I sat opposite my father at the dining table, sneaking glances at him during breakfast. "Are you still angry, Father?" I asked.
"How could I not be? Before going to the party, you asked me if it was alright to offend someone of high status but the first prince is the highest status there is! Your mother leaves for a few days and you start giving me trouble! You.... did you even think of your father before doing so? Thank heavens for the First Prince being stupid or else I would have lost my nobility!"
"So even YOU think that the First Prince is stupid!" I exclaimed.
"Shut up!"
"Yes, Father."
"What if the Prince got offended yesterday?"
"Don't worry Father. I don't think that stupid prince thought about it properly and the citizens are not foolish enough to talk about it. Also, even if he realizes, I have a back-up plan." I said earnestly.
"In the end, why did you insult him?" Father asked.
"As I told in the party, he accused me of pushing a girl called Irene and called me vile, so I took revenge."
"He really did all that? How dare he!"
"Yes, Father. So I would be pleased if you boycott him during the crown prince's selection."
"What are you saying?! If we boycott the First Prince, the only choice for the throne will be the Second Prince. The Second Prince is even more stupid. He only lazes around or picks fights with others." My father exclaimed, mortified.
"Father," I said in a serious tone. "Think of what I am about to say as important advice."
"What is it?"
"The Second Prince is NOT stupid. He is a lot more intelligent than the average person. I know you will not believe me, but I felt it yesterday when I talked with him. You know that my instincts are never wrong. So please keep that in mind. I do not know if that man is suitable for the throne, but I am sure as hell that he is much more suitable than the First Prince."
"....."
"I don't really like him though. He gave me a sort of dangerous feeling...." I continued.
Father looked at me while in deep thought. "I understand. I will choose to believe you."
Suddenly, Cassandra (my maid) rushed into the room. "This is bad, Miss. The Second Prince has come!"
"Oh?" Father looked at me.
"Why is it bad if this prince comes to visit?" A boy with reddish-brown hair and amber eyes came in.
I turned to Cassandra. "Have all the servants in the area clear out."
"Yes, Miss."
I looked at the second prince. "I'm sorry Your Highness. Because of my grudge with the First Prince, my maid finds royals.... not so likeable."
"You have a grudge with my brother?" He asked, tilting his head.
"Your Highness..." I looked at him uncomfortably. "Could you drop the pretense?"
He glanced at father.
"I just told him." I said.
He smiled and strolled inside towards the table and seated himself next to me. "It's a lot easier without having to act. As I thought, the brain behind Marquis Saravelle is actually Aster. I had a feeling ever since I heard him in one of the court meetings."