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Yesterday was such a hassle. If only I could be a prince with no responsibilities, then I can just enjoy this rich life, stress-free!

From having a brawl against another Prince, Klydeur being weirdly nice, my relevation about the book of truce of this world, and the poisoned salad. I don't even want to think about it.

Especially the arrival of the 2nd prince of Aguincii, Estello. He's a devious bratty kid with brother issues, but that's rich coming from me. I sighed, before recalling what day it is today.

Just like the Empress told us, our guests will arrive today.

Ashley appeared a little earlier than expected. Jokes on her, the welcoming banquet won't start unless the real star of the show would show up.

But oh boy I'm so wrong.

Prince Aether was able to arrive at the crack of dawn today. To be honest, I almost gave up waking up, but I had to. I don't even remember how I handled my morning routine. In just an hour, I was fully prepared with the help of my dedicated nannies.

I'm more than amazed at how prepared the Empress is. She's already up and about by the time the crown prince of Aguincii arrived. I'm sure they were able to exchange pleasantries before we were told about their arrival.

Now, all I had to do alongside Klydeur, is to host the welcoming banquet held in the name of alliance with the Aguincii empire, including Ashley of Florida empire's redemption. To hold a grand welcoming banquet is not only to show an act of hospitality, but to show off the empire's standing.

"You look sleep deprived." Klydeur commented, briefly glancing at me. We were already at the banquet hall, making sure not a single mistake is evident on the area.

All the servants are busy yet diligent. The nobles and aristocrats would arrive soon in no time. I yawned, covering my mouth atleast. "I sure am."

He chuckles. "Goodluck."

"Thanks." I can only give him a dry response, my mind not fully awake as I reread the list. Yep. I may space out but I'm certain the people listed are accurate. Signalling for one servant, I gave him the list in which he obliged to receive.

Roaming my eyes around, I rechecked everything.

Drinks? Check.

Meals? Obviously.

Ballroom? Absolutely.

The terrace? Yep, splendid.

Seats? Comfy like cloudnine.

The only factor left are the people. Aureus would be last to arrive ofcourse, for a main grand entrance with us after Prince Aether and Princess Ashley.

Since we started off at exactly 4 in the morning when the invitations that is hastily given is scheduled at 6, we have 2 hours of break before we literally break.

I sat down on my seat, to the right side of where the Empress' throne in the middle is positioned. On the left of the Empress' seat is Klydeur's. He's now busy chatting away with Ashley who had the guts to sneak in despite not opening the banquet hall yet.

Well, I suppose it's fine. I'm just feeling jealous because I'm all alone again. I'm not only pertaining to Eldest. I may have had other noble friends, but they're all just the type of friends for the mutual benefits.

Except for Viscount Fregossa's son, who doesn't seem to look at me like a trump card for his rise in status. He's a genius, afterall.

"Haaa." I heaved out a long sigh, leaning my back on my seat. Closing my eyes, I decided to take a short nap for now. I do hope Klydeur would be considerate enough to wake me up if something comes up.

"Brother."

I flinched, my consciousness suddenly awoken upon hearing just one word. Glancing towards Klydeur who withdrew his hand from patting my shoulder in an attempt to wake me up, he gestured for me to stand up.

It must be time.

How I wish I can sit down and sleep again, but I have a script to follow. The Empress probably wants to test me and Klydeur as to how we can handle hosting an event.

If this were the modern days, I could probably handle it with enthusiasm. But no! I had to be formal, which isn't surprising. There's no mic either, so having a loud and clear voice is a must, aside from their silence.

The servant whom I've given the list of people to attend the banquet is busy calling out their names and introducing them at their utmost vocal capabilities. I feel bad for them, but at the same time, I salute them for being obedient to do it.

Soon, the once empty space in the hall suddenly gathered a large sum of people. The place is huge, and the attendees seems to be adding up more and more. I shrugged, already expecting it, before hearing a familiar name.

"Now entering, the Duke from the North! Duke Lethilde and his heir, Lady Beatrice Roa Lethilde!"

There entered the same man I saw yesterday in their meeting. But he looks more formal and handsome today despite his obvious old age. Beside him is his daughter, who had grown up beautiful and matured.

Her physical features are still the same, except the fact that she is now a 19 year old lady. She's been busy preparing to succeed the Duke, all the while choosing a perfect husband candidate to marry.

She could have been the crown princess, if only she didn't want to be Duke. The Imperial family respected her wish, so ofcourse, she won't be married to me.

Even Lady Mia of Marveil failed to be a crown princess candidate simply because she feared the burdensome weight she had to carry of becoming the future empress. In the end, she enjoyed her youthful rich life while looking for true love.

Ehem. She will, eventually.

Prince Aether is here, afterall.

I'm just curious how it will go if he becomes the Emperor of Aguincii since that'll make her his Empress. Oh well, I'll just bid them goodluck.

Right after Duke Lethilde comes the other 3 Dukes I didn't bother paying attention to. There's just so many of them that even if I memorized them, it is still impossible for me to stock all that knowledge about them.

Archduke Shaman also appeared, which surprised me for a bit. It's been years since the last time he gave me that flower. We weren't able to speak nor have a decent conversation with each others afterwards.

Awkward.

As the names continued until they reached higher ranking, Klydeur and I soon reached our destination as we walked backstage. There stood the Empress, who had also dressed appropriately for the event. It was grand enough to show off even the wealth of our family.

Klydeur and I stood side by side, in each side of Aureus. As soon as we heard Prince Aether and Prince Estello introduced together with Princess Ashley, I took a deep breath.

We were going next, and in such a grand entrance at the top too. Then we'd end up walking down again and all the way to our throne seats.

"Nervous?"

Klydeur and I glanced at the Empress who shot a question. My brother only smiled, while I sighed. "A bit, your majesty."

She took one step with her heels making a clacking sound as it hit the floor, before replying. "Be at ease."

"Now presenting you, the Empire's Imperial family!"

I gulped, preparing my formal stoic yet presentable look and facial expression.

"The Empire's moon, Empress Aureus Lilith Xi Vermillion!"

With that said, the Empress walked over and stood infront of the second floor, the railings blocking her from falling ofcourse.

"The Empire's crown prince, Prince Clydeur Aurum Xi Vermillion! And the second prince, Prince Klydeur Aurarius Xi Vermillion!"

Soon, me and my brother waltzed in as well. As usual, our steps were coordinated and in sync, which obviously made the attendees be in awe of our marvelous elegance and glory.

We stopped beside the Empress as we all looked down to where the nobles, aristocrats, and even Ashley, Aether, and Estello are.

Silence occured in the banquet hall. Not until they all bowed down their heads with a respectful curtsy, all done in unison.

"I sincerely thank everyone who attended this eventful occassion. May you be at ease and enjoy the banquet hosted by my sons." The Empress spoke slowly. "You may now all rise."

They all obliged, and soon clapped their hands at her simple yet firm speech. Ah, I wouldn't call it a speech, but probably a statement.

Aureus then motioned a hand towards me, in which I mentally prepared myself. All eyes landed on me, and I could care less whether they all seem affectionate or spiteful.

"I am grateful to have been given a chance to host this important banquet together with my brother." I said with a smile to relieve the tension between my supporters and haters. "We may have been lacking, but rest assured, we prepared all the best."

Klydeur nodded along with a smile accross his face.

"And so, let us have a toast to this welcoming banquet."

Servants soon approached those below us as they are given different kinds of drinks, be it wine or margarita. Just enough to have a toast.

The headmaid served us our own drinks for the toast. The Empress raised hers, then I raised mine, then Klydeur as well.

"A toast!" They all also raised their drinks before drinking into it. Some even tapped their drinks with the others. While Klydeur and I can only do the same to make up for the public image of having healthy sibling relationship, with Aureus simply sipping into her wine without a care in the world.

And so, the banquet started, and will probably continue to last until evening.

Ah, to be a baby again and just enjoy the luxury...

___

The Empress is now seated on her respectful seat while Klydeur is busy socializing with other teen nobles and aristocrats. The other elders are busy talking to the Empress as they are all in line to be acknowledged and gain her audience infront.

While here I am, already tired and drained. I still managed to socialize here and there. Entertaining those who wanted to be entertained. Listening to the gossips of this world's Marites. Fighting the urge not to have a showdown with this world's Karen. And definitely gaining self-control not to become Will Smith by slapping the shit out of Estello who keeps on bumping into me and all the while not saying sorry or anything.

Ah, and that's my longest ramdom thoughts combined into a monologue paragraph.

Now here I am, finally found true peace and is now at ease. To think going into the terrace and closing the door shut would be proven useful in this situation like in every webtoon cliche. There is one cliche left that I'd like to experience.

"The female lead goes into the terrace, balcony, or whatever there is to see the night sky and feel the cold breeze of air." I muttered to myself while leaning on the railings, looking up the pitch black sky with stars twinkling brightly with the moon.

"And then the male lead appears to entertain or accompany the female lead—" I halted, realizing something. "Maybe it won't work since I'm the male lead. Haaa, I should have known."

My dissapointment is at peak level, and I never thought it would go up higher than my height.

"Valeria. What's in the Valeria Empire that you chose to stay there for so long instead of Vermillion?" I questioned to no one in particular, just complaining on air. But, Eldest is someone who isn't only tied to one Empire, is she?

For a fallen deity, is it possible that she can wander around freely? Then, am I not the first one she had special interactions with?

Was I exaggerating the little bond we had? Did it not mean anything to her at all? Or maybe she knew I was such a burden to look after all the time?

But hey! I grew up well now! I can clean up my own mess, and more like, I don't mess around anymore. Heck, even the rumors around aren't as flashy as it is back then. I guess rumors about the Imperial household is now rare among nobles and commoners alike.

Did she actually did her job for the last time and left?

Gee, thanks.

I sighed, for the nth time. Eldest, what am I going to do with this handsome appearance of mine? No matter how many pretty ladies with status compliments me, I don't feel as delighted as when you do.

Standing up straight, I fixed my coat. I did enough. I'm even able to last long from morning to evening. I got to eat, socialize, drink, socialize, then repeat. Maybe retiring for the night and leaving the ending of the banquet hosting to Klydeur won't be too bad.

But it could also be bad for my reputation. Either they think I'm way too cocky, not respectful, or just pure shameless and lazy.

I groaned, covering my face for a bit. "Argh, fine." In the end, I decided to stay a bit longer and just end the banquet at the right and scheduled time.

As soon as I was about to open the door to enter the chaotic hall, I felt a familiar presence behind me. I slowly looked behind, my peripheral vision seeing a flash of blinding light.

I turned around and there greeted me face to face, the very person I'm thinking about a few seconds ago. Her blonde hair got longer, her bangs almost covered her golden orbs. She wore a white dress adorn with golden embroideries, and her attire screams that she's a goddesss or something.

Well, she is.

I stared at her, observing her teen self fully. Indeed, she'd almost look like her matured self once the years passes by again. Her height is adorable, it sends butterflies to my stomach. I am too stunned to speak nor move at the sight.

Eldest smirked, a hand placed on her hip, as she leaned close to me. "Missed me?"

Instead of panicking like I usually do back then, I stood still. This confused her for a bit, her grin faded and turned into confusion. Waving a hand infront of me, she asked. "Hey? Did your soul get transmigrated to another place or something—"

I ended up cutting her words as I engulfed her in a hug. I'm not sure if I squeezed too tight, but she was stiff as a log, yet managed to pat my back in return. "I guess you did miss me."

Pulling away, she gave me a teasing look. If it were the younger me, I'll be as red as tomato.

But then I smiled, a genuine and excited one. "Missing you is an understatement. I even wished to lucid dream just to see you again."

My response seems to be unexpected for her. This time, it was her turn to become as red as tomato.

Finally! This moody deity is back! How I missed her from the bottom of my heart. Of all timing, she went back when I was having one of my drama episodes.

If only I can make her stay and never leave.

___

Finally! I've finished the 1st book of this story. However, this doesn't mean it has ended. I'm debating whether I'll continue book 2 in here or have it separated. In the end, I chose to continue it here and just put a label to separate them.

Also, if ever there are errors in this chapter, I'll make sure to have them rechecked and fixed.

Since I have a lot of spare time, I might start writing drafts for the book 2. Long story short, it will be more complicated, full of twists and turns befitting my original plot idea since 2019. I just hope I can continue writing until the end.

That's all. Thank you for reading!