Well then, today is the day.
Today, Ares decided to introduce Helen and request that his engagement with Celeste be annulled.
It's been a little over a week since the day my wounds healed completely and the late-night talk with Ares happened. I pitied Celeste and at the same time I was worried, the next few days would determine whether, I would be able to save Celeste along with the others or would that be just my wishful thinking.
Two knocks sounded at my door and Lark came in right after saying, "You've been called to the Throne Room, Your Highness." I put down the pen I had in hand and stood, preparing myself, "Is Celeste there?"
"No, Your Highness. I believe she's at her estate."
I nodded. Alright this part has remained unchanged. Together we make our way to the Throne Room and once we enter, I asked, "Is something the matter?"
My Father hummed saying, "I'm not sure to be honest, Ares requested to me here, officially. We are still waiting for him and Raven." Just then the doorman announced as he opened the doors, "HER HIGHNESS PRINCESS RAVEN!~"
And Raven walked in her platinum hair tied in a long braid and she wore a light pink dress with green edgings, she bowed and greeted us all and came to stand beside me, "What's going on?" I explained what Father just said to her and she nodded along and then we waited for Ares. It was sometime later that Ares was announced in, "HIS HIGHNESS THE SECOND PRINCE ARES AND LADY HELEN VIOLA FAUST!!"
And the two entered in, Ares is black suit with gold trimmings and a red sash across his torso and Helen in a light purple gown with white strips, her long light brown hair was tied in a low side ponytail and left to fall over her shoulder. She was… very pretty, her gold doe-like eyes bright and kind and her thin lips pulled at a small nervous smile, tinted with a very light shade of pink. I remember when the game came out many were initially not satisfied with the game design but the longer you saw her the more beautiful, she looked… and warm, experiencing her in real was certainly different but her looks were worthy of being the 'Heroine', warm and innocent and beautiful. Unlike Celeste who stunned you at first sight, Helen was gentle and charming. They bowed in greeting and Helen introduced herself, "Greeting Your Majesties, Greeting Your Highnesses, thank you for allowing me here today. I am Helen Viola Faust, daughter of Viscount Frednick El Faust."
My parents nodded, allowing her to stand straight, Ares glanced at me before saying, "Father, Mother, I asked to meet everyone here because I wanted you to meet Helen and also because I wish to ask you to annul my engagement with Celeste. I want to marry Helen." My parents to look at each other consulting before making any decision, Mother sighed and said, "I'm sure you know why we-"
"I've already informed the Duke and told Celeste long before." Ares interrupted. I looked at him, a little shocked, this was different. Different was the game, how did Ares know Mother was going to say that they were worried about the Duke's reaction?
"And what did Duke Luminosa say?" inquired Father.
"He agreed."
The short answers were a bit irritating, I wanted to know, what, when and most importantly how…?
"Well…" My Father began hesitantly, "If the Duke has already agreed I see no reason why we cannot accept as well." Mother nodded along, having nothing else to say. Helen on the other hand light up light a thousand-watt bulb when our parents accepted their relationship. Immediately she bowed again excitedly shouting, "Thank You, Your Majesties!!" My parents smiled and said, "Why don't you join us for tea? I'd like to get to know you a bit at the very least, do you have time?"
"Yes, Of course Your Majesty. Please do not worry."
They nodded and stood, together we walked to the garden for another tea party. Along the way Raven and I introduced ourselves, and I gave a smile to Ares, letting him know I approved in a way. He gave a smile in return, the two walked together side by side arms linked. Raven chatted trying to get to know Helen better and I trailed behind everyone, making sure Raven wasn't being too intrusive. We walked slowly thankfully for the servants to have enough time to set up everything until we arrive. I wanted to go check on Celeste, the story turned out differently so I'm more than sure her reaction might not necessarily be the same either- it could on one of the extremes or somewhere right in the middle. Still, I'd feel more better knowing and seeing by myself. But as much as I itching to check up on her now I couldn't, it would be rude to Helen and might cause a misunderstanding here, being the Crown Prince doesn't make it any easier.
Tea was good. Extremely so actually, everyone came to like Helen almost immediately- well that was to be expected, she was a very sweet person. But the nagging anxiety was always at the back of my head, making me wish the party would end soon.
By the time everyone was satisfied and done the tea party probably ran later than any other in our entire history. It wasn't until veery late that Helen excused herself saying she couldn't wait any longer or her father would worry and that she really enjoyed her time here. Everyone reluctantly nodded and let her go, Ares walking her out. Ut as much as I'd like to Celeste it was too late and a rude time to visit so I reluctantly forced myself to go to my room instead and finish the papers I was working on.
"I think you should stop now Si…"
I looked up to see Lark in front of me, papers and scrolls in hand, I stared questioningly. "You are too distracted to do anything properly, you've hardly finished one."
It's been a while since I came back and started working but clearly wasn't in the right frame of mind to compete anything like I would like too. Lark grabbed the pen from my hand and placed it aside, picked the forms I was checking- thought I'm not entirely sure on what they are, and said, "Alright, I'll finish this for you and the rest can wait until tomorrow."
With nothing else to do there was only one thought running through my entire being-
"Nothing but perfection…"
I shall never except anything but the perfect outcome, no, actually it is not that I won't but that I cannot. This is the reason I am here, my deal, my contract, my promise...