Chapter 459: A Little Concern

The King’s private study was quiet, as it usually was whenever Alderon came here to paint. The thick velvet curtains kept most of the noise from the Capital outside, leaving only the faintest sounds from beyond the windows.

Unlike the grand, cold marble halls of the high council, this room was warm and carefully kept. Heavy velvet curtains muffled the late afternoon noise from the Capital below, while shelves lined the walls, filled with old ledgers, historical treaties, and stacks of state reports tied together with string. The quills sat in their trays, the inkpots were all capped, and the wooden desks were kept free of dust.

Alderon sat near the wide bay window at his massive desk. He was dressed in a neat velvet tunic, the high collar buttoned to his throat, though his hair was unkempt and his pale eyes were rimmed with red from exhaustion. Dozens of account books, tax records, and reports from the various provinces were spread across the desk. In his right hand, he held a thin reading glass, hovering inches above a densely written report on the kingdom’s central supply lines.

A quiet knock echoed against the door before it creaked open.

Yerel stepped into the room with light steps. His posture relaxed, his hands casually folded behind his back.

"Father," Yerel said softly. "I hope I am not interrupting your work."

Alderon didn’t look right away. His quill slipped from his fingers and landed softly on the desk. He leaned back in his chair with a long, tired breath, rubbing his eyes with the sleeve of his tunic.

"Yerel," Alderon rasped, his voice sounding older, rasper than it had during the morning assembly. "No... no, you are not interrupting. The light is fading anyway."

Yerel approached the easel with measured steps, stopping just far enough away to show respect.

"Your organization is as meticulous as ever," Yerel commented smoothly. "The way you’ve cross-referenced these tax figures captures every discrepancy perfectly."

Alderon let out a faint, dry hum, a small flick of pride touching his worn face. "It’s chaotic out there, Yerel. The reports... the council... everyone is shouting. These ledgers are the only thing that keeps the static out of my ears."

Yerel nodded sympathetically, stepping a little closer. "Speaking of the reports... I couldn’t help but notice something earlier. I heard the Archmages discussing the hearth stones when I passed through the inner hall. They seemed rather concerned about what happened at the northern border, though no one was willing to say much about it."

Alderon’s hands stiffened on the armrest of his wooden chair. He let out a bitter, low grunt. "There was a problem with the stones. Zarius brought back a pouch of corrupted stones from the northern boundary. Claims they made the wild beasts frenzy."

Yerel raised his eyebrows slightly, looking mildly surprised. "Is that true? He looked quite shaken. He mentioned that His Majesty had ordered the stones to be examined carefully."

"I did," Alderon said sharply, his jaw tightening. "If we are sending tampered hearth stones to the North, we could have put an entire settlement in danger. Zarius was practically accusing the palace of sending his people faulty stones and leaving them to deal with the consequences."

"Well... Duke Valtrane has always been fiercely protective of his men," Yerel offered gently, playing the mediator with effortless grace. "He can be hot-headed when it comes to the North, but perhaps his concern isn’t entirely misplaced. If the stones really are flawed, it would be dangerous for anyone handling them."

Alderon looked up at his son, his pale, weary eyes searching Yerel’s calm face. "You think the mages made a mistake in the refining process?"

"I think they have simply been overworked," Yerel said softly, tilting his head with a thoughtful frown. "They are responsible for both the imperial wards and the commercial supply lines. With so much to oversee, it wouldn’t be surprising if a mistake slipped through. But... I’m sure Cassius and his men will discover what happened once they finish examining the stones."

Alderon leaned back in his chair, letting out a tired sigh. "Perhaps. Cassius promised to bring me his findings once the matter has been properly examined. If those stones were indeed faulty, we will have them destroyed and send a new supply to the North."

"A wise approach," Yerel murmured. "It should keep the high lords from making a fuss while still making it clear that they must be more careful."

Yerel waited a polite moment before bowing his head slightly. "I will let you return to your quiet, Father. I merely wanted to check on you before the evening council meetings begin."

He turned on his heel, taking two steps toward the heavy oak door.

"Yerel," Alderon called out suddenly.

Yerel paused, stopping right in front of the doorframe. He turned his head over his shoulder, his eyes cool, clear, and perfectly composed. "Yes, Father?"

Alderon hesitated. His fingers tapped lightly against the arm of his chair as he looked at his son, his expression thoughtful.

"Is there... anything else you wished to tell me?" Alderon asked, his tone carrying a faint, strange weight, as if he were grasping for something he couldn’t quite see. "About the North? Or anything else?"

Yerel kept his expression calm and gave his father a faint, reassuring smile. There was nothing in his face to suggest he was hiding anything.

"Nothing at all, Father," Yerel answered softly. "There is nothing else you need to concern yourself with. The North remains quiet, and I have heard nothing that would suggest otherwise. The men there are doing their duties, the people are safe, and there has been no trouble that requires your attention."

Alderon blinked, caught slightly off guard by the remark. He looked at his son for a moment before asking, "Are you?"

"Of course," Yerel murmured, his voice softening as he reached for the door. "It seems you’ve started painting again, Father. I’m glad to see it. You always seemed happier when you had time for your art."

Alderon gave a small nod. "Yes. I thought it was time I picked it up again."

Yerel smiled faintly. "I’m glad you did. You seem much more at ease when you focus on your art. And I am certain your next piece will be even more... extraordinary."