Chapter 2: Kaiser

Kaiser was cold and expressionless as always. Even as he greets the King, he did not have much to say. He stood alongside Prince Igraine in the conference room where the King holds his audience as they bow their heads down to the King. There was no hint of exhaustion on his face or his posture.

"It must have been a very tiring journey. Thank you for returning safely." The King says joyously. His usual friendly smile as he greets Kaiser and Prince Igraine.

The Prince raises his head, reporting to the King of their victory out by the borders. "We have managed to eliminate all the monsters by the border, at least for now. But we were able to find out the reason for the recent increase in monster sightings around the borders."

"I did receive news of that from your letter. You did great eliminating the reason for the recent increase in monsters along the borders." The King comments.

Kaiser kept his head down, bowing to the King as it was not yet his turn to speak. But from the corner of his eyes, he spots something at the entrance of the conference room. It was Princess Blair hiding outside, trying to peek in on the conversation. He was used to this, everytime he was here to report to the King, Princess Blair would be sneaking about outside the conference room. He pays her no mind, thinking she was here to cause trouble as always.

"It was thanks to Duke Rinehart's brilliant plan that we were able to outsmart those traitors. He was able to track them down to find their hideout where those traitors had captured many beasts. They were trying to tame the beasts, feeding them some kind of drug that enhances their survival skills and greatly affects their strengths. They were planning on using the beasts to attack the town, causing mayhem and then using that chance to attack. But Duke Rinehart managed to catch them first before those traitors were able to do anything."

The King nods in response to Prince Igraine's report, listening to every detail without skipping a beat. "You did well, Duke Rinehart."

"I only did what was needed to protect our kingdom." Kaiser responds sternly. He did not say any more than that. He wasn't pretending to be humble, but he was not trying to show off either.

"Rothnia is grateful for your aid in protecting our country. You will be greatly rewarded for your job well done."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Kaiser responds curtly. He did not think that his response would trigger any negative feelings toward the King. But he notices the King's smile fade ever so slightly. Kaiser knew that if he rejects the King's offer for a reward, the King would throw a fit of rage. The King will feel insulted, as if Kaiser did not want anything from the King. And even when he accepts the King's rewards, the King will only think of him as arrogant. Whatever Kaiser does, he will always be the one in the wrong.

But Kaiser really did not want anything from the King. He in fact, hates the King with all his guts. He knew the truth behind his parents death, and it all connects back to the King. But he continues to complete his duties as the Duke to protect his people and his province. Kaiser knew the King did not like the Rinehart family. The King thinks that the Rinehart family are cocky because the townspeople are always praising them for having done so much to protect the borders from enemy attacks and monster invasions. The King is set on the fact that the Rinehart family is a threat to the crown, because the people favor them over the crown. And that is why he set up a trap for Kaiser's parents, ordering them to their deaths on a battle where he knew the chances of survival was slim to none. His mother, who had followed along with his father knowing they would never come back from the mission. Kaiser was forced to stay back to take on the duties of the Duke while his father was away on a mission.

That day, he had lost both of his parents. It angers Kaiser how foolish and childish the King of their country is, being greedy over the attention and love of his people when he already ruled over them. The King had sent assassins to his quarters many times before, and everytime, those assassins would die a horrible death by his hands. It was miserable being forced to dance around in the palm of the King's hand. But Kaiser was able to strengthen his resolve, working hard to gain many more supporters just to spite the King even more. He knew he was playing with death, but he would rather make it fun before his death, than to keep running around in circles in the King's palm.

"We will discuss the matters about your reward later on. I'm curious about this drug that was used. What is it and where did it come from?" The King suddenly changes the topic.

"Yes, well the Duke has currently taken the drug in to have his people investigate more about it." Prince Igraine replies.

"My people are still looking into it. We do not have much information about it yet. But I will make sure to keep you updated on this matter." Kaiser says without missing a beat.

The King did not seem satisfied at all, as everything that came out of Kaiser's mouth only seemed to leave a sour taste in his mouth. Kaiser had no care whether the King was satisfied with his answer or not. He only wanted to hurry and finish their report and book it out of the disgusting palace ground. Staying any longer made him want to run up to the King and strangle him to death.

After what felt like forever, the audience was over. The King stands up from his throne and walks out of the conference room. Everyone stands, raising their heads, some even starting to relax their bodies as the King makes his way toward the exit.

"Are you holding up okay?" Prince Igraine asks, the concern was clear on his face.

Kaiser couldn't stand Prince Igraine. He was too kind for his own good, dumb even. He didn't need Prince Igraine's pity. The only thing he was good for was his swordsmanship skills. Being stuck working alongside Prince Igraine and his poetic little speeches was already torture enough. Kaiser could have easily killed him off during their mission, but that would only raise the King's suspicion even more after the recent death of Prince Matthew who had died in the war against Calravia.

Kaiser had forged a letter about the enemy and secretly sent it to the Prince. Prince Matthew took the bait, falling into the enemy's trap and therefore, losing his head. Rothnia was forced to retreat, but soon after, negotiations were made and a peace treaty was signed along with Princess Vivienne gifted to Calravia's Prince.

"I am well. Prince, you need not to worry about me." Kaiser says coldly before turning on his heels and walking off. Just as he was about to make his way out, Kaiser could hear the king roar out in anger just as the King steps foot out of the conference room.

"Blair Ásvaldr Dumieres!"

It seemed the King had caught Princess Blair snooping around again. Kaiser watches the scene unfold as Princess Blair runs off in a hurry, trying to avoid punishment for eavesdropping in on political matters.

She was troublesome, and Kaiser never understands what makes her so curious about the King's audience holdings. Was she really such a brat, following the King around everywhere he goes? Did she not have her own studies and responsibilities to tend to? Kaiser disliked Princess Blair, her meddlesome personality will only get her into trouble, and she's immature for her age.

As the King chases after her, hollering at the palace guards to catch her, Kaiser makes his way out toward the palace gates.

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