John entered the room. Upon catching sight of the venerable figure seated upon the bed, he promptly knelt on one knee and lowered his head in reverence.

"To the Sun of Ceracuse, may your reign be long and everlasting. Your Majesty, it is an honor to be illuminated by your radiant presence. I, John Alastair, announce my arrival."

"Rise," replied the king with a measured tone.

John stood slowly, maintaining his gaze downward and his right hand clenched in a fist over his chest. He remained in a stance of attentiveness.

"Approach closer," instructed the king.

"Yes, Your Majesty," John responded, moving cautiously towards the bedside and taking a seat in the nearby chair as instructed by the king gesturing to him. An uncomfortable silence ensued until the old man finally spoke.

"How have you fared, my child?"

"I am well, Your Majesty. The passage of years has been favorable," John replied, his gaze still averted.

"You appear uneasy."

John remained silent.

"I understand. It has been many years since we last met. Do not maintain a distance, my child. I have grown too old for such formalities. If it does not cause you undue discomfort, treat me as you did in your younger years."

John hesitated a bit but then finally raised his head and looked the king straight int he eyes.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but it has indeed been many years since then. I have matured significantly over the years and have changed. I no longer recall my behavior towards you during my youth."

"I see. So that is the nature of the matter. My son, I suspected you might harbor some resentment towards me. I still perceive it in your expression." John was about to respond, but the king interrupted.

"Do not attempt to refute it. I am familiar with that expression. Though you may now appear reserved and controlled, your eyes remains as expressive as it was in your youth," the king said with a hint of nostalgia. He then turned his gaze away and looked into the distance. John observed him quietly. The king continued, "Do not be harsh towards your father. The circumstances were indeed difficult. I had only one child, you, and nearly even lost you twice. I was compelled to send you away. I have never confessed this before, but I deeply regretted it. My child, please find it in your heart to forgive me. Despite the hardships, I should have made more effort to visit you more often."

John pondered his response for a moment, then, noting the pained expression on his father’s face, he finally spoke. "It may take some time for me to feel comfortable in your presence once more. However, Your Majesty, I assure you that I will make a sincere effort."

"Thank you," the king replied with a relieved smile. "Now, tell me, are you in good health?"

"I have been well. I attempted to visit earlier but was not permitted entry. I have recently been getting acquainted with Aunt Elizabeth," John explained.

"Ah, Elizabeth. She must have given you some trouble," the king chuckled at the mention of his mischievous sister. "How is she? Why is she not present?"

"She has been out today to visit a cloth market or some such place; I do not recall precisely. She was also eager to meet you."

"Are you two getting along?"

"Yes, quite well. She is delightful company. Though I must mention, she is both loud and unexpectedly entertaining."

The king laughed with genuine delight, pleased to learn of the camaraderie between his son and sister. John, who had been quietly smiling at his father’s laughter, remembered his earlier concern.

"Your Majesty, I wish to inquire about the medical team. I have learned that your personal physician and her team are conducting unauthorized experiments in the laboratories. When questioned, she indicated that she had your approval to proceed without formal authorization from the Royal Court. Is this accurate?"

"Ah, well, you are already aware of court matters. Indeed, I permitted her to conduct her experiments. She demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm for her research and is, without doubt, one of the most capable doctors in Ceracuse. She has established an extensive management regime for common diseases within our realm. Her contributions have significantly advanced our medical knowledge. Thus, when she requested permission to continue her work on the epidemic—persistent as she was—I granted it based on her proven capability and record."

"Without requiring an official order?"

"Allow me to explain. Mey, while exceptionally capable, often maintains a certain distance from palace affairs. I felt a degree of sympathy for her being summoned to the palace daily to attend to me, so I granted her more freedom. I allowed her to operate as she saw fit."

"Your Majesty, that seems to be a rather hasty decision."

"I acknowledge your concern, but I have trust in that child. She has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Ceracuse, and I owe her much. Therefore, I chose to permit her autonomy. Try to respect her wishes and refrain from pressing her unduly. She mentioned she will submit a report on her ongoing experiments to you shortly, so be patient. She may be avoidant but she is never inefficient."

"I understand, Your Majesty. Although I still find the decision somewhat hasty, I will trust your judgment."

"Now, since you have returned to the capital, how do you find it,tell me in detail?"

The king and John continued their conversation for an extended period, engaging in casual dialogue and catching up on the state affairs and events of the  years that had passed.