Ceres

70

After some minutes, Leonard gave up on the question.

"I really don't know. Maybe it depends on the person. Although we were assassinated and I really feel like taking revenge, if I implicate other people... I might think twice."

Leonard laughed lightly. Even though he can be harsh at others, it is all for their kingdom. All he thinks is for their kingdom. Maybe, this is why he can be someone who can definitely help Lennard run their kingdom.

"You need to go out as much as you can."

Ceres told him that statement because she thinks that Leonard has a bad judgment of people. Only by associating with different types of people would he be an all-around strategist of their kingdom. He must not stay put and only manage the affairs of their royal palace. If he wants to help Lennard, he must be able to do everything he can do. In Ceres' mind, he is someone worth to be trained for politics.

But, if Leonard heard her thoughts, he might puke blood on the spot. He was someone already trained to run their kingdom alongside Lennard. Ceres' standards were just too high that she thinks Leonard made a bad judgment of them. In actuality, Ceres' existence and background is really mysterious and anyone would be suspicious.

"This kingdom has been troubled by who should inherit the throne."

With just that statement from Ceres, Leonard knew the answer. He was not surprised. He only wanted assurance. Of course, before going to this kingdom, they ran an investigation. They knew some of the issues of Winsterein. That is also why they didn't want their sister to be implicated in the kingdom's affairs. However, because it was their father's decision, they thought that the fight for throne in Winsterein is not that big of a problem; particularly, since the first prince is the only active one.

"Don't be alarmed."

Ceres looked at Leonard which made him stunned. In those eyes, all he could see was clarity and assurance.

"Nothing will happen to you guys."

Leonard can't help but think why. With just those few words, he felt that he could leave everything to this young man in front of him. He is a royal prince and someone who will also help run their kingdom. He couldn't help but wonder why he felt like he could depend on Ceres; not to mention, they didn't know each other that long. Is he really going to trust this person wholeheartedly?

Ceres, then, shifted her gaze towards the sky. The sun is about to come out.

"But soon, a new day will arrive."

Leonard didn't know what Ceres meant by that sentence. He was quietly pondering about his trust towards Ceres. Right after, Gil showed up and also not long after, the convoy of Lennard and Leona showed up.

Gil ran to Lennard's group while on his way back to Ceres. Actually, Lennard's group was resting since it is still dawn. Accidentally, some guards saw him and woke Lennard up. They then, decided to follow Gil as soon as possible. Gil of course arrived first. Truth be told, he was already present when Leonard asked Ceres. But, he didn't reveal himself because he felt the seriousness of the atmosphere.

Ceres got up and immediately proceeded to ride her horse. Gil only followed her towards the direction of the capital city. Of course, they didn't need to rest since they have already slept for the night and they're already near the capital. However, Ceres and Gil's actions were too fast that Lennard and Leona who wants to greet them did not even see them.

Aside from this, Leonard was caught in a mishap among the group.

"Who are you? You're not part of our group! Why are you wearing our guard's clothes?"

Two guards were pointing their swords at Leonard. He wanted to kick their asses for being disrespectful but, he knew that his face is unrecognizable.

He had no choice but to take off the face mask that Ceres made him borrow.

"Yo---Your Highness!"

The guards immediately kneeled in front of Leonard.

"Please punish us for not recognizing the royal prince! We deserve deaths for being disrespectful!"

Well, he cannot blame them since he, himself, cannot recognize his own face when he wore that face mask.

"Rise. This is part of my disguise and thus, you are not permitted to recognize me as the royal prince."

The guards nearly had a breakdown. If it wasn't their prince, they would have died a million times. Being disrespectful towards the royal family is a sign of not respecting the kingdom. It is a grave offense and thus, results in a death sentence. However, the Fay kingdom's royal family is different from most royal families. They are too kind to their people.

Seeing the commotion, almost everyone turned their heads towards Leonard and the two guards. Even Lennard and Leona were running towards him.

However, the greeting that Leonard expected was different from what Lennard did.

"Where are they?!"

Lennard grabbed Leonard's shoulders and was hastily running off his mouth.

"They went ahead again."

Leonard could only answer with a question mark on his face.

When Leona caught up to Leonard, she immediately hug the latter.

"Second big brother!"

This brought more questions in Leonard's face.

"We have to immediately catch up! Let's go!"

Lennard immediately issued an order and ran towards their carriage; not caring about Leonard at all.

Leona let go of Leonard and was about to ran back to their carriage when she realized that Leonard was still left puzzled.

"We will explain once we get to the capital."

Leona only left those words which made Leonard blink twice.

He was, soon, left alone in the scene.

"Whatthe---" -tbc

A/N:  This is a pretty short chapter compared to others. OAO Anyway, thank you for reading this story!!! I hope you enjoyed it!!!! ^^ Thank you for the votes and comments and for my dear mother for supporting my craziness. Hahahaha! I don't have anything more to say. :D Thank you guys!!!