Leon and Rosie spoke for a little while as they caught up on the major things, like asking if each other was alright and if they needed anything.
Rosie being Leon's older sister took the lead in the conversation, as she turned into full-on big sister mode.
"Leon have you been sleeping enough!"
"Make sure you continue eating 3 times a day at the minimum, you have to grow big and strong..."
Hearing the lecture from his sister, Leon would have normally told her to wind her neck in and settle down, saying something like 'I'm not a child anymore, I can take care of myself, so relax Rosie!'
However, right now, every word that Rosie spoke just made Leon smile even brighter. So he just let her speak and nodded his head obediently until she had her fill of worrying about him. Only replying to her, once she had taken the time to take a gasp of breath.
"Sister, don't worry, I have Uncle Ren to look after me and If that somehow magically fails, I'm already big enough to get by. This prince here is old enough to settle his affairs now, so you can calm your anxiousness, Rosie!" Leon smiled.
Rosie hearing the same reply as always thought that Leon didn't get here point she was making and was going to say something but then she realised that Leon looked slightly different when he spoke.
Leon looks confident?
That was the only thought that came to mind as she look at the slightly smaller Leon.
"Ok, make sure you do as you say, it's important ok!" She toward both Leon and Ren when she agreed and Ren gave her a subtle nod to settle her nerves, which only made her realise a pleasant smile.
But that smile soon vanished from her face as she thought of something troubling.
"Now listen Leon, I can't talk with you for long today, since I have to meet some people that I don't particularly want to but it's on orders of the Empress ok."
Hearing those words come from his sister, Leon subconsciously tightened his fists in anger but luckily nobody realised since he did his best out of habit to keep a straight face, in these environments.
Rosie continued as she was reaching her main point, "But you have to be careful Leon, the Empress has already tried to get you kicked out of the banquet in front of everyone by asking Father to kick you out. I don't know what games she has in mind but she will most likely try to make your time at the banquet hard..." She paused slightly before adding one more thing in hopes that it would give Leon some confidence.
"Don't worry though Leon, as long as Father is here, he won't stand around and do nothing when the Empress makes a move, you are his son at the end of the day!"
Rosie smiled brightly and took her right hand and patted Leon's head slightly, trying to cheer him up after giving him such bad news.
Leon just listened attentively and inwardly laughed.
[It seems that Rosie still has some lingering affection for that no good Father of mine, how stupid!]
Leon couldn't help but call his sister stupid, despite his love for her. In this situation, trying to rely on his Father was like throwing himself to the wolves on a silver platter.
In his past life, even when there was the whole capital in turmoil and it was uncertain of whether Leon and his sister were going to die or not. Did his Father step out and save them both?
Absolutely not!
To him, Leon was an eyesore that took the one thing in this world that he loved. There was no way that he could reconcile with him and to Leon, the feeling was mutual. He was long past trying to rely on such a worthless and idiotic man to be his 'Father'.
To Leon, for all he cared, he didn't have a Father.
Leon just sighed as he put his thoughts aside and looked up to his sister, "Don't worry Rosie, this time, I won't do anything silly and let the Empress embarrass myself. So just do what you need to do and then come and find me again, we should at least get to dance once before the banquet ends!"
Hearing the word 'dance' come from her brother's mouth, a flash of surprise and excitement appeared in her eyes. It had to be known that not once had Leon publicly danced at any of these events since he was either too scared or didn't want to do anything shameful.
Rosie gave a big smile that looked like it was going to enchant every man in the room, "That's a promise Leon, you can't go back on your word. I'll hurry up and we'll dance later on, ok!"
After speaking that Rosie quickly hurried off as if she was possessed by an unrivalled determination.
Which only served to make Leon giggle a little bit at his sister's antics. But he soon recovered his calm with a slight pout on his face that carried a tint of annoyance as he muttered to himself loud enough for the following Ren to hear his words, "Now what am I going to do, I only came here to catch up with my sister but I can't even do that since she had things to do... So boring!"
Ren smiled slightly at the actions of the young master before he replied, "Young master, why don't you take the time to introduce yourself to the nobles, I'm sure many of them would love the opportunity to talk to the youngest prince!"
Leon thought about it but he replied a moment later, "It doesn't matter to me whether or not the Nobles want to talk to me, after all, they have nothing that I could possibly want. It's just a case of or goals not adding up..."
Ren heard the young master's response and was confused slightly but he didn't say anything more as the banquet was not the time or place to speak about such things.
"Hmm, I guess I'll just eat my fill and drink enough to pass the time, while I wait for Rosie!"
****
Some time passed during the banquet as many people soon began to dance and enjoy the lavish environment of the main palace. The king spoke his speech and congratulated the Empress on her birthday, granting her the most expensive pearls he owned as a present.
The Empress of course to the occasion to expand her influence and suck up to the nobles, she placed her son, Alexander, the crown prince, in the limelight as she emphasized that his skill in the sword was improving daily.
To which many nobles all spoke pointless flattering words in hopes to please the Empress and gain something.
All while this was happening Leon was off in the corner of the room, eating his fill and drinking some of the finer wine. With him beginning his training in the past week his appetite had grown substantially and he managed to clear two plates of steak and a whole chicken.
And now he was feeling fuller than full, "Burp* Ahh that was good, the chiefs in the main palace are something entirely different!" Leon rubbed his belly like he had put on 10 stone in weight and lay back in his chair.
If anyone saw this, they'd think that a homeless man had robbed a prince of his clothes and snuck into the palace to eat his fill.
And when Leon was digesting his food in delight without bothering anyone else, someone had to ruin the mood for him.
"Brother!" A somewhat high pitched voice called out from across the room.
It was a voice that Leon was familiar with as every time he heard it, all he processed was disgust.
A man with blonde hair and red eyes soon approached leading a few nobles with him. He had exquisite clothes and the insignia of the royal palace, showing he was of royal blood. He was taller than boys his age and looked around 17 or 18.
This person was of course his eldest brother, the crown prince, Alexander Maxwell!
He came with the demeanour of a friendly brother but Leon only had to look once to know that he had a plan fully formed in his mind to try and embarrass Leon.
[Let's see what you and your snake of a mother have come up with, shall we?] Leon inwardly thought as a smile found its way to Leon's face.
"Brother Alex, are you well?" He spoke gently and welcomed Alexander. Unlike other times were he wouldn't say a word and just let Alexander do as he pleased.
Alexander, hearing Leon speak was surprised but he didn't stop his approach and carried on until he reach the table Leon was sitting at. "Brother Leon, you should come and join everyone else at the banquet and dance with all of us..."
His words sounded nice and full of pleasantries but he looked around for anything that could be used as bait.
Spotting the many plates of eaten food, his smile grew even bigger as a vicious glint appeared in his eyes for a moment.
'Oh my poor brother, you make things too easy!'