22 Did I Just read His Thoughts?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Hansol ran as fast as he could to the knight's headquarters to wait for Ezra. Ezra came out with an exhausted look, stretching his arms in the air as he yawned.

"What is it now, Hansol? Do you not get tired running back and forth around this place? Did you finally decide to lose a bit of weight as I suggested?" Ezra teased.

"Now is not the time to joke around, Ezra. The strangest thing happened. I did not tell you before, but…the imperial mage came to see me a few days back, and she handed me the potion. She had this… strange request. The potion had to be consumed at the same time, while they looked at each other. I thought that type of request would be impossible until today, I found the perfect situation. After you left, I explained the situation to the princess. She is quite intelligent for her age. I managed to slip the potion into both of their drink's and finally, it happened." Hansol said excitedly.

Ezra continued to yawn and raised his eyebrow.

"Can you get to the point, please? I have a lot to do, and you are babbling on about…"

"The emperor requested the princess to move to the emerald palace. Not only that, but he also requested for the princess to get her portrait done… not just any painter. No… His own personal, royal painter." Hansol said confidently.

Ezra's eyes shot open, and raised both eyebrows in disbelief.

"So… the potion… worked? Wait… you mean… the one and only… Valdez?! The most famous painter of all of Giodivonia?!"questioned Ezra, still in disbelief.

Hansol raised his eyebrow.

"You do know he is the only royal painter; you understand that… right? Anyways - that's not important. Considering the sudden change in Xavier's character and placing her in the emerald palace can only mean it worked. The emerald palace is sacred, you know." Hansol answered.

Ezra placed his hand on his chin as he looked down. He looked up and saw the tower from a distance.

"Something seems off, Hansol. Do you honestly think it worked? I am getting bad vibes off of this. Usually, I rely on my gut feeling since it is always right." Ezra questioned.

Hansol placed his hands on his hips and sighed. He nodded and put one hand on Ezra's shoulder.

"I know what you mean. I also feel like something is a bit off. However, there is no other explanation. The potion was both consumed by both; he changed his perspective of the princess. This is what we wanted. Let's keep a close watch on both to see how it goes. He even requested dinner arrangements with the princess moving forward. That is a huge deal, considering he likes to eat alone."

Ezra began to tap his index finger on his chin as he hummed in thought.

"As his knight and grand commander, you usually have dinner with him when he allows it, Correct? Either way, you are around him when you are not training the knights, so see if you can observe his majesty's reactions and body language around the princess. We can get a better idea of his thoughts." Hansol commanded.

Ezra sighed and nodded.

It quickly turned into dusk, and dinner was soon to come. As ordered, the princess was taken to the imperial dining room, waiting for the emperor. Ezra smiled and waved at the princess from afar.

Why are you over there? Last time I checked, you are a prince yourself. Do you ever get to eat? Jeez. Anyways, when is this loser coming? I am starving—stupid royal law.

"Now enters, his majesty of Giodivonia." Announced the butler as he opened both french doors. As the trash man entered, the maids, chefs, and butlers bowed to show their respect.

Guess I have to do the same. I smiled and bowed as I used my right hand to lift my dress and placed my left hand on my chest. I think that is how I usually see other people do it. Or so, that is how the maids do it.

Everyone around me was in shock. Of course, I remained in a bowing position. Am I doing this wrong? Is it the right hand that is on the chest? I don't think I am doing it wrong. I suddenly saw two black leather polished shoes in front of me.

Do I not bow anymore? Whose shoes are these? They look fancy.

"Tch. You can stop bowing. You are not a maid. Place this child in her chair. Ezra, you may eat with your knights starting today. You may go." He demanded as he sat down at the end of the table.

I was placed on a high chair, and the chefs began to bring out the feast.

Wow. That is a lot of food. There is no way we can finish all of that. That is so fancy! Look! It's roasted chicken! Are those mashed potatoes? Baked bread? Oh, lord, yes, please!

I can feel my mouth water.

"Tank you, papa!" I said as I smiled.

He raised his eyebrow and demonstrated a face of disinterest.

He began to eat as the chefs bowed and left. Two maids and a butler remained in the room. One maid held a jug of wine, the other maid held a pitcher of water, and the butler had a cloth over his arm. All three closed their eyes and faced the other way, towards the wall.

What the heck. Are you that paranoid about having people look at you eat? Then serve yourself, you lazy jerk.

Ugh, whatever, I am eating. Luckily, the chefs were kind enough to cut my food in small portions.

"Did she honestly bow like a peasant? Tch. That was a sight to see."

I quickly looked up at the trashman, confused. Huh? Did he say Something? But… he is eating. Royal etiquette 101 is one must not talk while having food or liquid in their mouths, so how? It sounded so clear and close too. I am on the other side of the table, so how did he say that while eating? It… sounded just as clear as if Hansol were to talk to me through my head.

What is going on? Did I just possibly read this man's thoughts?