"Why is the young master a prodigy and a genius, your highness? The two are aligned with each other but at the same time they are different in concepts," Elena spoke as she calmly played with the tea in front of her by stirring the golden spoon inside.

Faust looked at the lady sitting beside the Crown Prince.

She sounded really smart when she was trying to question why Pier was called a genius and a prodigy at the same time.

"Understandable. But I hope you have the full grasp of what I am trying to imply, my lady," Faust started to explain things again to the lady who had copper hair.

"A genius is someone who had excellent abilities and thinks right outside the box while a prodigy is a person who also has excellent abilities but masters a certain discipline at a young age," The prince with golden hair picked up a sweet-looking pastry from the plate that was in front of them and observed it carefully.

"The young master is a genius because he had played a new musical concept that is entirely different from what has been traditionally practiced around the Eastern Continent for decades. He is also a prodigy because he had mastered and perfectly played every piece that had been composed by the famous musicians in the past," Faust did not like explaining too many things but since he was talking to another prince and that prince's soon to be queen, he's being generous enough not to strain their relationship.

"But why a royalty? Emperor Adin and the royals from the Belmaid Empire are to be treated with the highest respect. Just because the young master can play well he is also to be given of the same respect with the emperor?" She further inquired and Faust's eyes had a small glint for a second.

'I see, she is like that'

He had instantly seen Elena's true nature after listening to her questions.

It might seem as if she was only inquiring but when you try to look from another perspective, she was constantly questioning the eligibility of the young master for the achievements he made.

Faust chuckled as he heard the question.

"A prodigy and at the same time, a genius," He spoke as he grabbed a fork from his plate and skewered the pastry in it.

"One being born from each classification is so rare that every century, only a handful of them can be seen," He then brought the pastry in his mouth and munched on it quietly.

"The last genius in swordsmanship was Duke Fredrick of the Cresencia Empire from the north and that was seventy years ago. He invented a new type of swordsmanship that allowed many people to increase their skills. The last prodigy, as we all know, was Ronnovian Belmiunde, the current Headmaster of the House of Masters," He continued as he swallowed the delicious pastry.

"And now we have Pier Belmiunde, a combination of both. A genius and a prodigy at the same time. His existence could be considered as a miracle," He explained and the two individuals at the table with him all had different reactions.

Asher's calm and composed expression continued to reign in his face as if he was so proud of what Faust was saying.

Elena on the other hand had an indescribable frown on her face. Her eyebrows were constantly twitching and sometimes, Faust could see with his keen observation the millisecond trembles that she would do every time he mentions something great about Pier.

"It did not help that the young master's expertise fell under the category of music. Wherein, I must say that the Belmaid Empire is truly a territory that prioritizes music in its list of importance," He added.

Asher silently listened to the prince's explanation.

More than a year ago, the young master was playing extremely badly during the banquet and other events. However, it took an entirely different route and he had become one of the most sought-after individuals by different kingdoms and empires.

The Belmaid Empire was not the only territory that requested an audience with Pier.

Places like the Heron Kingdom, Cairon Kingdom, and even the Crsencia Empire where the last genius in swordsmanship had been seen was trying to catch a glimpse of the young master who had been labeled by the Academy of Music as a prodigy and genius.

They only catered to the Belmaid Empire of course, since it was their longest-running territory ally and considering their culture in giving utter importance to music.

"Other places will see the young master as an individual with extremely high status. I mean, he already does knowing he is the successor of a War Household but with his renowned title, his value will increase a hundredfold. But the Belmaid Empire will see him as an entirely new existence similar to the royalties because of such reason that I told you earlier," The Second Prince further added and Asher nodded his head.

'That is correct. The Belmaid Empire considers music as a part of their lives and Pier would be seen as close to a god for them'

He did not know what to feel.

He was really happy that the young master's name was starting to spread in a pleasant way but at the same time, he wasn't because of one thing.

Pier Belmiunde would be exposed to other individuals and Asher knew that those people would eventually desire the young master.

He was even partly sure that the prince with golden hair sitting in front of him also admires the young master seeing that they danced at the royal banquet before and considering the fact that even though the magic device could be taken by the emperor's attendant, the second prince himself volunteered to go and do the task.

'Pier... why are you attracting so many people?' He closed his eyes as he sighed.

It was very frustrating for him to know that many people will come to like and admire the young master.

Even though he had promised himself that he would not get in Pier's way of finding the person he would like once more, there was still something inside Asher's chest that hurts every time he thinks about Pier's possible romance and it was not him.

Asher was a human too, of course. He is a being that is able to think about different things and someone who is able to feel emotions.

Would someone like it if another person takes the person they want for themselves?

Of course not.

Asher wanted to be possessive but he can't. His chances were long gone and no matter how much pain and uneasiness he would feel, all he can do was watch as Pier finds another person that is worthy for him.

The realization of his affections for the young master was the start of his prolonged agony and suffering.

He knew it was mostly his fault that things had turned out this way.

"I hope I answered your question, my lady?" Faust asked as he swept his hand through his golden locks and Elena only nodded her head.

"I heard you were looking for suitable marriage prospects, Prince Faust," Asher asked and Faust nodded his head eagerly.

"I am! Unfortunately, I could not find anyone who is suitable for me," He spoke in defeat and Asher nodded his head in understanding.

"Ah, there's a person I have in mind though." Faust grinned as he remembered a certain noble who perfectly fits right in his arms as they danced during the banquet.

"R-Really?" Elena's eyes perked back up as she heard Faust had someone he was interested in.

The prince nodded his head as he started to describe the person.

"The person I had in mind was very beautiful," He spoke and Elena's breath hitched.

"I am in awe with the Lady's beauty. Prince Asher sure is very lucky to have you,"

She remembered what Faust had said earlier when they met at the door.

'Could it be....?' She blushed as she kept her mouth shut.

"That person also has very pale skin that I admire," Faust continued and Elena's eyes widened.

"Of course, not to mention that person was very intelligent when I spoke with them," He added and Elena could not help but lower her head in embarrassment.

She peeked over at Asher and she saw that the Crown Prince had a frown on his face as he listened to the second prince's description.

'No! They should not fight!' She thought in panic when she saw that Asher's hands were also clenched under the table.

"Ah, also that person's dazzling eyes captivate my mind every time I look into them."

The description just kept on going and Elena had to place her hand on top of Asher's to prevent the Crown Prince from causing trouble when the guest was another prince.

"And that person is from this kingdom," The final statement made Elena's eyes widen so much that it was obvious she was flabbergasted and shocked.

"P-Prince Faust-" She called out but was cut mid-sentence by Asher.

"Who are you trying to pertain, Prince Faust?" He spoke in a low voice that contained a warning.

"That person is your-"

Bang!

"Prince Faust, please stop! I already have his highness the Crown Prince!"

Elena interrupted Faust's reveal of the person and the two princes all stared at the lady who slammed her hands on the table which caused the plates, teacups, and other utensils used in their food to bounce and clatter.

The silence reigned over the three for an entire minute.

The two princes just stared at Elena with a dumbfounded look.

"...."

Elena kept her mouth shut as the awkwardness that followed them filled the entire room.

"I-I'm sorry... it was mannerless of me to do something so unladylike," She apologized as she sat back down on her seat and bowed her head.

"However, I already have Prince Asher! Please do not talk about such disrespect in front of -" But before she could end her statement, laughter broke out inside the room.

"HAHAHAHAH!" Faust laughed so hard that he was clutching his stomach and tears were starting to form in his eyes.

"HAHAHAHA!" He continued to snicker, giggle, and overall let out his emotions.

Elena had a disbelieving look on her face as she stared at the prince who went hysterical because of a reason she did not know.

"Prince Faust, pardon my insolence but there is nothing funny about talking about me, especially right in front of the Crown Prince!" She yelled in anger and her face was flushed red with the embarrassment she was getting from Faust's laugh.

The second prince's laugh even went louder as he heard Elena's statements.

"HAHAHAHA!" He stood from the chair while still clutching his stomach and laughter rolled out of his mouth.

He even used the backrest of the chair to support himself as he felt his energy get drained from laughing so much.

Elena turned to look at Asher but she also saw that the Prince had another frown on his face while he was facepalming himself.

'What... is there something wrong?' She asked herself as the two princes showed different reactions.

"HAHAHA! P-Please, th-that... HAHAHA!" Faust tried to compose words but he laughed again.

"Please... that was very hilarious!" Faust spoke as he wiped the tear off of his eye and he composed himself again.

There were still constant chuckles that came out of the second prince's mouth as he sat back on his seat again.

"I think the lady misunderstood something," Faust explained with a huge grin on his face.

"It is not Lady Elena whom I am referring to," Faust spoke, and immediately, Elena's eyes widened in surprise again.

She felt her body freeze in place and things started to rush in his mind.

"T-Then..." She tried to speak but it was very quick.

Embarrassment rose up in her body like wildfire and she wanted the ground below her to eat her.

"It may be true that the lady might fit the description I gave. However, there is someone better," Faust stated as he smirked at the lady who was staring at him with a disbelieving look.

"Someone far better than any lady here in the Taron Kingdom. In fact, he is so exceptional I even doubt I am worthy for him," the second prince said as he took a handkerchief out from his chest pocket and wiped the little bit of sweat that formed in his forehead after laughing too much.

"He...?" She asked and Faust nodded his head.

"Yes, I should have added the description that he had raven-dark hair and was now announced as the genius and prodigy of music," Faust spoke and Elena's entire world stopped running.

Her thoughts were clogged with embarrassment and she could not form words properly.

"I am referring to the young master, my lady," Faust said and Elena wished she would just vanish this instant.

"I will reconsider your assumptions because my description was vague, Lady Elena," Faust spoke as he leaned into the table and crossed both of his hands together.

"However, if you assume something like this again, I would not hesitate to take it as an offense on my part. I mean, you are beautiful and smart, that is true..." Faust chuckled as he was speaking to the Crown Prince's lover.

"But have you seen the young master?! He is the most beautiful person in the entire kingdom with exceptional talent! He could not compare to anyone and I find it offensive to compare him with others!" Faust exclaimed with admiration.

Elena bowed her head in shame. She did not want to look at the second prince as she felt like she was being ridiculed and belittled with how Prince Faust was speaking.

Asher kept his mouth shut. Even him who only heard the statement felt so much embarrassment and he could not retort with Faust's words.

It was offensive to assume and directly speak out to a royalty about them being that royalty's interest.

"Prince Faust, please pardon Lady Elena, it only must have been overwhelming for her along with the vague descriptions," Asher defended and Faust nodded his head.

Asher sighed as he peeked a glance at the lady who was red as a tomato. Her hands were trembling and she did not know what to do.

"Of course, I could not take offense from a single mistake, especially from the Lady of the Crown Prince," Faust spoke as he grinned and stood up from the seat.

He had his enjoyment from the two and now he wanted to bring the magic device back.

"Y-Your Highness, Prince Asher... Uhm... can we take a stroll in the garden? I-I am not feeling well" Elena asked as she was lost in the mood after hearing the things Faust had said.

Asher nodded his head as he stood up from his seat. The three then walked out of the place.

"Then I guess this is where we depart, Prince Faust?" Asher asked as they all stood outside the door of his study.

Faust held the magic device in his hands with care as he nodded his head.

He smiled as he looked at the two who were standing side by side and he wanted to laugh again but refrained from doing so.

"Yes, then until we meet again, Prince Asher, Lady Elena," Faust spoke as he turned his back on the two.