Weeks passed, and Lawrence's birthday befell.
Tradition saved Estella from having to find an available carriage, possibly a shabby transport. But lucky for them, Butler Kanon sent a decent carriage. "That" conserved Lawrence's appearance as a prince.
For one, the carriage was for royalty. It had a fancy structure and beautiful white horses. The fancy ride also had the Imperial Crest, beautifully carved on the door. Furthermore, the transportation carriage was fully furnished before leaving the estate, making it alluring.
Since the trip to where Lawrence's banquet will occur on the other side of the nearest city from Apple Lands, they both had to wake up early to depart in the morning.
Estella fulfilled her declaration before by preparing an abundant amount of outfits for Lawrence. She chose the most extravagant, colourful, and most stuffy to wear for Lawrence.
Which, by the way, didn't make it easier for Lawrence. Although Lawrence felt guilty for not wearing what Estella wanted him to wear, he was fixed for asking her for another set of garments that would be less stuffy and extravagant.
Lawrence's outfit wasn't more extravagant than before but was still at the level of fancy. A simple black tuxedo with a few gems and a cute blue bow tie. He wore a pair of loafers and a few accessories like a ring. Indeed it isn't medieval-like.
.
.
.
"You look stiff," Estella blurted out. "Are you okay?"
'Would I have preferred to stay home? Of course. But tradition is tradition.' Lawrence thought in his mind.
"Mhmm." Lawrence smiled, then shifted his eyes to his outfit, "I like my wear."
Estella smiled, "You're growing so fast, Prince Lawrence." she paused, "Stay strong, okay?" she asked, receiving a nod from Lawrence.
Soon, seconds passed, minutes came, hours neared. Their carriage was now at the edge of the enormous wall of the city. And when they entered the city, crowds of people stood on the sideways. As the carriage advances, some stopped to stare at the horses and the carriage. Their eyes filled with envy and admiration.
Lawrence peeked outside the carriage and saw kids playing in the streets and lining stables of people working and marketing. It was a busy day indeed.
And half an hour passed, they were already exiting the City of Muelaemoar. Another half an hour when the large estate, where Lawrence's banquet will occur, is seen in the distance.
Lawrence was mesmerized by the spectacle of the landscape. The two sides of the estate had nurtured gardens. The land had well-groomed bushes, fountains, table stands, even a large greenhouse, not to mention the beautiful flower designs and the well-groomed bush maze.
And in the middle of the enormous vicinity was the mansion with two other buildings on either side. Although it wasn't as big as their Villa's mansion, it still looked fancier and neat. And on the corners of the estate was the long spread walls that separated the outside. Where the grassy fields with a few trees were sighted.
It was, indeed, a beautiful terrain. One to remember. And at the end of the empty fields were the hills and forests, captivating and memorable.
The estate's large gate welcome their carriage. And so did the paved road that led to the mansion. And just like Lawrence and Estella's carriage, others were lining up before the fancy red carpet, leading to the large doors of the banquet. Horses neighed, and many coachmen laughed together. Everyone was busy.
Finally, their carriage stopped at the end of the long carpet as the doors opened. Without an escort, Estella and Lawrence came out. Some nobles murmured to each other at their arrival.
Despite disappearing from society for a year, Estella's alluring presence and elegant posture still hadn't faded. As for Lawrence, her beautiful shining blue ocean eyes greeted those in the entrance as the wind brushes his snow-white hair. Everyone gaped at his outstanding appearance.
They both advanced towards the opened doors. Estella was a meter behind Lawrence. As they stopped at the entrance, a servant with a clipboard greeted them.
"Madam Estella St. Claire. Please, this way." the servant spoke.
"Where are your manners?" Estella's bitter voice echoed. "Bow your head," she demanded.
The servant flinched and abruptly bowed, "Forgive me, madam." he paused. "I greet your highness," he said.
Estella's expression still expressed sourness. She spoke, "Lead the way."
Lawrence sighed as he took the hand of Estella and walked along with the crowd of many mingling nobles. The mansion was vast but with simple structures. Despite its simplicity, the rooms and corridors glamour shined.
As Lawrence and Estella walked, a guy approached the two of them.
"It is my greatest honour to meet his highness, Lawrence," he bowed his head a little bit. "And Miss Estella St. Claire," the man nodded towards Estella.
He waited for a reply from Lawrence, but Lawrence stood silent.
The man spoke again, "Oh, my apologies." he laughed slightly, "I'm Chandler Newfield. Pleased to meet you, your highness." he stuck out his hand.
Lawrence accepted his hand and shook Chandler's, "Lord Chandler, it is very pleasing to meet you. I'm Elijah Lawrence Xavier Kingsley Royale Sage. Thank you for attending the banquet." Lawrence smiled.
Chandler stood, stunned at the remarkable introduction.
He then coughed. "You stun me, your highness," he remarked. "You need not thank me, your highness. But I, on the other hand, must thank you for letting me attend such a luxurious banquet." Chandler replied.
"As the rumours say, you have your mother's appearance." he scanned Lawrence, nodding. Then his gaze shifted to a clock on a wall, "Oh, it looks like time had caught up already." he stated. "Well then, shall we meet again? I greet your highness many returns, and may the Gods guide you to your path."
Lawrence smiled, "Thank you, Lord Chandler."
Chandler paused in his position then continued his movement, bowing at Estella and Lawrence then leaving.
Estella gazed at Lawrence, surprised by his etiquette and perfectly formed speech. She smiled, pinching Lawrence's nose slightly.
"Mum... That hurts.~"
She giggled, "Can't help but be fond of you. Hehe."
Across the room, familiar faces, in the distance, stared at the two of them. And Estella couldn't help but feel disturbed. Her face twitched in worry as she continued advancing.
They were the other "family members" of the Sages, the Concubines, the Empress, and the Sage children.
Empress Eleanora Felicity Persephone Da Ville Sage, Concubine Evangeline Margaret St. Lily Lovewell, and Concubine Edith Sylvia Emeline St. Claire Ambrose. And other relatives.
The concubines' children; Victor, Spence, Olivette, Eleonora, Yasmine, and Klaus. Victor, Spence, and Olivette, Evangeline's children, had their mother's features like her natural blonde hair, smooth and silky. Although Victor had wavy hair among the three.
Eleonora, Yasmine, and Clause, Edith's children, had perfect black hair and slight emerald eyes. Like Edith, who had an elegant figure, eyes screaming for affection, and her perfect black silky hair. It was strange to see. Strange to witness.
Despite their unique appearances, they didn't outshine Lawrence's presence.
But there was one, just like Lawrence.
A man was leaning on a pillar while ladies surround him. But his gaze focused on Lawrence. He had ash-coloured hair and blue eyes, a well-built body, masculine but not too much, broad shoulders, and tall. He looked appropriate, like a knight. But was he?
Estella noticed the man and whispered to Lawrence, "Does he resemble someone to you?"
Lawrence did not make eye contact with the man but smiled towards Estella, "Yes, Mommy. Like a brother." he said as if he had already seen enough of him earlier to judge.
"Oh, how?"
Lawrence laughed a little, "Blue eyes, Mommy."
Estella giggled, "Yes, he does. He does have beautiful blue eyes like you."
.
Lawrence thanked and greeted those that passed by them as his presence shines brighter than anyone in the room. He was the talk of the day, the centre of attention. Respectful, elegant, and concise. His beautiful appearance also caught many stares when another approached and introduced himself.
.
"Greetings to his highness," a man announced. "I'm Maximilian Blackwood, a friend of your father. " he offered his hand. Lawrence smiled and took his hand.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Lord Blackwood," Lawrence replied. "Elijah Lawrence Xavier Kingsley Royale Sage," he introduced.
Maximilian smiled. He shifted his gaze towards Estella. "Miss Estella. How long has it been?" he spoke.
"Duke Blackwood," she called out as greeting, with a slight nod. "It has been quite some time, if I may say, since we last saw, that is. How have you been, Duke?" she asked.
"Need not with the formalities. I am but a humble man." he beamed. "I have been doing some businesses. And I came to greet his highness," he paused and smiled at Lawrence, "who seemingly inherited the beauty of Viola." he stared at the clock on the wall, "But now I must bid you both farewells." he returned his gaze towards the two, "Time does not wait for me, as it shan't to anyone. I greet his highness happy birthday."
Lawrence smiled, "Thank you, Sir." Then Maximilian went on his way.
As Maximilian moves farther from them, Estella spoke. "Arch Duke of Laplace. Quite an important person. He has strong political power, you see. He has many connections and many who sides with him. Not the man to anger. Don't get on his bad side, for he is a ghastly tiger who can devour you." she explained.
Lawrence nodded, "He holds an immense pressure, I felt, Mommy." he added to her statement.
"Indeed."
"Now, what do we have here?" Evangeline Lovewell interrupted their conversation. "If it isn't the star of the day." sarcastically, she utters, as cold glares pierced through Lawrence's consciousness.
He didn't let her have it. He remained aloof yet mannered. "Madam." he greeted, bowing his head.
"Evangeline," Estella called out.
Before Estella could continue to speak, a servant stepped in. "Excuse me," she paused. "Miss Estella? Please this way to his majesty."
Estella opened her mouth, ready to speak, but retreated. She faced Evangeline, "Excuse us, we must tend to his majesty." she said and left.
The servant advanced further, a distance away from the two of them. Estella held Lawrence's hands as they followed the servant.
Lawrence noticed the sculptures decorated on shelves. And pillars carved to perfectness. And beautiful antique materials and furniture. He knew indeed it was luxurious like the halls of King Arthur's castle.
Estella grew anxious, suddenly speaking, "Lawrence." there was hesitance in her voice. "Be strong, okay?" she said.
"I'll be fine, Mom," Lawrence assured her.
They walked towards the staircase and advanced further in the corridors. Then the servant stopped before a door.
She knocked thrice, then announced herself. "Your majesty, Prince Elijah Lawrence Xavier Kingsley Royale Sage has arrived."
There was silence then a voice sounded from the room. "Enter," Leighton. "Fetch some tea," he added.
The servant opened the door, and the vast office room, almost a library, welcome Lawrence. Across the door lies a desk where the emperor sat. Behind it was a large picture window and the scenery of the horizon.
It was a beautiful thing to see. It was indeed.
There, the emperor sat, focused indulged in his papers, not shifting his gaze to meet the guest.
Estella remained outside while Lawrence continued in.
Leighton sat up and stared outside the large window behind him, "Xavier," he uttered in his distant voice. "Are there any concerns?" he asked, not bothering to look at his son.
"Your Majesty," he spoke, "I humbly ask of your time for it is my birthday," he paused, very hesitant. "But I wish not to trouble your majesty, for one knows you are a busy man."
"Indeed. So, I came, reporting my presence at your mansion. I, too, thank your majesty for this banquet." Lawrence added firmly. No mispronunciations, no cracks, just perfect sentence.
"You don't sound your age." the emperor remarked.
"I have studied a few months ago the speech, the grammar. I've taken a liking to literature. So I studied, understood, then was able to speak fluently. And all this is thanks to Estella's guidance." he replied. Head tilted towards the ground.
"A son of my blood, after all." Leighton mumbled before his breath, "Your height, Xavier?" he asked.
Lawrence hesitated. He asked himself what his height was and estimated. "82 centimetres, your majesty," he replied.
"You're growing well."