Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Armano was massaging his temple. A plan to conquer the Cadia Kingdom was the main reason of his headache.

Cadia is just a small kingdom located in accross of the continent. Having several gold mines and coal mines led them into prosperity.

But, the current king was so greedy, set the high taxes and doing so many nepotism or corruption in his reign.

This make the Emperror of Atrazal mad and planned to take over that kingdom. Then, Armano Lancia was choosen as the high comander in that quest.

The problem is a pandemic that infected the kingdom's citizen for this past five years. An antidote is still under development. But because of the nepotism, the project got slowed and faced the dealock.

Atrazal's emperror then secretly asked the most knowledgeable scholar to conduct the experiment of making antidote.

This is a difficult task. But, we are talking about a genious Duke Lancia. He sure will find a way. Maybe he can try to talked with another geniusess like.. her daughter.

"Is the dinner ready?"

Albert nod, "I'll serve your dinner right away, My Lord."

"And Cecilia?"

"I'm teribly sorry to inform you that Young Miss can't join the dinner tonight."

Armano then remember his sleepless daughter's face. Suddenly, he felt uneasy, "Is she sick?"

"No, My Lord. Currently she is in the Falancia Hospital and--,"

"Falancia Hospital?!" The Duke cut his servant unfinished sentences and shrieked, "Prepare the carriage now!"

"My Lord, plea--,"

"Just do it, Albert!" The Duke ran as fast as he can through an opened door on his study room.

After losing his deary wife, he can't lose his daughter too. If possible, he can traded his life for Cecilia. Armano's heart felt like been squeezed by a cold hand. He realized that there are nothing more important than his beloved Cecilia.

He was already in the entrance door where Cecilia get out from her carriage.

Armano approached her and gently hold her shoulder. He making sure that his touch didn't hurt her. A cold sweat broken from his forehead, "What happened?"

"Greeting, Father. I've finished my business with the hospital."

Armano's eyes glued at his daughter and started feeling impatient, "What kind of business? What did the doctor said? Do not worry, Cecilia. We can hire the best doctor in this world and treat you better than that stupid hospital!"

Cecilia's brows narrowed, "But, I am not sick, Father."

"Don't lie! If this because the South Island, then I will cancel it! You can started your recovery here!"

"Please calm down, Father. But this is--,"

"How could you asked me to calm down! You are dying!"

"A man was hit by my carriage. It's him who's dying. Not me."

Even the genious Duke Lancia need a minutes to understand that word.

"His head was wounded so badly and that's why I came to the hospital. But, now everything is fine, Father. So, you don't need to worry."

He released his hand from Cecilia's shoulder. "Is that so?"

"Of course! Please don't cancel the South Island plan. I started to find another lead."

"A lead?" That's when he noticed that her servant's was carrying so many books. He smiled and slowly stroke her daughter's hair. "Don't work too hard, Cecilia. Your health are more important."

"Yes, Father. Then let's eat dinner together. There are so many thing I'd like to discuss." An innocent smiled escaped from her plump lips.

Armano willing to give anything just to make her daughter happy. "Same here. You can go first to the dining room because I'd like to talk something with Albert."

"What happened, Father?"

Even his lips was twisted a smile. His grey eyes looks colder, "No, nothing special."

"So tell me about your restoration plan," Armani said after he drank a glass of champagne.

"Well, it's just a mere speculation. I'm still doing an investigation."

Investigation is not a thing that Armano expected to be hear right now. She is indeed his genious daughter and he decide to play along. "So, you are keep a secret from me?"

"I will tell it when everything is settled. And, what about you, Father? Is there something you need to discuss with me?"

He cleared his throat and started talking about the plan to conquer the Cadia Kingdom.

"Can you tell me about the pandemic symptoms?"

"On the first stage, they will feel easily tired and uneasiness. And continued with gum disease, loosening teeth, easy bruising, and poor wound healing."

"Gum disease?" Cecilia was deep in thought. Because this disease seem familiar in her mind. "Father, does fruits was rare on Cardia?"

"Of course, half from it's teritory is a precious stone mine. Most of the river was polluted by mining waste. That's make a land for agriculture is limited for wheat only. To meet the citizen's need, Cadia then imported vegetables, fruits and even meat from others kingdom who sold with higher prices."

"So only riches who can eat the imported food?"

"Unfortunely, yes. Poor people eat the bread or porridge since wheat are lot cheaper,"

"Father, I think there is a way to win this conquest mission without going to a war."

Armano's jaw dropped. But a second later,he succesfully get a hold of himself, "What do you mean?"

"I hate wars. It's just make people suffering and lost their homes. Umm, is there any paper and ink?"

Armano give a sign to the servant and asked them to bring the items that Cecilia need.

"This is just my speculation, Father. So, I can't guaranteed the effectiveness."

"It's too early to make a conclusion. However, I really appreciated your efforts. That's why I will grant you one wish."

"Thank you for your generousity, Father. But, I don't think that I deserve it."

Armano's head shook while he gave a paper and a bottle of ink to Cecilia, "I don't think so. To tell you the truth, this world is the one who didn't deserve you, my daughter. Then please, fill me in with your briliant plans. I'm on my ear."