A lively, animated and joyous day had finally come to a nation with little to celebrate, ever since their late rulers passed away. The knights of Laydel paraded into the empire, horses and soldiers winding their way through the streets towards the center of the city. Thousands of people lined the route, cheering and singing in joy as they welcomed the brave and honorable defenders of their kingdom.
As Irene watched the returning soldiers from the upper floor of a grand restaurant owned by the Cherlianns, she felt elated - in awe of the knights and their shining armor. Her eyes followed the smiling faces of the exuberant crowd, gazing toward the leading figure who was cloaked in the red robe of victory. Rudien Alpheus Cherliann was like a tiny figure in the distance — and yet his regal demeanour was clearly recognizable to all those gathered.
"Long live the Empire of Laydel!" The people sang, as they threw a colourful variety of petals and spring flowers at the knights. Many people cried in joy, and all the spectacular emotions even caused Irene to sniffle a little.
Considering the war against Izadel was a small thing of the past in her original novel, Irene never imagined it would become this big of an event now that she was living through it. She remembered the soldiers who would often fawn over her when she was younger, and it was heartwarming to know they made it home safely thanks to her summoning Snow.
Mikael, who was stood closely beside her alongside Rayvis and Sarah, raised an eyebrow at the sight of Irene's tears. "What are you crying about? Shouldn't you be happy?"
Irene wiped at her face. "What are you talking about? I am happy, idiot." She sobbed, as Sarah chuckled and hugged her daughter from behind.
"It truly is a day filled with emotions! This reminds me of how much you cried when your father left." She teased, and Rayvis chuckled softly.
"Irene, you shouldn't show that face to him. He might end up murdering all the knights because you cried for them~"
Those words instantly caused Irene to suck up her tears. That wasn't even a joke, Rayvis. Knowing Rudien, he would definitely do that.
Today was a much brighter and warmer day than Irene had expected it to be — a feeling of happiness welling up inside her as she watched the knights ride in. For the first time since before the war, she felt her home was finally going to be as lively as it always was. Irene looked forward to all the soldiers returning to their base — the knight's training grounds had been so quiet for the last three years.
The Cherlianns watched the parade from their place of honor, a large table in the restaurant's finest dining room. Many of the highest-ranking nobles were there, as were a few of the empire's most dignified ministers and military officers. They had come here to get a good view of the parade, to cheer for the knights and watch as they rode by.
Even Ivan and Haren were there, sitting at the table with their mother and father — the Duke and Duchess of Firventia. Irene tried desperately to ignore the constant attempts of Carla - her etiquette teacher, calling her over so that she could mingle with her sons. It seemed she was unaware that things were awkward between Irene and the twins right now.
Not to mention, Isabella wasn't here — and Irene didn't really want to talk with them without her presence. It's childish of me, but I really don't want to without Isabella here...
Mikael seemed rather nonchalant toward the loud and celebratory atmosphere, but this was nothing unusual. It was no surprise that the nobles here were eyeing him in curiosity, which made it suffocating since all their attention was directed right toward the Prince.
Although it didn't seem to bother him much, Irene felt uncomfortable in his stead, and tried to keep him close by, blocking him from the people's line of sight with the help of Rayvis. Irene was impressed that even he was able to notice what she was trying to do.
"Mikael, how do you feel about seeing your brother tomorrow?" Rayvis asked him with a curious grin. "It's been six months since you last met, right? I wonder what kind of person he is."
The blonde-haired boy only sighed softly. He didn't seem that excited, but Irene could tell this was just Mikael's way of not getting his hopes up. Since he knew it would be likely they'd be stopped from mingling, he didn't bother to say he was looking forward to it. Instead, he closed his eyes.
"I don't think we'll have the chance to really talk."
Rayvis tilted his head in slight confusion. "Huh... I thought you'd be a bit more energetic than that. I could've sworn you loved him to bits-"
Mikael's eyes snapped open as he looked at Rayvis with obvious annoyance. "I'm not some pet waiting to see it's owner, you know."
The silver-haired boy only chuckled, ruffling the prince's hair. "You're small like one though."
It's good to see them getting along so well... Irene thought, smiling softly to herself as Mikael tried to pry Rayvis off of him. Although it had been a while since they became friendlier, it was still unusual for Irene to see her brother so carefree — considering he was always so cautious at first. She was glad to see their relationship improving.
"Tomorrow is the big day," Sarah sighed softly, petting her daughter's hair, and as Irene glanced up at her, she realised there was a rather wistful look in her sky-blue eyes. "Irene... You should be careful too, okay?"
She blinked. "Why?"
"Because you'll probably have a lot of young men asking you to dance!"
Those words caught both Mikael and Rayvis' attention, and as the boys clenched their fists at the thought of anyone going near Irene for that kind of purpose, the girl only awkwardly laughed off her mother's joke.
"If that happens, I'll just go and hide behind Papa."
As the family continued to enjoy the parading soldiers, they relished the sights and feelings of those moments.
Even Mikael seemed to be having fun as the siblings kept him near, although Irene could sense a certain restlessness in him — as if he were slightly nervous about something. And seeing as he was meeting his brother again after half a year tomorrow, that was no surprise.
Irene smiled at him with a solacing radiance, gently reaching for his hand. Mikael gazed at her in slight surprise, but was quickly lost in her golden eyes which gazed at him reassuringly.
"It'll be fine, I'll be with you the whole way," she promised, and there was a sense of relief washing over those ocean-blue eyes. "Just enjoy yourself tomorrow, don't worry about what anyone else thinks."
Mikael nodded his head. Although it was easier said than done, he knew the family backing him was a strong and irrefutable one. As long as he didn't mess up, he would be safe with the Cherlianns.
The sun was just beginning to lower, casting long shadows as the sky darkened and the weather began to turn chilly. The parade gradually came to an end, but the liveliness didn't fade even till later that evening. From miles away in the city, people could still hear the faint cheering and sounds of applauds left behind as the knights slowly dispersed and returned to their warm homes.
Daniel sighed softly, unable to see anything but the blurred, distant flags breezily waving in the wind. He could hear the people's joyous cries, and wondered what kind of expressions those soon to be under his rule were making right now.
As he clutched the cold metal spoon in his hands, his body throbbed painfully, as if the strain of his heavy, unaccustomed workload was now taking its toll. His head pounded drearily, and the world around him grew dark, blurry and indistinct.
"As I thought, you must have overdosed," the deep voice of his uncle sighed. "And right before the day of the grand banquet."
Daniel blinked, slowly glancing up at Duke Atlan's face - but all he could make out was a blurry vision of a man with long, dark hair. The prince winced, a sickly feeling settling in his stomach, but he resisted the urge to let it out.
"I-I'll be fine," Daniel croaked, not wanting to cause any trouble. Although he couldn't see well, the young Prince could feel his uncle's cold and imperious glare. "It doesn't hurt that much... I can still go for tomorrow's banquet-"
"And embarrass our family by appearing weak in front of the entire empire?" The duke coldly spat, his dark, penetrating eyes peering into the boy's soul. "You are the future of this nation. Did you really expect me to let you show your face for the first time while in this state?"
Daniel grimaced, turning his head away. For the last few months, he had been doing all that he could to meet Duke Atlan's expectations. The prince slaved away at all his work, studying everything he was told, whilst building up his tolerance for poison at the same time. Now that he was about to be presented to the public, he had no choice but to maintain the illusion that he was fit and fine.
But right before the day he would reveal himself to the nobles of Laydel, his body had revolted. Every part of him was filled with a dull, insistent pain, and he was unable to stop the trembling.
"You will stay home and recover. It's better for you to remain hidden than to appear weak."
I want to see Mikael again... Daniel thought, as his uncle's cruel words felt like knives being pierced into his head. But all he could think about was his brother, and how desperately he longed to see him.
As Karvus Atlan left the prince's room in silence, Daniel gazed down at the spoon in his right hand. There was fresh stew and bread on the table in front of him — yet the sight of food sent waves of disgust through his body.
Tieve watched from a few feet away, as his master turned away with a grim expression, dropping the spoon to the ground with little consideration. Seeing him like this made the crimson-haired servant feel sorry for the young man he served.
"Your Highness... You should really eat something." Tieve reluctantly spoke, but he was ignored. As expected of Daniel — who was understandably upset.
He hasn't been sleeping or eating properly ever since he came here...
This banquet to celebrate Laydel's success in war was supposed to be an important event for Daniel. He would be meeting his subjects, finally, after spending months preparing to present himself, trying to ensure that his people would feel at ease knowing they'd have such a well-informed, admirable ruler.
But in the end, he should've known there was no way someone as weak as him could ever become the kind who others would look up to. This was bound to put a hole in his reputation which his uncle cared so much about.
"Tieve, throw this out," Daniel instructed, motioning towards the food as his cold blue eyes focused on the window — the pain evident in his expression. "I can't stand the smell."
"But Your Highness, you need to eat something. And you also have a lot of sleep to catch up on-" He was interjected by the look of indifference plastered to Daniel's expression. His sharp eyes, framed with ebony lashes, were cold and numb.
But the young prince still offered his servant a small, unconvincing smile.
"You know I never slept or ate well to begin with, it's not something that'll just fix." Daniel's voice was hoarse yet he managed to say that so clearly. In a way, it felt as if a part of him was slowly beginning to give up on himself.
Tieve couldn't do anything or say anything to be able to refute his master after that. Sighing softly, the aide gave in. Strands of his scarlet hair falling forward as he nodded without a word. I really don't like seeing the Prince like this... If only he would regain his motivation somehow...
No... He hasn't been motivated from the start.
Tieve reluctantly picked up the bowl and spoon, promptly placing them back onto the tray. As he went to take the tray out, Daniel turned to the servant and stopped him with a tight grip on his arm.
"Wait, I have something to say." The raven-haired Prince suddenly spoke out, and Tieve flinched at the feeling of a trembling hand holding him back. Daniel's body was on fire and he didn't even look like he had any strength left in him, yet he still managed to stay conscious.
"What is it...?" Setting down the tray again, Tieve gently took his master's hand and kneeled down. His maroon eyes glistened with hope for the Prince to ask him for help in some way.
"Tieve, tomorrow, I need you to take me outside the banquet hall without my uncle knowing."
...What?
The young man's eyes widened. "Your Highness, are you serious right now?" he asked. "You're in no condition to even be out of bed. What makes you-"
"I have to," Daniel insisted. "I need to see my brother. I have to confirm he's okay... Just a peak from somewhere no one will see me."
Tieve rubbed the back of his head in reluctance. He knew that taking his poisoned master out of his bedroom was not a good idea — but a part of him couldn't say no whenever those sharp, aquamarine eyes would have such a strong and unmoving glint in them. And considering he had been working really hard for this, it wouldn't hurt to just gaze at the celebrations from afar.
He looked down at the tray of food, frowning. "Will you be able to handle it? The poison you took is very strong."
Daniel nodded firmly. "We can just sneak around the garden right? If I go with you, I'm sure it'll be fine."
The servant had no way of knowing what he was getting himself into, but heaved a sigh once finally giving in. "Very well, Your Highness. But we must get you back into your room quickly, just in case."
Daniel smiled faintly as he gazed up at the blurred figure of his servant. "Thank you." He offered his gratitude, to which Tieve could only respond with a small frown.
This Prince... If only he wasn't an Atlan...
Perhaps he wouldn't have to suffer such a harsh environment.