The room was dead silent, guests didn’t dare to utter a single word as the Third Prince stood before me with one arm on his hip, ready to give me his gift with that infuriating grin of his. However, his hands seemed empty, nor could I see anything inside his pockets.
Yes, I can see through clothes, but only barely. Enough to see if people carried something in their pockets. My eyes were scary, yes, but at least they weren’t a creep.
Anyway, back to the prince. If he truly had nothing to gift, he wouldn’t have stepped forward, right? Plus, he was a prince, bringing no gifts to someone’s birthday party he attended—uninvited—would damage his reputation.
“Allow me to congratulate you once again on your birthday, heir of Sareid.” The Third Prince displayed another flamboyant bow, his eyes locked onto me the whole time as he continued to grin.
Is he smiling at me… or himself?
“T-Thank you,” I gave a nod.
He’s… weirdly stylish.
I thought princes would be more serious-like, a spoiled brat at worst, but this dude looked like a total playboy. The books in the mansion’s library didn’t have much information on him, so I only knew the basics.
He was born a genius, similar to his older brothers. He was the third prince and also the late Queen’s youngest son. His accomplishments were nothing compared to his two older brothers, but his dedication to developing the kingdom’s countless academies gave him the nickname “The Scholar Prince”.
After learning small tidbits about him throughout my lives, I thought he would be the book-ish type. You know? Messy hair, glasses, anti-social, shy…
The man before me was the total opposite of what I imagined him to be.
“As you can probably see.” the Third Prince spread his arms wide, puffing up his chest. “I don’t bring any gifts on me. However, I have something grander in mind!”
What kind of gift would this playboy prince bring? If he told me that he was the gift, I’d have the guards throw him in the slammer, royalty or not.
I cleared my throat before asking in a polite tone, “May I ask what you have in mind, Your Highness?”
He extended his hand, open palm facing up. “I shall have your name listed as one of the guests at my brother’s birthday party. How about it?”
The guests all gasped in unison. They all looked at each other, mostly whispering with wide-open eyes. Was an invitation to a birthday party that surprising?
“Oh, the brother I’m referring to is, of course, the First Prince, Key! I’ll make sure that you will have the time to speak to him personally!”
The crowd gasped in unison again. Meanwhile, I was confused about what it was that made this invitation so gasp-worthy.
I noticed Mother and Father, standing further back in the audience. Father seemed to be lost in thought, but Mother’s gestures were what caught my attention.
When she noticed my gaze on her, she gave me a solid nod. I still didn’t know how this invitation was so great, but I decided to just follow Mother and gave the Third Prince a nod.
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“Very well, I accept your invitation.”
The Third Prince gave a sharp smile. “Splendid! I look forward to your arrival in the future!” He then lowered his voice, his eyes narrowed. “I would like for you to see with your own eyes… our future ‘king’...”
He turned with a graceful flourish, tossing one last smile over his shoulder as he left. “I shall excuse myself for the time being, Lady Carine! See you next month!”
The doors closed behind him, leaving me sitting in front of stunned crowds. Then, as if a balloon had popped, everyone suddenly got all chatty, filling the room with various conversations.
My parents rushed up to my throne, their faces concerned.
Father spoke up as soon as he neared me. “C-Carine! You have to be truthful! How did you gain Prince Julient’s favor?!”
Even I didn’t know! But, knowing that Karvin was related to the Third Prince somehow… “It was possibly through Professor Karvin. He said so earlier in his introduction, didn’t he?”
Mother, her face still indifferent as ever, responded with a nod. “You did good, my dear. I hope your visit to the party next month will go well.”
Right, the party. Knowing that I accepted it since Mother told me to, I decided it was best to ask her. “Mother, why is everyone so surprised that I was invited to the party?”
Mother’s eyes widened for a moment. “It would seem I haven’t taught you enough.” Ack— Did I ask the wrong question? “No matter, I shall educate you now.” Mother leaned in closer. “Out of hundreds of noble families in this kingdom, only twelve have the right to attend the prince’s birthday parties.”
“What?”
The party wasn’t just exclusive, it was exclusive exclusive. What did I just get myself into?
“I am proud of you, Carine!” Father shook my shoulders. “You have brought our family to greater heights, and you’re not even the head yet!”
AaaAaaAaaAaaAaaAagh~ Stop shaking me!! I can’t think straight!
—
A few days later.
Julient stood watching the garden beyond the castle gates, a favorite retreat where he could clearly think of where his thoughts should go next. Today, his mind was focused on a certain girl.
Carine Sareid had accepted his invitation, the news had reached the ears of many noble families, and many of them were expectedly outraged that the Sareids of all families got an invite while they didn’t. Already predicted this outcome, Julient dealt with the matter swiftly with a little persuasion.
What concerned him now was making Carine understand that Setus was in a precarious state. And what better way to show that than the First Prince himself? Showing what kind of person Key was to Carine would serve better than any explanation he could give her.
After breathing enough fresh air, Julient was about to turn and head back to his study, but the creaking of the castle gate caught his attention. His eyes narrowed as a figure appeared. Her silver hair caught the wind as it fluttered, her soft purple eyes locking onto his immediately after she stepped through the gate.
Princess Munith.
She gave a gentle and warm smile as she paced heartily to Julient. Her personal bodyguard, Rene, stood beside her wearing a fine suit.
“Prince Julient! Beautiful day, isn’t it?” Her voice was light and melodic, but Julient swore to never be swayed by such things.
Forcing a smile, he returned her greeting. “Yes, Princess Munith. It truly is.”
“By the way, I heard you invited another family to Key’s party next month! I wonder what kind of person it is you invited…”
Pointless question, Munith would already know who it was before she even considered asking that to him. But still, knowing guards were working around them, he had to play along.
“I’m sure you will meet them on the date of the party.”
Munith let out a soft chuckle. “I’m sure they must be interesting.” Her eyes widened as she tilted her head. “Do you think she’ll be happy to see me?”
Julient’s eye twitched. He wanted nothing more than to give a proper retort to her provocation, but he couldn’t.
“We’ll see, won’t we?”
“Haha~ Of course, of course! When the time comes!”
Munith breezed past him, her eyes sparkled with the kind of sweetness that would make ants smile. “Sorry, I can’t chat for long! Key’s looking for me! Come on, Rene!”
Her bodyguard, Rene, followed silently, but not without throwing Julient a passing glance; one that lingered just a little too long, too sharp.
A warning, huh? Not that it bothered me.
Julient let out a quiet sigh as they vanished into the castle.
Once they vanished inside the castle, Julient allowed himself a quiet sigh. He needed to think of a counter. Whatever Munith had planned for the party, Carine could not be allowed to fall under her influence, no matter what.
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image [https://i.imgur.com/RdC5Gde.png]