─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
"That was a waste of time, you know. Why does the imperial mage think we went to visit for? If we knew we had a chance of getting along, we could have just done it that way. For fuck sake." Ezra said in a frustrated tone.
"Perhaps there is a way around this. However, it will take a lot of preparation and observation. Tell me, you grew up with Xavier just as much as I did. Xavier is overprotective to those who are younger than him. For instance, when you were born, he always made sure you were well and healthy. He looked after you a lot and even taught you swordsmanship. It is only natural that he has a soft spot for children."
"Hmm, yes, you are right. Xavier was quite excited to hear the late empress was expecting his first child. Wait...Hansol… the emperor never said the princess can never leave the tower." He said in verbatim.
"If I ever see that umm, well the princess, I will not be so forgiving.' That means she is allowed to leave whenever she wants. What if I have Marina take out the princess around when the emperor has his morning tea after training? You are usually with the emperor, discussing his schedule and events while he rests having a drink, right?"
"That is risky. I do not feel confident having the emperor cross paths with the princess just yet."
"Then how do we expect them to get along if they do not encounter each other? Do you honestly think his majesty is capable of killing a child, let alone his child?"
"You must be brain dead from war. You were there to witness that crazy man almost tossing the princess into the lake."
"That was so long ago! He was mourning! Plus, he could have killed the princess when he saw her on the day of our arrival ceremony. I mean, you got slapped, but that is all. You seem to be fine!"
"... His majesty is far too strong. Stronger than both of us. He can easily strike us down along with the princess if he wanted to."
"Look Hansol. The princess does not need to be right in front of him, per se. She just needs to be doing something adorable from a distance... preferably in his peripheral vision. Her beauty and aura make us feel better. You have to admit that it is true. You had almost 3 years with her. You are a man who hates children. I find it hilarious that you favor the princess this much to even risk yourself for her." Responded Ezra.
"Let's see how it goes… Tell Marina to take the princess out to the imperial gardens around noon. Have her dress the princess in the worst possible clothing. I need you to stand by and keep an eye on things. If things go bad, we can quickly protect the princess. Understand?'
"... Why must the princess dress badly? She is the princess of this empire, not a slave or a commoner. The point is to have his majesty fall for the princess, not feel pity for her...Oh? OHHHH! GENIUS! His majesty feels sorry for children who lack necessities!"
Hansol patted Ezra's shoulder as he nodded.
"At least I know you still have half a brain."
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It was finally morning. I slowly opened my eyes, seeing Marina whisper to the maids.
"Good morning, Princess! Did you sleep with the angels?"
I smiled and nodded as I rubbed my eyes.
She sat beside my bed and patted my head gently. I lifted my head and looked at her.
"Let's go to the imperial garden after lunch. You need some fresh air." She smiled.
Huh? Why am I going outside all of a sudden? Am I allowed to? Something seems fishy.
After lunch, Marina left briefly and came back with a box.
"Let's change you into this and get ready for our outside adventure, Princess!"
I looked at her in confusion. She opened the box and exposed a simple white dress. Out of my expensive and well-made dresses, I can tell this one is made of low quality and cheap fabric. No bother, maybe she thinks I will run around and get my dress dirty.
Once outside, I felt a gentle breeze and warm sun on my skin. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I wobbled, following the butterflies that led me to the central imperial garden.
I see Hansol leaning against the flower tree with his arms crossed, smiling while staring at me.
I raise one eyebrow in confusion.
"Ezra!" I yelled as I ran to him with my hands up in the air.
His expression went from happy, to surprised. I can see him quickly get on one knee as he placed one finger on his lips as a sign to be quiet.
"Princess, How can you see me?! I'm invisible right now! There is no way you can see me! In all my 18 years of living, you are the first to spot me!" he whispered.
I looked at him and looked around. He must have lost his mind. What does he mean he can turn invisible? There is no possible way for this. I mean, I know Hansol can read minds, but Ezra can turn invisible? What is this? Xavier academy? OH MY GOD. THAT TRASHMAN'S NAME IS XAVIER! THIS IS X-MANSION! Then why isn't the trashman bald and in a wheelchair? This is mind-blowing information.
"Pretend like you do not see me, okay, Princess? I am playing hide and seek with someone."
I decided to play along with his bizarre request and nodded my head—whatever dude.
I can hear Hansol's voice from far away as if he is talking to someone. Maybe he is just giving orders to a maid or a butler. Not my business. I continued to follow the butterflies out of curiosity.
The butterflies here are full of color and even sparkle in the light. This world is insane. Everyone is drop-dead gorgeous, even the flowers and insects shine.
"I received the letter from Kievanila, they are expecting your presence for next week's meeting, your majesty. Soon after - we will be attending the meeting for…"
"Shh, let me sit in peace and drink my tea. Let's talk another time. My head is pulsating right now. The last thing I want to hear is you talk about work." Xavier commanded in irritation as he sat down.
The butler quickly stationed himself behind Xavier with an umbrella to cover him.
Xavier looked up at the bright sky in confusion.
"'It appears that it is not raining. Shouldn't it be raining?"He questioned.
Hansol can see the princess from a distance, playing with butterflies in the dress he chose for her to wear. He gently smiled.
At the sound of a child's gentle giggle, Xavier's eyes shifted towards the sound's direction. Hansol's heart began to race.
"...Is everything alright, your majesty?"Hansol questioned with a discreet sound of fear.
Hansol has known Xavier since they were children. If there is one person who knows Xavier better than he knows himself, it is Hansol. He also knows that if Xavier were to spot the princess in commoner's clothing, it could have a good or bad outcome.
Xavier observed the princess as she smiled and laughed cheerfully, chasing butterflies. Holding the teacup, his finger twitched when he would hear her soft, angelic giggle.
He looked up at the sky and noticed the fluffy, white clouds and gentle sunshine. This was even a rarity for the emperor to see.
When he would put his attention towards his teacup, his head began to throb in pain. He placed his cup down and placed his hand on his forehead. He closed his eyes and focused on the princess's laughter.
He once again opened his eyes and fixated his attention towards the princess. To his surprise, his headache suddenly went away. Xavier's blood began to boil.
"... Is your head still bothering you, your majesty? Shall I fetch the imperial doctor?" Hansol hesitated.
Xavier slammed his hands on the tea table, causing the table to break in half.
"ENOUGH! Why is that… parasite in my garden?! I want that.. thing far away from me! How dare that witch present herself in front of me so carelessly!"Xavier quickly shouted as he stood from his chair.
"Ezra, get the princess out of the imperial gardens immediately!" Hansol shouted in Ezra's mind.
Xavier began to speed walk toward the princess.
Ezra panicked when he saw the emperor approach them in such an aggressive manner that his invisibility wore off, exposing him to carrying the princess.
"EZRA! I COMMAND YOU TO NOT MAKE ANOTHER STEP OR SO FEAR THE GIODIVONIAN GODS WRATH!" Xavier shouted as he walked towards Ezra and the princess.