Prince Heiko watched Prince Alfred for a long moment, long enough that it was clear he was seeking something, but Baptist couldn’t even begin to guess what. His master was not one to beg for anything - not even leniency from the brother he hated least - so what possibly could Prince Alfred have to give at that very moment?
“Pillars of morality.”
Heiko dropped his gaze, exhaling the words.
“Pillars do prop me up, Alfie, but they are not composed of morality. Perhaps once.”
He lifted his jade gaze to meet his brother’s.
“I will tell you what occurred. I was sent to the Kingdom of Ilyos in place of you, Alfie, and it made the Horned King irate, though he is quite skilled at fabricating temperate facades. Our brother Ingo did this on purpose, believing me to have a short fuse for pompous men. But King Vincente, by the fibers of his character alone, was able to outplay him. Easily.”