Honey : The Empire's Treasure 410 Tree Experiment: Batch 1

While everyone is sleeping off last night feast, this was the perfect time to put her plan into motion.

With her mother keeping her father occupied, she knew no on would be around to see her hacking into the hidden cameras he installed around the farm.

After changing the feed to a pre-recorded loop, it was easy for her to jump over the orchard's walls and bypass the guards standing at the entrance outside.

Remembering her way around from the previous visit here, Mika didn't waste time looking around. She went straight towards the back.

At the halfway mark, the stench of the sick trees became known. It was faint, but was still able to turn her stomach. 

Better prepared for it this time around, Mika pulled out her nose plugs, stuffed them in her nose and continued walking.

The further in she went the few healthy trees were seen until the empty strip barren of trees and grass marked the transition into the "Dead" zone. 

Once she crosses this area, the pungent odor from the rotting trees will cause her breathing problems.

Taking off her pack from her shoulders, Mika wanted to have her materials in her hands to start immediately after entering; just in case, her body couldn't take it anymore and she need to make a fast exit.

Mika removed a handful of test tubes filled with nanos from her bag, "Okay, littles ones...it's going to be you guys time to shine."

Her idea was very simple. Since the nanos back in cavern have taken to combining themselves with the cells of tree, and are able to help the tree fight against the infection polluting it. 

She hoped by sprinkling some in the orchard would work the same way. Though this isn't a permanent solution to the problem and neither she or Yumsa will be here to help, she believes this plan can at least stop the spread.

Saying a few more words of encouragement to herself, "Come on, Mika, it doesn't smell that bad...you used to do infants' laundry for years. You should be use to foul odors by now…" She entered the "Dead" zone.

In the guest courtyard, Ailwin was seated at a desk with his head in his hands. He hadn't slept the whole night.

The secrets Mikaela told him left him too wired to even think about going to bed.

*Knock* *Knock*

"Prince Ailwin…?" His personal steward called from outside his door.

"Yes, what is it?" Ailwin answered annoyed. He knows he told everyone he didn't want to be disturbed tonight.

"I see that you light is on, should I tell the kitchens staff to prepare breakfast, sir…?"

Looking out of the room's window, he just now noticed that the sun's rays were lightening up the skies.

Did I stay up the whole night? 

Turning away from the window, he became aware of the stiffness in his body from sitting in a chair all night long.

"...Sir?"

"No...just get the bath ready for me...and make it hot."

"Yes, sir."

Left by himself again, Ailwin remembered that he has plans with Lord Mano today.

Releasing out a long breath, he doesn't know how he was going to face Lord Mano, Lady Lyra and Mikaela today. 

The thoughts in his head was still too jumbled up for him to even try to have a coherent conversation with anyone right now.

However, he and Lord Mano had made plans already and it wouldn't be right to cancel.

An hour later, he and Lord Mano were walking side by side, on another tour of the Amara's estate.

Apparently, Lord Mano himself had forgotten about their appointment and upon remembering he rush to the guest courtyard. 

Unfortunately, Mano didn't take into consideration the time when he left his house this morning as the sky was still had a tint of darkness to it and servants were just getting up for the day.

It seems Ailwin wasn't the only one who had received shocking news last night.

After he and his wife's conversation yesterday, Lord Mano had not spelt well. Although Lyra had told him everything she was hiding and answered all his questions clearly, he still felt lost.

From what she told him, all the history and information about Analise and Calico are lies to fool the masses, and the one who orchestrated it was the royal family.

Mano looked to the side of him, peeking over at Prince Ailwin's profile.

At least now, I understand why she was so upset…

To think he betrothal their daughter to his wife's enemy's son. 

Despite the fact that Prince Ailwin wasn't born at the time Lyra's family was betrayed and murdered, he was sure it was tough pill for her to swallow.

It must have been terrible knowing that daughter is going to be married to your enemy's son….but at least the situation has fixed its self somewhat…

He could see the love developing betwen the two and Lyra said she has already come to terms with it. Glad for that, or he would have had to break his daughter's heart to make his wife happy.

The continuous sighing coming from Lord Mano had Ailwin thinking that his father-in-law was upset with him.

"Lord Mano, is there something wrong?" 

Coming out of his thoughts Mano looked at the young male, he wondered if Ailwin knows about the past evil deeds of his ancestors did. 

Likewise, Ailwin was looking at Mano the same way. He didn't know how much Lady Lyra told her husband.

With both conflicted on how to handle each other, they both sighed at the same time.

Hearing the blow of air leaving the other's mouth, they looked up at each other.

"...I'm not the only one feeling troubled day?" Mano questioned.

"No, you are not alone. I had a long talk with her daughter last night…" Ailwin look off into the distance, where he could see the gate to the Amara clan's orchards.

"...I can't apologize for the hurt that my ancestors has bought to your wife and daughter, but I hope that you will believe me when I say I have no intention of following in their path of destruction and evils."

Mano listened to Ailwin talk and smiled, I didn't make the wrong choice after all.

"...Ailwin, I wouldn't ask you to apologize for another person's wrongdoings. All that I can ask of you, is to take care of my daughter…"

"Of course."

"Then let's stop this talk for now, and let me show you the orchards."

Chapter end