Is It True Love?

Chapter 2: A Test Of Greed

"You're getting married!" Kana nearly drops her bags at the news. "When will that be held?"

"The week before my birthday coronation ceremony. I have yet to even meet this girl myself," Wendell responds, studying the girl who has fallen oddly silent. He can't read how Kana feels behind such a baffling expression and truly hopes she would show an ounce of disappointment. However, once the initial shock leaves a large grin spreads across her face.

"Blanche is one lucky lady. It must be tough to juggle romance and you're still preparing for the throne. Despite this being forced, hopefully, the two of you will have some chemistry together."

"Yeah..."

Not quite the response he was yearning from her, but to make matters worse, a familiar figure approaches them.

"I cannot believe you're engaged to Blanche!" Oliver exclaims, and his self-proclaimed rival seems to pop up from nowhere at the most convenient times.

The male's jet black hair is an exact contrast to Wendell's ash-blonde color. His scarlet eyes hold their usual glare he has grown accustomed to ignoring by now. Taking another step closer, Oliver straightens his back like greater height makes him above the prince.

"I've known her from spending my earlier years in Quincy before I was stuck moving here. A girl with such beauty and grace shouldn't be tricked into marrying the likes of you!"

"It was our parents who set this-"

"And who is the better candidate then? You? Don't make me laugh!" His trusted friend butting in with hands placed on her hips. "Noble girls adore him from afar only wishing they were so fortunate. I don't see anyone flocking around craving your attention."

"T-That's completely false! In fact, I have too many admirers to even count!" Oliver insists, but his flaming red cheeks prove otherwise. Next spinning back toward the prince and he appears far angrier than his normal temper. "Think you're something special because of that royal title, huh? Well, mark my words one day I will win over the people's hearts and snatch this kingdom from underneath your very feet! You'll see, you'll all see!"

Boldly proclaiming his declaration, he storms through the trio and is then swallowed by the crowd of people. The boy has made this same threat several times but has nothing ever to show for it. Oliver moved to Opal Forten about four years back, although the two never had exchanged many words. Yet, out of the blue, a few months later he swore that they were destined enemies. What caused this fueled rage is left unknown, but he dislikes mere associates who enjoy his presence.

"...I suppose that is one person you won't receive a blessing from," Kana comments with a lopsided smile, and the dwarf snorts.

"Oliver can keep it. Not like he's gonna be on the guestlist anyways."

The loud sound of the large grandfather clock interrupts their conversation. When it chimes, Kana sprints off ahead pausing for a quick goodbye. In recent days, she seems to be even busier than himself.

"Forgive me, I didn't realize it was so late! There's still another job I need to do today after dropping these bags off!" She pauses from her sprint to give one quick bow. "Good day to you both!"

"Take care!" he shouts back, and giving one last wave she disappears out of sight. Wendell releases a sigh with the surprise encounter leaving him more indecisive than he already was. His sharp friend doesn't miss a thing facing the prince with crossed arms.

"Kana is who you're proposing to right? Or rather the girl you have in mind but there's some reason why you can't."

"Wow, you're quite perceptive as usual... There's something important I need to ask you."