How to Live as the Enemy Prince

The evening meal was to be held in another building, and so Calian finished preparing for dinner early and climbed into one of the two carriages in front of Chermil Palace. The other carriage had to belong to either Randell or Franz, who had not finished preparing yet and another carriage seemed to have already left.

‘I was wondering how they went around since the grounds are so big – to think they had to go from building to building with carriages’

This was all due to Sispanian. Calian shook his head as he remembered that Sispanian had said that she couldn’t live in a small place, and so Hatsuara had made the grounds of the Royal Family this ridiculously big. 

The carriage passed through a long path surrounding the Chermil Palace, as well as a fountain garden that formed the boundary between the living and the council spaces. Then after some distance, they came across Arpia Palace, which held the King’s office, and the Narsil Pavilion, a workspace for the nobles who worked for the royal family. 

Finally, they stopped.

The Senyu Pavilion was used for small events with nobles, where the setting sun shone on a white marble building with gilded columns, creating a stunning view.

“Your Highness, we have arrived.”

Yan procured a short staircase at the door of the carriage and guided Calian so he avoided stepping onto the hem of his clothes. One of Senyu’s servants then led them to where the gathering would take place.

Dinner was served in a garden behind the Senyu Pavilion, lit by magic lamps providing a soft, atmospheric glow to prepare for the darkening day. 

Calian made his way across the garden and sat down in the chair he was led to, waiting patiently. Randell had already arrived and seated himself and Franz soon followed, flopping down on the chair without a word. And once again, the usual cold silence descended around the princes. 

Soon, a strong fragrance drifted into the air.

It was the scent of Ranieri flowers, it was an extremely expensive flower since it only bloomed once a year. Although they were in the open air, the perfume still stung the senses. 

’Silica.’

Calian had never smelled Ranieri flowers nor met its current wearer before, but he knew immediately who had arrived.

Calian turned his head to see Queen Silica and Viscount Lennon Brissen walking alongside her. Silica’s gaze also turned to Calian, then, as if on cue, they turned away from each other at the same time. Randell watched the scene for a moment and shifted his eyes away.

Silica took her seat next to Franz as if nothing had happened. Despite the arrival of his mother and uncle, Franz sat there without giving his formal greetings.

Silica subtly frowned, but held her tongue as Calian and Randell were there.

“It has been a while since I’ve seen you three royal princes,” Lennon greeted them simply. His eyes fell on Calian’s face, and his expression changed to surprise. The boy seemed to have changed somehow. Lennon was about to say something to Calian, when Silica’s hand made a swift motion.

Her purple silk fan snapped open with a sharp flap.

“Ehem…”

Lenon sensed Silica’s discomfort and shut his mouth awkwardly.

Dinner began with an appetizer. There was the occasional conversation between Lennon and Silica throughout the meal, before Silica shifted her gaze to Calian.

”It seems you have grown?” 

Calian took immediate notice of the question, she was clearly not referring to his height.

”I have not grown that much.” Then he added with a relaxed smile, “But I will grow more in the future,” 

Silica’s eyes hardened. That smile was not something Calian could show her in the past and that made Silica uncomfortable. 

Lennon, oblivious to their prickly exchange, interjected between the two.

“That’s right, My Prince. You’re still young, you will grow taller yet,” he said boisterously.

Flutter. Snap.

Lennon shut his mouth once again.

‘Interesting. It seems the rumours weren’t wrong’

There were many necessary skills needed to be at the top. Among them, good judgement, and at the very least, some basic sense. Lennon clearly seemed to be lacking in both aspects.

‘He’ll have a hard time staying at the top,’

Silica glared icily at Lennon.

“The chef has put much effort into preparing this veal steak. Please enjoy it, Elder Brother.”

It was a blatant way of saying ‘shut up and eat.’

It was unclear whether Lennon understood her implied words, or was scared by the fire in her eyes. Fortunately, he seemed to have understood Silica’s words this time and quickly stuffed his mouth with steak. Franz, who was watching from the side, laughed openly.

Silica’s eyes turned to the sound of her son’s laugh. She was finished with her conversation with Calian anyway, so she spoke to Franz.

”I heard that your horse doesn’t follow you.”

Calian saw Randell glance at him. Were they really talking about a horse, or did they mean Calian himself? He ignored Randell’s gaze.

‘But she’s not the kind of person to care if a horse has a violent temper.’

So they were likely speaking about Calian, not Raven. Silica was asking Franz about Calian’s changed attitude towards him. 

“You should have informed me in advance.”

Franz shook his head. His eyes mirrored Silica’s pale blue eyes, the same as his own.

”What?” he said, not quite snapping but almost there. He didn’t want to broach the subject.