Isn’t the wannabe Villain too cute?

[It was around the time when Austin returned from his hometown. After Luna told Austin about the incident in the reception hall with Prince Cain, he paid a visit to the royal capital.]

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"Have the tea been sent to Luna-san?"

"Hai, My lord."

In an extravagantly decorated hall that was shining with the radiance of its natural golden color walked two remarkably charming people varying in gender.

The girl who just replied to her master was, by appearance, a female in her early twenties with long auburn hair neatly tied in a ponytail that bumped with each of her steps.

Her facial features were undoubtedly above average, with a high nose and sharp hazelnut-shade eyes, which could make one nervous about glancing upon yet too inviting to ignore.

The man she was following and regarded as her lord was the most probable successor of the throne of Gram, Mikhail.

The woman he asked various things along the way to his office was his assistant and bodyguard, Jeanne. The only person on whom Mikhail trusts and relies entirely.

"Let's see how First Emperess reacts when she hears about it… "

What happened some days ago has put a heavy boulder on him since it wasn't just any measly person who attempted to do such an offense with the Saintess of Humanity.

Nobody knew that the first prince, Cain, could be so treacherous to lay hands on someone, using a demonic artifact, no less.

The facts, despite being bitter, Alex introduced in court at times of the War of Eden Academy, have been becoming a reality, day after day.

Not only students or soldiers have been getting involved with the nemesis of humanity, but now the royalties too. It really was uncertain now whom to trust or from whom to be wary.

The First wife of Emperor William and the mother of Cain haven't taken any action regarding the news of her son's imprisonment. But the silence was more deadening than any reaction.

For now, Mikhail has to look out for one person since he knows what depends on that person's response to this whole incident.

"Keep a close eye on the Academy, and let me know when Austin arrives."

"Certainly, my lord."

As Jeanne responded, she entered the office with the prince only to get startled at her first step.

With her hand falling on the hilt of her sword in reflex, she narrowed her gaze and stood in front of Mikhail to shield him from the possible threat sitting lazily on the office chair.

Mikhail's eyes widened before he grabbed Jeanne's hand and shook his head in denial.

"Don't, Jeanne. We can't afford to further offend him."

Mikhail spoke in a whispering tone before he walked away from his overprotective bodyguard's shadow, despite her pleading not to.

"My lord, but…."

"Don't worry, Lady Jeanne. I came here to talk."

The person who happened to be the most significant concern Mikhail had recently said in a tone that sent a shiver down the lady's back, but she held her ground and kept her eyes on the intruder.

"There's a procedure to meet the Prince, Sir Austin. If you may, you should also feel obliged to them."

Hearing the stiffness in her voice, Austin shrugged his shoulder as he replied, "Well, I will keep it in mind from next time."

Jeanne glared at the blond youth before following Mikhail to the head seat opposite Austin. Pulling the chair, she helped the man before standing on his left with her guard pulled all the time.

Mikhail had an apologetic smile on his face as he greeted the guest.

"It's been a while, Austin-san. How have you been."

Mikhail had no idea when Austin returned, but there was no doubt why he came here for. For even a minuscule, Mikhail had hopes that Luna wouldn't tell him about it…but nothing goes what one expects them to.

For now, he could only hope to get things through without making their relationship any more bitter than it already has.

Mikhail has an eye for powerful entities and in front of him was someone with the colossal potential to become one of the strongest pillars standing at the frontiers of Gram in the future.

When he gets on the throne, Mikhail needs people like him so he can run the empire way better than his father. Now, one could guess why Mikhail gives such importance to an ex-noble boy.

"Let's get straight to the point, Your Highness. That would save time for both of us. "

"!!"

Jeanne's glare became even denser as she felt utterly agitated hearing how prudently Austin was toward her lord. But nothing of that worked on the receiver as Austin's gaze remained on the front man.

Mikhail took a sip of water between the chilling gaze of two people before he nodded for the guest to continue.

"Hand me, Prince Cain."

Mikhail brought his composure back, leaning his chin on the intervened fingers as he responded in a serious tone.

"What if I reject?"

Jeanne had no respect or loyalty toward Cain, but still, when Austin asked so directly about the man who, despite being a perverted criminal, was the first prince, it made the woman amazed.

But upon hearing her lord suggesting a possible rejection, her body stiffened before she readied herself in case things went South.

And looking at Austin's change in temperament, her alertness has proven to be justified.

"It's not a question about whether you permit me or not. Prince Cain is already dead, in my perception. Either you make the route easy by agreeing right here and now, or I bring down the fortress and fulfill what I desire. I don't mind the chaos, but would you sacrifice your men to stop the inevitable?"

His voice, from start to end, remained emotionless, with a peculiar intent filling his hollow gaze. Austin didn't care even if the front man was the next Emperor. For him, anyone who dares to touch his beloved has no other way to compensate rather than death.

Mikhail understood the stance of the matter and how serious Austin was with his words. Of course, there were elite warriors in the Gramanian court and veterans like Charles and Alex, but it was uncertain which side would receive more damage.

Mikhail already has seen, through two events what capability Austin carries to the point he handled multiple Terror Ranks one-sidedly. Not to mention the high-tier artifacts he holds, which not even the Royal Treasury could match.

If Mikhail rejects the boy now, not only would there be a disastrous mayhem break out, but also all the possibility of taking Austin as one of Gram's assets would completely vanish.

After ten minutes or so of deep contemplation, it seemed Mikhail finally concluded. After gulping down the water, he directed his gaze back to the boy with a small smile spreading on his face.

"Tonight at 10.30. You might want to check the southwest exit of the palace. And yes, please be a little less flashy if you may."

Jeanne's brows raised in astonishment upon witnessing the exchange. From outer observation, one could never guess what kind of trade has taken place at the moment.

On the other side, Austin nodded as his expression eased a little before he stood up and extended his hand.

Mikhail followed the suite and, after standing up, held the hand in a shake.

"I will remember this consideration, Your highness. Farewell."

With that, Austin left with the attainment of what he came for, leaving a troubled Prince behind.

Dropping on the chair, Mikhail's mind went through various thoughts as he asked his assistant to prepare a strong coffee.

'I better talk with Alex before this news breaks out….'

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A/N: - And so, the eldest prince's story concludes here. I know it was short and dramatic, but what can we do? There might arise a case of social tension between Austin and Gram, but well, he doesn't care about such things anymore.

Drop a comment if you are hyped for the Labyrinth arc~