Days passed.
Booza could do absolutely nothing—he spent his days lying in bed. His body was still severely injured, and the healing process was slow. From time to time, the royal doctor came to examine him.
Elsie would occasionally visit as well, sometimes even sleeping in the same room. She felt a sense of responsibility to look after Booza, at least until he recovered and could resume his usual activities.
For the past two days, Booza had done nothing but stay in the room. This morning, Elsie hadn't come either, leaving only silence to accompany him. The windows remained closed, and the fresh morning air hadn't yet greeted him. The room light was still on, making it feel like night hadn't ended.
Booza was annoyed.
He had no other option but to act on his own. Carefully, he got up from the bed, strolled to switch off the light, and opened the window. Instantly, the morning breeze kissed his face—cool and calming. Birds chirped louder, flying to and fro in search of food.
"I miss this kind of peaceful life."
From his window, he could also see the soldiers running around with panic on their faces.
"Strange. Soldiers working this early in the morning?"
The confusion didn't last long. Soon, a squad of armored soldiers ran toward the palace. Elsie and the other Elite Knights led them. They all looked ready for battle.
In no time, they vanished from Booza's sight, leaving only a trail of dust behind. Curiosity began to bubble within him—he wanted to know what was going on. How?
Booza finally gathered the courage to leave his room. He strolled through the corridors and down to the lower floors. Along the way, he passed several noble students. Their glares were sharp, full of contempt, still unable to forgive him for killing Liam. Even without hearing their words, Booza could already guess what they were thinking.
He stepped outside—silence. Not a single guard stood watch as usual. So, he decided to head for the palace.
"I guess I need to go to the palace. I'm a noble now, I should be free to come and go."
Holding his wounded chest, Booza walked toward the grand building ahead. It stood majestic, decorated with beautiful ornaments. Truly mesmerizing!
He climbed the palace steps, stopping before a large door made of wood and glass, bearing the symbol of the Luzia Kingdom. Through the glass, he could see the palace interior.
"There's no one guarding it. Where did they all go?"
He opened the door and stepped inside. The interior of the royal palace became even clearer. Tall windows lined the walls, allowing sunlight to pour in freely. Portraits of previous kings and queens were neatly arranged along one wall.
Directly ahead of him was a red carpet that led to Queen Caterine II's throne. The throne was carved from wood, adorned with intricate golden details. A thick cushion covered the seat—surely comfortable to sit on.
But Booza couldn't take another step forward. Yonvi Virosta appeared, watching from the second floor. His gaze was sharp and threatening.
"Who gave you permission to come in here?"
Booza gave a bitter smile. "No one. I'm a royal knight now—I believe I can enter whenever I want."
Yonvi descended to the lower floor. So fast that in a blink, he was already in front of Booza.
"I'm not like my brother who likes to play games. If you act up here, I'll kill you."
Booza knew what was going through Yonvi's mind—terrifying thoughts. The threat was very real. One more step forward and a sword would be driven through his chest.
"He's way out of my league now," Booza thought to himself, unconsciously stepping back.
Just then, a female attendant came running toward Yonvi.
"Excuse me, sir! The Queen sent a message—she wants you to bring Booza to her chamber."
Yonvi stared at the attendant, confused. "Why?"
"That's all the Queen said."
Booza was no less confused—he was terrified, in fact. He was about to meet the Queen, the mother of Agril, whom he had killed. That truth could no longer be denied.
"I'm sorry, I can't! I need to leave now."
"No one disobeys the Queen. To defy her is to pay with your life," Yonvi said firmly, locking eyes with Booza.
There was no other choice. Booza had to follow Yonvi to the Queen's chamber. It was on the third floor. Together, they climbed the stairs, which were lined with beautiful paintings—images of the Queen from childhood to her youth. When they reached the third floor, a large portrait of the Queen seated on her throne hung prominently on one wall.
Yonvi led Booza to a large white door guarded by two soldiers. Both held sharp spears and wore full battle gear.
"Sorry sir, only Booza is allowed inside," said one of the guards.
Booza was now more confused—and more afraid. He wanted to run, to escape this royal command. But could he? Yonvi was right there, ready to strike if he disobeyed. If the Queen summoned him, he had no choice but to obey. Her word was law.
Booza swallowed hard before stepping into the room. Just two steps in, the door closed behind him.
He was awestruck.
The Queen's chamber was stunning. The walls were painted in a blend of cream and white, with golden ornaments embellishing every corner. The room was enormous, with a jacuzzi in the center and a bed at the far end.
"You're here. Come closer," Queen Caterine II greeted.
Booza grew more confused. "This… is a strange sight."
Of course, doubt stirred in his heart. The Queen was soaking in the jacuzzi. She lay back, head tilted, eyes closed, enjoying the warm water against her skin.
"Am I even allowed in here?" Booza asked quietly as he stood near the jacuzzi.
"Yes," the Queen replied firmly.
"Why did Your Majesty summon me here?"
The Queen opened her eyes and looked at Booza with a gentle smile. "I just wanted to confirm something."
"Your ability is to read people's minds. So—you already know who Agril really was?"
Her words pierced Booza's heart like a dagger. Sweat began to bead on his forehead. Fear and panic surged within him, but like it or not, he had to answer.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I know… that he was your son."
"Good. Then keep your mouth shut. No one else must know. If even a single person finds out—then you'll pay for it with your life."