Albert reached the grand gates of the royal palace. The sun had just risen behind the eastern hills, casting its golden rays across the autumn sky like a painting. After passing through several layers of security, he showed his royal insignia to the guards. One of the guards gave him a quick, respectful glance and allowed him to pass.
Albert entered the palace grounds—where magnificence and grandeur screamed from every detail. White marble columns intricately carved with scenes from legends, halls filled with crystal chandeliers, ceilings covered in mythological paintings—everything reflected power and history. A gentle breeze passed through the tall trees of the royal garden, spreading the scent of dew-kissed leaves in the air.
Albert silently made his way toward Princess Diana's quarters. As was his habit, he waited outside her room before she woke. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow on the red and yellow leaves, swaying gently in the autumn breeze.
A few minutes later, the door quietly opened, and Albert was allowed in. The interior of the room, like the rest of the palace, was majestic and luxurious. Sunlight poured through tall stained-glass windows, casting colorful shadows on the Persian rugs and velvet curtains. Diana sat on a golden wooden chair before a large mirror. A maid was gently brushing her long black hair.
When Diana saw Albert's reflection, a warm smile appeared on her face.
Albert lowered his head slightly in respect and said,
"Good morning, Princess Diana. I hope you slept well."
Diana smiled warmly and said,
"Thank you, Albert. Good morning to you too."
Then, with a curious and excited tone, she added,
"How was Sarah? I really want to see her when I get the chance."
Albert replied in a calm tone,
"She's well. She also said she'd love to meet you. But given the recent events in the capital, it's a bit difficult for an ordinary citizen to enter the palace."
Diana lowered her head for a moment and said,
"Yes… I understand. The palace security has tightened… The King has ordered the execution of all those behind the recent murders. I think many are being executed in the capital each day."
Albert, in a calm and serious voice, said,
"How does that make you feel?"
Diana narrowed her eyes slightly and replied thoughtfully,
"How does it make me feel? I think people call it justice, but I call it a stage play."
Albert lowered his head, knowing that some innocent people might be hanged.
"But if an innocent person dies, is it still justice?"
Diana nodded slowly and asked,
"Are you saying some are innocent and still being executed?"
Albert, calmly, said,
"I don't mean to be disrespectful, but you know our kingdom's judicial system is corrupt. All it takes is a little bribe for a judge to change their mind."
Diana responded seriously,
"Yes, I agree… The real perpetrators in high positions are not easily found."
Then she looked into Albert's eyes and said,
"The roots of a rotten tree run too deep to be removed by just a few gusts of wind."
A deep silence fell between them. After a few minutes, Diana smiled and said,
"Let's not dwell on it too much. Today is a special day, and I don't want to ruin it with dark thoughts."
Albert smiled and said,
"You're right. Today is a special day."
Then he leaned in closer to her and, with a smile, revealed a red rose he had hidden behind him and handed it to Diana.
"Happy birthday. I hope you're always in good health."
Diana's heart filled with warmth. She smiled with excitement, took the rose, and smelled it.
"Thank you so much. This means a lot to me."
Just then, a maid entered the room, lowered her head, and said,
"Princess Diana, breakfast is ready."
Diana nodded and turned to Albert.
"It's time to start our day. I'm really excited to see what it brings."
Albert smiled and said,
"I'll accompany you, my lady."
On the other side of the capital, in the northern quarter, inside the grand mansion of Charles, a dignified man sat calmly in a silk armchair. The scent of hot lemon tea filled the air, and soft sunlight filtered through tall windows. Burgundy velvet curtains danced gently in the breeze, and the sound of birds echoed from the garden.
Charles slowly lifted his teacup, took a sip, and gazed at the cedar trees in the garden. At that moment, the door opened, and his loyal servant, Sebastian, entered.
"Sir, Mr. Romeo is here for a meeting."
Charles replied in a calm but authoritative voice,
"Show him in."
A few moments later, a man in his thirties entered with Sebastian. He had long black hair and a beard, a heavy build, and moved slowly. His bright green eyes gleamed with intelligence. With a wide smile and open arms, he approached and said,
"Dear Charles! My old friend... It's been a while."
Charles stood with a warm smile and embraced him, then gestured to the chair across from him.
"Welcome. Please, have a seat."
Romeo sat down and said,
"We don't meet often, so this must be about something important, right?"
Charles gave a faint smile, took another sip of tea, and said,
"I heard some scientists have developed a medicine that can treat the Blood Death disease, and a few merchants said you're in charge of its distribution."
Romeo looked surprised and said,
"Blood Death? But if I remember correctly, you're already an evolved human, right? So it's not for you—it must be for someone else?"
Charles shook his head and smiled.
"No, I don't need it for myself. It's for someone else."
Romeo raised an eyebrow and calmly asked,
"Oh… So it must be serious. Who's the patient that makes you go this far?"
Charles looked out the window for a moment and replied quietly,
"One of my students."
Romeo frowned slightly and said,
"A regular student wouldn't make you go this far… There must be more to it."
Charles took another sip and said,
"This student has caught my attention…"
Romeo smiled with genuine intrigue.
"It's rare for anyone to truly capture your attention."
He leaned back in his chair, raising his eyebrows in admiration.
"Well, if you say so… I'll prepare your order in a few days. How many vials do you need?"
Charles responded calmly,
"How many do you have available?"
Romeo thought for a moment.
"I think I have about 10. It's a very hard medicine to produce and takes time. I've reserved 7 for other clients, so I have 3 left. But I can set aside at least one per month for you."
Charles nodded.
"I'll take all 3. Is that alright?"
Romeo nodded.
"Sure, no problem."
Charles motioned to Sebastian to bring a pouch of money. A few minutes later, Sebastian returned with a silver chest carrying a golden pouch and handed it to Romeo.
Upon seeing the gold, Romeo smiled warmly. Charles said,
"There are 150 gold coins here… I'll pay the other half once you deliver the vials."
Romeo stood up happily and said,
"Alright… I'll have your order ready in two days."
After a few minutes, Romeo left the room. Sebastian, who was standing beside Charles, asked,
"Sir, if you've taken action regarding Arthur's illness… does that mean his condition has worsened?"
Charles put his hand over his face, leaned back in the chair, and took a deep breath.
"If this were just a normal case… I wouldn't get involved. But it seems his illness is worse than I thought. I've assessed him several times, and each result has been more severe… His body is becoming extremely fragile, and if this continues…"
Then, lowering his voice, he said quietly:
"He might not have more than a year left to live."
Sebastian closed his eyes and said nothing more. The seriousness of the situation was clear. If things continued this way, Arthur's fate would be grim. Charles's growing fear of losing someone dear once again was becoming overwhelming—something he never wanted to feel again.