CHAPTER 259: SHE’S NOT JUST ANYONE

Aristia raised her hand to knock even though she knew it wasn’t necessary. Before her hands could even meet the carved oak doors of Wilson’s study, she heard his voice.

"Come in, Tia." Wilson’s voice came from behind the door.

Aristia pushed the door open and entered. She closed the door after Alaric entered.

Her father sat behind a wide desk, documents neatly stacked before him.

He looked up when she entered, and surprise and curiosity showed in his gray eyes at the sight of her somewhat tense expression.

She walked towards her father, stopping just short of his desk. Alaric went to stand beside her, the both of them staring at Wilson.

Amusement showed in Wilson’s eyes before his sharp eyes fell on the paper in her hands.

"What letter is that?"

"It’s from Miss Dahlia Kendall." Aristia said, handing him the letter.

Wilson collected the letter with mild curiosity. He remembered Dahlia Kendall because she was one of the close people working under Aristia who knew her secret, but he wondered why he would need to read the letter.

As he unfolded the letter and began to read, he heard Aristia say,

"Papa, two children under her care, Leilani and her brother Leif, vanished during the Spring festival. You remember Leilani. She’s my friend living in Willows Haven. I need your help to find he— them."

The study fell quiet for a long moment.

Wilson leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly.

He didn’t dismiss her thoughts outright but he didn’t look troubled or worried. He just watched her for a moment.

But he soon said what Aristia dreaded.

"Tia," he said slowly, "children go missing in Amberale more often than you realize. You must understand that our family cannot chase every disappearance." His expression was contemplative like he was thinking of something.

But Aristia couldn’t even focus on that.

[Oh, so this is a regular thing? It’s normal?] She thought incredulously.

Her lips pressed together. The weight of his words hurt a bit, but she didn’t lower her stance. "But this is different," she insisted softly. "Leilani isn’t just anyone. She’s... my friend."

Wilson exhaled, wanting to say something but holding himself back.

In the end, he said. "You are too young to involve yourself in such matters. And yet..." He studied her for a long moment. "Since you care, I will send a man to inquire in the Capital. That is all I will promise."

"Thank you, papa."

Aristia’s heart eased, but she knew that even though her father had agreed, to him, this was only a minor matter. If she wanted Leilani found, she couldn’t leave it like that.

She looked back up at him. "Papa. It’s not just that simple. The Spring Festival is held under the uncle’s blessing as king. The streets are meant to be safe, the celebrations open to all. If children can vanish under such circumstances..."

She paused for effect before continuing. "It will not be seen as two children disappearing. It will be seen as failure. Failure of the guards, and worst of all, failure of the Crown. And that’s what makes this matter dangerous."

When he heard that, slight amusement appeared in Wilson’s eyes.

He leaned forward and leaned his chin on interlocked hands.

Aristia was about to continue, but paused.

"Papa!"

"What is it?" Wilson asked.

Aristia folded her arms. "You’re enjoying watching me try to convince you."

Wilson laughed out loud. Then he nodded. "Alright. You’re right. At least for the sake of the Kingdom. Rumors spread faster than fire. Today it is two orphans. Tomorrow, people will whisper that the Capital is no longer safe under your uncle’s reign. And that is unacceptable. You were right to bring this to me. I will have my men contact the Kendall sisters discreetly. And inform my brother."

Aristia exhaled in relief. At least her father was taking it seriously.

"Leave it to me," Wilson said at last, turning back to his documents. He paused and gave Aristia a long, serious glance. "But, Aristia... do not involve yourself further. Do you understand?"

Aristia was surprised hearing him say her full name with such a serious tone. She held his gaze for a moment before nodding obediently, "Yes, papa."

[At least there will be progress with him involved.] Aristia felt reassured.

Wilson turned to Alaric and gave him a silent nod.

Alaric nodded seriously in return.

Seeing this, Aristia rolled her eyes.

[As if Alaric can stop me if I decide to ’involve myself further’.] She thought.

"Let’s go, Al." She said, turning around to leave.

Alaric followed after her.

As they left, Wilson’s mouth curved in the faintest ghost of a smile. "She truly is not like other noble children. Most would not remember the name of a common girl... Of course my daughter would be the best." He shook his head lightly, returning his gaze to the stack of documents.

He muttered to himself. "She’s got a knack for speaking convincing words. Obviously inherited it from me." He paused. "From her mother too." The thought made him chuckle.

He looked away from the documents and to the window.

’Brother.’

’Yes?’

In the Capital, thousands of miles away from Orrivale. In the King’s palace.

Fedor listened without interrupting as Wilson spoke.

’Tia just informed me that two children, a brother and sister living in Willows Haven have been missing since the night of the Spring Festival. My daughter received the letter from one of her subordinates today.’

The King’s expression was unreadable. ’Two children.’ He repeated it slowly. Then his gaze sharpened. ’You know what to do. Look into this matter, brother.’

Wilson hummed. ’Of course, brother.’

He cut off the communication link before calling a name.

"Stewart."

The door to the study opened and Steward Stewart entered with a bow.

"You called, master?"

"Arrange people to look into a matter for me."

Stewart glanced at him before bowing once more. Without asking anything, he knew what he was supposed to do.

"As you command, master."