Temporary Crown

30 | In search for miracles

“So, I am going to ask again, Sir Ford,” Nesta’s voice was heavy. It felt like it contained different emotions that was masked by the seriousness of the situation. Benjamin shuddered.

“Are you willing to die for your master?”

The question was repeated several times in his mind. And every time it was repeated, it sounded different and the more he realized that the lady had something in mind the moment he was called here.

He blinked trying hard to gather his wits but his expression changed as he looked so dumb standing there. He was even rendered speechless not knowing what to do or what to react.

Nesta’s intimidating gaze lingered a little bit more. Silence enveloped them. Benjamin’ raised his sensitivity as he stayed on guard not knowing what to do. At the same time, Benjamin’s eyes traveled and met Nesta’s brown hazel ones.

There were no hint of mockery and mischievousness in her gaze like before. In contrast, she had the looked as though she was in the middle of a war ready to draw her sword.

In that same instant, he remembered who the duke were and that his master will always have a reason no matter how absurd his actions were. He can’t doubt the reason of the duke. He was a witness of the duke’s plan and how they will always lead to victory.

Benjamin shifted his thoughts. He tried to think everything in a rational manner not letting his feelings take a hold of him. The duke adopted this lady. Hence, no matter how elegant and extravagant she dressed, she mirrors the duke in certain ways as she was able to attract the duke’s attention.

She was intimidating and she spoke words as though they were knives. That was why he felt scared the moment he entered for he subconsciously felt and thought who the lady were.

That’s right. Why was he only thinking this now?! Benjamin scolded himself. He immediately looked down as though he did not have any courage to look at the eyes of the mistress. Nesta obviously noticed how his expression and thoughts changed. However, she did not flatter herself instead, she continue to proceed with the topic.

“Are you rational now, Sir Ford?” Nesta asked.

Benjamin almost flinched. He can feel the pressure of the lady’s gaze.

“I am very much sorry, my dear lady.” Benjamin knelt down on the floor. Nesta’s eyes follow his every action. Now, she was looking down at him even though it wasn’t in her intention. “I have sinned my lady. Please punish me according to what is right.”

Nesta sighed and leaned on the sofa. “I am not asking such apologies, Sir Ford. I will ask you again, are you willing to die for your master?”

This time, there were no hesitation on the knight’s voice. He gave a heavy nod. “Yes, my lady. They are my pride and the reason for my existence. I am willing to die for them.”

Hearing the determined answer of the knight, Nesta gave a sigh of relief. She had been hesitant as there were many thoughts that were running in her mind but she had entertained the possibility of what Lucien had told her before.

She wanted to know the different legends and myths surrounding the whole empire. Even though it sounded nonsense right now, she was able to live twice. A magic that can grant life should exist somewhere in this world.

“Please stand up Sir Ford,” Nesta commanded. The knight immediately followed her words. He was so respectful now as though his previous behavior doesn’t exist before.

Nesta ignored his gaze as she begin with the topic. “Yesterday, the duke had fallen into a coma.” Nesta did not divulged into heavy details for she doesn’t want unnecessary rumors floating around but she told him the truth that he must know as the knight’s commander.

Benjamin was stunned the moment he heard that. He felt like there was a sudden gong that rendered him frozen not knowing what to do. “I have known this for he, the duke himself told me about his disease. The duke told me that he had only few months to live.”

“Then-” before Benjamin could say his words, Nesta already cut him off.

“The young master, Lucien and I believed that his life could be extend. We both believe in miracles as you should also be, Sir Ford.”

Benjamin frowned. “Miracles, my lady?” He had thought of the legends that presented themselves as miracles.

Nesta gave a simple nod. “Have you ever heard stories when you were a child? Or perhaps, those legends in the story that somewhat when you heard them, they feel so believable?”

As Benjamin heard the question, he contemplated before answering. “Y-Y-Yes, my lady. I have.”

“As you see, potions and magics, even the ones coming from the temple do not work on the duke. Such things can only help him temporarily and not heal his whole disease.”

“What should we do then, my lady?” Benjamin asked in distress. His mind started to think of the different possible scenarios that might turn to be worse. However, nothing could be worse than hearing his master fall into a coma. If there were things he could do, he would gladly do it.

“I have plan of course however, I would need you to form a group of knights and head towards every corner of this continent in search of the impossible.”

In search of the impossible.

“What do you mean my lady?”

“I asked you earlier how great is your loyalty and if you are willing to die for your masters. You answered me with yes. Hence, although this mission sounded impossible to begin with, we are not going to give up in search for the cure. I will only give you one mission and command, Sir Benjamin Ford. Travel the continent and search for miracles and the impossible, Benjamin. That is my command to you as the temporary duchess of the Von Stein duchy.”

Travel the continent? Benjamin’s thought drifted. He felt like he can’t understand the lady’s words at all.

“My lady?”

Nesta stared. Her lips formed a gentle smile. “Are you perhaps scared Benjamin?”

In that very same moment, Benjamin paused feeling a different pressure enveloping him. This was different than before. This pressure exist inside of him not because of the duchess gaze.

Was he scared? No one asked him such question before. He was a knight at it was logical that someone would demand his life for the sake of his master. It was a matter of duty and loyalty.

However, for some reason, he felt that the lady wasn’t only talking about fear itself but the unforeseen journey that was waiting for him. It was the unknown. The lady was asking for the impossible. The miracles. Just by those words, he one can conclude that he might not find it and people might even label him as insane.

In order to do this mission, he must be courage enough to risk his fame and honor. He could even be injured and worse die in the journey. Benjamin’s pupils shook as he swallowed. He haven’t been serious for all his life except now.

But the lady and the young master was risking it all. They were not willing to give up and so is he. He clenched his hands and jaw as his resolve started to grow even deeper. However, there was a hesitation forming inside of him.

Would he be able to do it?

He should do it!

It was his duty! This was his loyalty!

He should not hesitate! How dare him!

Benjamin felt so ashamed as he then answered in a solemn voice.

“No, my lady.”

The lady’s gentle smile widen as her eyes flickered. Her happiness and relief were being reflected by her eyes. It looked beautiful. Like a sunset signifying a new beginning with full of hope.

“Then I am glad, Sir Benjamin. I am really glad. .”