When he took off his helmet, his black hair flowed down past his shoulders. The servants helped him remove the heavy armors from his chest, arms, and legs. He had never protected his body with so much during war. He had been marching through the streets dressed like a clown, while suffering through the endless people screaming their heads off. He had barely been able to endure marching in the perfect military formation, like the Emperor's dog.
"Why don't you hang some paintings here and there? It's so barren here."
However, that was not what was bothering him at the moment. An uninvited guest had followed him to his private quarters, being critical of everything. Although he was in the middle of changing, the other man shamelessly wandered around, engrossed in the surroundings.
"This is my bedroom."
"Strictly speaking, this isn't your bedroom. It's the living room that happens to serve as a bedroom. This place is perfectly suited for a guest."
"The guest living room is on the first floor."
"If not today, when else would I be able to visit your home. Don't be so stingy. I have some very nice art pieces. I shall send some over to you."
He endured the rising anger in his heart; one would never know what he was really feeling from his outward appearance. He had an icy expression, while his red eyes looked calm and at peace.
He stoically let his servants attend to him, as they dressed him in a tailcoat suit. He was preparing for tonight's victory ball.
He was originally going to rest, and only show up near the end of the ball. If it wasn't for this irritating uninvited guest.
"I will only be able to go to today's ball," he said as he b.u.t.toned the cuff of his sleeve.
"Fine. But the party isn't three days, but five&h.e.l.lip;"
"Are you going back on your words?"
"I got it. Look, Duke. Why do you hate attending social parties? We have delicious wine, food, along with beautiful women. Why don't you enjoy your time here?"
"I already have more than enough wine at home. I don't have much of a hobby seeking for delicious food, either. Even without attending these parties, I already have more than enough women."
"Look here. That's not the only reason for these functions. Duke, you must help me out here. You gave me your word."
"I promised I would help you when you become the next Emperor."
"Is that so? Who do you think will be able to become the next Emperor if not me?"
Crown Prince Kwiz stood up tall and confident.
"Let us talk after you become the next Emperor."
One never knew how the world would turn. Kwiz didn't seem bothered by his words, but simply sighed.
"You're more difficult to win over than a coy young lady."
"A clingy man is never popular."
"Mmn? Uh? Duke, was that a joke? That's a joke, isn't it?"
Kwiz laughed in amus.e.m.e.nt, but the other man was less than enthusiastic.
"Let us leave."
He wanted to kick this uninvited guest from his private quarters as soon as possible.