Ceres

77

Ceres didn't dare to sit down when Arcyl hasn't said she could. Thus, she remained standing even when the servants left. She was also the one who poured Arcyl's tea.

Arcyl only looked at her. When she placed the tea cup in front of Arcyl, the latter told her to sit down.

Arcyl, then, started looking around the room. His eyes were checking everything carefully. He wants to know whether this new courtyard really suited Ceres.

When Ceres returned with her current state, Arcyl decided to transfer her to a new courtyard. It was close to his courtyard and thus, he thinks that it would help watch over her.

While looking around, he noticed that this new courtyard has a lot of new stuff and was really decorated with a lot of things adored by women. He also looked at the handkerchief Ceres was doing.

"Do you like this place?"

Ceres nodded vigorously and smiled.

"The servants... Are they treating you well?"

Ceres tilted her head as if asking why Arcyl suddenly opened that up. Yet, she still nodded after a few seconds of wondering.

Arcyl didn't mind her actions.

"What about the new dresses you have? Do they suit your taste? Are you comfortable with them?"

Ceres still nodded and showed her wide smile. It must mean that she really likes those new dresses.

"I came here to tell you that there will be a banquet tomorrow at the royal palace."

Ceres' eyes grew big and this caught Arcyl's attention.

"Are you anxious of whether you will meet your childhood friend?"

She didn't respond and only looked down while fiddling with the ends of both her long sleeves.

Ceres was known to be close with the third prince, Lucas. Of course, this new Ceres was also informed about that. She was actually excited about meeting the third prince because not everyone was fortunate to actually see in person the royal family of Winsterein kingdom or any other kingdom. She even thought that Lucas would secretly meet her, too. Basically, that's what everyone gossip about. However, due to the recent events, it was really impossible.

Hearing that she would be able to go to the banquet and even meet Lucas, she would of course be happy but at the same time, nervous. Well, despite the nervousness, her happiness is way higher than that.

"Anyway, I want you to come with me and Dotrald tomorrow. I will ask your servants if you need a new dress or anything."

She immediately looked at Arcyl with big sparkling eyes.

"Remember that tomorrow, even if you see the third prince, don't casually approach him since he's with his schoolmates and teachers. It'll be bad if we offend them."

She once again smiled and even covered her mouth with her hands looking like she was excited.

Even though she wouldn't be able to casually meet Lucas, it was also bliss to be able to see him from afar. No one could blame her since it's her first time to see Lucas. Ever since she came in the Ellion mansion, she never experienced what Dotrald told her before: the third prince always visits Ceres.

Arcyl decided to go and talk with her servants. After that, Arcyl proceeded to his study room.

A person dressed in royal military clothes was standing in a corner of Arcyl's study room. It seems like this person secretly came inside Ellions household.

"Any updates?"

---

"You can leave."

Glenn dismissed his retainer as soon as they left the throne room. Then, he faced Lennard and Leona and told them to follow him.

Ceres and Leonard who were waiting outside the throne room like royal guards walked behind the group.

Even though such action of Glenn was something that isn't eye-catching, in the eyes of everyone except Leona, that scene didn't escape them.

Lennard couldn't help but measure this prince in front of them.

"This royal palace seems to be a really safe place. Even the first prince doesn't need a guard, much more his retainer, to be by his side all the times."

Glenn only smiled and faced sideways to glance at him for some seconds.

"With our status, is there such a place worthy to be called safe?"

A hint of mockery can be felt in such statement. It seems like Glenn wasn't afraid that he would offend Fay kingdom.

"Maybe with your status in such a kingdom, those words are true."

Lennard, of course, knew about the power struggle happening in Winsterein kingdom. He knew that even though Glenn was the first born and even excelled in political affairs, the emperor happens to like the third prince more.

Lennard continued to measure up Glenn. Leona started feeling troubled by such atmosphere. She actually wanted to stop her brother but she knew that it wouldn't be appropriate.

Princesses are treated as accessories. In all honesty, women are treated as accessories in these times. They have things that they should and shouldn't do. One of these things is meddling with political affairs. Although some princesses don't believe in this type of setting, Leona is someone who will only voice out her opinion in their kingdom. Outside her comfort zone, she is quietly observing things instead.

Along the way, Glenn and Lennard kept on exchanging words. They sometimes measure up each other while other times, they exchange views about politics and governance. Even though they could sometimes be annoying because of their different views and also, tension between the royal families of different kingdoms. At least, they got to talk to each other professionally... Well, somehow.

"This will be the courtyard you'll be staying at. It has a number of rooms and you may pick whichever you like. We positioned a number of guards for your safety. If ever you need anything, you may approach one of them particularly those two at the entrances."

Lennard and Leona thanked Glenn. The latter was the only one who sounded sincere.

"We heard that you prefer a quiet environment and also, only trusted people to serve you. As such, please forgive us for not assigning any servant to aid you. However, if you'd like, we could immediately summon one to serve you throughout your stay in this kingdom."

Glenn was all smiles while he was explaining such things. He wasn't the only one who thought of this arrangement. Truth be told, it was Dwight who told him of such thing and because he knew that Dwight has other plans, he agreed to such arrangement.

As prince and princess, they were ought to have personal servants by their side at all times. However, the Fay royal siblings grew up different from such norm. They do have personal servants but they always need to be served. They were taught to depend on themselves most of the times. Also, due to unforeseen events, they didn't bring any personal servants to this trip.

However, it's also okay since everything they need was also prepared. They could also order their guards if ever they need other things.

"We cannot thank you enough for such treatment. However, we really prefer peace and quiet. This arrangement is more than what we could ask for."

Lennard was also all smiles when he said those words. But, deep down, he really has one of his eyebrows raised. Anyway, he thinks that it would be much better for them to have few people from Winsterein by their side as much as possible. This is so true when he wants to talk to Ceres and Gil privately.

Afterthe exchange of pleasantries, Glenn bid farewell and told them that they willbe called for dinner later. After that, Glenn left and the Fay kingdom convoycan finally heave a sigh. -tbc