TOPWL 04

Chapteer 04 …

“‘The first banquet will be hosted by His Highness Reginald, the second by His Highness Hiore, the third by His Highness Asil, and the fourth by His Highness Judite. If anyone has any objections, please speak now.’

Hiore looked clearly dissatisfied, likely feeling he had drawn an awkward date, but he didn’t dare raise an objection to the Emperor, who was making a rare public appearance. As a prolonged silence fell over the princes, the attendant turned around to seek the Emperor’s approval. The Emperor gave a subtle nod, and the attendant continued.

‘Then I shall explain the rules. First, you are strictly forbidden from spending beyond the funds provided. If any additional, unaccounted-for expenditures are discovered, you will face penalties in future competitions. Second, using these funds for personal matters is prohibited. You must submit your financial ledgers within one week after the banquet concludes. That is all.’

Finishing his speech, the attendant turned back toward the Emperor. Setting down his handkerchief, the Emperor solemnly declared:

‘I expect you to host banquets that showcase the true dignity of the Adenauer Empire.’

With those final words from the Emperor, the audience came to an end. Three guards stepped up on each side to push open the massive iron doors. Each prince wore a vastly different expression as they exited the audience chamber: Reginald looked brimming with confidence, Hiore was scowling, Judite appeared deep in thought, and Asil was clutching his drawn slip tightly in his hand. The Emperor’s eyes lingered on their backs for a long time as they walked away.

“My goodness, with this much money, we could fix up the whole prince’s residence and still have plenty left over!”

Judite’s nanny gushed, making a fuss over the funds he had brought back. Since this was the first time Judite had ever brought in money outside his standard palace budget, it was only natural for her eyes to pop out.

“We can’t use it for repairs. Every single expense has to be logged in a ledger.”

At Judite’s words, the nanny’s face fell completely.

“Ah, I really thought we could finally get some work done around here. Drafts come blowing right into the servants’ quarters—it’s like an icebox in there.”

“I’m really sorry. Let’s talk about it as soon as the next budget comes in. This money includes the cost of hiring extra staff and food expenses, so I’m sure we can find a middle ground.”

“Ah, well, at least that’s a relief.”

Once Judite offered a solution, the nanny finally relaxed. She knew all too well that Judite’s own room had been no better than an icebox for years. But Judite was young, whereas the staff—including herself—were getting up there in years. Living in a dilapidated prince’s residence with a tiny crew was already exhausting enough, since no one wanted to work there in the first place. So she felt they at least deserved that much consideration.

“So, what’s the actual assignment? Throwing a banquet?”

“A diplomatic delegation is coming from the Kingdom of Herut. Each prince has to host a one-day banquet for them.”

“Herut? You mean those people who live out in the desert? Aren’t they barbarians?”

The nanny shuddered, a look of fear crossing her face.

“That country has its own unique culture and way of life. They’re coming as guests, so you really shouldn’t make comments like that.”

When Judite spoke up with a rare sharp edge in his voice, the nanny pouted.

“It’s just the two of us here, what’s the big deal?”

“Still, we have to be careful. You know as well as I do that the imperial palace has many ears.”

“Alright, alright, I get it. I’d better get back to cleaning. You have no idea how hard it is to clean this place with so few hands. Ugh, my aching bones…”

The nanny patted her shoulders and abruptly turned away. Watching her annoyed back as she walked off, Judite let out a soft sigh. Whenever she was called out on something, turning the focus to her own hardships and running away was her classic move.

Judite had known from an early age that his nanny wasn’t exactly a role model of an adult. He also knew her current attitude was hardly appropriate behavior toward a prince. Still, since she was the one who had raised him ever since he lost his mother, it was hard to press the issue. Should he just be grateful that she hadn’t abandoned him and stayed by his side?

At any rate, that wasn’t what mattered right now. The banquets were only a month and a half away. He had to try something. Sitting down at his desk, Judite wrote out in his neat, tidy handwriting:

A banquet that showcases the dignity of the Empire.

It was a direct quote from the Emperor himself. There was no way it wasn’t important. But ‘showcasing dignity’ could be interpreted in so many different ways. Reginald would likely try to overwhelm them with the Empire’s rich culture and lavish cuisine. If so, what could Judite do? Pondering the question, Judite stood up from his chair and began walking briskly toward the imperial library.

“… Highness.”

“…….”

“Prince Judite.”

“…Ah.”

Startled by the soft voice beside him, Judite sat up straight. Basure, wearing a monocle, was looking at Judite with a gentle smile.

“What book has captured your attention so thoroughly?”

“Ah… It’s a book about the Kingdom of Herut. I was given an assignment regarding them.”

“I heard about the competition. You’re already working so hard.”

Basure looked at Judite like a proud teacher, but his expression quickly darkened.

“Is something wrong…? Ah.”

Flustered by Basure’s sudden shift in tone, Judite quickly covered his neck. A blue bruise in the clear shape of a handprint was stamped across his fair skin. It was the mark left by the Duke’s visit last night. He had intentionally wrapped a scarf around his neck because he knew it would draw eyes, but he must have been so engrossed in reading that he didn’t even notice it slipping off.

“I know a good medicine for bruises. I’ll bring you some.”

“I’m fine, really—”

“I’m not fine with it.”

Basure cut him off firmly and walked straight out of the library. Watching his retreating back, a complex look crossed Judite’s face.

“I can’t believe it’s already this late.”

Judite rubbed his eyes and looked out the window. The sun was slowly sinking behind the garden. He had been so immersed in the book he hadn’t even noticed the room getting dark. The Kingdom of Herut was fascinating—desert folklore, myths, warriors, dancers, and oases.

He had studied the language and lifestyle of Herut before, but he had never read stories like these, and it made his heart flutter with excitement.

Just as he was thinking about checking out a few volumes, Basure came running back, his hair falling completely out of place in his hurry.

“Someone once told me you’re never supposed to run in the library.”

At Judite’s playful remark, Basure let out an embarrassed laugh. That was the exact phrase Basure used to repeat to little Judite until his lips were dry whenever the boy would bounce around the library in excitement. In Basure’s palm sat a small salve jar, about the size of two fingers.

“Let it slide just this once.”

Saying so, Basure popped the jar open. A soft, cooling scent drifted from the pale green ointment. Basure scooped up a generous dab and stepped toward Judite. Only then realizing what he was trying to do, Judite pulled his neck back in flustered embarrassment.

“I-I can apply it myself.”

“It’s hard to see injuries on your own neck clearly. Let me do it for you.”

As Basure’s hand drew closer, Judite’s heart began to race. Just as he squeezed his eyes shut, feeling a ticklish sensation wash over him, a low voice rang out from behind.

“My, you two look close.”

Basure’s hand froze midair. Hearing a voice that felt both unfamiliar and strangely recognizable, Judite turned his head. The Duke, Khalid, was strolling toward them with an amused look on his face. The atmosphere instantly froze as if cold water had been thrown over them. Taking in the sight of the stiffened Judite and Basure, Khalid offered a polite bow.

“I greet His Highness the Prince.”

“G-Good to see you, Duke.”

“I greet His Grace the Duke.”

“I’ve been so eager to meet you in person, and here we are at last. A pleasure.”

At the Duke’s words, the already quiet library sank into an even colder hush. It was a mercy that only the three of them were present, but what on earth was he playing at?

“…I, too, have always wanted to have a word with you, Duke.”

“Is that so? That’s wonderful to hear. By the way… what is that mark on your neck?”

“…….”

Judite stared at Khalid in silence. Khalid simply offered a sly, innocent smile as if he knew nothing.

“…It’s nothing. I just have a rather rough habit in my sleep.”

“A sleep habit, you say… Your Highness certainly has unique tastes. If you ever need a recommendation for a discreet circle that shares those preferences, I’d be happy to arrange an introduction.”

“Thank you for your kindness. I’ll be sure to let you know if the need arises in the future.”

He truly had terrible taste. To shamelessly say something like that when he was the very person who made the mark! Even knowing that Khalid’s whispered parting remark was a deliberate taunt, Judite chose to take the bait. Seeing Judite’s reaction, Khalid let out a low chuckle. He seemed to find the whole situation thoroughly entertaining.