay.

"Then can Mr. De Ros request Commander to see me? I have an urgent matter to discuss with him."

Albert looked at Deputy General, Garen for a moment in silence, and that one moment was nerve-racking for Garen who always prided himself in his courage and experience of battling hundreds of demons. For some reason, he always lost his momentum around this butler.

"Please, wait here, Sir Garen," said Albert. "This humble one will inform the Lord."

Then Garen saw Albert leaving and actually breathed a sigh of relief. He almost snickered whenever Albert addressed himself as 'the humble one'. Even when saying it, there wasn't a shred of humility in those green eyes.

Albert walked to the study door and knocked on the door before entering even before a response could be heard from inside. As he stepped in, he found the Royal Highness standing in front of his bookshelf with an open book in his hand and knitted brows.

Even without looking up, Rhys knew who had entered. "Albert, you should learn to be patient."

"Patience will only waste your precious time," was Albert's response as he offered a smile to his Lord.

That smile was cunning and only appeared when he was around Rhys.

"Sometimes I wonder if my time is precious or yours?" asked Rhys as he looked at Albert's crafty smile that could change his whole persona. Usually, he looked stern and capable advisor by his side. But when he smiled like that, it made Rhys feel like he was looking at a cunning fox.

"Time is time. Your or mine, it's precious."

Rhys didn't respond to that and walked over to his desk and asked, "What brings you here?"

"Sir Garen is asking for an audience," informed Albert. "That matter seems to be urgent. Otherwise, I wouldn't have disturbed the Lord's rest."

"I highly doubt the last statement," muttered Rhys to himself. "Let Garen come. Let's see what's so urgent."

"As M'Lord wishes," said Albert and even slightly bowed his head before he turned to leave.

"You're supposed to close the door when you're leaving," said Rhys behind him but Albert seemed to have not heard his voice at all. It was one of those moments when Rhys genuinely wondered if Albert was here to serve him or frustrate him!

Everyone said Albert was a highly qualified advisor but Rhys really wanted those people to see his other side. The side he only showed to Rhys almost frustrated him to want to murder his advisor.

Garen soon appeared at the door of the study and by now, Rhys had calmed down once again. He didn't show any fluctuations in his emotions. Garen tentatively entered the study and closed the door behind him considerately.

Rhys gave him a nod of approval. Indeed, that's how it should be! It was only Albert who was clueless about the rules!

"Albert said you have something urgent?"

Garen stepped up and took out an envelope from his bosom and placed them on the desk in front of Rhys. Then he slowly stepped back and stood at an appropriate distance keeping a respectful posture, "Commander, this letter was received at dawn. A message came with the letter that you have to read this as soon as possible."

Rhys closed the book he was reading and pushed it aside. He looked at the envelope that was sealed. Rhys looked at the crown monogram on the magic seal and his brow quirked up discreetly. The crown motif could only be used by the Royal family.

However, the monogram that the King used was still different. It was imbued with magic. So, even now, Rhys could see the red flames shimmering within the crown.

"It's the letter from the King," said Garen when he saw that Rhys wasn't moving and seemed to have no intention of actually opening the envelope.

Rhys looked up at him and Garen sucked in a breath. He felt like he spoke out of his turn and the Commander was angry. But then Rhys looked down again without saying anything to him.

"I'll take my leave now. I've delivered the letter," Garen decided to run before he got suffocated there. Rhys didn't stop him and he managed to run out of there unobstructed.

Rhys touched the magic seal and the envelope opened. He took out the letter and read it carefully. Even after reading it, he didn't react. He just kept looking at the letter.

"Fianceé," said Rhys in his deep voice. "This is new."