Chapter 2 - Part 2
Part 2
“It’s common. Drinking can lead to arguments, even fights sometimes.”
“You seem a bit bored lately. If you pick fights with civilians, it could cause trouble.”
“As long as the prince has my back, what’s the problem?”
“So you’re encouraging fights after all?”
“What nonsense. In times of peace like these, it’s good to utilize skilled knights like me.
How much do you earn, by the way?”
As William had said, the continent had been in a mood of peace recently.
It had been over a year since the last conflict with the Balrua Empire, once considered rivals.
Incidents caused by magicians or sightings of monsters hadn’t occurred for the past ten years.
Therefore, even Eric, as the Knight Commander, had spent the past year stationed within the capital, with hardly any conflicts requiring deployment.
“But I don’t understand why I feel busier. It would be better to have a border zone to attend to.”
“Heh, well, I suppose I’ve been keeping you busy this past year.”
Eric, who was looking at William with displeasure as he chuckled, finally closed his mouth.
“So, is that your complaint? Because it’s a time of peace?”
“What are you talking about?
As knights tasked with protecting the empire and its citizens, it’s only natural to be glad-”
“That’s exactly my point. As a Knight Commander responsible for safeguarding the citizens of the empire, why do you treat the empire’s female citizens so poorly?”
“…”
Seeing that Eric seemed determined to end the conversation, likely anticipating further teasing, he closed his mouth before things could escalate any further.
“Cheh, boring.”
William, understanding that Eric’s response meant he wouldn’t engage further, clicked his tongue and withdrew his arm from Eric’s shoulder.
Despite being a prince and a subject, the two of them got along effortlessly, being former classmates at the military academy.
And thanks to his status as a prince, William was the only person who could speak bluntly to Eric without repercussions.
“I’ve had a change of heart. Let’s go have some of the salon’s special brandy.”
“But earlier, you said you didn’t want to go out with servants trailing behind?”
“It’s rare to have some leisure time, and I don’t feel like spending it in the palace.
Besides, as long as you’re with me, nothing bad will happen. Let’s sneak out.”
“You’re not bothering to keep your expression in check?”
“Oh, did it show?”
Eric tried to brush it off nonchalantly, but William eyed him and chuckled.
“Planning to drink until you drop dead?”
“Do it yourself. I’ll just watch you die.”
“You sometimes say really hurtful things without batting an eye.”
“Someone who knows all about my reputation should be immune to hurt. That’s unlikely.”
“Are you forgetting that I’m a prince right now?”
“That’s absurd. Even if you were a prince, you wouldn’t hold back from saying what you want.”
“Well, anyway, I won’t say a word.”
“Oh, you’re surrendering? I didn’t know you lacked that much pride.”
“Let’s just drop it, okay?”
In the end, the prince raised both hands in surrender.
In the VIP salon office, Alicia flipped through the last pages of the documents.
“Alright. We’re done here.”
She tidied up her desk, checked the clock, then got up from her seat.
All she needed to do now was hand over the final version to Madame and give her some explanations, and it would truly be finished.
“I might be a little late, so I should hurry.”
Just as she opened the door, she barely managed to catch it as someone seemed about to collide with it.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s fine.”
Eric let go of the door he had casually held and continued walking with William.
Being a prince, they sometimes used the rear passages to move around quietly, but the narrow corridors occasionally led to situations like this.
“Wow. Quick reflexes. Guess paying your salary isn’t a waste after all.”
“… ”
Trying to apologize properly, Alicia quickly stepped out into the corridor, but by then, the two men were already far away.
With no other choice, she gave up and walked towards Madame’s office.
***
The meeting with Madame took longer than expected, so as soon as it ended, Alicia hurried out, intending to catch her carriage.
“Alicia Lancaster. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Who are you?”
A stranger approached and spoke.
“I’m Richard, from Lord Callen’s estate.”
“Oh, I see. But what brings you here?”
Madame remembered the similar name being mentioned.
She knew she had declined whatever it was, but she hadn’t expected the person to show up in person.
Feeling it might become bothersome, she inwardly sighed.
“Well, it may have been sudden, but I actually have something I really want to say.”
“I’m aware that you’ve already received my decision through Madame.”
“That’s true, but I thought it might be better to deliver it in person for a proper understanding.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think my decision will change.”
“Lady Alicia.”
“I have nothing more to say, so I’ll take my leave now. I have to hurry.”
“Then allow me to escort you to your residence.”
“It’s fine. Really.”
With a firm voice, Alicia declined, then turned away to board her carriage.
“Oops.”
Before she knew it, she was pulled out of the carriage by her arm.