MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 5

"I am Arthur Bellack, sire. It is a profound honor to engage in conversation with you."

"Is that truly so?" John inquired, with a hint of levity.

"Indeed, sire. You represent the dawn of a new era for our nation. You embody the people's dreams and their aspirations for the future. To converse with you in such a manner is, without question, a great honor!" Arthur responded, his voice filled with passionate fervor.

"Arthur, may I address you as such?" (Arthur nodded with an enthusiastic affirmation.) "Very well. I am aware of the expectations of the people, and I am well prepared to make any sacrifice necessary to meet those expectations. Yet, I must confess, I am deeply fear the prospect of disappointing you and those who look to me for leadership," John said, gazing thoughtfully into the distance as they continued their walk.

"Certainly, sire. I have witnessed times preceding your time, even the time long before before your father's reign. There was a time when I was denied the right to dine at the same table as the Verans. We were treated with disdain, living as though we were beneath even the Veran stock animals. I recall a moment when my father was grievously beaten simply because his appearance did not meet the passing by Veran's standards. His garments and scarves disrupted their festive atmosphere. They beat him in my presence, as a mere boy of eight, until he bled and could no longer defend himself. I still, to this day, could not forget the hopelessness in my fathers eyes. What makes it worse is that it wasn't a one time occurence. This is the harsh reality we older generations remember and lived through. The conditions before the ascension of the last king are beyond the comprehension of today's youth," Arthur recounted, his face reflecting a myriad of emotions.

He gripped his hat tightly, the intensity of his emotion causing his hands to tremble. His eyes glistened, and John observed him with quiet respect, awaiting the continuation of his discourse. "Thus, sire, what I wish to convey is that the freedom bestowed upon us by your family is the greatest gift. You need not bear undue burdens or prove yourself further; your family has already granted the people what they most desired—respect and the dignity of living as human beings. Your concern of our expectations signifies that we have chosen our leaders wisely. The ones that care about us, not just blank people in power. We serve and follow the finest. This is the essence of Ceracuse."

"Thank you. Your words bring me comfort," John said with a reassuring smile. They walked in silence for a moment before John, recalling the purpose of their stroll, asked, "Might you enlighten me regarding the reports of a devastating plague spreading across the western region? During my time in the East prior to the rebellion, there was no mention of this. How could such a disease spread so swiftly across the country?"

"Sire, it is indeed an extraordinary situation. The initial reports of the disease emerged only a few weeks ago from the Sereath region in the lower west. The district initially reported the highest number of cases. The Sereath district was subsequently sealed off, and the situation was evaluated directly by the king. Unfortunately, a number of individuals had already left the district before the seal was enacted. Such is the desperation of some that they would defy royal decrees to escape a disease. But i understand them also. Within a week of the first reports, the disease had spread throughout the country. The situation remains severe, particularly in the Sereath region."

"So the origin of this outbreak is traced to Sereath. The rapidity with which this disease has spread is indeed unusual. We have experienced occasional endemics, but none have disseminated so swiftly or comprehensively to envelop the entire nation within weeks."

"Absolutely, sire. As I stated earlier, it is an extraordinarily alarming phenomenon. The disease is referred to as the 'shadow plague' due to its swift and mysterious nature. One may be in perfect health one day and, within a mere two days, succumb to a state where breathing becomes impossible."

"Hmm. Could you provide details on the symptoms and progression of the disease?"

"Certainly. In the laboratory, I work with fellow record clerks, we observe that the disease commences with symptoms similar to a common fever. Early stages involve chills and muscle pain, which then progress to severe stages where the patient coughs up blood and experiences respiratory failure. As the condition deteriorates, patients become increasingly weak, and those in advanced stages often succumb to death."

John listened attentively. "What is the current state of the late king?"

"His Majesty is in stable condition. The rumors suggesting his deteriorating condition are unfounded and merely the result of malicious gossip intended to sow discord among the people," John replied with firm assurance, betraying no trace of concern.

"Oh, thank the heavens. I am greatly relieved. May the late king enjoy many more years in robust health."

"May it be so," John responded, concealing his unease once more. As a skilled diplomat, he had long perfected the art of maintaining a composed demeanor. Although as a son, he wanted to confront the doctors directly and demand a full report on his father's condition. His position, although, demanded discretion. It was preferable to seek answers discreetly from the appropriate sources.

John resolved to remain calm and focused on the engaging conversation with his new acquaintance, postponing his concerns.