Tweet... Tweet
I woke up hearing the sound of the birds singing, it was pleasant in my ears.
"Beautiful..." I said as I looked outside the window. Suddenly the door opened and a woman came in. She's the same person that woke me up yesterday and based on her clothes, I could guess that she is a maid in the house.
"Oh! This is a surprisingly young master! I didn't expect that you would leave the curtains open when you sleep." She smiled at me walking toward the windows.
'I guess the benefactor liked his room dark. I mean sometimes darkness could be a friend.'
"Well! Now that you are awake young master you should get ready to depart. I heard that the duke told you to do some of his errands"
'Ah... I almost forgot because of what happened yesterday evening.'
"Thank you for reminding me, Miss Err..." I said as I slowly got out of bed. She looked back at me and smiled.
"It's Mrs. Henderson, Master."
"O-of course I knew..." I avoided my glance at her, and she just laughed.
"It's alright Master, I heard from Sir Louis that you aren't completely healed yet. That's why all of the servants rallied In front of the Duke's office saying that you should stay inside and rest more but all of them were driven away by the knights"
'Wow... they all got courage '
"Thank you..." I whispered.
"Right, before we forgot. Here young master." Mrs. Henderson gave me a pair of gun
"This is for?"
"I heard that you would be traveling alone without guards. These two guys are for emergency"
"I see... who owns this though?" I picked up the gun inserted in a leather. It has the emblem of the Welsh family
"Our young master and always be" She smiled at me
'benefactors gun...'
Mrs. Henderson walked near me and tapped my shoulders.
"Us Loyal servants will do our best to take care of everyone in the Welsh family." I can see the sincerity in her eyes
She bowed and walked out of my room.
"Loyal huh... Words that I don't think I could trust now"
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"Brother, are you really going?" Melissa worriedly asked.
"Right, brother! we can ask Dad to let someone else go!" Niven added.
All the knights and servants seeing me off show worry on their faces. I just sighed as I smiled at all of them. I reached for Niven and Melissa's hair and brushed it carefully.
"I'm fine you all, am strong and I need to give a really important thing to his majesty himself so please do understand. Don't worry I will be back"
"Stay safe young master!"
"Careful on your steps!"
"If you felt ill on the way, immediately tell the coachman!"
"Please take care!"
"Come back home, brother!" Melissa and Niven screamed together with the servants and knights.
Again, I smiled as I stepped inside the carriage and it slowly drove away from the mansion.
I opened a small window behind the coachman.
"How many hours until we reach the imperial capital?"
"It would take an hour or two basing on the road young master"
"Oh, did something happen on the road?"
"It started when the rain kept pouring on the upper part of the mountain, the road became muddier that it is hard for the wheels to drive through, sorry for the inconvenience young master."
"Oh, I see! It's alright, it's a natural phenomenon after all. Drive at your own pace, I can wait even for three more hours"
"Thank you, young master!" The coachman replied as I closed the lid of the window.
I leaned over the settee as the rain slowly poured outside.
'Thank god the coachman is wearing a cloak'
I slowly closed my eyes enjoying the sound of the pouring rain and didn't notice that I would fall asleep.
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"Young master...."
A faint voice woke me up. It was the coachman knocking at the door.
"Oh... I fall asleep"
"Are you 'wake young master? Where here"
I yawned as I opened the door and stepped outside.
A lot of people lined up and bowed to me.
"I'll be going inside. I won't take much time, wait here" I whispered to the coachman. He bowed in agreement.
As I walk inside more people show respect for me.
'Might be because of the duke's household emblem and well-known reputation.'
"Young lord of the Welsh dukedom" Called by someone from behind me so I looked at him and nodded.
"The king is waiting for you in his office, kindly follow me"
He started to walk so I followed him and arrived at a super luxurious ruby door.
'Thank God for the Welsh like dark ones. I can't live in a house full of doors like this...'
"Please help yourself." the man said as he opened the door.
I walked inside and saw his majesty the Ki-
"Who are you?" said by a teenager standing above the king's table
"Err...." I stepped back two times and whispered to the man outside
"You sure this is the king's office?"
"Yes? why would you as- OH LORD! Your majesty, please get down!" the man screamed in panic.
'Oh... he might be the crown prince'
"Who are you to order me what to do!" he screamed
the man steps back scared.
"Hmph! You there you are the son of Duke Welsh right!"
'How arrogant this child is...'
"Yes, I am my prince"
"Hmmm... I don't know what's your plan but you dare decline the King's order!"
'Hm?'
"Decline?" I whispered.
the guy in my back spoke, "His Majesty the Crown Prince is pertaining to the 'Be a Crown Prince event'"
"Oh! That childish event, it's useless though."
"Why-what! How dare you say that the king's order is useless! HOW BOLD OF YOU!" the crown prince shockingly pointed at me.
*sigh
"But it's the truth though."
"The truth...?"
"Yeah, there's no sense in holding a competitive event like that, after all the crown prince is a talented pure-blood royalty. You are the pride of the kingdom and well-suited next king!" I said as I smiled at him.
'Compliments is a child thing'
He slowly came down from the table and came near me.
"Y-you think that I'm the best person to sit on the throne?"
"Of course, your highness"
he stayed silent for a while and suddenly smiled. "I am Kevin von Heinsberg! From now on I allowed you to be my friend!" he screamed as he pointed at me.
"Pardon...?"
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"HAHAHAHA I really can't get enough of your face then young duke!" The king laughed at me as he held his chest.
'That bastard child ordering me to be his friend and then ridding on my back, I think I'm aging fast. And it's an embarrassing moment for the king to enter'
"HAHA don't worry about the crown prince's behavior, he doesn't mean bad"
"Yes, please don't worry. I know that the crown prince is a good person, and he's just having a bad time expressing himself" I replied as I sipped tea, the king was surprised by my reply
"As expected of the heir of the moon! You're starting to mature now! I think it's already time for you to look for a wife!"
I spit the tea all over the table
"Oh my! Sorry, that might surprised you HAHA"
"*Cough Forgive my shameless action, my king"
"No, it's alright, I got you off guard HAHA"
'I guess the kings these days like to joke around'
"I'm still young Your Highness, and I'm thinking of how I could benefit the empire in the future"
"HM. HM! That's a great ambition you have child! But you should enjoy yourself, like what you said you are still young."
"Thank you for worrying Your Majesty" I pulled out my father's letter and handed it over to the king. "That is the letter the duke himself wanted me to send to you Your Highness"
"Oh! It's that time again of the year!"
'Again...?'
"May I humbly ask what you meant your highness?"
"Oh, it's your engagement!"
"AH?"
"HAHAHA I'm joking - I'm joking. I really can't get enough of your reaction young duke!" The king laughs to his heart's content.
'He really loves to joke about marriage...'
"It's about the hunt"
"Hunt? Oh, you meant the nobles hunt every spring?"
'Oh, so there's still something like that in this time'
"That's right! The hunt will happen to one of the duke's territories"
"My household?"
"Yes, after all in the southwest. The Dirac Mountain is near the duke's mansion and has been taking care of the security of the place"
"I see... I would be a great assistance to my father and the royal family"
"Alright, I expect good!" The king smiled as his aide whispered something to him.
"Well then, I have fun conversing with you, young duke. The Empire's palace will always welcome the Welsh dukedom."
We both stand and I bowed to the king.
"Thank you, My Highness!"
He tapped my shoulders and walked away. I also walked straight to the palace gate where I met the crown prince
'Oh god… can I take a break please; he looks just like the king'
"You!"
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"W-will... EHEM I know I did something bad earlier... w-will you be my friend?" he asked cutely.
'Oh, so he got a side like this huh'
"Hmm... your highness what age are you?"
"M-me? What it got to do with being your friend?!"
"Nothing, I'm just curious"
"I'm 17 and going 18 in the next 4 months"
"Oh, I see, you will be the same age as my little brother soon"
"Y-you have a little brother?"
"Hm? yes, your highness. I also have a little sister who at the moment is 16-year-old"
"Hmmm Is that so, t-then in the upcoming hunt, I heard it would be held in the Welsh territory. At that time can you introduce me to them? —Don't misunderstand I'm ordering you not asking" He looked away as he said that. All the maids and royal guards just smiled at how adorable their crown prince was for being shy.
'He still sounds arrogant though.'
"Well as your friend, I would gladly introduce you to my siblings"
"R-REALLY?! I —ehem. It's not like am looking forward to it" The crown prince walks past me smiling
'But you do though'
"Young duke, the coachman is waiting for you"
'Oh yeah, I told him to wait but I didn't expect to take much time'
"Thank you"
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"Forgive me, I didn't expect things to be chaotic inside"
"Oh, no young master It's alright! the maids gave me refreshment so I rested well here" The coachman pointed to the cup of juice he was holding
' Hoh'
"… aren't you handsome I think they like you," I said as I glanced at the group of maids near the gate.
"Other than me, I think they liked the young duke more" He embarrassingly said as he scratched his nape.
'Pfft denial'
"Anyways, I would like to ask for your name"
"Eh!? Ah, no need young duke! How come a humble c-coachman like me to be addressed by the future duke himself!"
"Nah, It's alright. Now tell me"
He stayed quiet for a moment then looked back at me. "I'm Roderic, young duke. Pleased to be your acquittance" he bowed a little. I smiled at him and tapped his shoulders.
"Glad to be acquainted with you, Roderic. I'm Lewis., can I humbly ask you to send me to the Capital library? I need to look for something in a while"
He opened the carriage's door.
"Hop in sir Lewis! I would ensure your safe travel!"
I smiled back at him and entered the carriage to the Capital.
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"What do you think of the Welsh dukedom first son my king?"
"Did you call me urgently to ask something like that?"
"Of course, not my king! One is just curious about your views!"
"Hmm... Well, you are my trusted aide so I'll be honest with you. I find the duke's first son capable of sitting on the throne. He has the skills and talent, but I see him as a conscious wolf that is lost in the wild."
"Lost in the wild, Your Highness?"
"Yes, he looked like a wolf lost in a new place and doesn't know what to do, but even though he still grasps how to survive the situation."
"Like he lost all knowledge of the world sire?"
"That's right. To be more specific, it felt like he's a completely different person from the last time I met him."
"You think it might be because of the shock when he hit his head on the lamp?"
"Hmm... Might be. Anyhow, he looks nice and much more courageous to talk to me now without stuttering. Whatever happened, I liked that it ended like this."
"Are you thinking of engaging Her Majesty the royal princess to the duke's son?"
"Hmm... That is a great idea but. The other dukedom would rebel if the balance of power is poured only on one side"
"I see I understand well Sire. Regarding the other imperial guest"
"Hmm, call them here"
"Yes your highness"
*Sips
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the carriage stops as Roderic slowly opens the small window.
"Sir Lewis, we have arrived"
I smiled at him and opened the door.
"Is there a salon here nearby for you to rest?"
"Salon Sir Lewis? Uh... there is a pub not that far from here."
"Great! Here" I gave him a pouch full of money
"Oh! I can't take this with me, sir!"
"Nah, it's alright. Take it and rest for a while. I'll come later to get you"
He smiled as he moved the carriage out of the way.
I walked straight to the capital library door
I can feel the stares of everyone observing me cautiously.
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"Look isn't that the Duke of the South first son?"
"Is he always looking like that?"
"Oh, my he's so dashing!"
"His image changed, he's looking like a new person now!"
"He's shining!"
The ladies' table in front keeps on babbling.
I glanced at the person they all looking at and found a familiar face
'Aren't he that clumsy guy from last time... I didn't expect him to be a duke's son...'
"Your Highness, the Imperial family is looking for you"
'Hah, finally'
"Alright, Let's go"
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"Welcome young duke!" The man greeted me as he opened the door.
The moment I step my foot inside, I could feel those eyes looking at me all over the place.
'Some meant good but some meant danger. As expected, there are a lot of people who hated the benefactor'
"It's been a while young duke! I haven't seen you here at the library since the incident at the palace" Greeted by a person who wears highly fashionable attire. I could see the smirk on his face, the same with the people all over the place.
'I see, if he has approached me with a friendly greeting without any sarcasm, I might have mistaken him as my benefactor's friend but thankfully he let out his bad habit and that is convenient for me'
"Well, I am glad that a gentleman like you has time to think about me"
I can see his eyebrow raise.
'Oho~, based on how he reacts I could guess that the benefactor never spoke impolitely to him. I guess my benefactor is a person with a lot of people making fun of him. But then again benefactor is a highly known and respected person as he has the title of 'Heir of the Duke' There are only two reasons why the benefactor would never fight back. One, this man belongs to the royal family. Second, he is just an ordinary goon controlled by someone with higher authority.'
"So, you got the courage to speak back to me now!"
'Heh, Bingo. He's a goon. After all, a well behave noble would only smile and speak like a cheesy piece of candy while sugar-coating his words and using the opportunity to bend the situation to his palm like a concerned angel falling from the sky in front of everyone'
"I think you have misunderstood me, gentleman. I spoke with kindness regarding how kind and concerned you are for my well-being. Isn't that the thing you want to hear? Or do you want me to share with you the pain I experienced at that time? But hearing how confident you are to speak earlier about the incident, I thought you were there yourself to witness it in first hand"
His expression changes. From Mad to nervous.
'I guess the person backing him up is the one who told him what happened in the palace'
"W-well of course I was there! Then next time!"
He walked out of the place. Everyone's face looks surprised.
'Now this felt like my first debut in social gathering as Lewis Welsh'
I felt a familiar presence walking toward me. This time it felt like the benefactors' senses were telling me that he was a good guy.
"OH! LEWIS, I finally found you!"
He came near me. But instead of just standing he grabbed my shoulder and looked all over my body as if he was checking if I'm alright.
'I think… If it's this guy, then it's alright to lower my defense'
"Are you…"
"I am?" He looked at me cluelessly
I held up my hand to my mouth and whispered
"Are you" I repeat, as I slightly cover my mouth with disgust in my face.
I could see his face flustered as he screamed.
"OF COURSE NOT!"
He let go of me as fast as he could and coughed as an excuse.
"*cough, you knew well that I have my lovely fiancé. How could you look at me as a homosexual?" He lowered his voice.
"Sorry, I forgot"
He looks at me with worries in his eyes.
"Are you sure you're alright? I helped you go home that night, you looked like a drunkard who got wasted in 10 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon."
'Did benefactor look wasted like that after he fainted…?'
"Why do you look like you aren't believing me!"
"*Ehem Anyhow, I lost some of my memories so yeah…"
"You did?! W-wait, do you even know who am I?"
He holds my shoulders again.
"Err… to be true, I don't know"
"EH! B-but why did you greet me normally?"
He keeps on shaking me. His eyes look like a puppy begging not to be disowned.
"W-well I felt like you're a good person and you smile kindly to me"
'Oh god this is indeed super embarrassing to say'
Again, he let go of my shoulders and suddenly used his hand as a gesture the same as what I did earlier.
"T-those compliments… Are you--?"
"OF COURSE NOT!"
He laughed at me to his heart's content.
"Well, I guess I would introduce myself again but not here in the middle of the hall. We've been standing for 10 minutes now"
I glanced at the people looking at us.
"Agreed"
"Great!"
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"Here's your order gentlemen"
The waiter put two coffees on the table. He bowed and walked away
"I really can't believe you'll lose your memory just like that"
"Yeah, things aren't always what we expect to happen," I said in agreement as I grabbed one cup of coffee to my side.
He just nodded his head twice and smiled.
"Not that it matters now. What is important is that you choose to trust me even though you can't remember who I am"
"I just felt that you are a good person"
"Something like blood rush or heartbeats?"
"A what??"
"Never mind"
He sips coffee as he taps his fingers into the table.
Even though I was not directly looking at him, I knew his eyes were piercing through me.
He put down his coffee and grasped both of his hands.
"Time for an introduction I guess, I am Elijah Kaz Masson. I am the- "
"Masson dukedom heir"
"Right! I know you'll remember me!" He smiled as he sipped his coffee again.
'Well, the fact that the atmosphere from when we sat is different from when we met earlier explains that he learned etiquette for nobles. Thank God that I read books about the empires family in the library yesterday'
"Of course, I would remember if I put my mind to it," I said with confident
"OH! Then you would remember my nickname, can you tell me?" He looked at me with sparks in his eyes
'Oh shit, I spoke too early'
"Hmm? Well, can you?" Again, sparkling things keep producing out of him.
'How can I remember something I don't kno- '
I can feel like electricity hit my mind. I grasp my head as I lay half of my body down on the table
"HEY! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!" I can hear Elijah's voice but I can't raise my head as it hurts so much.
A memory flashed in my mind.
It was the benefactor's face and a little boy who was scared of hiding behind a bush.
['Hey, are you alright? …. You're lost … I see Don't worry the dukedom of Welsh looks scary but people here are good. … you not scared? … oh, so you're scared of me… Haha... come on I'm Lewis. You are? … Oh Elijah, your name is Kind of long. …. It's not? Well for me it is. … anyways the way you hide looks like a scared cat... why not from now on I'll call you…]
"Cat" I spoke my words as I looked at him
His expression changed from worried to irritated
"I ALREADY TOLD YOU I AM NOT!"
He shouts calling all the attention of people toward us
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A shout echoed inside the library's small drawing room as I entered the door.
'That voice…'
I approached him and tapped his shoulders
"This is a library mind your tone"
He looked at me
"Oh, what a coincidence to meet you here Ms. Blaire. I could feel the storm knocking on my door today"
I sighed
"What are you sighing for?"
"None of your business. CAT"
"YOU-!"
"Okay, that's enough."
A cold voice comes out from behind him. It's other than the well-known sweet and shy First son of the Welsh dukedom.
'Cold…?'
"Hmph. It isn't my fault. She barged into our conversation"
"Yeah, I did. You're noisy. Haven't eaten cat food in the morning?"
"I see what you want. Let's settle this with swords" he grasps his sword
"Let's see what you got, scared cat" I smirked at him
Lewis stood up tapping both of our shoulders.
"I have guns."
He opened the left side of his vest.
"Hmph" - "Alright" Both of us let go of our swords.
"Great"