Chapter 14: Unexpected departure
"Alexia, I'd like you to investigate something for me," Iris said between bites of toast.
"Oh, well this is different," Alexia sipped some tea. "Usually, you want me to avoid doing anything useful."
The two sisters had gotten into the habit of having breakfast together in the royal palace.
"Well, this situation is a bit unusual. Your status as a princess would be a real asset."
"Okay, I am officially intrigued. Who am I investigating and what are they guilty of?"
Iris frowned. "Don't assume anyone's guilt or innocence. The entire point of an investigation is to uncover the truth. You need to enter into it unbiased."
"No problem," Alexia said with a wide smile. "You know I would never judge anyone before getting to know them."
Iris did not look convinced but started to explain. "We've done our best to identify the bodies of the terrorists who attacked the academy. None of them carried any sort of identification and we will probably never know who the majority of them were. A handful though have been identified as former orphans from a church orphanage right here in the capital."
Alexia shrugged. "Poor orphans getting sucked into gangs or bandit groups. Not exactly a shock."
"In general, I'd agree, but it is a bit suspicious to have so many from a single orphanage. I requested an interview with the priest in charge of the institution."
"And what did he have to say?"
"Nothing, he was found murdered two days ago."
Alexia's eyebrows rose. "Now that's interesting. I know some parts of the city are dangerous, but most people aren't going to murder a priest even if they rob them."
"I agree, which is why I asked archbishop Drake for an interview. He made excuses about being busy, and just recently departed to go to Lindwurm under the pretext of attending the Goddess' Trial. But apparently he wasn't scheduled to attend."
"That's not suspicious at all."
Iris nodded. "I want you to go to Lindwurm and investigate him. I'm worried that if we don't speak to him immediately the church might suddenly transfer him to a foreign country where we have no jurisdiction."
Alexia gave her sister and eager nod. "Leave it to me! I'll ring this guy dry and find out whatever he knows."
"Be careful! Keep in mind that father doesn't want any accusations about us harassing clerical officials. We absolutely cannot afford to have any charges of heresy leveled against us. Interview him and get as much information as you can, but be civil!"
"No problem, sis! I will be my usual charming self."
Iris gave her a sideways glance and sipped some tea. "I've arranged for you to attend the trial itself as an honored guest. Once you finish you can take a few days to enjoy yourself. Maybe you and Cid can have a nice holiday."
"W… What makes you think I'd want to do that with Poochie? If I took him with me, he'd probably spend the whole-time whining."
"Oh, so you're not taking him?"
Alexia hesitated. "Uh, well, I'll probably be really busy and need help arranging things. I suppose he might be a little useful. I at least know how to get some work out of that lazy bum."
Iris chuckled. "That's what I thought. So, I've arranged for you to have two rooms while you stay there."
"Oh, dear sister, are you implying something scandalous might happen with me and my loooooover?"
"What I am saying is that you're a princess and represent not only our family but this entire country. I expect you to behave properly when you're out in public. I do not want to hear about any embarrassing escapades or shameful rumors when you get back."
"And what if Poochie and I decide to do some naughty things in private? Hmmm?"
Iris' cheeks blushed and she broke eye contact. "School romances are supposed to be exciting. Someday you may have to marry someone you have no feelings for and spend the rest of your life being faithful to them. I won't hold it against you if you want to follow your heart now while you still can."
The words caught Alexia a bit off guard.
Of course, nothing was going to happen with Poochie. She might enjoy teasing her sister with the possibility, but her heart wasn't quite ready to go that far. And Pooch didn't have anywhere near the guts to make a move on her. (Alexia refused to even consider what she would do if he had.) But it would be a lie to say Alexia had never had any thoughts in that direction. He was cute and honest and even sort of charming in his own self absorbed and annoying sort of way.
If Cid suddenly tried to kiss me, would I… Alexia shook her head and drove the thought out. It was stupid to even worry about that now, the two of them had plenty of time to grow closer.
It wasn't as if some other beautiful princess was suddenly going to compete with her for his heart or anything.
XXX
About two hours later Alexia strolled into the lobby of the boys' dorm. She'd already packed her luggage and had a carriage waiting. She'd give him the great news and tell him to hurry up and toss some clothes in a sack or something so they could start the long journey south to the holy land. Alexia had no doubt that he wouldn't appreciate what an amazing experience this would be for him. The Goddess' Trial was a huge event that brought massive crowds every year. Unless you were a local it would normally cost hundreds of thousands of zeni to attend. And here Poochie was going to get to go for free, stay in first class accommodations, and even get to enjoy the company of a stunningly beautiful princess! Most guys would LITERALLY kill for this sort of opportunity!
But she could already hear her pooch whine and complain about not wanting to go and wanting to just laze around all day doing nothing. She had a full purse with her and was already resigned to having to bribe him again. It was really annoying to have to pay him to go on what was pretty much a vacation. Alexia expected to be done with the archbishop within a few hours, then they'd be free to see the sights and just relax.
"I really do spoil that lazy bum," she sighed to herself. Well, he was just lucky she had such a kind and forgiving nature.
She walked up to the front desk where a single man was working.
"Hello, could you please send a message up to Cid Kagenou in room 212 and tell him Alexia is in the lobby wanting to see him. Oh, and tell him to pack some clothes before he comes down."
"Oh, Cid," she wasn't surprised he immediately knew she was talking about, there were less ten male students currently in the dorm. "He actually left yesterday. I'm afraid he's no longer in his room."
"Thank you very much, I… wait. What did you just say?"
"Cid left yesterday. He said he was going on a trip."
Alexia stood there a moment stunned. "He left without telling me?! You stupid Pooch!"