Prince, our prince (1)

What is with this development?

Kleios narrative doesnt seem to be stopping anytime soon. So, he was determined to accept his fate, but now that an unexpected hook came in, he couldnt help but feel a sense of resistance.

When he thought about the existing manuscript, there werent many calm days awaiting in the future, but now things seemed uselessly tense too soon.

Birthday parties are always an ominous flag

If you dont go, the knights will come and drag you into it? What a bloody birthday party.

Look, I thought it would be like this. If you act like your usual, youll be troubled by the royal family, so Ive volunteered. Isnt it a tearful friendship?

What friendship? If you look at it closely, youll see it only has an adverse effect.

Dione, who was listening to the two at a distance, was amazed.

Young master!

Look, Lady Dione has turned white. You can do that at school, but try to refrain from doing it outside.

I apologize as this bums guardian. Thank you for your generous understanding.

You dont have to be so formal, Lady Dione. What are you saying? I drank too much tea anyway. Which way is the bathroom?

Arthur hadnt even touched the teacup; it was just a sign that the two would give them time to talk. While Arthur led Isiel away, Dione opened her eyes wide and began to push Kleio.

You wont go after receiving a royal invitation with your name on it? You want to make that sort of declaration?

No, why is it that way? Is not attending the ball a political expression?

Thats why you dont know anything! The birthday celebration of His Majesty is where Prince Melchior shows off his popularity. Youve been called, so dont be hardheaded and go.

Should I go then? Wont I be entrusted with a public office or forced to swear allegiance to the royal family?

This is for the beautiful prince that Albion loves. It is to thank Prince Arthur for coming to you in person.

At school, the students didnt seem to be aware he was royalty, but when would they wake up? How noisy would they be if they received an official letter from the Crown Prince?

Uh

When the youngest prince returns, say you will accept it immediately.

Arthur returned to the parlor at that moment. With a solemn face, Kleio opened the invitation and signed it with the intent to attend. Dione quickly put a record on the gramophone, then reached a hand out to Kleio. He stared at the small hand in front of him.

Hey, Dione.

Now, I cannot back down. What would my reputation as your teacher be if the young master couldnt even waltz? It will be more fun to learn today when you have friends.

No, I dont think so.

Dione was determined. A cheerful dance song rang out through the living room, and that cat that had walked in laughed at Kleio.

Meeooooow (Can you disobey the lady? Haha.).

Isiel was already distracted by Behemoth and was petting the cat. Behemoth rubbed his nose into her cutely as Kleios eyes trembled. In the meantime, he noticed Arthur was talking to Dione.

Can I help you?

Come on, hold my hand, and stand up, young master!

Kleio clenched his jaw and nodded as Arthur laughed silently.

Lady Dione.

Yes, prince?

Teaching is good, but could you please allow me to spend the day with a friend whom I havent seen in a while?

.

.

.

As soon as they left the Asel mansion, Arthur asked if he brought his wallet. When he said yes, Arthur snatched Kleio and got onto the back of a train. The trains rear car had only railings, so the wind was strong, and the sound was loud, so he had to shout to be heard.

What are you doing? Where are we going?!

To the east! Theres no good bar on the west side!

The two boys and Isiel got off at the tram stop on the east side and ordered sausages and fries at the pub on the station corner. The ale served with the fatty snacks was excellent. The boys emptied their pints in no time, but Isiel refused to drink anything but water. They continued drinking at other bars, crossing through dirty back alleys to drink fresh gin and sherry. It seemed that Arthurs mind had a comprehensive map of the Lundane pubs for his tour because he had left the dormitory frequently. All of them were commonplace bars, but they were all cozy and had tasty alcohol.

This sherry is really good too. It had nice acidity and a heavy nutty scent to it.

Kleio felt sorry as he finished off the sherry. But, just in time, Arthur returned with two new drinks.

So why do you hate the idea of learning to dance so much? Whats wrong with that pretty tutor who wants to teach you?

I just dont want to do it.

Youre stubborn, though you dont look it.

Youre just saying pointless things.

Disregarding the prince, Kleio grabbed the glass of wine from his hand and tasted it. It was a port wine with a rich plum flavor. Arthur emptied his cup with a laugh.

Arent the drinks good here?

They are.

The sherry and port wine are sent directly from Pedre. Thats where the owners cousin lives.

How much have you already been through?

Is it a side benefit of stupidity? As you said before, this is the life.

Keh-

The liquor stuck in Kleios throat. This guy remembered some pointless stuff.

He doesnt even blink.

Its not a big secret that my situation is always threatened, but no one talks about it openly. But youre funny. Saying you want to be expelled, but keep doing things that everyone has their eyes on.

I just want to live easily without worrying about the future.

You say that, but you also broke the leg of a 4th level swordsman and fought off three 5th level swordsmen.

How do you know about that fight?!

Well, I wonder.

Arthurs voice lowered as he placed his empty cup down.

I dont know why youre trying to hide your power, but youve already slipped up. Zebedee and the students saw your magic, as well as the knights. Melchior knows of your existence. The proof is this invitation.

As if to remind him of the invitation, Arthur patted the front of his jacket.

Is there any reason for a prince to pay attention to just one student?

The school barriers can prevent intruders, but not rumors.

Why do you care so much when a wizard doesnt have great power compared to a swordsman?

Zebedee is a pacifist; he refuses to use magic to harm people. But people dont know about you.

The noisy bar at midnight was a suitable place for a secret conversation. Isiel stayed with them but remained silent, watching the entrance with an alert expression.

The news had spread fast about you. For the first time since its creation, Albion may have two level 8 wizards.

That hope is in vain.

In vain? The fact that youre already a level 3 wizard has been documented in the directory of the Defense Force.

So thats how it is known to His Majesty, the Third Prince.

Its not just me who knows, but Melchiors secret intelligence knows all of that. I just stole some of the information they left lying around. Youre stuck in the capital mansion, right? Youre not close to your father, and you dont have much power.

Suddenly, Arthur reached out at a speed that he couldnt track and grabbed Kleios arm. He almost spilled his drink as he leaned over the table.

Hey, hey, why are you doing this? Say it, boy!

As they made more noise, Isiel moved a little to cover the two from others eyes skillfully. Arthur raised his ether, causing a spark between his hand and Kleios arm. Kleio saw a streak on the back of his hand. It was a dark blue-and-green rectangle: Editors Authority.

Was it possible for someone else to put ether into it?!

This is a unique skill.

Arthur stared at the symbol.

Ive been thinking a lot since what happened in the hallway that day. What kind of ability you have.

Kleio grew angry and brushed Arthurs hand away. Arthur no longer held on and pulled his hand back. As the ether vanished, so did the mark, but Arthurs eyes remained on the back of Kleios hand.

I decided on two possibilities. Its an analysis or prediction-based skill.

Kleio flinched at the fairly accurate speculation. Arthur didnt miss it.

On what basis?

When you found out that I was Arthur Reignan, you quickly tried to distance yourself from me. When that didnt work, you tried to change something.

Thats excessive speculation.

Just a bit of guesswork. How would you explain what happened at the Trinity auction house if it werent for that power?

I did it quietly, but what is with this guy?

Kleio recalled the contents of the last manuscript. Arthur, whose political position was weaker than his brothers, spent more time searching for talent and pulled all those he found onto his side. But there was no wizard in his party.

In the new manuscript, the author Did he want to put a wizard in Arthurs party? Was that his intention?