Episode 5: This Is Way Too Explicit â Chapter 20.1
Calian took his hands off his face and looked up.
His face was hardened in anger. It was only to be expected. Calian was the one who ought to be the most enraged in this situation.
Of course, it was merely an expression that Calian had created to show the others. Calianâs true feelings were the exact opposite. He could even kneel and praise Franzâs tongue for saying such things out loud. For once, Franz, youâre being helpful!
Calian glanced at Rumein. What Calian wanted from Rumein wasnât for him to be enraged and punish Franz. It was just the oppositeâhe wanted Rumein to turn a blind eye. That would bring him the most good.
As if Rumein had read Calianâs wish, he really didnât do anything.
He didnât scold Franz or warn him of a later punishment or stare at him with disgust. He merely turned to the front and nodded at the grand chamberlain to signal the start of the second act. Silica bit her lip.
It was as if Rumein just showed everyone that he did not, and would not expect anything from Franz even in the future.
Calian once again smiled to himself.
How far will you take this, Silica? He was sure that Silica would somehow try to cover up the situation. Calian was looking forward to how it might happen.
The fan broke with a crushing noise in Silicaâs grip. This stupid child⌠I told him to stay put!
Rumein was well aware that Franz was misbehaved. There was no way that he wouldnât know, considering that he even banned Franz from drinking ever since he stood in front of the public while drunk. Therefore, he could brush off Franzâs rudeness to Calian as part of his usual personality.
However, he had crossed the line by insulting Freya, the late royal concubine, in public by bringing up her originâand moreover, in front of Rumein who loved Freya dearly.
Franz⌠Silica glanced at Franz. He must know what he had just done. Thatâs how she had raised him..
When Silica met Franzâs eyes, chills crawled up her spine.
Franz didnât look surprised or regretful.
âŚyou did it on purpose.
One corner of Franzâs lips was turned up ever so slightly.
That was when she realised that he had said it on purpose. It was clear that he was pulling this stunt to protest her visit earlier this morning. Silicaâs silent cry fell short to Franz.
Why today, Franz?!
Alan Manassil had visited the palace. Calianâs name was included in the noblemenâs discussion about the next crown prince. On the same day, Franz made an irrevocable mistake.
Nothing needed to be said about what the nobles who were straddling the boundary of Brissenâs line of power would think and do.
Silica bit her lip once again and faced the front. Although the second act was well on its way, nobody in the reserved seats were paying attention to it. Silica and Calian both continued on with their trains of thoughtâSilica to mend this situation, and Calian to use it..
* * *
âDear lordâŚâ
At the same time but at a different place, Melfir sighed upon finding something. It was both a sigh of relief as well as surprise. In front of him lay a halfway-cut rope.
âIf this had fallen on top of His MajestyâŚ!â
Just the thought of it was enough to make him feel as if he was being suffocated. Melfir quickly began taking measures so that the rope would not be damaged any further and guarded the rope so that nobody could approach it until the end of the show.
When he finally had the room to breath, Melfir turned and looked down. The black-haired prince who had warned him so that he could prevent this accidentâhence saving his lifeâwas sitting in his seat with perfect composure. Melfir recalled the face that Calian had made when Melfir told Rumein that he must give up sitting next to the King after taking Calianâs advice to heart.
The expression of the youngest prince was akin to that of a teacher who was watching his student successfully solve a difficult problem.
Moreover, he didnât seem to be concerned at all about what was going on up here. Calian didnât seem anxious about Melfir heeding his warning and solving the issue..
Even if today goes by without any trouble, His Highness wonât look for me again.
Melfir instinctively realised that Calian hadnât saved his life expecting something in return. Yet, Melfir was born a merchant, and he had never engaged in a trade without a price.
âDear lordâŚâ gulped Melfir.
* * *
The show was over, and the basket didnât fall.
I guess he took care of it properly. Just in case, Calian stood up and bought some time by talking to Yan. Calian only left the reserved seating area after Randall and Franz had left. As expected, the accident didnât happen.
When they walked down the stairs, Melfir was waiting for them.
âIt was a good show,â complimented Rumein. He didnât say anything about Melfirâs failure to stay by the Kingâs side. In fact, he was relieved that Melfir wasnât there to see Franzâs ill behaviour.
âIâm glad that you enjoyed it, Your Majesty.â Melfir remained humble.
Meanwhile, Calian glanced not at Melfir, but Silicaâwho was, in turn, eyeing Melfir. Although a small flash of curiosity took refuge in Calianâs eyes, it wasnât so obvious for someone to notice.
Thereâs no reaction from Silica.
Indeed, Franz had caused trouble today. However, that aside, Silica would never look past an accident that should have already happened. She wasnât so stupid as to forget about something so important just because of Franzâs blunder. Silica wasnât even paying attention to Melfirâs words of gratitude.
She doesnât seem to be caring about the accident at all. If Silica doesnât even know about the accident⌠that means that it was all just Lennonâs plan.
Calianâs thoughts tangled and intertwined with each other once again.
âI hope to see you at the ball, then,â said Melfir, looking at the three princes.
Although his words were specifically aimed at Calian, Calian acknowledged Melfirâs greeting with no particular reaction and seated himself on Ravenâs back.
If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.
Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.