“I’m sure you all are aware of Eli’s predicament,” Father stated the moment everyone settled down in their seats. The servants who had been in wait worked perfectly to serve the dinner, a well-sized platter placed in front of each person with deliciously smelling meat and vegetables with sauces put to the side for dipping, a glass of water to accommodate whereas the wine was at the ready for the adults. I was a bit let down to be a child at the moment as wine had been my favorite pastime drink. Daniel had always liked to call me classy because of it.

“Yes, we know he is the first to open his gates before birth, and the moment his aura would take place is something to be truly ready for.” Duke Olbrich replied bluntly. I tried not to flinch at the reminder.

“Alistair academy houses all of our new generations potential, to place Eli amongst them is a danger to all there.” Father wasn’t holding back at all, it was almost insensitive. Maybe it was. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in an attempt to calm my racing heart.

“My king, if I may speak?” Duke Garter asked hesitantly. Father nodded to him and confidence was back in his system. “The academy has highly qualified guards and teachers. I’m sure if they are aware, Prince Eli’s attendance will not be as much of a threat.” I cringed at his assessment. I hated to be seen as a danger, to the lives of children no less.

“I’m sure as well Duke Garter, however, Eli’s condition is kept private amongst such few in consideration of public reaction. There will be petitions to put him in isolation and I have no desires to do so.” Father shut him down.

Duke Turning shook his head, “It is common sense that the public will be fearful of Prince Eli and his-”

“If I may,” I clenched my fist as I spoke. Surprised looks from everyone were piercing and I found myself growing insecure. I looked down at my clenched fists, my nails digging into my palm. “I appreciate that you would take your time to speak about my predicament. There is no need for a discussion, I will adhere to fathers words. I will not attend Alistair academy.”

There was no reply for a while, forcing me to look up. I inhaled sharply at father’s smile seeming so full of proudness. “You have heard my son speak.” He said. I blinked at Father, confused by his sincere smile.

Duke Olbrich chuckled lowly. “When Mr. Reinhardt had told me about how unique Prince Eli was, how full of potential he had, I was skeptical. A prince who is made to be kept isolated from his own kingdom seems as if there will be nothing noteworthy. But I can see what Mr. Reinhardt spoke of.”

Mother shook her head as she lamented, “As always, you have such a sharp tongue. I have always wondered if that was the real reason as to why you remain unmarried.”

“I’ve simply no time to think about marriage.”

“Honestly, the Queen speaks true. I know for a fact you have many offers for a hand in marriage, why not just choose the few of your liking and make it happen?” Duke Turning said teasingly as he took a sip of wine.

Father suddenly chuckled, soft and deep. “It’s the offer in question that keeps him unmarried.”

“Oh, how so?” Duke Turning asked questionably.

There was no chance for Father to reply as the door to the dining room is abruptly opened. I turned to see who it was and there was a feeling of relief washing over me as I made eye contact with Mr. Reinhardt. He was smartly dressed as usual in a suit, however, there was no tail attached to this one. He walked over to the table, standing right behind me with a pleasant smile plastered on his lips, “I apologize for arriving late. I had planned to go over Princess Isabella’s new tutoring schedule before dinner, but her curiosity sure is large. She asked hundreds of questions.” He said.

Everyone but mother and father and I stood and bowed to him without hesitation. They stayed in a perfect bow for a few seconds before Mr. Reinhardt told them to pick their heads up and take their seats again. That was respect only those of a very high standing received. I know that Mr. Reinhardt lived for a long time, more than just a few centuries. Is that why? Or could it actually be something more credible?

“I have already guessed that to be the reason. My Isabella can be a handful.” Mother replied in kind and gestured for him to take a seat on the empty chair to my left.

“Princess Isabella’s coming of age was a great event. I’ve got to see how she will become a great woman who represents our kingdom once she’s grown.” Duke Garter complimented.

“Of course, with such a strong personality, she will be great. It’s obvious to anyone who has witnessed the princess.” Duke Turning replied none too kindly, “The princess makes me remember when my own daughters were still just toddlers.”

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“Really father?” Cana, the elder of the twins, asked pleased. Anyone would be when compared to a princess. “Prince Elias,” She continued, “What do you think?”

Elias looked at her as he wiped his mouth, swallowing his bite of steak before replying, “Isabella is a sweet girl. I’m sure you are as well, Ms. Cana.”

Cana’s cheeks tinted a strong red. “Thank you, Prince Elias.”

It was obvious Cana had a crush on Elias. Young love sure is amusing to witness. Looking at the younger twin, Layla, she seemed shy to even take a glance at anyone. My stare must have been felt as she suddenly looked up and met my eyes, before quickly looking back down.

“I’m sure Prince Eli’s subject has been spoken of.” Mr. Reinhardt suddenly spoke up.

“Aah, it has,” Father replied. “Eli confirmed himself that he will not attend the academy.”

“Is that so?” Mr. Reinhardt’s tone showed he was not surprised.

“Question now is how will he grow?” Duke Turning sighed.

“How is that a question? He will grow normally.” Mr. Reinhardt stated.

“Howe-”

Mr. Reinhardt shook his head and cut Duke Turning off, “I’m aware it’s tradition to have the new generations make their path to the future during their time in the academy. However, tradition doesn’t work for every individual. If we were to be subjective, the academy has only been standing for a good three hundred years. So it is not necessary to attend the Academy to make your future.” Mr. Reinhardt sighed and leaned forward towards me. I blinked at Mr.Reinhardt, confused at his attention. “Prince Eli, you’ve had a deep curiosity about mythical beasts, have you not?”

I blinked two more times. “Yes,” I answered hesitantly. “More of, I’m curious about their existence. How can they give us humans power and how could they have these amazing traits?... And such.”

“See, with this curiosity, prince Eli can grow to be a researcher of these mythical beasts. A work to unveil all their mysteries.” Mr. Reinhardt stated.

“That’s all good, but who will teach Prince Eli on how to do proper research?” Duke Garter asked.

“He can teach himself.”

The statement seemed to have left the others speechless. I was speechless myself. Teach me myself? It was a concept given to those who had to deal with a simple task, and he's telling me that if I ever got into researching Mythical Beasts, I'd have to teach myself? Mr.Reinhardt truly was amazing or he was spouting some random bull.

“T-That’s absurd. Reckless even! To do research on Mythical beasts means to come upon the creatures. Prince Eli can die by such means.” Duke Garter speaks my thoughts.

“Indeed, many have died in their quest to do their own research upon these Mythical Beasts. I myself have experience with the danger. However, when I say for him to teach himself, I mean for him to find guides and advice from others. Look for any clue to a path to researching these beasts. In the end, he will be teaching himself either way.”

“I see…” Father spoke up. “Eli, your thoughts?”

Being addressed by Father was nerve-racking for the fact that he didn't speak up much. When he did, he got all the attention and control. Attention and control being handed to me right now. I took a deep breath and replied, “Again, I appreciate your concerns. To teach my self is a great idea. Researching Mythical beasts sounds intriguing, but it’s still too early for me to decide if that is what I wish to do.”

“Truly,” Duke Olbrich said. “Prince Eli has many alternatives laid out for him. His title as Prince is a great advantage for this.”

“Brother Eli can learn to fight and enter the Kingsguard,” Avery speaks up for the first time. He looked at me, his eyes a little mocking. “Perhaps he can be my apprentice once I become one myself.”

“How considerate of you Avery,” Mother complimented. Though I don’t believe Avery was being considerate.

“How could I not be Mother, he is my little brother after all. Right, Brother?”

“Indeed,” Elias answered.

It was an hour before the meal was finished with and dessert was handed out. With all the debates and conservation, it’s hard to just enjoy the food. There was only one person who didn’t speak for the majority of the time, Daniel. His face never smiled and he tried to stay under the radar as much as possible, but I couldn’t help but notice how uncomfortable he was. I worried he may reach his limits when suddenly Mother announce for the children to speak amongst themselves in a private room and the adult to be left to their own conversation.

And so we’re lead to a smaller room the size of my bedroom, but it is still large enough to be luxurious. 

“Prince Elias, is it alright to sit beside you?” Cana asked as they entered the room.

“If you wish so Ms. Cana.”

Cana truly was bold. Layla hovered back in the doorway as everyone took their seats on the couches. Cana took her seat on Elias’s right as Avery called the spot on his left. I sat across from them on the one man couch and looked at Layla. “Ms. Layla, you can sit here.” I patted on the other one man couch situated beside me.

“Oh, ah, thank you.” She stuttered before rushing to take the seat. I smiled politely and she nodded back, her head bowing as if to hide. I looked to my right and found Daniel sitting on the end of the long couch.

“Mr. Daniel, it’s good to see you again and talk like before.” I greeted him. I wanted to know for sure if he truly had something against me at the moment. It was confirmed when he looked at me, his eyebrows drawn together and his eyes narrowed.

“Yes,” He simply replied back.

I looked away from his hostile look and kept my face smiling and polite despite the sudden rapid beating of my heart. I was afraid, I didn’t want to have any negative feeling between us.

‘He’s not my Daniel.’ I reminded myself.