"I am sorry, father. But this time, I would really have to decline. I still have another pressing matter that I need to attend to." The Prince looked at his watch.
He still had more or less an hour to spare, but he had to leave soon. Or, he would be terribly late or probably miss his next appointment entirely.
"Sir, lunch is already served at the dining hall." Their butler announced as he stood not far from his father. Afterward, he proceeded back inside to inform the rest.
"Maybe you can at least stay for a few more minutes." Amelia stepped in, seeing the slight tension between the father and the son.
And just like his teasing, she was used to this scene, but the Count always won in the past. She wondered if anything had changed now.
"Listen to your friend. A few minutes of your time will not hurt your next meeting." His father seconded, wanting the lunch to proceed without a hitch.
