Two days later.
Because of his busy day at the vineyard yesterday, it wasn't until this afternoon that Matias returned to see Rodrigues at his home.
"I have printed the pictures. Prince Edmund and Mr. Keith. Keep it Matias! Just put them together with the previous picture." as he gave the printout to Matias.
"I have also borrowed last month's tax bill from Mr. Carlos."
"If the evidence is convincing enough, we should reveal it to His Majesty. His Majesty's presence. We don't need to hesitate, Matias."
"To be honest, I still have some doubts, Rodrigues. But we have already come this far. I think you should approach Mr. Keith. That way, we can drag him to the palace and get him to confess his actions."
"Hmm. Tomorrow morning I will actually meet him. After that, I will meet you at the estate."
"Alright Rodrigues! Thank you."
Meanwhile, at the Del Castano family residence, the girl who was skilled in making bread, did something completely unexpected. Less than a week before she had been chosen to be Prince Edmund's maid of honor, she began to lose put up with her theatrics and started acting out.
"Are you crazy Nivea? What are you doing with your hair?"
"Why Dad? You said I was crazy."
"The Empress would be furious if she found out that one of her subjects, a girl shaves her hair like you."
"Fine, then I won't appear before her."
"How could you! You're Prince Edmund's maid of honor. You will marry the prince."
"Who said I was going to marry him, Father?"
"Nivea!"
"Look dad, I... I love Matias. And I will only marry to him."
Nivea turned her body around, leaving her father who was still with a shocked expression. He couldn't believe the last sentence he heard, coming out of Nivea's mouth.
Duchess Elvira, who had been silent observing the debate between her husband and daughter, finally opened her voice.
"I think Nivea is telling the truth again."
"Since when? Since when did she fall in love with the Count Antonio's son?"
"I don't know."
"I've heard that the boy waits all day for Nivea at her shop. What has he done to my daughter?"
"I don't think anything, it's just that Matias seems to have made her life more colorful. Besides, as far as I know, Matias visits the shop quite often. When he's not busy, he can be a good talker and listener for Niveas."
"What do you mean Elvira?"
"That young man has managed to win the heart of my daughter, who is hard as I don't know how he did it. Until Nivea fell in love with him. Your daughter is no fool, Eduardo. She knows what kind of man deserves her heart."
"Then what shall I say to His Majesty, Elvira? Child that. Nivea has smeared my face for the umpteenth time."
That one day Nivea didn't come to the bakery. She just stayed in her room and this morning she asked Seri for help to take care of the operation of the bakery. Nivea was in a bad mood. She was too lazy to step out of her room. Let alone leave the house.
And that's when, for some reason, she wanted to cut her own hair. Maybe just to vent her pent-up emotions. She really didn't want to marry with Prince Edmund. Her little heart had realized that she had in love with Matias Vander Lawrence.
In front of the mirror in her bathroom, she recklessly cut off her long hair below the ears. In fact, at this time shaving hair that short is something taboo, for a girl and an adult woman.
They would find it difficult to curl their hair when they had to participate in certain activities such as events or festivals.
That were often held in the country. So the queen expected all the girls and women in her country to always have long hair.
Of course, Duke Eduardo was not surprised when he saw the new appearance of his daughter.
Nivea returned to her room after arguing with her father. She was waiting for Seri's return from the shop, as she was going to ask the girl for help once again. After many minutes of waiting, the girl finally appeared in front of her.
"Miss! Oh my! What's wrong with your hair, miss?"
"Do I look really bad, Seri?"
"No, it's not that Miss. It's just that you took me by surprise."
"Are you tired, Seri?"
"Hmm. A little bit miss. There's Clara and David helping over there."
"Is it okay if I ask you for a little more help?"
Seri rounded her eyes, she was curious about her new assignment. "Of course, miss! You can say it now."
"Then, please meet Matias at his house."
"What? When, Miss?"
"Now Seri! Go with Mr. Willy to his house. Please tell him that I'm waiting for him at the Edelweiss garden."
"What? Are you kidding me?"
"Hurry Seri, we have to go now." as she moved down from the the bed.
"We? You said, I'm going with Mr. Willy."
"Take me to the park first!" as she put on her coat. Nivea and Seri stepped quickly out of the room towards the main door of the residence.
"If mom asks, tell her I went to catch some wind with Seri." said Nivea to one of the residence's doormen.
The well-built man bowed slightly to her, "Yes miss!"
A few minutes later.
Mr. Willy had escorted Nivea to the Edelweiss garden. After he dismounted from the carriage, Mr. Willy continued his journey to take Seri to the Lawrence family residence.
The fragrance of edelweiss flowers wafted through the garden. Nivea had no fear of waiting alone in the garden. On some sides of the sides of the park, people could be seen sitting on lawn chairs, enjoying the cool night air in the city. White light from incandescent lamps often illuminated in every corner of the park.
Matias seemed surprised by Seri's presence that night. Something he had never expected or even imagined before. Don't know what brought the girl to finally meet him. Could it be Nivea who sent her?
"Good evening, Mr. Matias."
"What is it Seri?"
"I hope my presence is not disturbing you."
"Speak up Seri! What is it?"
"Miss... Miss Nivea is waiting for you at the Edelweiss garden."
"What? Are you joking, Seri?"
"How could I be joking, sir. Come with me now if you willing to meet her."
"Alright, we're going now!"
Seri took another step towards her carriage which stopped near the gate of the Lawrence family's. Matias followed behind her.
On the journey that didn't take long, the two of them were silent. Matias was quite curious about what was actually happening to Nivea.
It's useless to ask Seri, he thought. The girl would say she didn't know. Or just pretend not to know. Matias held back the question, until he met Nivea later.