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"Who are you?" I questioned with a firm tone of voice. The latter only raised a brow at me, making me try to atleast calm my blood from boiling in annoyance.

Really, who the fuck is this guy?

He has brown wavy hair, and his bangs are parted like a curvy curtain as if to give a spotlight to his middle forehead. His red ruby orbs dared to offend me as he rolled his eyes. His skintone is tanner and darker than mine, but not as dark as a dark chocolate.

The hell is this person doing here? Is he a habibi of some sort of female lead I didn't know that existed here?

Not like I saw him from my glimpses. And I never had the chance to see future events of this era anymore. Last time I did was back then when I'm still a child.

"I asked you a question, milord." I stood up, realizing that he's taller than me. Is he a giant's descendant or something? My full height only reached his nose.

Observing his appearance once again, I saw him wearing traditional clothes of a certain empire I've studied about. Wait a minute...

The latter huffed out a sigh. "I went here first since my brother and his people are taking so long to arrive here." Pointing a finger at me, he then flicked my forehead. "Young man, do you not know who I am?"

Right. His clothes are similar to what crown prince Aether wears. This person is not the crown prince himself, but rather, the second prince and half-brother of Aether.

I placed a hand on my chest and bowed down slightly. "I apologize, prince Estello." I'd rather not be on their bad side today. To think that someone who's 2 years younger than me is taller and more aggressive.

Tsk. Kids these days.

The latter frowned at me. "Hmph. Took you long enough." Looking up to him again, I observed him fully.

He's wearing a loose-fitting trousers and a white revealing robe, with another set of gold fabric with embroidered patterns tied on his waist. He held a book in his hand, which I assume he used to hit me in the head earlier.

Great. He used violence on our first meeting.

I suddenly remembered the book that Eldest gave me. I'll be explaining more about it later.

"With the way you are dressed, you're not a servant." Estello commented, looking at me up and down while I can only stare at him with no effort to seem happy to welcome him.

He sneered, one brow raised. "Then, a mere noble? Or an aristocrat?" His question lingered in my mind, as if to belittle the status he assumes I have.

Wow, how dare he.

I internally sighed, ignoring his remarks, before motioning my hand on the side. "Would you like to go to your chambers?"

He shrugs, fixing his robe for a bit. "Meh, sure."

Inhale, exhale.

For the future, for the future.

I need to gain more allies, this situation shouldn't be too difficult. I'm sure Klydeur would also keep up with this guy despite feeling frustrated at his personality.

As I led Estello and walked down the hallway, we reached the bedroom I prepared for the guests. His room is also just near to Aether's, but he doesn't need to know that for now.

Opening the door wide for him to see the interior, he went in and looked around eagerly. "Here is your prepared room."

"Rude." Looking back to me, he pointed his book at me. "Why are you not addressing me with my title? I'm a prince. Do you not know how, or do you simply lack respect?"

My eyes twitched. I'm not even sure whether I should be thankful that Klydeur isn't like him. "Pardon me. Your. High. Ness."

He sighs in distress. "This place is hopeless! To think that you called me milord earlier is offensive for a prince like me. A prince! Seriously, do better."

Says the one who assumed I'm a mere noble or aristocrat. I don't mind being assumed as one, but with the way he sneered as he mentioned and tried to guess it, he sounds as if insulting my status.

I'd rather be a humbled noble or a disciplined aristocrat, rather than a spoiled, disrespectful, violent and idiotic prince.

Problematic kid. Pwe!

"Do announce my arrival to this Empire's Imperial family." Estello then waved a hand to dismiss me as he hopped off into the bed. Ah, how I wish I put the worst mattress in his room to make him have back pain.

"Will do. Your. High. Ness." I didn't wait for him to complain about my sarcasm as I closed the door shut, speed-walking to reach the Empress' palace.

For the first time in my life, I didn't encounter my twin brother on the hallway. I had to question some of the knights on standby whether the Empress is at her office or somewhere else.

I'm not sure where Leon is, but I'm sure I told him to just follow me around in a certain far distance. He may or may not have seen Prince Estello with me.

"Her majesty is currently having a meeting." One knight responded.

"Lead the way."

As I followed the knight who then showed me the place, we reached our destination in a short period of time. I stood by the door and closed my eyes.

One of the things that evolved me from 6 years ago is my enhancement at using magic. Not only did I possess the ability to use elemental magic like Aureus, I can also experiment with other stuffs as long as I concentrate and have enough mana.

This time, I'm trying to look over and see what is happening inside the room where their meeting is held. With enough focus, I can see a figure in the middle seat, until I clearly saw Aureus. In the long table, there were rows of nobles and aristocrats mixed and seated.

Only a few of them are familiar to me. Duke Lethilde, Marquis Marveil, and that one old Lord on Klydeur's side.

I looked back at Aureus, who surprisingly is looking at my vision straight in the eye. That made me flinch as I opened my eyes. As expected of the Empress, she's sharp.

The knights looks hesitant and doesn't know whether they'll announce my presence or not at all. Not until the door itself is opened by Aureus herself. The nobles and aristocrats inside all glanced at me in unison, good thing I'm used to it now.

"I believe you have something important to say, crown prince."

"Yes, your ma—"

She narrowed her eyes, and I immediately got the hint. I cleared my throat before beaming a smile, a tear probably rolled down my one eye. "Yes mama! I met and welcomed the second prince from our neighboring empire earlier."

"Prince Estello De Alonso Aguincii."

I nodded to confirm the name she mentioned. "It is him. He said he went here first due to the delay of the crown prince and their people's arrival. He also told me to relay this message to the Imperial family."

Aureus' silver eyes glowed, probably because she noticed something odd. "I believe something does not add up to your statement."

"Aha, what do you mean? It's perfectly normal!" I shouldn't let her rage at the young boy or else a war might break out. Besides, I need that bratty prince on my side.

The Empress turned her back on me as she walked inside the room again. Ah, looking at it, our height difference is a shock to me. To think there will come a time that I'll be taller than her so fast.

I thought that was the end of it, but then she slammed her palm on the long table. The impact made a crack as it slowly echoed inside the meeting room.

Some flinched, some confused, while others are indifferent. Is this a normal occurence to them? Yikes. I guess I should get used to this too.

"Is there anyone who can order around the Empire's crown prince?" She bluntly questioned, while I stood outside as stiff as a statue.

They all glanced at me for a moment before looking back to her. Duke Lethilde smiled as he saved the others from forcing themselves to respond. "Who could possibly do so aside you, your majesty?"

I can see the spirits of those around him terrified, as if their soul could leave their bodies in sheer nervousness anytime. I mean, I get it. To respond a question to the Empress' question. I admire the Duke's boldness.

It seems Aureus didn't mind nor took offense over it. She stood up straight before answering. "Indeed. No one, except for me." Tapping her fingers at the table as if time is ticking, she continued. "What do you think should happen if a man with lower status dares to give order to the crown prince?"

Mama dearest, he's still a prince from a strong independent empire...

The nobles and aristocrats looked at each others meaningfully. "They should be....disciplined....right?"

"Right." Looking back to me, I can only keep calm at the awkward situation. I swear, I didn't intend to make it look like I told my mom on him for offending me!

"Tell that bastard prince to come here. Now."

Another tear drop probably rolled down my cheek as I gave her a polite close-eyed smile. "Yes mama."

I turned around and went my way to fetch the soon-to-be-battered prince of Aguincii Empire. I guess he deserves a little scolding to fix his trash personality.

"Hey! You're really getting into my nerves." Estello complained when I opened the door to his room. He sure is getting relaxed as he laid on the bed comfortably while reading the book he slammed on me.

I didn't bother addressing him properly anymore. "I knocked a few times. You probably didn't hear. Anyways, the Empress told me to fetch you and have a talk with her."

His forehead creased. "Can I atleast have a time of rest—"

"Empress' orders. Can't refute." I shrugged, watching him sit upright the bed and send glares of daggers my way.

"Did you lose your manners on your way here again?"

I only smiled, making him huff out a sigh as he stood up, setting down his book on the bed. As we walked down the hallway and reached the meeting room, the door opened and as usual, all eyes landed on us again.

Unexpectedly, I even saw Klydeur inside. He's standing on the side as he glanced at us. I'm not sure why he is here as well.

Estello went in first before bowing down. "I, Prince Estello of Aguincii, greets her majesty, the Empress of Vermillion."

Look at that change of attitude. To think he can actually be this respectful. Or is this only for show? Well, we'll find out.

I stood on the other side as the door closed, my back leaning on the wall with my arms crossed. Ignoring the awkward glances of the confused people inside, I can sense Klydeur also crossed his arms while remaining silent at the situation.

The Empress stared at the prince who remained bowing down.

"Rise."

He did so, straightening his posture. His red ruby orbs looked up to her. "May I ask why I am called for in here, despite you being in a meeting, your majesty?"

"I am curious about something, prince." Aureus' voice sounds menacing, as if she's just beginning her interrogation show. Everyone seems to be holding their breath, while Estello is oblivious of what's about to come.

Now I feel sorry for him.

"What do you think of Vermillion?"

A simple question, yet it can ruin this guy's life. He blinked his eyes, and I can see he tried hard not to raise a brow at her. "Well, uh, it's great. Good hospitality. There are also places that are breath-taking."

Yes. This Empire might literally take your breath away.

The Empress nodded, still calmly seated in her seat. "I am grateful for your kind words. I think you'd like it even better to meet my sons."

Estello looks intrigued. "That's an honor, your majesty."

"I shall introduce to you my second son." At the mention of second son, Klydeur had no choice but to step in and introduce himself.

With a smile, he placed his arm on his chest but a bit lower, with his hand closed into a fist and another on his back, before bowing down. "Greetings. I am Klydeur Aurarius Xi Vermillion. A pleasure to meet you."

The latter bowed down as well. "It is a pleasure to meet you too, prince Klydeur. I am Estello De Alonso Aguincii, the second prince of Aguincii Empire."

As they stood up straight, the latter looked at my brother up and down. "Pardon me but, you seem to look oddly alike to someone I saw earlier. Your attire too..."

I realized that Klydeur and I wore almost the same clothes. And since we are literally identical twins, I'm sure Estello is getting the hint slowly.

My white haired brother glanced at Aureus, who only looked at him. He sighed, before looking at me. This made Estello to look at where he is looking, which is me. That made him squint his eyes.

"Prince Estello, this is my twin brother." Klydeur introduced me with his hand motioned towards me.

The latter, however, only sneered as he gave me a scornful look. "Ooh, so you were a prince. I didn't realize. Pardon me."

I took a deep breath as I stood up straight. My brother tried to continue his words despite his confusion to the sudden hostility of the latter. "That's...uh.."

"Oh, no need. Your majesty, I believe you mentioned sons. That means there could be another one or more." The young prince of Aguincii looked around. "Is he here? Could he be the crown prince? Where are they?"

There was a gloomy aura complimented by the fearsome silence. Marquis Marveil raised a hand. "Spare the oblivious prince, your majesty. We shall avoid bloodshed at this moment."

Sure. I'll just act like I'm fine here.

Everything is fine, really.

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