As the king said, both of them didn't leave the carriage at all each time the convoy stopped at a town or a village. Today's search was only limited around their kingdom. If the maiden the prince was looking for wasn't among their people, the prince would then visit other countries.

When noon arrived, they stopped by a plain to have lunch. Turns out, the logistic group was responsible for bringing the king and prince's lunch along with the utensils. They even brought a table and a set of chairs in their cart.

Only once the table and food were set the king prompted Bai Xing to come out with him.

A maid gave Bai Xing and the prince's butler a parasol respectively. Following the butler's manner, he opened it once the king has sat down and shaded him from the sun.

"Father, where is your royal guard? It is rare for him to not guard you by your side."

"I have sent him for an important task. That is why I have Servant White to accompany me for the day." the king took a bite of his food in a graceful manner.

The prince swallowed his food and looked at Bai Xing, "It seems you are quite fond of this servant's service, father."

The king didn't give any comment on the prince's statement, "How many households are left on the list?"

"We are almost reaching half of it. We will finish today's search by dusk at the latest."

The king nodded in acknowledgment.

Bai Xing stood as still as a statue. Thankfully, he was also under the shade because of the parasol's size. His mind wandered about what Grey said last night.

Why did Grey say he can't let him cut down the tree yet last night? Wouldn't it be better the faster it was destroyed? Then when could he cut it down? When the prince found Cinderella and fit the slipper to her this all would be over.

What was Grey planning? Crash their wedding?

Grey definitely wouldn't tell him even if he asked though. Or maybe he would tell for a price.

But the ball has ended. Would he meet Grey again? He seemed familiar with the castle's directory. Is he a noble of some kind? M said that all his previous helpers have been deceived or killed by the virus, so he couldn't be one of them.

Bai Xing thought of something terrible. What if Grey really was from the virus's side and he was the one who got swayed into thinking Grey was on the same side as him? Grey never really said that he would let him cut the tree.

The more he thought about it, the more plausible it became.

What to do? What if the story got corrupted when he was still inside it? It was really a bad choice to choose him. In the first place, did M said the method to exterminate the virus?

"White."

Bai Xing jolted from surprise and turned to the king. He almost thought that Grey appeared and read his mind. Grey often seemed to know what went through his head.

"Pour the drink for me." The king smiled.

Remembering his previous mistake, Bai Xing was unsure whether he should do it again. Moreover, he was holding a parasol in one hand.

The king took the parasol into his own hand, "Go on."

"…"

Is…Is this really okay?

Bai Xing hesitantly picked up the jug and slowly poured the water into the king's glass. The king watched him but decided to not scare him again.

Seeing Bai Xing get startled and jump like a bunny was indeed very cute, but he shouldn't do it too much or Bai Xing would get defensive around him.

With the king staying silent, Bai Xing successfully poured the drink without spilling anything. He inwardly sighed in relief and went back to his previous position after taking the parasol back.

After overcoming the task, his mind was now blank.

Huh…? What was he thinking about earlier?

They continued their search after lunch finished.

Bai Xing stayed in the carriage with the king all the way just like before. As expected, he became sleepy not long after. He forced his eyes wide open to fight off the sleepiness, but it was useless.

His eyes gradually closed as his body swayed from the carriage's motion for the fifth time, but he managed to snap awake again thanks to the bumpy road.

The king chuckled, "It is alright if you want to sleep. This is indeed a long ride."

Bai Xing wanted to shake his head, but he couldn't hold it any longer. When he got permission from the king, his body subconsciously relaxed and he completely fell asleep.

The king's amiable smile changed into something deeper.

Bai Xing was awakened by the king when the sky outside has darkened.

"?"

He touched his lips in a daze. It was faintly throbbing and felt a bit swollen. Was it just his imagination?

The carriage door opened.

"Come. My son has found his bride at last." The king stepped out.

Bai Xing looked outside and instantly sobered up. They have arrived at Cinderella's house.

He stepped out and caught up with the king who was entering the mansion. But when he entered, he noticed something was amiss.

There was only Cinderella welcoming them. In addition, the prince hasn't tried the slipper on her yet. They were still just staring at each other as if they have met their destined one, that kind of vibe.

So, why did the king say…?

"Are you the only maiden in his house?" one of the escorts asked as he looked at the household register in his hand, "It is stated here that the head of this family has a wife and 2 daughters. Are you a servant here or are you one of the daughters? State your name."

"My name is Cinderella. I am the daughter of this household." Cinderella politely bowed.

"That is enough," the prince signaled the servants impatiently, "Bring in the slipper."

Bai Xing watched anxiously as a servant brought in the slipper. Unlike the one in the cartoon, the slipper was made of gold and silver instead of glass. He couldn't just 'accidentally' break it.

He glanced at the door to the backyard, trying to calculate how fast he could get there and chop the tree in one go when a hand grabbed his shoulder.

"Patient." The king whispered.

A few seconds later, Bai Xing's eyes widened in realization. He looked at the king dumbfoundedly.

It was then, a familiar man walked in. It was the royal guard. He stopped by the king and whispered something to him.

Just as the slipper was proven to fit on Cinderella's foot, the king pointed at her and ordered with a stern command, "Seize her."

"Father!?" the prince looked at the king in shock and confusion.

The royal guard and several of the king's personal knights barged in and restrained Cinderella.

"Father, why are you doing this?" the prince felt restless.

"My prince, what is going on?" Cinderella asked in fear.

"You can stop your facade, Witch," the king glared at her. The royal guard kicked her knees down and forced her head to the ground, "We have received several reports from our guests about a foul odor emitted by the woods. I have sent my trusted guard to investigate, and the source traced back to this house, more particularly that tree in your backyard."

"Y-Your Majesty, I do not understand what you are talking about," Cinderella denied it, "What foul odor? You have been lied to, Your Majesty."

The royal guard slammed her head to the floor, "Watch your words, Witch."

"Father, she is right! There is no such odor in this house." The prince tried to help.

"Then, explain why that shoe fits her," the king didn't faze, "We have made a duplicate of that shoe last night but with a smaller size. It should be impossible for her foot to fit, yet it fit her just fine. You have been bewitched, my son."

"Why would you do such a thing father!? If you switched the shoe, no maiden would be able to fit into it!"

"Because the main objective of today's search is a witch hunt, not to find your bride," the king raised his hand, "Execute her."

"No!!!"

The royal guard unsheathed his sword. Without any hesitance, he swung it down to Cinderella's neck.

To everyone's surprise, when the sword reached Cinderella's neck, instead of cutting it off, the sword broke. Her mouth previously petite mouth stretched crescent and a blood-red aura erupted from her, blasting away all the men pinning her down.

"It is time." the king patted Bai Xing's back.

Without wasting any time, Bai Xing slipped out from the house and rushed towards the backyard while the virus was focused on the king.

He summoned out the axe. Thankfully, it weighted perfectly for him.

The tree was awakened by its master's cry, but Bai Xing acted faster before it could launch an attack.