"Has anyone seen the newly found prince?" asked one of the cooks while she was preparing a meal. The kitchen was bustling with activity; pots and pans were boiling on the stoves, and vegetables were being chopped on cutting boards. After chopping the onions and adding them to the pot, she began to stir.
The kitchen was a place where delicious meals were cooked, and sweet, savory aromas filled the air. The cook worked skillfully, while the others focused on their own tasks. There was harmony and cooperation in the kitchen, everyone concentrating on their jobs. The cook's question caught the others' attention, and for a moment, the kitchen fell silent. Everyone was thinking about whether any of them had seen the prince.
"The gardener saw him, I heard. He even talked to the prince," said another cook, stirring her pot. The others listened with curiosity.
"Really? How lucky. What did they talk about?" asked another cook, chopping vegetables on the cutting board.
"They met, apparently. Later, the prince told him about his life before he became a prince," replied the first cook.
As the conversation in the kitchen shifted in this direction, the other workers listened with interest. Everyone was eager to hear about the gardener's encounter with the prince and their conversation.
"What kind of prince is this? He mingles a lot with ordinary people," said Sarah, the most gossipy person in the kitchen, with an expression of amazement on her face. This topic was a perfect source of gossip for her. Sarah immediately began talking to those around her in the kitchen.
She became the center of the conversation, and everyone gathered around her. The kitchen became even more lively after the discussion started. Sarah's talent for gossip captured the interest of those around her, and everyone listened eagerly to what she had to say. For Sarah, who loved learning about the nobles, the prince's unusual behavior and his interactions with ordinary people were very intriguing topics.
"Isn't that better, Sarah?" said Sarah's sister, breaking the silence in the kitchen with an understanding smile. "I've been thanking God for days since he was found. He might be the only hope for ordinary folks like us."
Sarah paused for a moment at her sister's words. Then, turning to the other workers in the kitchen, she asked, "He's the son of a dancer. Can he really be a good prince?" There was a slight hint of sarcasm in her voice.
Following this remark, a hush fell over the kitchen. Sarah's words sparked a mix of unease and contemplation among the others. Everyone was lost in thoughts about the prince's origins and his future. Some were filled with hope, while others were worried. This conversation once again changed the atmosphere in the kitchen, filling everyone's mind with different questions and thoughts.
"When Edward married Layla, you also said she was just a dancer and couldn't be a queen. But we all know how well Layla managed the country during the war with Flamea while the king was away," Dean the gardener suddenly interrupted before Sarah could respond.
Dean's voice caught the attention of the others in the kitchen, and everyone turned to him curiously. With Dean's arrival, the atmosphere in the room shifted once again. Looking around confidently, Dean asked, "Did I just hear my name?"
The kitchen staff exchanged surprised glances at Dean's words. Sarah and the others seemed to have forgotten the interrupted conversation with Dean's unexpected arrival. Everyone was curious about why Dean was there. His sudden appearance added an air of mystery and curiosity to the kitchen.
"Yes, that's right. You spoke with the prince. We were talking about him," said Sarah's sister, turning to the other kitchen workers. However, after she spoke, Sarah turned to her with an angry look. Her gaze was threatening.
"Don't drag me into your silly gossip," Dean responded sharply, his tone carrying a hint of menace. His expression immediately silenced the others and created tension in the kitchen.
With this sudden change, the atmosphere intensified once again. Sarah's sister averted her gaze and quietly returned to her work, while the others watched Dean's reaction with curiosity. The kitchen was filled with a sense of tension and unease brought about by the gossip.
"We weren't saying anything bad, Dean," Sarah lied quietly, taking a deep breath. She didn't want others to hear what she had been discussing. Especially since she knew very well what happened to the servants who had previously spread rumors about Edward being weaker than the other fairies. Sarah's worried look gave away clues about how dangerous Dean could be.
"Anyway. Where's my daughter?" Dean asked, scanning the room with his eyes. After a moment's hesitation, Sarah pointed to Alicia and replied, "Over there, busy with the dishes," her voice carrying a hint of anxiety.
The other kitchen workers were silently engrossed in their tasks, but Dean's sudden arrival and question had made the atmosphere tense. Sarah watched Dean anxiously as he moved around the room.
Dean approached his daughter and said in a soft voice, "Alicia, your father is here!" However, Alicia didn't seem very happy. She sat in the room, lost in thought, as if she hadn't heard her father's voice.
Seeing his daughter's expression, Dean sighed. Seeing her so distracted and sad deeply affected him. "You don't seem to be in a good mood today," her father said with a concerned look. Alicia's state worried Dean greatly. A normally cheerful and energetic child, Alicia being in this condition was very concerning for Dean.
"No, I'm just tired, Dad. I'll feel better if I rest a bit," Alicia said, trying to appear tired and listless.
When Dean heard his daughter's response, he smiled slightly, but his worry persisted. "I understand, my dear. Resting is important. Let me know if you need anything," he said, looking at her with gentle affection.
Then turning to Sarah, he said, "Don't overwork my daughter. You know she gets tired quickly." Sarah listened to Dean's words attentively and nodded slightly, looking at the father with understanding. There was a slightly indifferent attitude in her demeanor, which was noticeable.
Sarah immediately realized Alicia was lying. The girl wasn't doing heavy work, and Sarah knew very well why she wasn't feeling well. However, Sarah didn't reveal this. She knew how Dean might react if he found out his daughter's true feelings. Therefore, she chose to remain silent and didn't push the matter further.
"She wanted to do these tasks herself. It's not my fault," Sarah said calmly. She didn't want to complicate things by opposing Dean. Although she understood Alicia's true feelings, she didn't want to interfere with her relationship with her father. Sarah maintained her usual calm demeanor, trying to keep the situation under control.
"My dear, I understand you want to help others, but please don't overburden yourself," Dean said, looking at Alicia with a gentle tone.
Alicia nodded slightly as she listened to her father's words. "But I don't want to just stand around doing nothing," she added, with a hint of helplessness.
"You won't be standing around doing nothing. There are other tasks you can do. Please, no heavy work."
"Okay, Dad," Alicia said, pretending to be sad about his statement, but she didn't really care much about his words.
Turning to Alicia with a loving gaze, Dean said, "I'll come back here in the evening. We'll have a wonderful dinner. I'm sure you'll feel much better afterward," he said with a hopeful expression.
When Alicia heard her father's words, a smile appeared on her face. "Alright, dear Dad," she said, looking at him with a genuine smile.
Dean was happy to see his daughter smile. "That's my girl! Always keep smiling like that," he said in a fatherly manner.
"Your orders are my command, sir!" Alicia responded cheerfully. This loving dialogue between them showcased the strong bond they shared.
Dean, with a heartfelt smile, left to continue his other tasks. Sarah cautiously approached the door and checked to see if Dean had left. Her eyes scanned the surroundings quickly, but there was no sign of Dean. She took a light breath, relieved, and turned to head towards Alicia.
Sarah's steps were quick, indicating her urgency. When Alicia noticed Sarah approaching, she turned towards her and waited curiously. Sarah's face showed concern, which caught Alicia's attention. They looked at each other silently, as if experiencing the calm before a deep conversation.
"Is it about that boy again?" Sarah said, her voice tinged with weariness and frustration. "Forget about him. You know your father wouldn't support it anyway." She was irritated from discussing the same topic repeatedly and was tired of the situation.
"I don't care! You don't understand true love. You don't understand my feelings," Alicia said angrily, her rebellious tone clear.
"I fell in love too, Alicia. But men don't deserve our love."
"You don't understand, Aunt. Stephen is not like other men! He's different from all the others..." Alicia spoke with determination, and her loyalty and passion for her love were evident. The sparkle in her eyes reflected the intensity of her emotions.
Whenever Alicia talked about Stephen, she was always happy and full of passion but also embarrassed. Whenever she was embarrassed, her face would turn very red, just like it was now. Although she started speaking angrily, she had calmed down and gained control over herself when talking about these parts.
"If he's so different from other men, then why did he leave you and his family behind?"
"He'll come back. I talked to Uncle Jason."
"Look, dear. Listen to your father. That poor boy isn't worth marrying in the future. We don't even know if he loves you. You're a beautiful girl. Marry a wealthy merchant and live your life."
"No, I can't! I can't spend my life with someone I don't love."
Sarah's tone was filled with concern and insistence. She seemed to want to secure a future for her niece but was struggling to fully understand her niece's feelings and desires. Alicia's tone, on the other hand, was full of determination and passion. No matter what, she wanted to live her own life, and this wouldn't change despite her family's wishes. Their facial expressions were in conflict; Sarah was worried and determined, while Alicia was resistant and confident.
With an exasperated expression, Sarah returned to her work. She didn't even respond. She was tired of it. She knew that no matter what she said, Alicia's mind wouldn't change.
"What's going on here?" Dean had opened the door quickly and asked this question, shouting.
Sarah was startled. She turned to him and said, "Nothing's happening. She just made a mistake, and I was warning her," trying to hide her anxiety. But she didn't seem very successful at it.
Dean's gaze sharpened the tension in the room, strengthening Sarah's defensive reflex. "Really, there's no problem," she added, her voice trembling slightly.
Dean seemed to notice the anxiety and unease on her face, but perhaps he chose not to push further. "Alright," he said finally, in a slightly softer tone. "I have work to do. Don't shout at my daughter too much." If you found out she was in love with a poor boy, you'd be the one shouting, but anyway. His tone was more calming, but the tension in the room was still palpable. Sarah took a deep breath and said, "Okay, okay. You can go back to your work now," and returned to her tasks, though Dean's unexpected arrival and stern reaction lingered in their minds.
As soon as Dean left, Sarah quickly closed the door behind him and turned around, only to be startled. Her niece Alicia was standing in front of her.
"You scared me!"
"Sorry, Aunt. I just wanted to ask you something."
"I'm listening."
Alicia's expression, a mix of worry and determination, caught Sarah's attention. She hesitated for a moment, then approached Alicia.
"Can I go to the village for a short while? I promise my father won't even notice."
Sarah was momentarily taken aback by Alicia's request. Her eyes widened slightly, and she looked at Alicia thoughtfully. Finally, taking a deep breath, she spoke:
"You're going to Jason's house, right?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"Yes, Aunt. Who else would I go to?" Alicia replied with quiet determination.
Alicia's direct answer reassured Sarah a bit, but there was still a hint of worry in her. Sarah hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and gave Alicia a look before responding:
"Alright, I'll allow it this time, but you can go again in a month if you still want to."
Alicia's face turned bright red, she was so happy she didn't know what to do. She hugged her aunt tightly and said, "Thank you so much, my dear aunt," with genuine gratitude in her voice.
Sarah patted her head and smiled. "Alright, alright. Go and come back before evening," she said, after which Alicia ran off.
She knew she couldn't teleport within the castle, but she didn't know the exact way. As she tried to find the exit, she accidentally ended up in a garden. She had spent a lot of time in gardens because of her father's profession, but this was the most lavish garden she had ever seen. The opulence of the garden amazed her.
Even though Alicia enjoyed exploring the surroundings, she knew she couldn't stay here any longer. She had to find her way out somehow. While she was running around absentmindedly, she felt herself bump into someone. Her heart raced as she looked up and was shocked. Standing before her was her childhood friend Stephen, whom she had been looking for the past few weeks, but he was wearing different clothes. He stood before her in a princely outfit adorned with rich details. Stephen was initially surprised to see her, but then his expression turned calm again. It always amazed Alicia how he could maintain his composure, she thought. Despite trying to hide the astonishment and excitement in her eyes, it was difficult to suppress her mixed feelings.
Stephen extended his hand to Alicia with a cheerful expression, kindly and sincerely. Alicia's face blushed, and this sudden encounter and Stephen's cheerful demeanor surprised her a bit. Stephen, however, didn't understand why she was so embarrassed; for him, it was just nice to meet an old friend again. In fact, he had always known Alicia as a shy girl, so he felt a bit puzzled by her embarrassment. Alicia slowly extended her arm and took Stephen's hand. Stephen gently helped her up, acting understandingly and friendly.
As soon as Alicia got up, she started talking to him. "Where have you been? You've been gone for almost a month!" she said, furrowing her brows and raising her voice a little. However, Stephen immediately put his fingers to his lips to shush her and said, "Shhh." Then, with a slight smile, he continued, "Yelling at a prince like that might make the guards think there's a problem. It might not be an issue for me, but they're quite sensitive about protecting my reputation." He explained the situation to Alicia in a cheerful tone but with a touch of seriousness.
Alicia stammered in surprise, "P-prince?" Stephen looked at her with curiosity and replied with a smile, "Yes, I am a prince. Isn't it obvious from my attire?"
Alicia was still in shock. "How did you suddenly become a prince?" she asked curiously.
Stephen, listening carefully, answered, "Do you remember? I always used to say that I thought I was adopted. You never believed me. My mother had written me a letter explaining that I was adopted. After reading that letter, I left home to find my real family, and it turns out I'm a member of the Peterson family." With these words, he unveiled a hidden secret from his past, sharing an emotional memory.
Alicia smiled sincerely and said, "I am so happy for you. This is truly wonderful."
Stephen, with a thoughtful expression, replied, "Yes, it is. But being a prince has its own challenges."
Alicia, trying to understand his concerns, said, "I don't think it would be too difficult. Anyway, does Uncle Jason and Annabel know that you are His Majesty's son?" she asked curiously.
Stephen shook his head, "No. But I plan to visit them very soon, if I can find time from my training. I was actually planning to visit you too. But meeting here is even better," he added, sharing his future plans.
Alicia's face showed a mix of worry and hope. She turned to Stephen and said, "I can only imagine how worried Annabel must be now."
Stephen, with a worried expression, replied, "I am very worried about her too. I hope I can find some free time," he said, with a sincere wish.
Alicia wanted to continue the conversation, but just as she was about to say something, David arrived and interrupted her. "Your Highness, Mr. Albert is calling for you. There's something important you need to discuss." Hearing this, Alicia's mood dropped, but she still felt butterflies in her stomach.
Stephen turned to Alicia and said, "Our conversation ends here. You heard him, I have to go. See you later," he said seriously.
Alicia replied with a slight smile, "See you, Stephen. Let's definitely meet again later."
"Of course!" Stephen replied sincerely, looking forward to seeing her again.
Just as Stephen was about to leave, David stopped him. "Excuse me, sir, but may I ask who that lady is? Who is she to address you by your first name and speak so informally?" he asked with a concerned expression.
Stephen paused for a moment when he heard David's question and replied, "She is my childhood friend. Please do not interfere."
With Stephen's warning, David nodded seriously. "As you wish. But you know, His Majesty has strict orders. Please don't do anything that could damage your reputation," he said.
Stephen accepted David's warning with understanding. "Don't worry, I don't want my reputation damaged either. I'm being as careful as I can," he replied in a sincere tone.
David smiled with trust in Stephen's sincerity, and they left the garden together.