A cool early evening breeze separated Emilio and Rosalia. They were still far from the Cenatio where dinner was waiting for him.

    It was nice of her to ask him out and express her concern for him and his grandfather. But now she was asking for a frivolous thing. What in the Great Theos'' name would be the reason for him to forgive such a man?

    "I''m afraid. I cannot do that. There might be Gaeans who were affected negatively by rage. But there were also some who, when fueled by it, accomplished great things," he said in a determined manner of his belief regarding this matter.

    He lifted his chin and squared his shoulder before putting his hands behind his back.

    Rosalia chuckled uncomfortably as she tilted sideways. "Of course, my lord. I am only suggesting. Let us go? My lady might be looking for me." she pointed back to the path going to the Cenatio.

    As they continued walking, Emilio thought about what she said. There is a possibility that what she was saying might be true. He also has witnessed people who got caught up in wrath that they ended up either in jail or banished from Gaea.

    However, he believed it would not happen to him. He has pure intentions to protect Gaea from enemies of any sort no matter what the cost. As their Clan always did.

    He decided to just shift the topic and glanced at Rosalia, "How about you? Have you experienced hating someone?"

    Rosalia froze for a fraction of a second before she answered in a steady and low-pitched voice, "I did. But it''s eating me up inside, so I decided to let go and just live my life."

    She drew in a deep breath as she tilted her head. Emilio noticed that her hands were balled up in fists.

    Emilio''s head scrunched up as she pondered about his answer. Who could be that person that she hated so badly and destroyed her heart?

    Before they hired servants, they checked everyone''s background status. Rosalia may have come from a poor family. But they never have issues with anyone. If Rosalia has passed the assessment, then she is qualified.

    ''Maybe it''s not a family issue?'' Emilio thought.

    It seemed like Rosalia had no plans of opening up about it as she kept her lips pressed while they walked.

    "At least, now, you are happy. Am I right?" Emilio decided to take the conversation in a positive light, so she would not think about what happened then anymore.

    "Yes, I am. That is why I want to thank you, my lord, for taking me in and making me Lady Aisha''s chamber lady," she grinned as she faced him and bowed down at him.

    Her eyes were shining as she said that. Her demeanor also changed from being melancholic to optimistic.

    "You are a hardworking and efficient servant. You deserve to be promoted to a higher rank," he genuinely complimented her.

    ''Whatever happened in her past, at least she came out victorious. Maybe letting go of resentment isn''t so bad,'' Emilio thought.

    But thinking about applying it in his situation makes him feel like he is a weak being.

    ''Should I just let the issue go and leave the punishment to the Tribal Council?

    The Tribal Council might even be a part of that plan, heaven forbids,'' he contemplated.

    They were already nearing the Cenatio and from where they were, it seemed like Lady Aisha was in big trouble.

    It was normal for the Cenatio to have other people besides her since there were other lords and ladies who either lived or visited the Castle for different purposes.

    But Lady Aisha seemed to have picked an unlucky timing, as the other consorts were also eating there at that time.

    He has no idea if she has a good relationship with them or not.

    Like someone was listening to his previous thoughts, a royal guard came rushing to him.

    "I have been looking for you, my lord. We have some news about the man''s whereabouts," the guard reported.

    He almost choked as he spoke and caught his breath. It seemed like he came from a far land.

    Rosalia butted in and replied, "I better be going now, my lord. I will just tell my lady that you are joining her later." Then she scampered away.

    He wanted to go with her and defend Lady Aisha from them in case they bully her. But this is more important to him.

    ''Maybe they wouldn''t do that to her anyway,'' he concluded as he faced the messenger of good news.

    "Someone saw the man described coming out of Lord Lycano''s storehouse near the Market Town, my lord," the guard reported with his hands waving in the air.

    Emilio''s heart thumped faster than its regular rhythm.

    "Does that mean that Lord Lycano was behind this, my lord?" the guard thought out loud, reflecting the very thoughts of Emilio.

    It wouldn''t be a surprise if he did.

    It has been said that Lord Lycano almost started a revolt a decade ago.

    He has proven his innocence then and was able to persuade the royal ministers that he was not capable of doing such a thing.

    But Emilio became wary with him after that.

    Besides, he thinks he is interested in Lady Aisha, seeing how he looks at her during the wedding ceremony.

    ''But if he has affection for her, why would he destroy her reputation?'' Emilio pondered as his feet spread apart in a wide stance, his arms crossed over his chest. ''Is this some form of revenge against her?''

    He drew in a deep breath as he recalled his conversation with Rosalia about living a life with bitterness.

    ''If he is motivated by bitterness, it is either he could conquer the land, or be destroyed by it. I prefer it to be the latter, he concluded before confronting the guard.

    "What is important is we now have a lead," he answered the guard. "I will let the King know about this."

    The guard bowed his head in agreement and went back to his post.

    Meanwhile, Emilio was left thinking by himself.

    *******************