How to Live as the Enemy Prince

A white shirt and pale beige pants, a calf-length red jacket with gold trimming and a pure white cape decorated with gold tassels and embroidery. 

When Calian entered, dressed far more grandly than he had during the event at the Plaza or during the Tea Party – nobles all around bit their lips and took note. 

‘Another ruby pendant’

Set in the shirt of this far more splendid outfit was the same golden ornament with the small ruby pendant. 

‘He wore the same thing – that means it was not just a trinket’ 

Calian showed himself today as though he had been waiting for the opportunity and it was because of this that every one of his smallest actions and choices were being analysed as though it all held some enormous significance. 

Some wondered whether this was a banquet for Rumein or the banquet Rumein had put together for Calian. 

‘Tap, tap’ The sound of Calian’s shoes echoed as he made his way across the banquet hall.

From Duke Siegfried standing at the entrance, to Viscount Brissen with whom he had recently had a meal and even the nobles with whom he had met during today’s Tea Party – from the moment Calian stood at the door, to arriving at the innermost part of the banquet hall where the royal family was seated – Calian made eye contact with as many people as possible and smiled. Yan followed behind Calian with a solemn expression. 

The Banquet was yet to begin and Rumein and the other princes had not arrived at the hall but the people there remained silent with all of their eyes glued to Calian’s figure. 

A small whisper, barely audible, attracted people’s attention in the otherwise silent hall; 

“He is only fourteen, I do not know if we should anticipate his future, or fear it,” 

“Indeed, I was thinking the very same,”

Of course, while the majority showed such a reaction, there were also nobles who responded somewhat differently. 

Unabashed curiosity arose in the blue-grey eyes of Duke Slayman, who had understood how Calian had managed to overpower the crowd. 

‘The little kid is good. He’s delicate and looks like he wouldn’t have held a sword in his life but his bearing and spirit are of a talented Knight.’

Yan, who noticed Slayman’s gaze before Calian – he stared at Slayman for a moment, anger clear in his eyes before leaning forward to whisper to Calian, 

“It seems that Duke Siegfried has taken an interest in you, your highness,” 

Calian flashed a quick smile; he was a swordmaster after all, there was no way he wouldn’t have noticed. However it was not a big deal whether this much was noticed – with only this much, Slayman had no grounds for any other doubts. 

“Although I’m thankful, it’s still early. Pretend you haven’t noticed for now,” He replied to Yan without turning his gaze. 

“As you command, your highness,” Yan replied without hesitation as he had been of the same mind. 

Soon, Calian began to soften the thing Slayman had noticed little by little – it was the bright spirit and charisma he had let loose to catch the attention of the crowd. And one by one, people turned away from Calian to pick up on their own conversations and soon, people were trying to speak to Slayman too. 

When that happened Slayman had no choice but to give up on his curiosities about Calian to engage in conversation with the other nobles.

It was not long after that, that the other two princes appeared and a few moments after them, the King and Queen entered. The banquet began with Rumein’s thank you speech and Calian stayed in his seat for exactly 30 minutes before pretending to head to the garden for a little fresh air. 

Yan, who had left with him, soon brough Raven, leading him by the reins. Calian had originally planned to simply walk alongside Yan while leading Raven like this, but Yan was worried about Calian’s pallid face and insisted he ride atop Raven. 

Yan watched with fascination as Raven stood perfectly still while Calian mounted and said, 

“It’s amazing. He is as gentle as a sheep when in front of you, your highness,” 

Calian brushed a hand through Raven’s mane and smiled, 

“Of course, Raven is so good,” 

“Please don’t be fooled, your highness, when you are not there… whooo,” Yan sighed heavily, 

Calian grinned brightly, laughing in response. They chatted, exchanging stories and laughing while making their way through the path. Once they were in a position where they could see the main gate while being a reasonable distance away, Calian stopped and kept a firm eye on the gate. 

Yan was curious about why they were waiting here, but kept his mouth closed. He knew that it was better to ask after Calian got what he wanted. 

And what Calian wanted was Alan Manasil. 

“Good evening, your highness,” Even though he had found a heavily shadowy area, the pristine while cloak with sparkling gold still made him conspicuous among the royal guards, so they greeted him casually as they passed. 

Yan was wearing a formal black suit instead of the servants uniform he usually wore since he was accompanying Calian to the Banquet which made him harder to see in the dark. 

Seeing the difference, Calian regretted his choices for a moment. ‘I should have worn something black today,’ 

The one saving grace though was that it meant no one asked him what he was doing. That was because of the reputation Franz had – if someone dared ask him what he was doing then they would have to deal with his rage at being questioned. 

‘And Randell just looks too scary to question casually,’ 

Which was why as long as he did not attempt to exit the main gate to enter the Heisia Palace where Silica resided, no one would question what he was doing. 

From a distance, the slow approaching sound of horse hooves could be heard, Calian raised his head, eyes lighting up as he looked towards the main gate. After seeing his reaction, Yan also strained his ears to listen carefully, 

“So you were waiting for someone, your highness?” Yan asked, 

“Yes,” Calian replied shortly, before placing an index finger over his lips – Yan nodded.