Chapter 30
March 9th, Year 761 of the Continental Calendar
Prince Kaelen was once again dedicated to practicing swordsmanship in a corner of the garden.
“Yah!”
His practice included basic defensive stances, slashing techniques, and finally, his grandfather’s signature moves.
“Ouch!”
As usual, he fell over.
How on earth are you supposed to kick several meters through the air and follow it up with a precise stab?
He had tried using it during sparring sessions with his swordsmanship instructor but had only received scoldings like, “It’s dangerous—please stop.”
But how could he easily give up on a technique that his grandfather had often used?
If even the retired General Hadwin could do it in his old age, surely a young man like him could achieve it with enough effort.
Completely unaware of the divine blessings and the enchanted Holy Sword that had supported Solinor, Kaelen was merely wasting his energy.
Incidentally, Kaelen never attended history lessons. His mind had no room for anything other than swordsmanship.
Still, shouldn’t he be commended for his efforts?
Even without visible results, practicing to the point of sweating buckets every single day requires extraordinary determination.
“Huff… Huff…”
Eventually, Kaelen collapsed to the ground, placing his sword aside.
Perhaps he had overdone it today. He didn’t even have the energy to walk to the baths.
“Prince Kaelen, shall I assist you if you’re tired?”
His attendant, who had been watching from afar, approached him.
Kaelen waved him off.
“No, I’m fine. Whew… But since when have you been watching me?”
“Of course, I’ve been watching from the start. That’s my job, after all.”
Although the attendant’s answer was natural, Kaelen didn’t like the idea of someone following him around.
The fact that he had been observed from a distance without his knowledge made it even more unpleasant.
However, Kaelen wasn’t the type to take out his frustrations on his unfortunate attendant. He simply spoke his thoughts calmly.
“You really don’t have to. I’ve told you not to follow me before—what danger could there possibly be in the palace? I’m not a little kid like Kasper or Muriela. Please stop trailing me and go use your time on something else.”
It was a common excuse the princes and princesses of Silbrenoa used to shake off their attendants.
After all, who likes being watched constantly?
Of course, the attendants always claimed it was for their protection.
For the younger ones like Adeline, Kasper, and Muriela, their attendants continued to monitor them from a distance, regardless of their protests.
To the attendants, this was a given. What’s the use of the children’s permission when the queens don’t allow it?
“Your Highness, thank you for your understanding, but Queen Francesca specifically instructed me to…”
“Fine, I get it. Same old story, huh? I’ll just go see my brother instead.”
The only exception to all this was Crown Prince Alfred, the black sheep of the Silbrenoa royal palace.
Thanks to his sharp temper, most attendants avoided him. Since Alfred didn’t want them around either, they were more than happy to use his orders as an excuse to stay away.
Alfred had even shouted and fought with his own mother, so it was no wonder.
Especially since becoming the crown prince, no attendant dared to defy him. Thus, even the First Queen’s stern orders couldn’t prevent Alfred from dismissing his attendants, leaving him in complete solitude.
Today, Kaelen decided to use his “big brother card” again.
Until recently, the two hadn’t gotten along and clashed often. But recently, Alfred seemed to have undergone some sort of change. While they weren’t exactly on good terms, they occasionally talked and even bonded over complaining about their mothers.
It didn’t take long for Kaelen to locate his brother.
“Huh? Alfred, are you sleeping?”
Alfred opened one eye slightly to glance at Kaelen.
“No, just thinking about stuff. Let me guess—you’ve been swinging your sword again?”
“Yeah, but I came here to make use of your authority today.”
“And what is it this time? Telling your attendant to buzz off again?”
Kaelen smirked.
“Exactly.”
“You’re such a funny guy. Not too long ago, you’d be too scared to even talk to me.”
“When did that ever happen? I just stayed away because it was gross.”
In the past, Alfred might have gotten angry at such words. Instead, he simply chuckled softly.
“Right. Hey, you heard us just now, didn’t you? Disappear while I’m asking nicely. Go hide somewhere and… do whatever you like. Oh, and make sure the others are gone too.”
“Yes, Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
The attendant left, pretending to be reluctant, but the faint smile on his face as he turned away betrayed his relief—truthfully, he preferred it this way.
“Ugh, your choice of words, brother,” Kaelen remarked.
“You’re the one who wanted it, moron. Besides, didn’t you see him trying to hide his smile just now? He’s happy about it too,” Alfred retorted.
Kaelen plopped down beside Alfred.
“That aside, you don’t seem to hang out with women anymore these days, brother.”
“Yeah, I tried following Father’s… lifestyle, but I guess it doesn’t suit me. It’s just not fun for me.”
“Wait, so it used to be fun?”
“Enough questions. You’re annoying. Either stop talking or get lost. You stink of sweat.”
“Fine. I won’t talk. But can I at least lie down here next to you?”
“Do what you want.”
And so, the brothers lay side by side in the grass, resting.
Though born of the same mother and strikingly similar in appearance, the two brothers had spent over a decade avoiding each other. It was only now that they were beginning to feel like real siblings.
At the same time, Kasper, Adeline, and Muriela were on yet another garden exploration, which had become something of a regular activity.
Though they often wandered through the same areas, it was still far better than being confined to the cramped quarters of their respective spaces.
Naturally, Bianca and several other attendants from Queen Elodia’s side followed closely behind.
The three children grumbled about having to report to Queen Elodia before their “expeditions” but had little choice in the matter. To make up for it, they tried to enjoy their “secret” explorations.
Not that they ever managed to outmaneuver their attendants.
Still, the longing for freedom is not easily extinguished.
After all, doesn’t the phrase “Give me liberty or give me death” exist for a reason?
The same applied to their thirst for exploration.
Many have thrown themselves into mountains and oceans with nothing but a pure desire to venture into the unknown.
Even after being scolded by Queen Elodia, the children had tried to shake off their attendants again. This time, however, the queen had been immediately informed.
After yet another round of severe reprimands, the three children finally succumbed to the queen’s authority.
Their desire for freedom had been leashed, with the attendants firmly in the saddle.
Still, the garden exploration proceeded smoothly today. No monsters, no traps!
“Wow, it’s the tree we saw last time! It’s blooming now!”
“Really? That’s so cool!”
“I already saw it two days ago,” Adeline said smugly, pouring cold water on Kasper and Muriela’s excitement.
“Del, did you sneak out alone again?”
“That’s so mean, sister! You promised we’d explore together!”
“Hehe, so what? What are you going to do about it?”
Despite her provocation, Kasper and Muriela were too kind-hearted to retaliate.
As they continued to wander aimlessly, enjoying the vibrant flowers and fragrant scents, they approached the area where Alfred and Kaelen were resting.
“Pardon me, but the Crown Prince has ordered that no one is to enter this area. Attendants, please escort the young nobles back to their quarters,” Alfred’s attendant said politely, bowing deeply. Despite the courteous tone, the message was clear: no entry.
“Huh? Why can’t we go in?” Kasper asked, looking up at the attendant in confusion.
“That’s because the Crown Prince…”
That brat! No need to even ask; he’s probably harassing some poor maid again! How could the Crown Prince of a kingdom act so disgracefully, even in broad daylight? Unacceptable!
Solinor, watching from Muriela’s body, was genuinely infuriated by his grandson’s repeated misconduct.
Though his body had long turned to dust, his sense of indignation was very much alive.
While Kasper and Adeline confronted the attendant, Muriela quietly slipped under the bowing servant’s arm and broke into a full sprint.
Muriela’s body, lacking any athleticism or physical prowess, was pushed to its limit by Solinor’s determination to confront Alfred’s behavior.
“Y-Your Highness, Princess!”
“Muriela?”
“Muriela, wait!”
Everyone was caught off guard, and the chaos began.
Alfred’s attendant, unsure whether to follow orders and stop the others or chase after the runaway princess, froze in indecision, his mind overwhelmed.
What followed was utter pandemonium, with more than ten people big and small scrambling after Muriela.
Panting heavily, Muriela finally arrived first.
What she saw left her stunned.
The two princes were fast asleep, snoring loudly, while an unfamiliar girl hovered over Alfred, her necklace poised to gouge his eye with its sharp gemstone.
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