____

As soon as I finished wearing my usual formal clothes for today's breakfast, I glimpsed at my reflection in the mirror for the nth time, hoping to be satisfied.

I was told that today's theme is red, so my nannies chose the perfect attire for me.

Neat white shirt tucked in black trousers, with the red tunic, the outermost garment, decorated with gold lacing and other embroideries.

"Hm." Despite the perfection of my being, I felt as if something is missing. Looking around, I stared in the mirror again and saw my neck empty.

Right. If ladies wear necklaces, how about I use a brooch?

Ah, but I can't spare another time to look for one.

"Nevermind. I'd better arrive on time like usual." The moment I stepped out of my room, the maids and the knights outside all bowed down to me.

One knight, whom I can vaguely recall as the knight I praised before at the hunting festival 6 years ago, followed suit behind me. I believe his name is Leon when I inquired about it.

I gave a nod to those who politely bowed to me as I strode my way towards the Empress' palace. I got used to the route here thanks to the tea party we frequently had at the garden back then.

Now we always have breakfast at the Imperial dining place. The interior almost looks the same to that place where Klydeur's allies and mine faced off infront of Aureus herself. If you don't remember, it is the Crimson Palace when the hunting festival got cancelled.

Come to think of it, I didn't get to know whether or not the Empress managed to solve the problem that time. All I know is that she is slowly weeding out the traitors and there were actually lots of them.

"Greetings."

Hearing that familiar voice of the person I dreaded not to meet, I can only glance at him as we both reached the door to the dining room at the same time. Standing tall side by side, I can see the comparison between us.

Of all people, why him?

With white hair, his red attire made him look like a hero, or a saint. While I looked like a demon lord of some sort.

He also seems to be observing me, seeing him smile at me made me force a smile as well. "What a coincidence. You usually arrive late."

"You are just an early bird, brother." Klydeur comments, not sure if he took offense over my words. Since the time he lost Ashley by his side, he got used to defending himself all alone in our battle of words.

I laughed slightly. "That's true." Glancing at the knight who stood by the door, I gave him the go signal. Leon, my personal knight, took the initiative to stand by the other side.

"Announcing the arrival of the imperial crown prince, his highness Clydeur Aurum Xi Vermillion! And the second prince, his highness Klydeur Aurarius Xi Vermillion!"

The door then opened up wide for us to enter. Surprisingly, Klydeur and I entered in sync. Even our steps are coordinated, our posture not lacking elegance.

My etiquette classes paid off.

We both bowed down to the woman who didn't seem to age as much as the years passed. Is this the advantage of what they call baby face?

"We greet your majesty, the moon, the Empress of the Empire. May time make haste to the Vermillion Empire."

The Empress, Aureus, signalled for us to rise. "Take your seats."

Without hesitation, I straightened my posture and smiled at her. Walking over to my seat, I sat down on her right side. Klydeur, as always, sat by the left.

Not even seconds gone by as we sat down, the maids appeared one by one as they served our meal. Yep, this is a normal occurence, so I'm used to it.

A life as a prince is always grand and extravagant. I wasn't used to it before, but given the fact that I lived almost 16 years in this world, there's no doubt that I got used to it over the course of time.

The only problem I had to face before is getting fat. There's so many food that I feel regretful if I ever waste them! But then again, I figured the meals we didn't finish up would be given to the servants.

That's good news, atleast.

As soon as the maids finished serving the meals, they bowed down to us before standing behind in line. The head maid stepped up, before tasting all the meals served.

Don't panic nor be surprised. This is simple tradition to check if the meal served is not secretly laced with poison. But at the same time, I doubt any of us would die of poison anyway.

Five minutes passed and the head maid is still breathing and alive, so the Empress took her first bite. Klydeur and I then took our time to eat as well. Unlike how I felt before, I feel calm and comfortable. Maybe because I no longer feel insecure with my table manners.

"I believe the both of you are informed what event is held today." The Empress broke the silence in our meal.

Klydeur gulped his food first, before responding. "Yes mother."

She sipped into her tea. Putting it down, she sighed. "Are the preparations going well, crown prince?"

I smiled, nodding my head. "At ease, your majesty." I thought my response would make her satisfied, but she only gave me a narrowed look.

Blinking my eyes, I couldn't pinpoint what else she wanted me to say. Should I clarify and elaborate how I prepared the necessary plans for the welcoming banquet?

"Ahem. Your majesty, I—"

"Second prince." The Empress glanced at my brother. "How do you feel about Ashley's return?"

Despite the confusion, Klydeur and I exchanged glances. I tilted my head with a shrug, as if to tell him to go and respond. I don't want to overthink as to why the Empress suddenly cut off my words and diverted into a different topic.

Klydeur flashed a smile. It was the same as his signature smile, but now he looks more matured than his baby face back then. "I feel excited, mother. I'm grateful she's given a chance to redeem herself and return here."

I took a sip of my mint tea as I listened to his words. How wonderful. If the Florida princess is about to return, how about a certain deity who probably had a vacation at another empire?

"So it is." Aureus glanced over me, but I dared not to look. I can only see her gazing at me from my peripheral vision. The hand I used to hold my cup of tea didn't tremble at the slightest. I guess the older I get, the calmer I become.

"Then, does the crown prince feel the same?"

Stopping my drinking spree for a bit, I gave a short response. "Not quite." I then decided to finish off my tea out of nervousness.

There was a moment of silence before she continued. "And what if I meant a deity is coming back tomorrow?"

I almost spat my drink straight to my mother's face.

Eldest?

It didn't took long for me to register what she mentioned into my brain. I collected myself calmly and gulped the last drop of my tea as elegant as possible.

Setting down my tea cup neatly, I beamed a smile. "I will feel delighted, your majesty."

"Is that so?" Aureus crossed her fingers, silver orbs still staring at me piercingly. She still doesn't look pleased. "I think you are forgetting something."

I do?

Klydeur looked away when I tried to question him with my squinted eyes. Geez, very helpful. I secretly gulped in sheer confusion as I closed my eyes to think.

What am I forgetting?

I better say sorry first, then try to squeeze out what I'm missing. "I apologize, your ma—"

"."

Silence. I feel the chills running down my spine not out of fear, but of embarassment. I suddenly had terrible flashbacks of my cringe childhood holding out to save my own neck in the near future.

I don't think I can even face the maids around us with dignity. If only I could address her the same way Klydeur does, but he might think I'm copying him.

Should I just call her mommy or mom? Ah, but Aureus herself already mentioned the word mama. She blinked her eyes, patiently waiting for me to recover from being too stunned to speak.

Why you do this to me?

"Aha, then, m-mama." There goes my dignity into the drain. I don't mind calling her mama since I used to call her that. But right now, I'm no longer a little kid! I can't save my embarassment with the excuse of my age!

The latter hummed in satisfaction. Klydeur seems to internally sigh at himself, while I can only maintain my smile despite having an existential crisis deep inside.

~*~

To be fair, I survived the breakfast. It's a relief that the Empress wasn't really mad at me or something, but only wanted to be called mama. I still went through with explaining what I need to tell her earlier so I was able to pre-occupy my embarassed self.

Scratching my nape, I currently sat on the fountain in my garden. The same fountain I sat on back then when Eldest planned for us to go somewhere.

The flowers around bloomed beautifully. The trees stood tall as their leaves waved in sync with the passing breeze. The smell of plants and the cold air passing around me made me feel calm and at ease, even if it was just for a moment.

"Today's the day." I muttered to myself as I recalled the event I was tasked to prepare for. I managed to finish collecting and balancing the budget for a welcoming banquet despite not wanting to welcome that person.

Princess Ashley Florida.

But you see, it's not only her. There is also another person that we'll need to welcome here. If you scroll back at Chapter 17, you'll see a crown prince from a neighboring empire.

Prince Aether De Alona Aguincii.

Dang, his name sure is long. But mine and Klydeur's can contest him. If ever there's a competition for the longest name, we could probably compete for it.

He's also the crown prince who escorted Lady Mia of Marveil and had a dance with her at my own debut. And I had my confusion when I saw that scenario back then.

I'm not sure how this coming of age ceremony works, like, what about when I'm 18? Is the 16 year old celebration just a preview and the 18 the official one?

Well, that is soon answered thanks to Eldest being the best tutor out there. Indeed, there will be two celebrations for us. For the ladies, they get to have their debut at 16 then an official one at 18 as well. In short, same with the gentlemen.

I'm sure there are different customs out there so don't judge our Empire's celebration. It's like we are fully pledged nobles or individuals at age 18, while we only get to see the peak at 16.

Like a sweet 16 and debut for 18, in simpler terms.

"Phew." I sighed, brushing up my bangs to prevent them from poking my eyes. Since the air passing by seems so strong, I feel like my hair is turning into a mess. I had to look down at the fountain's water to check my hairstyle from my reflection.

"Hm. Good."

"What's good?"

I went stiff upon hearing someone speak from behind. When I looked back, I saw no one. "Haa. Am I getting crazy?" For a moment, I thought Eldest made a surprise comeback. Did her voice got deeper, tho?

But that was until I got smacked on the head by a thing I could sense as a book. What the hell?! Who dares to hit a crown prince?

With a hand on my aching head, I looked at the other side, towards the person in question with my forehead creased. I swear, I'll give them the same beating if only I didn't have to mind my reputation—

My eyes widened as I stared still at the figure looming above me. The latter stared at me with their eyes gazing down at me judgementally, arms crossed.

This person is...

___