How to Live as the Enemy Prince

Calian should have lived quietly, and like his mother disappear like a speck of dust before he could become a bothersome thorn in Silica’s side. Even Franz understood what this meant.

“I’m sure you were already told.”

However Franz’s servants knew his every move and reported it all to Silica – she should have already been aware of everything happening between Calian and Franz so what else was she hoping he would have told her?

Of course, Silica knew that Calian had changed. Rumors had begun to spread throughout the royal palace after he cut his hair, and even more so after the incidents at the dining hall and the horseback riding class.

At Franz’s reaction, Silica spoke in a tone of disappointment. “It’s completely out of your hands. You didn’t tell me.”

Those red eyes contained no more fear at Silica’s presence. It was not just Calian’s appearance that had changed, and Franz should have mentioned it himself.

”So what are you going to do?” Franz said.

“I’ve already done it.”

Franz’s mouth held a mocking smile. “Then I’m sure I must have already told you.”

Franz leaned back into his chair as if he didn’t want to talk anymore. Silica smiled at the sight of her son.

“It seems like I don’t remember,” she said.

Her smile changed subtly. It was the same childlike smile Franz had on his lips, before he had thrown that knife at Yan.

“Franz. You’ve always been like that. But don’t worry too much. There’s nothing more to miss and no need to get anything back.” 

Calian took a sip of water and continued his meal with a subtle smile. ‘If I am killed and made to disappear – there won’t be any worry of me running away either’. 

“It shouldn’t be long.” Silica continued.

Franz turned his head and closed his eyes without a care in the world, as though saying ‘do whatever you want’. Calian continued to move his knife naturally, even as his gaze gradually began to cool. 

Just how much did they find his existence laughable, that they would seat him before themselves and talk so carelessly.

Randell looked wordlessly between Franz and Calian. Surprisingly, he then spoke to Calian.

“You look tired. You should go ahead and rest.”

The unexpected concern from Randell was so surprising that even Franz turned to stare at him, but Randell said nothing else.

Calian was grateful for the excuse to leave this awful table and nodded. Silica’s eyes narrowed but she said nothing else about Randell’s strange behaviour.

“I hope you enjoy the rest of your meal,” Calian said to Lennon, then turned his head and looked straight into Silica’s eyes.

Calian smiled brightly at her, with how much he seemed to resemble Freya, he desperately hoped that looking into his eyes would remind Silica of the woman who had died because of her.

“Good evening,” 

Silica frowned for a moment before returning to her carefree expression. She was about to say something back to him but Calian quickly turned his back on her. She clenched her hands around her silk fan.

Randell took a mouthful of the dessert, carefully keeping his eyes down. It was sorbet made with Ranieri flowers, prepared to Silica’s liking. The scent of flowers hovered in his mouth before melting away.

—

Three weeks passed.

The capital of Kyris; Kyrisis was bustling in preparation for the King’s birthday celebration. One by one, nobles gathered at their homes in Kyrisis and ambassadors from distant lands arrived and stayed in the Rubia Pavilion. A few days ago, there was a stirring in the crowds as they tried to catch a glimpse of the elves who entered the city.

Some worked to greet and accommodate the visitors, others prepared the banquet, and some were tasked with the safety of the event. None could get rid of their excited looks ahead of the big festival.

However, Yan’s complexion looked noticeably worse. Not only him, but Calian’s six maids looked terrible. Even Schatten, the tailor who prepared Calian’s clothes a month ago, had a face creased with stress.

“Have you gotten thinner, Your Highness?”

Calian smiled at Schatten’s worried expression.

“It seems so,” Calian answered calmly, with a small smile. 

Calian was already aware of the problem, the mana in the body was having a bad effect on his heart, as it hurt every time he tried to use mana which in turn had a deteriorating effect on his body. 

Seeing such a Calian, Yan had tried numerous times to get him to a healer so in the end Calian had to explain to Yan that he could use magic and the circumstances around why he had to hide his magic circles – he even explained why he had to wait until the King’s Birthday Festival.

‘I’m sure there will be some famous mages at the birthday festival. I’ll find someone I can trust to check the problem, and wait until then.’ – That was the conclusion Yan had come to – of course Calian couldn’t say he knew Alan and was aiming specifically for him, so he nodded at Yan’s thoughts. 

Schatten’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I might have to refit your clothes.”

At first he pinned the clothes to distinguish where to trim and what to leave, but realizing he couldn’t solve the problem that way, he took out the measuring tape again.

“I’ll take new measurements, Your Highness.” He seemed to be planning to redo all of them again.

Calian felt a little guilty and followed his orders obediently. Schatten seemed to have no problem measuring him again, though it had taken a while.

Schatten concluded that he still had time and would be back with the new clothes tomorrow. Calian, with a heart full of guilt said,

“I’ll wear the other two suits on the second and third day anyway, so it’s alright if you bring them later,” 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Calian went to the carriage and told the driver to transport Schatten, it was all he could do to help the tailor. 

Finally, the birthday of King Rumein had finally arrived.