Frederick, the crown prince of Genovia, embodies sophistication and diligence. Devoted to his duties, he is a diligent and hardworking individual who has ascended to great heights.
However, he is determined not to see it all come to naught.As he delves into contemplation, Medea's words unexpectedly resurface in his mind. Tempted by her offer, he fears the possibility of yielding to it. Despite his efforts to suppress these thoughts, they persist, drawing him back like a magnet to steel.His steadfast dedication to his duties, her words lingered in the recesses of his mind like persistent echoes, tempting him with their seductive promises. Try as he might to banish them, they remained an unwelcome presence, a constant reminder of the precarious balance between duty and desire."Your Highness?" The voice of his trusted advisor pierced through the fog of Frederick's contemplations, drawing him back to the present. Blinking away the haze of distraction, he refocused his attention, realizing he had momentarily drifted away from the conversation at hand."I'm sorry," Frederick murmured, his voice carrying the weight of his preoccupation, "Could you please repeat what you said?"His right-hand man, ever patient and composed, consulted the document in his hand before relaying the pertinent information. "Prince Rezef has proposed that the funds for the charity event be channeled through the temple, allowing them to distribute the donations to the commoners. He believes this would enable you to prioritize your responsibilities as a crown prince without being burdened by administrative details."Frederick's fingers tightened around the pen in his grasp as he absorbed the suggestion. The air crackled with tension, his silence palpable in the room. Sensing the gravity of the moment, his advisor ventured cautiously, "Your Highness, what are your thoughts on Prince Rezef's proposal?"Lowering the pen, Frederick interlaced his fingers, his expression contemplative. "My stance remains unchanged," he declared, his tone resolute. "To withdraw now would only undermine the trust I have cultivated with the common people. Elysia, too, would not condone such a retreat.""I understand."Alone in his office, Frederick dismissed his right-hand man, his thoughts swirling in a tempest of disbelief and introspection. As he placed a weary hand upon his furrowed brow, he murmured in a hushed tone, "When did you, dear brother, begin to care about my position as the crown prince?"The weight of the past pressed upon Frederick's mind as he reminisced about the distant and aloof demeanor his older brother had once held toward him. With a frustrated grit of his teeth, Frederick continued, "It seems you only started to show interest once I was crowned as the heir apparent..."His thoughts drifted back to a pivotal moment in their shared history, a scene etched in memory where a determined young Frederick had confronted his older brother with unwavering resolve. "Despite your seniority and experience, I will rise above you to claim the throne," he had declared, his voice echoing with determination. Yet, his older brother's response was consistently enigmatic, dismissing Frederick's aspirations with a cryptic retort. "Haven't you already done so?" his brother would retort, his gaze piercing, "You have."Returning to the present, Frederick's gaze lingered upon a photograph depicting their childhood innocence, a relic of a time when their bond had been unbreakable. "...You've changed," he murmured, a bittersweet lament for the fractured relationship that now stood between them.The ambiance in Frederick's chamber softened as a gentle knock resonated through the room. Lost in his contemplations, Frederick's voice invited the visitor in with a quiet, "Come in."The door creaked open, unveiling the graceful figure of a woman clad in a flowing white garment adorned with delicate lotus embroidery. Her presence exuded an ethereal tranquility, suffusing the air with a sense of serenity. Her smiles, as tender as a feather's touch, and her voice, as soothing as the undulating waves of the sea, brought a sense of solace to all in her presence. "Your Highness~" she greeted, her voice carrying a melody of warmth and affection.Frederick's gaze widened in quiet astonishment as he beheld her, the embodiment of his deepest affections and the radiant light that illuminated even his darkest hours. It was none other than Elysia, his paradise."Elysia," Frederick's voice softened, suffused with a warmth that mirrored the tender affection he held for her. With a sense of longing, he watched as she approached him, her presence enveloping him like a comforting embrace.Rising from his seat, Frederick enveloped Elysia in a tender embrace, his arms encircling her with a longing born of absence. "I've missed you," he confessed, his voice carrying the weight of his longing.Elysia's laughter, soft and melodic, echoed through the chamber as she felt Frederick's embrace. With gentle reassurance, she reciprocated his affection, her touch a balm to his weary soul. "And I've missed you, my prince," she murmured, her voice imbued with a warmth that mirrored the love she held for him.Amidst the serene beauty of the Palace Garden, Frederick's heart swelled with affection as he beheld Elysia's radiant presence once more. With a gentle release from his embrace, he grasped both of her hands tenderly, his gaze alight with warmth and adoration. "Shall we take a walk, my dear?"Elysia's breath caught in her throat, her concern evident as she halted his advance. Her eyes, the color of the ocean at dawn, held a sincere plea. "Wait, Your Highness. Are you not occupied? I wouldn't wish to impose upon your duties."Frederick's laughter danced like sunlight upon her delicate features as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "My love, your company is a blessing, never a burden."A rosy hue graced Elysia's cheeks as she protested softly, "Your Highness—"Hushing her with a tender gesture, Frederick silenced her protests. "Shh, let us venture forth. I gladly offer you my time."With little recourse but to acquiesce to her prince's persistent charm, Elysia conceded, her heart aflutter with the warmth of his affections. Soon, they found themselves traversing the verdant pathways of the Palace Garden, their hands entwined in silent communion. The ethereal beauty of their surroundings enveloped them, casting a spell of wonder over Elysia's soul.In a moment of tender affection, Frederick plucked a delicate pink rose, adorning Elysia's ear with its fragrant petals. Her touch lingered upon the floral adornment, gratitude shimmering in her gaze as she met his eyes. "Thank you, Your Highness."Frederick playfully booped her nose, his affectionate smile a testament to the depth of his feelings. "I've told you before, Elysia. There's no need for formalities. Just call me by my name."A shadow of melancholy dimmed Elysia's smile as she confessed, "I couldn't dare to, Your Highness. I am but a humble commoner—""Elysia," Frederick's voice carried a note of concern as he halted their steps, his gaze locking with hers. Tenderly, he brought their intertwined fingers to rest against his chest. "We've had this discussion before, haven't we?" Leaning close, he pressed his forehead to hers. "Your status matters not to me. I chose you because I love you."Elysia's touch caressed his cheek, her eyes filled with uncertainty even as she sought solace in his words. "I fear I may bring you harm, Your Highness. If you were to choose your imperial duties over me, I would understand."Frederick stepped back, his objection ringing through the air, "No, I won't resort to that. Please, don't even entertain such thoughts." He gently caressed Elysia's cheek, pressing a tender kiss on her forehead, a display of genuine affection. "I'm determined to wield the power I possess so that—"That girl you desire may not yield her heart to you if your hands are empty.His words were abruptly silenced by an intrusive voice that echoed within the confines of his mind, a haunting reverberation that froze him in his tracks. Medea's insidious words echoed like ghostly whispers, injecting doubt into Frederick's resolve. Clenching his teeth, he lowered his head, grappling with the internal conflict that now waged within him.Elysia, perceptive to the sudden change in Frederick's demeanor, inquired with concern, "Your Highness?"After a moment of internal struggle, raised his head to meet Elysia's gaze. With a determined tone, he articulated his newfound resolve, "I won't relinquish my title, and I'll confront the challenges ahead to secure this love. Elysia, please trust me. Don't... abandon me."Elysia touched by the sincerity in his eyes, cast him a sympathetic glance and embraced him. Her eyes closed, and her voice quivered as she responded, "I won't." The reassurance in her words served as a balm to Frederick's inner turmoil, anchoring him in the commitment he had just made.Perched discreetly atop the glass wall, Medea observed the scene below with an unmistakable air of disdain. As she witnessed the unfolding drama between the two lovers, a mixture of irritation and disgust twisted her features. "It's a shame, I could not do anything to mess up the two of you."Rolling her eyes in frustration, she decided she could bear the sight no longer and vanished using her powers, reappearing in an unfamiliar room that exuded an unmistakable regal aura.The room exuded an aura of regality, hinting at its owner's lofty status—a member of the Imperial Family, quite possibly the prince himself, Medea surmised.Letting out a silent groan of frustration, Medea muttered to herself in vexation, "Why do I always find myself in the wrong place at the wrong time? This is becoming a pattern." Turning to leave the room, she was abruptly seized by a powerful grip on her arm and forcefully yanked towards the nearby wall. Caught off guard, she struggled against the unseen force until her eyes met the visage of her assailant.The grip was unyielding, and Medea found herself staring into the angered eyes of the man who held her captive. A moment of contemplation passed as she struggled to recall his identity, and the memory of past occurrences began to resurface. This man, adorned in the regal attire of the Imperial Family, was none other than Rezef Genovia, the First Prince of Genovia and Frederick's ambitious older brother.She recalled that Rezef harbored intense resentment toward his brother Frederick, who had usurped his position as the Crown Prince and coveted everything he possessed. To achieve his aims, Rezef struck a deal with the real Medea. Together, they schemed to drive a wedge between the two lovers, but the outcome took an unexpected turn. Medea, consumed by jealousy, acted independently and resorted to poisoning Elysia. Her treacherous act pushed Rezef to the brink of madness."You dare to appear here," Rezef seethed, his voice dripping with venomous contempt. "Aren't you supposed to be dead?"Feeling his grip tighten around her neck, Medea met his glare with a chilling smile, her mind racing with realization. A sudden surge of confirmation coursed through Medea, igniting a wicked glimmer in her eyes. At that moment, she understood...This man, Rezef Genovia, was the person behind the true Medea's demise."Long time no see, Your Highness."The atmosphere crackled with tension as Medea's presence sent a shiver down Rezef's spine, unsettling him to his core. He released her with a sudden jolt, his expression contorted in a mixture of surprise and unease. Medea, unfazed by his reaction, offered a chilling chuckle, her hand grazing the bruised flesh of her neck as she advanced towards him."You seem taken aback," she remarked, her voice dripping with sinister amusement. With a predatory grace, she closed the distance between them, her crimson eyes gleaming with a dangerous intensity. Leaning in close, she whispered with a venomous edge, "Is it truly so astonishing to encounter one who has returned from the realm of the dead?"She knew.Rezef recoiled with a snarl of defiance, his fingers curling around the hilt of a concealed dagger, his features twisted in a mask of hatred. "I could end you right now," he spat, the threat hanging heavy in the charged air.Feigning a facade of sorrow, Medea retreated, her movements fluid yet calculated. "Your cruelty wounds me deeply," she lamented, her smile a hollow reflection of her true intentions. With a daring glint in her eyes, she locked gazes with Rezef, daring him to challenge her further.Gritting his teeth, Rezef pressed on, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and malice. "Tell me, how did you manage to cheat death?" he demanded, his tone betraying a hint of desperation.With a coy tilt of her head, Medea feigned contemplation, her finger tracing a playful path across her lips as she considered his query. Then, with a smirk of calculated mischief, she met his gaze head-on. "Ah, darling, it's nothing short of a miracle," she replied, her words laden with ominous implications.Thanks to you, I can finally quench my thirst for playing with humans once again.