"Why don't you tell me how we're supposed to find her?" Ross asked steadily.
"Well, we can get a few trusted men to look for her secretly. It's better if they are close to Her Majesty so they can persuade her," Fred studied Ross’s expression and answered carefully, "If not, she might not want to return, even if we find her."
Nodding, Ross said, "According to you, it seems I'm the only suitable candidate, aren't I?"
"You?" Fred looked astonished, then nodded as if catching on. "That's right! You're the perfect candidate for the task, Your Highness! You're supposed to be returning to Yudonia soon.
“If we tell others you've returned, no one would know where you are. You can look for the queen secretly—when you do, you're the only person who can change her mind. You could make her if she refuses to listen, and no one would hold it against you."
Fred nodded as he spoke, as if he grew increasingly convinced of his own words.
"That was an excellent suggestion, Your Highness. “He gave Ross a worried look. "I'm sorry you must deal with this since the place you'll be going to is far and could be dangerous. Of course, I'm sure Her Majesty would be relieved knowing how much you've done for her."
Ross listened and smiled faintly. "Why do I suspect you've planned for this?"
"What do you mean, Your Highness? You were the one who suggested it, weren't you? I only agree with your suggestion. Of course, it's understandable if you don't feel like going. After all, the trip could be dangerous.
“Since we don't know whether or not Her Majesty is safe, we might be in trouble if anything were to happen to you as well," sighing, he said, "Anyway, I wonder when Her Majesty would return. Bad things might happen if she doesn't."
Fred’s implications were evident—if they delayed any longer, the queen's life would be in danger, and the prince didn't want to go because he was scared. In other words, the prince didn't even bother with his mother's life due to his cowardice.
It was a clever move. If Ross went to look for his mother, Fred could get rid of him and even land him in danger. If Ross refused, he would look like he did not care about his mother's safety and might even be scheming to take her throne.
It would only destroy Ross’s reputation back in Yudonia.
Fred looked earnestly at him as if he was only taking orders from Ross. However, the latter was not angry or troubled by the dilemma. He simply smiled and looked pensively at Fred.
"Your Highness, what's your decision?" Fred could not help but ask. He then added, "Don't worry. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you have your reasons. No one will hold it against you."
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