"You've overstepped your bounds, Matias! What are you doing in the presence of His Majesty king today? Everyone in the government office is talking about you. Is that what you expected?"
"I didn't expect anything, Father. I just want to help Mr. Carlos find the perpetrators of the estate tax fraud."
"Then what did you mean by going that far, Matias?"
"I really didn't mean to, Father. Twice I caught Mr. Benedict meeting with the tax worker. So I couldn't stay silent and just guess."
"And you enlisted the help of your friend Rodrigues to look into it with you?"
"No dad, we just agreed to look into it together. How could I stay silent when I know someone is committing a crime, which harms many people parties."
"You're such a hero, Matias!"
"Forgive my impudence and Rodrigues', Father."
"And you, are you still going to marry the daughter of duke Eduardo?"
"Of course, father! We'll stay married."
"The whole country will think that you deliberately brought down Prince Edmund, so that you can snatch the girl of his choice."
"I don't care about all that, Father! They know that I did not slandered Prince Edmund. I exposed his crimes with written and a witness."
Count Antonio Lawrence deliberately waited for his son's return in the living room of their residence, he was eager to ask him directly why he had become the center of attention in the why he had become the talk of the government office today.
He immediately intercepted Matias' steps when the man had just arrived and was about to head to his room. And without much ado, he immediately conducted a hearing for Matias. It was as if his son was the defendant. In the presence of countess Victoria and Martha, count Antonio continued to ask the questions that were troubling him.
"Antonio, I didn't mean to defend Matias. But never mind! I think Matias has explained everything honestly to us. Can you calm down?"
Martha just puffed out her cheeks, sitting silently and not daring to make a sound. She was just a spectator and a good listener. Both hands were busy fiddling with the fabric of her dress at the knees.
"I'm still thinking about your relationship with that girl, but today you're are throwing another tantrum."
"Why are you bothering about my relationship with Nivea? We're already adults, Father. And Nivea, she has absolutely no interest in being part of the royal family."
Count Antonio sighed, looking down with both hands supporting his head.
"Stop right now, Matias. Antonio, stop arguing. It's getting late, time for you to get some rest. How long do you want to fight?"
"Go to your room Matias! That's enough, you're driving me almost crazy."
Without a word, Matias departed from their presence after hearing his father's last words.
The next day, everyone in the entire country was abuzz with the a massive audit conducted by some of the financial teams from the kingdom, under the leadership of Mr. Ruddy. His Majesty's trusted assistant, worked swiftly to fulfill his king's orders.
However, in the midst of the commotion about the tax audit, His Majesty made a sudden and unilateral announcement that seemed sudden and one-sided. Dashingly, he had standing on the podium at the center of the government office, and then began his announcement.
"With a heavy heart, I am Jacob Kenneth. Announcing that my son Edmund Kenneth, will be sent into exile. As a sanction for the that he has done, to the detriment of many parties. And I also announce that the person concerned, Edmund Kenneth, has canceled his wedding that he had planned the other day. Because he will serve his sentence in exile for an undetermined period of time. I, on behalf of the royal family, apologize to all those who have been aggrieved by the tax fraud cases that have occurred in many institutions. And we, the royal family, will continue to investigate similar cases in other agencies that have not been revealed."
***
"Has your father told you, Martha? About the announcement from His Majesty?"
"Hmm. Of course, Daniel! Anyone would be surprised to hear that. Exile of Prince Edmund."
"I didn't expect Matias and Rodrigues to investigate the that case. And even less expected that Prince Edmund would be involved in it."
"That's right, Daniel! You know, father was very angry with brother. They fought because of it."
"Of course, Martha! Your father must have been very surprised that Matias and Rodrigues revealed the case before His Majesty."
"Hmm. I didn't dare open my mouth when I witnessed the quarrel."
"Martha, my mother has invited you to visit our home."
"Really? Duchess Valerie invited me to come?"
"Of course! She wants to cook with you."
"Wow, are you kidding me, Daniel?"
Daniel, who was standing next to Martha, immediately shook his head, "No! Martha! There's no way I'm joking about this. Come tomorrow afternoon! I'll be home early from the garden."
"Hmm. Okay, Daniel!"
This afternoon, the two of them were spending time together after the drizzle had fallen during the day. Now Martha and Daniel were walking around the Edelweiss garden area, which currently has more visitors.
After wandering around together for more than an hour, Daniel took his girlfriend home in his horse-drawn carriage. The coachman was happy to willing to take them. Arriving home, Martha was surprised by the presence of her brother who was reading in the living room.
"Brother! You're home early?"
"Hmm. I'd like to take an early break, Martha." as he turned his eyes from book to Martha. "Are you going with Daniel?"
"Of course! We went around the Edelweiss garden."
"Ah, you two are so romantic!"
"Do you feel jealous of us, brother?" she whispered close to the ear of Matias from behind.
"What did you say? Envious? Hmm. No!"
"Alright! Then, I'll go to my room now." the girl took off away from there.
Matias thought about his girl. He actually missed Nivea already. But, he couldn't see her yet. The situation was still not favorable.
Out there, people were still discussing the exile of Prince Edmund. Although they also knew that the prince's marriage plan had also been canceled, but it was better if Matias also thought about Nivea's position at the moment.
He really didn't care, if people out there were talking about bad things about him. But, Matias didn't want his sweetheart was also a topic of conversation. Matias didn't want Nivea's feelings to be hurt.
Not only that, but he also still had to protect the feelings of many parties. Especially the royal family, the Del Castano family and his own family.
Matias was tired of having to fight with his father again. So it's best, now he is more careful in doing things. He doesn't want to be selfish for the sake of his own feelings. He will be more patient until he can see Nivea again as before.