Chapter 543

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Caitlin thought it over carefully and decided Federico’s plan would work. “Alright. This way, everything will seem natural.“,
Sebastian, however, still wasn’t comfortable. “Let Tyler and King go with you. They can help protect you. Otherwise, I won’t be at
ease.”
“Okay.”
With that, the plan was set in motion. Everyone began preparing for the trip the next day. To ensure everything went smoothly, Sebastian arranged a private jet for them.
The next morning, the group was ready to depart. Before leaving, Caitlin made a point to see Beatrice, Eliza, and the rest of the family. She also went to say goodbye to her children.
“Mommy, where are you going?” Patricia clung to Caitlin’s neck.
“Mommy is going on a work trip with Federico. I’ll be back soon. You have to be good while I’m gone, alright?” Caitlin kissed her daughter’s cheek.
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Her sons were used to short separations from their mother, but Patricia was different. Her daughter couldn’t bear to be apart from
her.
“I don’t want Mommy to go on a trip…” Patricia held on tighter and refused to let go.
Caitlin tried gently pulling away, but her daughter wouldn’t budge. Molly stepped in to help.
“Patricia, want me to take you out to play? Let Mommy go do her work, okay? Be a good girl.”
But Patricia still wouldn’t give in. Then Sebastian had a better idea.
“Patricia, how about Daddy takes you and your brothers to see Kyle? He’s competing in that model–building contest today, remember? You promised to cheer him on. We can’t be late!”
That caught Patricia’s attention . She looked up, eyes wide, then nodded eagerly. “Okay! I want to cheer for Kyle!”
Sebastian successfully led the children away, waving back at Caitlin. She tucked away her emotions and called everyone to depart.
James, Tyler, King, Federico, and Ashfall all headed to the hotel where the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was staying. There, they met with the orchestra’s director and explained that Caitlin would be joining the trip to A Nation to look for her mother. The director agreed without hesitation.
Soon, Caitlin reappeared in a new outfit. Gone was her sharp, commanding aura–she now looked like a low–key assistant, complete with black–rimmed glasses.
“How do I look?” she asked with a grin.
“You look so different I wouldn’t even recognize you if you didn’t say your name,” Federico laughed. “From now on, you’re my assistant–Esme.”
“Perfect. Let’s go.”
James, Tyler, and King also changed into simple, utilitarian clothes to pass as backstage crew.
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Everything was ready. They headed to the airport, boarded the plane without issue, and took off on schedule.
After several hours in the air, they landed at the capital city’s international airport in A Nation–St. Sanctum.
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Traveling alongside the orchestra, they disembarked together. The royal family had arranged transportation, and soon they were all driven to the St. Sanctum National Hotel.
Once they were settled in, Caitlin asked Ashfall to lead the way to where he had painted “Despair‘ years ago, hoping it would lead to clues about her mother.
Ashfall had last been to St. Sanctum three years ago. The city had changed dramatically–skyscrapers had sprung up everywhere, and everything looked more modern and developed than before.
No one could be sure whether Ashfall could still recognize the places he once knew.
Since they didn’t know how far they’d have to walk, James rented a small car for them to follow Ashfall through the city.
Ashfall walked the streets slowly, trying to trigger memories from years past.
St. Sanctum was beautiful, bursting with flowers in every direction.
It was Caitlin’s first time in A Nation. Gazing out the car window, she noticed trees blooming with purple flowers and asked, “What kind of flowers are those? They look like heather.”
Federico nodded. “That’s exactly what they are. Heather is the official flower of St. Sanctum. We came at just the right time–it’s peak blooming season in September.”
“They’re lovely.”
They took in the city’s scenery while scanning buildings for anything familiar. King drove at a slow pace, trailing Ashfall carefully.
Ashfall crossed several streets on foot, gradually remembering where he had set up his art stand. He even found the old convenience store where he remembered selling *Despair*. From there, he continued onward, following the route from his past.
According to the signs, they were now approaching Centrál Square–St. Sanctum’s political heart, where the royal palace was
located.
They noticed a crowd gathering along the sidewalks, and the center of the road was completely blocked off. Signs marked it as a no–vehicle zone.
“No vehicles allowed? Is there some kind of event today? Why are all these people waiting by the street?” Caitlin asked.
Tyler quickly looked up the local news and replied, “Looks like today is a royal procession. The citizens are all waiting for the royal convoy to pass.”
“Should we back off a bit?” Caitlin suggested.
Before anyone could respond, King had to hit the brakes–their car was stopped by police officers stationed ahead.
Ashfall, walking nearby, was also halted.
“Stop! Today is a royal inspection. All vehicles must stay off the main avenue! Everyone in the car, step out and present your ID!”
As part of security protocol, officers were checking everyone’s identity.
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ion,
Caitlin and the others got out of the car and handed over their IDs.
When the officer read Federico’s passport, his eyes widened. “Sir, are you the world–famous pianist, Mr. Colli?”
“That’s me.”
“It’s an honor to meet you! We heard the royal family invited the European Royal Philharmonic. I had no idea you were with them! What a privilege!”
The officer respectfully returned Federico’s documents and offered, “Would you like me to inform the palace of your arrival? They could extend an invitation right away.”
“No need. We’re just sightseeing today. We’ll officially enter the palace for tonight’s performance.”
“Understood! You won’t be able to take the vehicle, but you’re welcome to proceed on foot.”
They were given clearance to walk, but Caitlin had no interest in the procession. Her focus was entirely on finding her mother.
“Let’s not go in. We’ll take another route.”
“Agreed. Let’s go around.”
They decided to detour. Still, their timing had placed them right near the grand procession. From their position, they had a clear view as the royal convoy exited the square.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the royal vehicles passed. It was a grand, festive spectacle.
Caitlin and the others paused briefly to watch. At the front of the convoy was a gleaming, extended Bentley limousine with an open sunroof. Standing in it was a man who radiated charisma and authority.
He wore a royal uniform, a ceremonial hat, and a sash adorned with medals. He waved to the people on both sides of the street.
Caitlin looked at the man and turned to Federico. “Is that the King of A Nation?”
AD