When Sydney finally backed out of the reception hall, his face finally relaxed subtly as he sighed in front of the closed oak doors. However, the jarring voice of an annoying person suddenly rang in his ears and he was reminded that he was still in the battle place.
"Glory to the Second Prince," a tall man with a crooked nose bowed elegantly, his demeanour elegant but failing to disguise the arrogance in his bones. His eyes were narrow and a hazelnut brown, his face framed by messy auburn hair. Besides him, a charming lady donning a puffy haute couture with a rabbit-skinned handbag curtseyed dizzyingly as she simpered similar words.
"Glory to the Second Prince, my dear."
The tall man's smile grew wider. Sydney's eyebrow twitched as he smiled his professional smile.
"Good day to you, Sir Grayson and Lady Grayson."
The lady giggled as she gripped her handbag shyly, the baby pink talons sending slight shivers down Sydney's back.
Daniel Grayson and Donna Grayson, the twin children of the Minister of Rites. While they were the political rivals of the Crown Prince Sulian, Sydney still felt that they should be given due respect for their loyalty to the King. Besides, they were his childhood friends, even if they got annoying after they grew up. Of course, they were wealthy business partners too.
"Mind if we walked with you, Prince Jair?"
"Of course… not. But do mind that I am in a little bit of a rush so time's a little tight." As he spoke, Sydney deliberately increased his walking pace, forcing the twins to hurriedly trot after him.
"Yes, of course, my Second Prince, we understand…" The shorter of the pair tottered dangerously as she grabbed a fistful of her couture, compared to her older brother who had longer legs and practical pants.
Leaving his sister to her painful struggle, Daniel looked around before asking, "So, Prince Jair, how is Lady Merveille doing?"
"Very well, thanks for asking."
"That is good. There has been so much news of her that I am glad she is doing well. Well, I just want you to know that the Graysons are working with the Merveilles only because you are there."
Sydney kept the frown off his face. "Of course. But rest assured that Lady Merveille is more than up to the task."
"How much assurance can a nineteen-year-old give?" Daniel laughed before catching sight of Sydney's face. "That is the truth, Second Prince," he shrugged. "There is simply no point glaring at me."
"Yes, my Second Prince, it is only with you there that we can trust the entire venture," Donna agreed breathlessly as she carried her dress in one arm and desperately attempted to link her other arm around Sydney's. The sight would have been hilarious if he was not the target.
"Well rest-assured then," Sydney laughed, "She is very good at her job, and she is much smarter than you all think. If you trust me, trust her and don't listen to the rumours out there; after all, they can call me the tycoon of the construction industry, but she is going to be a strong genius in the market, comparable to Quille."
He turned around and found the expressions on the Graysons' faces to his liking. If they wanted to work with him, then they should have the guts to bear the risk. He would forgive them because they were his friends, but then again, as a royal member, friends rarely stayed so when faced with greed and interests.
He winked at Donna before nodding to Daniel. "Well, time to go, I will see you next time, Sir Grayson, Lady Grayson. Goodbye."
"G-Goodbye," Donna swooned, clutching the arm of her brother, while the latter nodded back with a perfect smile.
By this time, they had reached the porch of one of the Palaces' gates, and Sydney swiftly entered his grey carriage even before it could stop properly. Without looking at the Grayson twins, he took off his formal cap and ordered to his driver.
"To the Sunflower Palace!"
The neigh of the horse accompanied the cracking whip of the driver. He had to hurry.
His older sister was waiting.