“What are you doing, Mr. Shaffer? There is no need for such formalities! Please get up!” Dustin quickly helped Cinna up from his knees.
“Your Highness, it was my mistake for failing to protect you and the Princess Consort. I am ready to receive my punishment!” Tears rolled down Cinna’s face.
“Mr. Shaffer, what are you saying? Had you not risked your life to save me back then, I wouldn’t be standing here now! “Dustin consoled him.
“All of our friends in Valiant Troop are now dead. I’m the only one left. I have failed the Prince and the Princess Consort. I have failed all of you!” Cinna choked up.
“Mr. Shaffer, there is no need to blame yourself for what happened. You did your best, and I’m glad to see that you’re still alive.
“I was the one who brought all the trouble upon all of you. I’m the one to be blamed.
“Had it not been for me, you would not have laid unconscious for ten years.
“Had it not been for me, our friends in Valiant Troop would not have died. I am the one who should be apologizing to all of you!” Dustin’s eyes welled up with tears.
Memories of the incident all those years back were still vivid in his mind. He had seen with his own eyes how his friends and guards had collapsed in pools of their own blood just to protect him. They had been so courageous and resolute.
He had always remembered the names and faces of each and every one of them.
“You are a royal, Your Highness, and we are your people. It only makes sense for us to die protecting royalties.
“None of our friends who have been sacrificed have died in vain as long as you are well and alive.” Cinna wiped away his tears.
“What is this talk about royalties and commoners? That’s nonsense! You are all my family and friends. None of you should have died for me. I owe my life to all of you!” Dustin looked guilty at him.
“With your words, I believe our fallen friends must feel at peace even in death. “Cinna smiled through tears. Though it had been a decade since they met, they had changed a lot, but their relationship remained unchanged.
“Mr. Shaffer, this might not be the best time, but I’d like to ask, what exactly happened back then? Who is the main perpetrator behind it all?” Dustin’s expression became stern.
“Well…” Cinna hesitated when he heard Dustin’s question. A while later, he sighed.
“Your Highness, you should let go of what happened then. Do not investigate the issue anymore. What matters is that you’re alive and well, and that’s more important than anything else.”
“Mr. Shaffer, my mother was murdered, and so many of our friends died because of me. I cannot pretend that nothing has happened. No matter what, I will get to the bottom of it all!” Dustin’s gaze was unwavering.
He was never going to let the person who murdered his mother off.
“Your Highness, some things aren’t as simple as they seem. Even the Prince himself has let go of it. Why are you still so persistent?” Cinna looked conflicted.
“Rufus Rhys decides for himself. I am my own person! He has his considerations, but I do not! He dares not take revenge, but I will!”
Dustin was adamant. “I stand by my word. No matter who the true mastermind is and how powerful he is, even if he’s the King, I will make him pay!”
When he said that, even Brooke and Maximus, who were standing by the side, were alarmed. Wasn’t he being too reckless? He was challenging the King! Was he about to take on the entire nation of Dragonmarsh?
“Your Highness …” Cinna clenched his fists, looking torn.
He did not know if he should say what he knew. Based on Dustin’s character, he would get himself into trouble if he probed any further. This was too messy of an issue.
Even the ever-mighty Prince of West Lucozia was forced into silence. What more, Logan, who had no power and status?
“Mr. Shaffer, do not feel burdened. Just tell me what you know,” Dustin said righteously.
“But of course, should you choose to keep your silence, I will not force you into saying what you do not wish to divulge. However, I will continue investigating the matter. I will never give up!”
Cinna sighed softly before relenting. ” Since you wish to learn the truth, I shall not hide it from you. I just ask that you not act rashly.”
“I understand. I won’t act unless I have full confidence.” Dustin nodded.
“I do not know much about what happened back then. But I know someone who definitely does.”
“Oh? Who is it?”
“Donovan Linsor!”
