With the First Prince as a backer, servants would no longer dare to treat the adopted Hellebore prince poorly.
In the early days, he often invited the second prince back to the Imperial Palace to 'play.' So, the tranquil picture of the two milky babies sitting together in the garden was often seen.
The servants, not wishing to dampen the fun, would watch from a slight distance. They'd see the bigger one whispering in the ears of the smaller one. Their little babbles were secrets only known by them. Little did they know Ulfstead was reciting the multiplication table to his younger Cousin.
Partly to relieve him of the guilt, partly because he really liked having a 'little brother', and partly to decrease the chances of inheriting the crown, Ulfstead had a thorough plan to teach this 'son' well.
As soon as the child was old enough, Ulfstead taught him how to walk and talk. He'd praise him if he was good, explain to him when he was being naughty. Even if the second prince could not fully understand, there would always be a day when their little interactions added up. A child always needed someone to care and for the second prince, that was his Cousin-brother.
And if ever his true identity was exposed, the father would still have a proper heir and Ulfstead would be able to leave while patting his butt. No need to be beheaded when the true son was 'raised' well by him! Unfortunately, things never do go as planned.
As they passed by a small rockery, the second prince stopped and stared at a passing butterfly. The boy's head didn't take his eyes off of it, as it floated around them, bringing along a bubbly light atmosphere. Ulfstead held out his free hand with his palm facing upward. He barely stood still and when the butterfly still landed on him.
The second prince couldn't take his eyes off his the palm. He was transfixed as the little creature rested on Ulfstead's hand like a tiny branch. The two boys looked in wonder, the second prince inching closer and closer... almost about to breath on the butterfly...
"Ah!"
When the little thing started float away, the four-year old decided to follow straight into the bushes, dragging his older brother along with him. 'Not again...' Remembering all the times Lyfette had done something similar, Ulfstead adamantly dragged the boy back to the right path. "No eating bugs again... please."
To this, the boy sighed as if Ulfstead really wronged him... it seemed he didn't wish to explain himself. Ulfstead wanted to crawl inside and see what his brother was thinking. Unfortunately, all he could do was drag the four-years-old going on fourteen to their destination. The child really dragged his feet.
Contrary to Ulfstead's great expectations, this second prince was... we... as capable as a rock. His thoughts were, 'Why walk when he could crawl and why crawl when he could be carried?' As for speech, the second Prince had the ability, but he cherished words like gold. If not for his Cousin-brother, the boy would be quiet all day.
It wasn't even because this cousin was stupid, the second Prince was just lazy down to his bones. Ulfstead realized back then this and had to sigh.
Finally reaching the dining room, the eldest prince thought, 'Forget it… There's always next time.' With hope renewed, Ulfstead believed that with the floodgates now open, another noble prince would be born soon enough. Surely, the next prince would not be as disappointing as the two of them.
~~~
Inside the dining hall, the two princes saluted while the King waved for them to take their seats. Promptly, the servants brought the dishes out. The menu consisted of lentil soup served with flatbread, tribute fruit, roasted chicken, skewed lamb, and a 'new' food created by the prince on the King's birthday last month called 'stuffed steamed fish'.
Previously, the King disliked fish because of its lingering smell. But with the recipe his son created, the blend of vinegar, ginger, and the new plant named 'scallions' had covered the scent while making the fish taste very unique. Even after half a month the King hadn't been able to eat enough.
If Prince Lyfette hadn't been busy stuffing his mouth, he would have seconded that.
As for Ulfstead who had long been bored by the bland foods of this world, his mind wandered to what excuse he could use next to enter the kitchen. It was hard enough convincing his nan to let him do 'the work of the servants'. Even the excuse of His Majesty's birthday was barely enough to let him use the stove.
Now that he was older, Ulfstead was determined to fix these crimes against cuisine. Even if he was a poor student that survived on cup noodles and canned tuna most days, Ulfstead had studied the cooking channel like a pro. He could, in theory, cook many dishes that would fool the tongue of the ancient people
Once the meal was finished, the King solemnly wiped his lips. Silently, he thought to himself that his son was just so good; there must be more ideas in his head. Unfortunately, the kid was too stingy with what he shared. The King had no qualms in swearing that before he retires, he is going to pull them all out!
Looking to the other side where the second Prince who had long finished his own meal and was eyeing the untouched food in his brother's bowl sat, the King felt like he made the right decision in moving the greedy thing out. Snorting angrily, the King asked, "The one to teach this morning was Master Velmer? Have the two of you grasped what the master said?"
Hearing His Majesty ask them a question, the four year old second Prince looked to his powerful Cousin brother. The baby was sleepy from waking up early. How could he understand the Master's complicated teachings?
Seeing the fool's behavior, the King, who didn't actually know the true mental capabilities of children, scoffed. In the future, he was going to be sure to discipline this good 'nephew' for his imperial brother. At the very least, he couldn't let his fifth brother's son be a little waste that only knew how to eat and drink.
Knowing his cousin brother would cherish his words, Ulfstead answered for the both of them. "The master recited 'The Teachings of Man'. The son has understood the first few doctrines, but is unsure of what the [Respect thine husband like father. Respect thine first son as man should the husband enter the realm in the sky…] meant."
The Prince knew his father was a misogynistic asshole. The man had many... No, a few good qualities, but they were overshadowed by his ingrained beliefs. And it wasn't just him. Almost everyone believed women were incapable without a man, even the women themselves.
The Prince didn't think that being a woman who wished to focus on raising her family is bad. He just believed letting women think that this was all she was good for is wrong. Raising children is a serious job by itself. It's just that should a woman not wish to marry or have children, Ulfstead believed it was sorely incorrect to say they were useless.
He truly believed that 'women could hold up half the sky'. They just needed the opportunities to prove it.
The Prince knew that such an unconventional idea wouldn't be popularized overnight. It was just during small discussions like these could he slowly introduce the concept, especially those with His Majesty.
The King had, of course, explained how the mother will be supported by her son. "It is the duty of the son to do so. It is also the duty of the son to take upon his father's duties in raising his siblings."
The Prince then asked, "What if the son is too young to support his mother?"
The King furrowed his brows. The teaching wasn't something he thought his Son would find difficult to understand. "Then it is the duty of the brother or the woman's relatives."
The Prince again challenged, "What if the woman's relatives are only women?"
The King didn't know what his son was getting at. He wouldn't ask questions like these unless he was about to make a point. The King didn't answer, but just sipped from his chalice and waited for the Prince to speak.
"I heard that Nanny Antonia did not have any sons or brothers after her husband died. Her husband left her with young sisters who also didn't have relatives who could take them in. My nanny has supported them for more than ten years until the youngest married last spring," Ulfstead recounted. "So, if women had the ability to support themselves, why must they rely on others? Why must they rely on their sons and husbands?"
The King almost choked when he heard the last part. Why was his son asking this? Of course it is the duty for the man to support the woman. What more can a woman do than take care of the children and be beautiful? The King believed this, but somewhere in his heart he thought there was something wrong. Suddenly, the flash of something entered his mind.
Instead he said, "There must be too many women in the East Palace. Speaking of which, you are five years old already. It is time for your nanny to retire. I will give her a handsome gift-"
"NO!"