P.O.V.(s) 2...

Ares von Emperizia, the Crown Prince of the Emperizia:

Ever since my father had informed me about the New Consort Princess Ceremony, my mood has been really bad. His impromptu decision... seriously? Even my friend, Willaims couldn't do much but frown about this matter. Usually, my father brings up all of these matters of Engagement to the table ever since I was five years old. Back then, I didn't care. But...

Holding an event to chose the one?! Seems too much... who does my father think I am? Does he expect me to go thoroughly inspect every single girl in the Nobility and chose the one I liked?? I don't have time for all of this. I would rather be confined in my Study Room and take care of other business matters.

This was stupid.

So I rolled my eyes and went up with this.

My entrance was quite... extravagant. Eyes watched me and I found it pretty... annoying; People looked up at me with admiration, fear, jealousy, hatred, anger, and all sorts of emotions. I wasn't really much of a mind reader like my best friend... but eyes were the window to one's mind.

As I arrived at the top of the platform, I was standing next to Lionel sir, my father's best right-hand man. Lionel von Crest was this country's affair minster. I felt quite comfortable standing next to someone like him. I knew him since my childhood days.

Next to him was his daughter. Unlike me who was now having no whatsoever care to this event- this girl seemed like she was forced herself here. She looked at the event ceremony with bitter eyes. Maybe everyone was different. I seriously didn't care.

Time flashed by... and we did our dancing ritual.

***

Tea Party Incident came up, and both my best friend, Willaims and I decided that Willaims was going to be the one to substitute. I didn't much energy to mingle with noble girls. I was tired... from my courtroom work and was preparing for the upcoming meeting with Kyria's ambassador.

Kyria sent a new ambassador... his name was Louis Lockhart. I didn't know much about him, except that he was sided with the Current Emperor of Kyria.

Just as I was taking a walk outside in the gardens, I spotted a commotion going on in the Gardens. I was soon hit with a realization that I had left my best friend outside to deal with such... impending stupid matters.

I decided to hide myself and eavesdrop. From what I heard... someone was accusing someone. It happened to be that Willaims that boy got into a catfight. That idiot was good for nothing, he was always the one to have a grudge against those with overwhelming pride. Jerk... but he was still my friend.

I stepped in for him and asked the girl, "Why is that?" simply.

The girl didn't flush in fear or in surprise when she saw me appear. I could see a slight hesitation in my eyes as if she calculated something wrong. Noble girls were scary for that reason. I didn't like when they calculated something. I wanted them to appear bold and face the name straightforwardly...

I then realized something went wrong. My guess was wrong about that girl. She wasn't calculating... she was only saying what she wanted to say:

"Think about what? I believe I just explained my reasons..." she says without any expression.

"Why should Thornburg be insulted? Shouldn't I be the one to be blamed?" I asked her calmly. What does she want to say? She was quite straightforward which was easier to talk to. But not easy to understand. It felt as if I was going against an unknown enemy, without knowing what their end goal was.

"No. Lord Thornburg rudely addressed me... and Your Majesty... I do not respect those who challenge my dignity." My eyes widened. Respect she says? She wanted respect huh? If I remember correctly, she must be the girl who was standing next to Duke Crest? Her name was?? I didn't quite pay attention to the conversation because I was too busy comprehending my existence. Her name was... something Rose.

I glanced at my idiotic best friend who was as much of a maniac for respect as this girl was. Both of them suit each other for wanting respect. But... by primary customs... the Thornburg family was supposed to pay respects first and then the Crest Family followed.

I frown. But... this girl... I glance at her. It was actually quite clever for her age to beat someone like Willaims in a game of wits. This friend of mines was a really good man for words.

I look at Willaims and ask him the same question he always asks me: "Did you disrespect her?"

Everyone's eyes widened, as a few gaped as I asked him that.

What's with that reaction??? Willaims gives me a surprised and betrayed expression that said: "Y-you-"

Hmmm... what could I do?

***

The next week, a political banquet came over. I did some research about the girl who was in the Tea Party that other day. Lady Bellrose von Crest. The only child of the Crest family. Word has it that she is quite arrogant and a foolish girl? Yet- very talented at musical instruments? I sighed and looked out the window. She is hard to comprehend. I don't like people who aren't simple natured.

People have greed in their own ways. There is simple greed, or even too much greed. It depends on how your morals are taught. Even I, too have greed. I am greedy for wanting people to be easy to understand for my own life's sake. So that there would be no betrayals.

Is it okay to bear greed? Whatever... it's too much to ask. It's better to live ignorantly than to question ourselves daily.

I decide to take care of how Kyria's ambassador would be welcomed. Father left all of the tasks to me.

...

The Political Banquet turned from a simple matter to a very confusing matter. I thought that I just had to make a few decisions public and for it to pass through very easily. But everything changed when I heard someone counter-attack my argument.

It was that girl. Her name? Oh... Lady Bellrose was it?

She seemed quite benevolent, as she quickly counter-attacked my argument. Unlike other nobles who fear for interjecting a Royal, she willingly did so for the sake of her own. Was she not scared for disrespecting the Crown Prince?

I gave her another note of a compliment. She would be the perfect heir of the Crest Dukedom if she was confident and strong.

Soon the Ambassador came at last. Unlike other ambassadors who dared to play a mask on me and hide their true intentions, Ambassador Lockhart was quite straightforward. He did mention that selling of the Northern Territories would be fine. But wouldn't the Thornburg family suffer three percent of their marketing losses?

***

My father had decided that day.

My fiancee was Lady Bellrose von Crest.

Surprised, I was standing dumbfounded as my messenger carried this message.

But why am I surprised?