"I greet the Empress of the Chrono Empire."
"You may rise."
After making sure the first wife and her son straightened their backs. I bent my back lightly, it was my turn to greet them.
"I greet Her Highness the Consort and the First Prince."
She opened her folding fan and placed it to cover her mouth. She lowered her eyes and looked at me.
"Oh my, Prince Damian. You've grown so much."
I knew she was taller than me since I was only six years old but the way she looked at me; I didn't quite like it. It felt like she was looking down on me and, sorry not sorry, but I wasn't stupid enough to miss her golden eyes that burned with hatred. Was this the reason why my mother had a change in mood as if she was putting a thick wall around her?
"I hope you can get along with your brother; Alexander, Prince Damian."
I glanced to the side and met another pair, a set of golden eyes. Oh well, as expected of the main character of the novel, he was indeed handsome. As if God put way too much handsomeness when created him.
Different from his mother, this boy looked at me with cold and indifferent eyes. Even his expressionless face made me unable to read what was in his mind. But, whatever–
'I'm not interested in becoming an oracle who's able to read minds anyway. But, by the way, what's up with these twisted people? What are their intentions to butt in my afternoon tea with my mother? Of course, they're here not just to chit-chat, right?'
I thought I only had to be wary of the main character because of the plot, but it seemed I should put his mother on the list too.
Hopefully, this wasn't something--where the main character turned out to be a villain and I had to become a hero to save this world--like a novel.
I didn't want it and why would I risk my life for the sake of a stupid 'title' called 'hero'? I wasn't a masochist and I treasured my life. I would gladly let someone else do it.
"I heard you love to read books."
The First Prince took something out from his jacket.
"So I bought a book for you, hope you like it."
"Thank you."
I received the book.
"Damian also has something for you."
I turned to my mother as our eyes met, and she smiled. I didn't know if attending an afternoon tea was required to exchange gifts. But, thanks to my mom, the matter had been taken care of.
"As Prince Alexander excels in swordsmanship, Damian would like to give you a sword in return."
'Wait. What? A Sword?'
Although I was grateful that she had taken care of the gift matter. But, why did it have to be a sword? I mean, here I was training to get stronger to avoid being killed by him, and here my mother gave him a sword.
'Mom, please, that's just ridiculous.'
I expressed my concern through eye contact but she just smiled and stroked my head. It seemed she didn't get what I tried to convey.
"Lady Sancus, please bring the gift for Prince Alexander."
"As you wish."
With that, the Empress' lady-in-waiting excused herself.
Dariush expressed his worries about the Empire's future as the power that Duke Desdemona held within the Imperial Court kept growing. At first, Duke Aeneas refused because he didn't want to get involved in politics, but after a very long talk, Duke Aeneas agreed.
When the Emperor passed away, Dariush ascended the throne and, at the coronation, he finally dropped the bomb; Dariush announced and appointed Theresa, the young lady of the Aeneas Family as the Empress instead of Cameron. Of course, this caused a very, very big ruckus and chaotic situation as Duke Desdemona felt betrayed.
Many councils opposed and demanded the Emperor change his mind for months, but as the Emperor's orders were absolute, in the end, they could only grit their teeth. Not to mention that their opponent was the center of the military scene, and surely they were not foolish enough to wage war with the most powerful military on the continent.
"Your Majesty, I have brought the gift for Prince Alexander as you have instructed."
"Present it to the Prince."
Lady Sancus brought a rectangular box and presented it before Alexander. Cameron's Lady in waiting received the gift.
"I sincerely appreciate your kindness, Your Majesty."
Alexander bowed lightly.
"There's no need to thank me."
I couldn't help but look at my mother once again. This time I put a lot more unsettled expression on my face in hopes she would understand and change the gift. But, she just smiled. Urg.
'You know mom, it's not funny if he used that sword to slay me.'
In the end, I gave up and drank my tea.
'I'll just talk to her once the afternoon tea ends.'
Because I realized how bad I was when it came to expressing emotions.
"I heard that His Majesty the Emperor has finished the preparation for the war."
The Empress froze and hurriedly put down her teacup. Instead of answering, she looked at me before switching to Alexander. I wonder what was wrong with her?
"Prince Alexander, would you take a walk with Damian?"
"As you wish."
Alexander got down on his feet and waited for me. I glanced at my mother.
'What? Alone with him? Mom, please, why are you--sigh. There's nothing really scary rather than you being alone with the person that fated to murder you.'
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