Stronger (RPG)

"From now on, I'll do my best to be the hero people expect me to be."

Nell bowed his head in reply to Prince Simon's vow. The light emitted from his hands dissipated, as the healing session came to an end.

"Are we done now?"

Nell nodded, his head kept bowed.

"Thank you, Nell, I better inform Rode about my plans, then."

Simon stood from his seat and was surprised that the ache on his left leg was completely gone!

"Wow, Nell, my leg feels as good as new!" he said happily. "You really are a great healer!" He took hold of Nell's hand and shook it. "Now, I can really show everyone that I have changed for the better!"

Simon went to the door and opened it.

Rode was waiting just outside.

"Shall we go to your first appointment now, your highness?" he asked Simon.

"Of course, Rode," Simon said with a big smile. "Where should we head to for now?"

"We are to meet Duke Fann and his family in the north garden for some morning tea. I was told that Earl Summers had arrived earlier than expected and have decided to join us as well."

"Okay, then, please lead the way," Simon replied, hoping that he sounded like a proper prince.

He had decided to act like a true noble, after all, just as his brother Juno had told him to.

"Also," he added as they went on their way, "please tell the servants to take all my belongings from my former room and give the still useful ones to my healer Nell." He looked at Nell and smiled. "I know that they might not be that much, but I hope they can be of use to you for now."

He faced Rode once more. "I was also told that a palace will be prepared for me?"

"Yes, your highness, you can move there this evening," the butler replied.

"Then please send the things there instead. Nell can have a room with the rest of my new attendants."

"As you request, your highness," Rode replied with a slight bow.

Simon was ushered to the North Garden which is often used to entertain guests from nobility.

A large pergola could be seen in the middle, surrounded by flowering bushes. The main path leading to it was covered in climbing roses. The sweet scent of the delicate flowers surrounded him as he made his way to the center.

"This place is so enchanting!" Simon said with a small, childish laugh. "This is the first time I've been here, or anywhere else in the main palace, for that matter."

Rode kept silent, as a butler was expected to.

He stepped to a side when they reached the covered sitting area and announced Simon's arrival.

"His highness, Prince Simon, 9th prince of the Eastern Twin Kingdom, has arrived."

Simon looked at the people gathered around a circular marble table. They stood in reverence as he entered, and gently lowered their heads.

"These are Duke Fann and the Duchess Desal, with their children, Princess Tina and Princess Fay," said Rode, addressing the two princesses who stood at either side of their bulky middle-aged father.

"And these are Earl Summers with his daughter Lady June," the butler added.

Compared to the elderly Duke, the slim looking Earl Summers looked quite the academic with his silver spectacles and sleek black hair, so did his daughter who wore a simple moss green dress with her black hair tied in a neat bun.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, your highness, Prince Simon," they all greeted him.

"The pleasure is all mine," said Simon with a curt bow.

It was a good thing that he hasn't forgotten the basic etiquette lessons they were taught as kids.

Rode pulled out a seat for Simon, between Duke Fann's older daughter Tina, and Earl Summers' daughter June. Both ladies looked much older than him.

"I had no idea his highness looks so handsome up close!" Duchess Desal cooed. "You look so nice sitting next to our lovely Tina!"

Simon looked at the Duchess, then at her daughter who seemed to be in her mid-twenties. She has straight brown hair and green eyes like her father.

"I thank you for the compliment, your daughter truly is lovely," he replied with a shy smile.

"Ah, but don't you think my June suits you better?" Earl Summers piped in, "She just turned seventeen last month, she would make a good conversation partner since she is closer to your age."

The duke harrumphed.

"Well, if he is looking for someone closer to his age, then he might as well choose our little Fay who just turned thirteen this month! She is being educated in the prestigious Convent of the Blue Dove, where the Empress Mother graduated herself!"

"Well, my June came from the Convent of the Lilac Rose, which is famous for instructing princesses in the ways of art, beauty, and grace!" Earl Summers said coldly.

"Oh, my mother came from that convent as well!" said Simon, glad to be part of the conversation.

"I see, your highness, then would it not be great if you chose my June as your future companion!" Earl Summers said triumphantly.

"A companion?" Simon asked with a questioning look on his face. "Well, I guess it would be nice to have a companion to talk to and study with."

Simon smiled at the nobles seated around him.

He noticed that they all looked confused.

It was only June who stared at him with a hint of interest in her deep blue eyes.

"Ah, your highness," Earl Summers cleared his throat. "You seem to have misunderstood us..."

"Your highness, when we say 'companion', we did not mean someone who would merely 'accompany' you," the duchess laughed.

"We meant someone who would stay by your side," continued her husband. "Both in your work, and in your bed."

"In my bed?" Simon's forehead creased. "Why would we work in my be–"

The duke's words finally seeped in.

Simon's face turned bright red.

"M-my goodness!" he muttered, covering his face in embarrassment.

The duchess' laughter got louder, while the princesses kept their composure, their eyes, low, their lips pursed, except for princess June whose eyes kept staring at Simon.

"I-I'm afraid I-m still t-too young to think of m-marriage proposals!" he stuttered. "S-shouldn't you be asking my father about that instead?"

"Your highness, there's no reason to be flustered," said Earl Summers, "this is merely a small meeting for you to be acquainted to our daughters!"

"Please don't mind my husband's straightforward words," said the Duchess. "We just wish to show our appreciation to your heroic deed of ridding our Twin Kingdoms of the threat of the behemoth."

"That is right, your highness," the Earl smiled at Simon. "We are here to show you that we are ready to support you in any way we can. Thus, we wish that you will consider our daughters in the future."

"That is correct, your highness," the duke spoke once more. "But if you wish, we can let you marry our youngest right now, you can just consummate your wedding vows when you feel like it!" he said with a sleazy grin which made Simon's face burn up even more.

"Ugh, Duke Fann! You and your vulgar thoughts!" Earl Summers said, shaking his head.

"And you, Earl Summers, are still as stiff as the spine of the books you love to read! I'm sure your daughter would make a fine librarian instead!"

Simon watched as the two fathers bickered with each other.

In their lessons in politics, he learned that Duke Fann is a high ranking general in the royal army, while Earl Summers was the head of finance in the Eastern Twin Kingdom.

They were both quite influential, that's why he couldn't understand why the two were trying to wed their daughters to him.

The two kept bickering until the Butler cleared his throat.

"Your highness, Prince Simon, it is about time for you to meet his Majesty, your father, king Morel, in the dining hall."

"Ah, then please excuse me, Duke Fann, Earl Summers," Simon quickly said, "I'm afraid I need to leave first."

"Ah, then please think of my June when you choose a companion," said Earl Summers as he stood up from the table.

"Why bother, when he can wed them all?" Duke Fann mumbled, which earned him a jab from his wife.

"Dear, you know well that only the crown prince has the right to have concubines," she said with a forced smile.

"Well, I won't be surprised if we get a new candidate for the crown prince position soon!" Duke Fann announced with a laugh.

He went to Simon's side as the young prince was about to leave and clapped him on the back, sending him off balanced.

"Just don't forget our Tina and young Fay when your father recognizes your worth!" he said with a grin.

"I-I shall do just that," replied Simon with a nervous laugh.

Dining with the King wasn't any better.

Simon's father, King Morel was already seated at the end of the long banquette table when Simon arrived.

His older brothers, Prince Juno and Prince Largos, were both seated to his left, while the place of honor to his right was vacant.

Rode pulled the chair to the king's right hand and waited for Simon to take his place.

"I-I'm sorry for being late, I had a previous engagement with Duke Fann and Earl Summers..." Simon tried to explain.

"Yes, we are well aware of your schedule," answered Prince Juno who slightly gazed at Rode. "So, have you met their daughters?"

"T-their daughters...?" Simon said awkwardly while the servants brought out one platter of food after another.

"Yes, my son," the King answered as they began to eat. "It is important for you to be acquainted with a lady of your choosing. You are, after all, being considered as a crown prince candidate."

Simon began to choke on the piece of toast he was nibbling.

"C-crown prince?!" he managed to croak out.

His eyes fell on his two older brothers.

They didn't seem to be affected by this news.

"Of course," their father continued. "You are this country's savior! It is just right to offer you a chance to be the future king!" he declared with pride.

"B-but... what about brother Juno and brother Largos?" Simon asked.

"As it has been in the past, when there are no twins in either the East and the West kingdoms, the royal family would train the two first born princes as candidates for the crown prince position," explained Juno. "Should something happen to me, then Largos shall take my place," he continued, "but both of us have always been ready to step down, in case twins are born to the Twin Kingdoms."

"As it is, it is my honor to step down to make way to a more... fitting... candidate," Largos finished through gritted teeth.

"B-but..."

Simon was about to argue some more, when he paused to think.

'Wait a minute, why do I sound like I dislike being a crown prince?' he thought to himself. 'Once I become the leading candidate, I can enjoy the same privileges brother Juno and brother Largos have! I could live in splendor in a palace, and have royal knights and servants under my command! And isn't it just right for me to be treated as the Hero I am?'

'I mean... I may not be the one who actually killed the Behemoth, but I was in that battle, and I almost died that day, while my two brothers were lazing around safely, miles away from the Dark Forest.'

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CHOICES:

[Should I decline the offer?] go to Part 27

[Should I accept it graciously?] go to Part 28

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