The Third Prince, also known as the Scholar Prince, Julient, was enjoying a refreshingly sweet slice of chocolate cake. This chocolate cake. It was made with utmost care by the castle’s cooks. The fact that they were always ready to send out a slice whenever he asked them to was jarring at first. Even if they baked him a whole cake just for a single slice, where did the rest go?
None of his brothers seem to be fond of sweets, and eating leftovers on their own would bloat those chefs in a matter of weeks. Surely they wouldn’t just throw them out?
But when he learned from his snooping that the chefs and servants worked together to send out leftover als and desserts to the nearest orphanage, Julient felt his faith in humanity restored.
Ever since then, he ordered a slice of cake every day, sotis even two a day. He didn’t have to worry about his weight due to his high tabolism, and his regular physical training to make up for his lack of physical [Talents] had definitely helped as well.
Done with reminiscing his past, he went back to enjoy his slice of cake, but a knock on his door disrupted his thoughts.
“Bastion, is it?” he said, mouth full of chocolate cake. “Co in.”
The door opened to reveal a butler, lanky with a magnificent mustache. “Your Highness. I am here.”
Julient placed down the plate and took a sip of warm tea before turning to Bastion. “Morning Bastion. I called you here because I need so letters to be delivered.”
“Of course, Your Highness. To whom shall they be sent?”
“Here you are.” Julient handed Bastion a stack of envelopes, each one bearing a prominent house na. At the top of the pile was an envelope marked with the na ‘Sareid.’
“Send these to the nas written on the front. It’s a reminder that the First Prince’s birthday party is coming up soon.”
“It shall be done, Your Highness.”
Bastion carefully handled the envelope as he turned to leave the room.
When the doors clicked after he left, Julient sat back down and began eating his cake again. Its sweet and soft taste would never bore him.
Enjoying the dessert and tea, his mind returned to thought.
The party, huh?
Despite it being his brother’s celebration, Julient had volunteered to manage it. From personally writing the reminder letters to overseeing the training staff, ensuring the food list t the highest standards, and more, he had taken on countless responsibilities.
He couldn’t risk any mishaps, especially now with a certain soone constantly by Key’s side.
This year’s party preparations seed to be going smoothly. The invitations had been sent, the royal palace venue was ready, and the royal knights had secured the roads leading to the capital, ensuring they were safe from monsters and bandits.
The only thing different for this year’s party would be the arrival of one young Carine Sareid. The “proof” that Karvin had discovered. Julient didn’t entirely know what would happen with her arrival.
All of the invited families had been inford of the Sareid family’s invitation to the party. So of them would definitely antagonize them for that incident generations ago, but Julient could only hope for the best.
He needed her perspective, to confirm that what he saw was the truth. Her firm, sharp eyes, surely they would see the sa reality as he did.
Finished with his piece of cake, Julient went on to finish his cup of tea before it got cold. Before he could even take a sip though, another set of knocks ca on the door.
He didn’t even have the chance to ask who it was before the door opened itself, revealing none other than Julient’s eldest brother, the First Prince Key.
“Hey, Julie!” he said in a booming voice. “How are you doing?”
Julient sighed. “I told you to stop calling that. What brings you here?”
Key strolled in uninvited, plucking an empty chair and sitting across from Julient with a relaxed air. He crossed his legs, grinning. “Just wanted to check in. Have the reminders been sent out?”
“They’re with Bastion. I handed them over monts ago.”
“I see, I see,” Key said whilst nodding. “Thanks for keeping things running smoothly, Julie! I really appreciate it!” He smiled brightly. It was a simple pure smile that could charm millions.
“It’s no trouble, brother,” Julient replied evenly. “I want the best for you and for the kingdom. If that takes a little extra effort on my part, so be it.”
“Right,” Key said, leaning forward slightly. “I heard you invited another family over. The Sareids, was it? Mind telling why?”
“Do you still rember my proposal to improve our kingdom’s education?”
Key rubbed his chin, thinking for a mont. “The one where you argued education should start early? Of course. Sha Father didn’t agree.”
Julient flashed a warm smile. “I’m glad you believe in . The Sareid mber I invited is none other than the house’s future heir, and I believe she can demonstrate the potential of my vision to Father.”
“Really?” Key shifted in his seat, leaning even more forward. “Can a single person be enough for proof? And what makes you think so, anyway?”
“Carine Sareid, I heard from my associate that the her mother, the current Duchess, has pushed her relentlessly; training, education, discipline, all from an early age. She embodies exactly what I’m advocating for.”
“Ahh, so you want to see for myself and then convince Father for you?” Key murmured, standing up and walking to Julient. He placed a firm hand on his younger brother’s shoulder. “You’re really sothing, you know that?”
Julient didn’t reply, but he appreciated his brother’s praise.
“But,” Key continued, his voice softening. “I have one small request for you.”
Julient tilted his head slightly. “What is it?”
“I’m glad that you’re helping us out, Julient. I really do. But,” Key hesitated, turning his eyes down to the floor for a mont. Then he sighed, his lips curling into a worried smile. “Just… don’t ss with Munith, alright?”
Julient held back a scoff. “Is that all, brother?” Julient placed down his tea cup and turned back to face Key. “You worry about her too much, brother. But, don’t worry, I am all past that.”
Key raised an eyebrow. “Truly?”
Julient returned with a nod. “I was just… worried about you brother. This is the first ti you are ever close to soone, but as long as you’re happy, I will support it.”
“Ah, you really are the best, Julie!” Key exclaid, his previous worry replaced with his usual exuberance. He ruffled Julient’s neatly combed hair in a way that only an older sibling could. “If only everyone had a brother like you.”
Julient winced but forced a polite smile. “I appreciate the sentint. That said, could you leave to finish the rest of my report?”
Key laughed heartily, stepping back. “Sure, sure. Thanks for everything you’re doing, Julie! Let’s talk again soon!”
“Of course, brother.”
And with that, Key left the room with the heavy click of the doors closing.
Once his footsteps could no longer be heard, Julient picked up his cup of tea. Sadly, it had grown cold. But he took a sip anyway, not willing to waste it. The sweetness of the cake lingered on his tongue, but it felt less satisfying now. His mind fell on the earlier conversation.
“Hmph.” He finally let out his scoff. “Don’t ss with Munith? Funny.”
Key’s blind trust in people would be his undoing one day, Julient thought. It was up to him to ensure that didn’t happen. Munith was the biggest threat against him, for a myriad of reasons. He couldn’t allow her to reign free for much longer, but no matter what he did, his family seed to always side with her.
The only thing he could do for now was to lay low and act like nothing antagonistic was between him and Munith.
Julient’s lips curled into a small smirk. The party would serve as the perfect opportunity. Not for accusations, no, but for gathering information. Watching, listening, and uncovering Munith’s true intentions. He would get to the bottom of it, one way or another.
He stood up, brushing the crumbs off his clothes, and walked over to the window. The sprawling garden of the palace stretched out below, the colorful flora soothed his eyes. Sowhere out there, preparations were underway, servants bustling to ensure everything would be perfect for the grand event.
Julient’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s see how long your mask holds, Munith,” he said softly to himself. “And let’s see what truths Carine Sareid’s eyes can see.”
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