"But, if Mr. Carlos says he also received a bill for the overdue taxes, it means that Mr. Benedict never failed to remit his the money to the tax authorities."
"We don't even know, Matias. The arrears letter really came from tax authorities or Mr. Keith made it up himself."
"You're right Rodrigues! All genuine data ends up being tainted by fakes."
"And the originals, the copies must be in the archive building."
"This is complicated Rodrigues!"
"It has something to do with the prince. Why do I feel so angry. Did are you thinking of exposing it in front of His Majesty?"
"You are mad, Rodrigues! I didn't think that far ahead. I only want to help Mr. Carlos, so that he is not constantly lied to."
"But Prince Edmund is His Majesty's future successor. How could we keep silent when we know of his corruption."
"But we must have other evidence if we are to bring this to the attention of His Majesty. We can't prove it with just those pictures."
Matias sighed, "There is still time to meet Mr. Carlos at the estate. I'll take you home now, Rodrigues. Afterward I will go to the plantation."
A few hours later, Matias arrived at the estate. Although it was already quite late in the day, he decided to take a tour of the vineyard first. Monitor the work of the farm workers and listen to any complaints they might have. After walking around enough, Matias met Mr. Carlos.
"I apologize for my impudence, sir. My friend Rodrigues and I have found a solution to the tax bill problem you complained about the other day."
"What? You investigated?"
"We didn't intend to at first, sir. It's just that, by accident I overheard Mr. Benedict's conversation with someone."
"Someone?"
"Yes! They were talking about real and fake tax bills."
"What? Why didn't you tell me right away?"
"I'm sorry sir, but I couldn't have told you without bringing any evidence."
"So, did you bring the evidence now?"
"While I only have this picture, sir." as he handed over the a printout of the photographs from inside his coat pocket.
"In this picture you can see Mr. Benedict talking to the person to whom I am referring. This is the picture I took yesterday morning in front of the tax office. But this is the second time I have seen them meet. The first time, this person came to see Mr. Benedict here."
After looking at the photos, Mr. Carlos returned them to the hands of Matias. "I've never seen this person before."
"He's a worker in the tax office, sir. Excuse me, sir, may I borrow last month's tax bill?"
"What are you going to do with it?"
"Rodrigues and I still have to investigate, sir. I cannot yet tell you who is involved in the matter."
"Hmm. Well, you worked hard on that, Matias." patting the man's shoulder.
Mr. Carlos immediately pulled out a copy of last month's tax bill that he got from Mr. Benedict's hand. Then he handed it to Matias. After putting it away carefully, Matias stepped out of Mr. Carlos' office.
And what a surprise he was, to find someone standing by the door and greeted him with a beautiful smile.
"Hi Mr. Matias!"
"Ah! Greetings, may blessings and happiness flow to you, my noble princess." bowing and smiling.
"Thank you, Mr. Matias! Has my arrival disturbed you?"
"Of course not, Your Highness. Wouldn't you like to see Mr. Carlos inside there?"
"Ah, no! Someone there said you were inside. Therefore, I waiting for you here."
"Very well, Your Highness! Then, what can I do to help you?"
The girl flashed a smile, "Please accompany me for a chat."
"What? Ah, I understand, Your Highness. We can chat while touring the estate. Or, would you like to sit down?"
"No! There is no problem with wandering around. Let's just walk around."
Matias nodded and began to direct their steps towards the center of the estate. A light breeze began to blow in the afternoon.
Princess Nicole came there accompanied only by Bella and her coachman. She did not want any bodyguards to accompany her chariot on her trip to the winery this time.
"Is it so much fun being a commoner?"
"Hmm. You mean, your highness?"
"Yes! A commoner, not the daughter of a king like me."
"Ah, I think it is very pleasant to be a commoner, Your Highness."
"Really? I also want to be a commoner then." as she smiling and looking down. "What kind of fun is it, Mr. Matias?" she continued.
"Hmm. For example, the average person can do all the things he or she wants without having to fear that he will come to the attention of many people. That's simple, noble happiness."
"Yes! You're right. They are happy with the freedom they have. As for me, I don't have the freedom of ordinary people."
"Don't be discouraged, my lord. Every human being born into the world, cannot choose which family he wants to be born into. I think, the noble princess is also fortunate to have been born as His Majesty's daughter."
"Lucky you say?"
"Of course, Your Highness! Many people want to be born as the son of a king. They have beautiful dreams. To be able to live a life of well-off, served, honored."
"Ah! But, they don't know how it really feels when they become a princess of the king. I've already felt it. Yes! And I can say that their wishful thinking is not as beautiful as they imagine."
Princess Nicole suddenly stopped her steps beneath one of the shady vine.
"What is your highness tired of?" asked Matias who had also stopped beside her.
The girl shook her head. "I have something to say."
"Yes, Your Highness! What is it?"
"I like you, Mr. Matias!"
"What? Your Highness? I.... me....."
"You like Miss Nivea? Hmm?" weakly, princess Nicole asked about something she already knew the answer to.
Matias chose not to answer. He just looked down, swallowing.
"But, Miss Nivea will be my brother's life companion. What, you didn't know about that?"
"I know, Your Highness. It has already been announced."
"So, do you still hold out hope for her?"
"No, Your Highness. How could I..."
"Then, can you just like me?"
"Your Highness, I... I am truly sorry to have to say that I cannot, Your Highness."
"Why can't you accept me, Mr. Matias?"
"Your Highness, I... I cannot say why. But, I sincerely hope that one day your highness will find someone who can sincerely love and take care of your highness."
And that sentence, Princess Nicole could only respond with a flat face. Although the man she liked could not accept her feelings, but at least princess Nicole had expressed her intentions. The princess returned to the palace with disappointment.