Mornings as beautiful as this one are when I begin to realize the reality of my situation. I've slowly convinced myself that I can't trust anyone around me. My supposed family seems to be at odds with each other, Hermes is probably out to get me, and my only guide in this world might as well be an unrelatable narrator.

I look around from my balcony at the vast lands that the Bazarovs have entrusted to the Milanovics over the years. While the sight of endless meadows is quite enticing, my daydreams are stopped when I remember that these lands will be filled with bloodshed at some point in the future.

It's better not to focus on that for now. I need to focus on my present, and unfortunately I'm spending my almost last day of freedom meeting some rather unpleasant people.

As is customary, Cassandra takes me to my father's office. Before leaving me to my ultimate fate, she pats me on the back and gives me a look that says, "I get it, kid, but this is beyond me."

"I see you're in a good mood today, Max."

Lord Milanovic has a pitiful look on his face, only this time his pity is justified. I imagine he's not happy about this either, but then again, this is beyond him, just like the visit of the Hermes.

"I apologize for my behavior, I'm a little nervous."

I try to look apologetic, and he seems to believe it. The truth is that I feel more threatened than apologetic.

"And I don't blame you, Max. But as you know, this meeting is necessary, so you might as well get it over with. Think of it as a meeting with a stranger who hopefully you will not have to see again for the next 10 years.

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As the protagonist, I feel like they will become recurring characters. Based on the original novel, I will meet these two very often.

"Lord Milanovic, your guests have arrived."

Cassandra said through the door, an obvious sarcastic tone behind her words. Great, I guess I'll follow Lord Milanovic's advice and take them.

"Alright, let them in."

As soon as these words were said, the doors opened with a bang and two large figures made their way into the large office.

"Good morning, Milanovic. How have you been? How is Bram these days?"

A tall man of about Bertram's age extended his hand to Lord Milanovic. The man had light red hair, brown eyes, and a smile with a gleam of playfulness in it. By the way, who is this Bram he is talking about?

"Bertram is fine, thank you for asking, Your Grace."

...... Was he really talking about Bertram? Anyway, he's certainly not who I was expecting. Well, at least Dante himself didn't barge in to start a massacre.

"It's a shame he couldn't join us here today."

"Calm down, Antonio, we're not here to talk about trivialities all day. Greetings, Bishop Milanovic. Don't worry, we'll keep this meeting short.”

Antonio Rojas, one of the sons of the former king and "half-brother" of the alleged current king, Dante Rojas. Interestingly enough, his involvement in Horizon was very limited. What made him rise through the ranks of the Psyche this time?

"Sure, no need to remind me who they decided to send you here with, Rafael. If anything, I feel sorry for the little boy you're going to meet today.”

The other young man named Rafael sighed, as if it wasn't worth his while to deal with Antonio. His hair was a little longer than Antonio's and tied back in a low ponytail, the pigment of his hair and eyes a deep, dark crimson, revealed only by the sunlight that lightly bathed his face. I was a little worried about him, but how could I not be? After all, he is none other than King Rafael Carmesí, the original King of the Psyche in Horizon, or at least a younger version of him.

"Thank you for taking care of my family, Your Highness. It is always an honor to have you both here."

"Of course. Now, I assume this is the son we've been hearing about. Maxim Milanovic, yes?"

He looked me straight in the eye, his crimson gaze sending shivers down my spine. Then I realized that I was actually expected to answer.

"Y-Yes I am, sir, I mean—Your Highness."

I couldn't even look him in the eye as I stumbled around trying to get something resembling an answer out of my mouth. In Horizon, they spent a while talking about this presence that members of the royal family had that supposedly made their subjects submit to them, but I thought it was just their intimidating nature. Turns out they weren't really kidding.