The Land of Phaleno: The Princess's Rebirth (Book I)

Chapter Seventeen: "Secrets Behind the Royal Seal"

As June North approached the threshold of his study, his gaze fell upon an envelope lying upon the floor. The envelope was neatly rolled and secured with a striking crimson ribbon tied around a gold royal seal. The seal appeared cold and austere.

June North bent down, retrieved the envelope, and carried it into his study. The room, which had previously felt confined, now seemed vast and empty, its silence broken only by the gentle breeze that seeped through the open window and the incessant drumming of the rain.

Upon reaching his desk, June North deposited his large black satchel upon it, followed by the royal missive. He removed his leather coat and hung it neatly. Then, he reached for a decanter on his cabinet, poured a generous measure into a glass, and drank slowly.

Having placed the glass upon the desk, June North unzipped his satchel, revealing a stack of banknotes, the proceeds from that night's diamond sale. Under the dim lamplight, the pile of notes shimmered conspicuously.

He took a bundle of notes, counting each bill with meticulous precision, each number adding to the night's quietude. With care, he divided the money into several smaller stacks, arranging them in neat rows upon the desk.

Then, with a delicate touch, June North retrieved a small satchel from beneath the desk and began to fill it with the banknotes. The remaining funds, a larger sum than that which he had placed in the satchel, were securely deposited in a hidden safe beneath the desk, which opened with a soft click that shattered the silence.

June North traced a finger along the wall panel, then carefully pulled it aside, revealing a testament to his acumen and mastery of the underworld. Behind the panel was a secret ledger, filled with detailed transactional records. With steady hands, he turned page after page, meticulously recording the night's transactions. Each line and numeral in the ledger was a testament to his invaluable efforts and ingenuity.

Next, he opened a desk drawer and extracted a finely crafted wooden box. Inside, he found several uncut diamonds. June North removed one of the diamonds and examined it under a magnifying glass, observing each facet with a discerning eye. The diamond's beauty and potential were evident, and he carefully returned it to its compartment. At his desk, he drafted a document detailing these diamonds, intended for his awaiting client.

As night deepened and the rain continued to pour, June North turned his attention to the stack of letters neatly arranged on his desk. He examined each message with meticulous care, letters from various corners of the globe that attested to the vastness of his network. Each sheet was scrutinized, confirming that all transactions were progressing as planned.

Finally, June North reached for the royal missive that still lay upon his desk, bound securely with a crimson ribbon. With deliberate movements, he untied the ribbon, revealing the luxurious cream-colored paper. The scent of rich ink filled the air as he broke the royal seal, a weighty symbol of the importance of the message within.

The letter unfolded slowly, revealing its contents. June North gazed upon the words with a serious expression.

"June North,
Greetings,

On behalf of King Phaleno, the ruler of a kingdom teeming with thousands of mighty elephants, the owner of a magnificent palace constructed of gold and silver bricks, served by thousands of royal attendants from various realms, and guardian of two rivers that nourish the fertile and fragrant lands of Phaleno, we extend to you a most gracious invitation to visit our kingdom.

Our kingdom, renowned for its prosperity and beauty, requires your presence for a matter of utmost importance. We hope that you may bring your expertise to assist us.

We anticipate your arrival tomorrow. Your safety and comfort throughout your journey shall be ensured by our royal guard. As a token of our respect and appreciation, we have prepared everything you may require during your visit.

Sincerely,
King Phaleno."

Slowly, he placed the letter on the desk and gazed out the window at the persistent rain, as if nature itself awaited an answer to this invitation. June North's brow furrowed, his expression hardening into a reflection of his rapidly churning mind. His gaze pierced far beyond the window, as if attempting to decipher the hidden message behind King Phaleno's grand words.

In the quiet room, filled only by the sound of rain and the soft glow of the lamps, he seemed lost in deep thought, piecing together the fragments of information and possibilities concealed within the letter.

Suddenly, a faint smile graced his lips, like sunlight breaking through a cloudy sky. He exhaled deeply, shaking his head slowly. His smile suggested that he was beginning to understand the true intent behind the invitation—perhaps a challenge, or even a new opportunity awaiting him.

June North closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to be enveloped in profound contemplation. Thoughts of what could be a new beginning and a significant change flowed through his mind, traversing paths of possibility he had never considered before.

When he opened his eyes again, a new gleam shone in them—a conviction about the path he would take, a certainty that whatever lay ahead, this invitation would be a turning point in his life.

With a deliberate hand, June North ignited the candle on the desk and then held a corner of the letter to the flame. The paper began to yellow and curl, quickly catching fire. The flames licked greedily, spreading across the neatly folded letter. The scent of burning filled the room, and one by one, the letters on the letter vanished into ash, leaving only a black mark on the desk. Tiny ash particles danced in the air, carried by a gentle breeze, creating a layer of grime on the desk's surface.

June North stood tall, his gaze empty as he stared at the remains of the burned letter. He began to pace the room, his steps filled with restlessness. Each step felt heavy, burdened by thoughts he could not articulate. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets, but his breath came in ragged gasps, unable to calm him.

His gaze suddenly fell upon the empty sofa in the center of the room. The image of the woman returned to his mind, disturbing his tranquility. Her face, now like a haunting ghost, demanded something of him that he could not ignore.

Thunder roared outside the window, creating a frightening flash of light that tore through the darkness of the night. Its thunderous sound reverberated through the room, adding to the unease that coursed through his body.

With an urgent decision, June North hastily donned his coat. He glanced around the room one last time before rushing out, his every step echoing in the stillness.
He knew that searching for the woman was a risky endeavor, but it was also unavoidable. Every decision he made had consequences he would have to face, and he was prepared to accept whatever awaited him out there.