TOPWL: 4

“The first banquet will be hosted by His Highness Reginald, the second by His Highness Hiore, the third by His Highness Azil, and the fourth by His Highness Yudit. If anyone has any objections, please speak now.”

It seemed like Hiore had picked an awkward day, as his expression was not pleasant, but he did not challenge the Emperor, who had appeared in public after a long time. As the princes remained silent for a while, the attendant turned to confirm the Emperor’s wishes. When the Emperor nodded, the attendant opened his mouth.

“Then, I will explain the rules. First, any use of goods beyond the allotted amount is prohibited. If any additional expenditure is revealed, the participant will face consequences in future competitions. Second, the personal use of goods is forbidden. You must submit the ledger within a week after the banquet. That is all.”

The attendant finished speaking and looked at the Emperor. The Emperor, having put down his handkerchief, spoke solemnly.

“I hope you will host a banquet that showcases the dignity of the Adanauer Empire.”

With the Emperor’s words, the audience was dismissed. The guards opened the heavy iron doors. The princes left the audience chamber, each in their own way. Reginald had a confident expression, while Hiore was frowning. Yudit seemed lost in thoughts, and Azil was tightly holding onto his ledger. The Emperor watched their backs for a long time as they left.

…

“My goodness, with this money, we could even repair the prince’s residence!” The nanny exclaimed, looking at the money Yudit had brought. It was the first time Yudit had brought additional funds beyond the budget for the prince’s residence, so it was understandable that the nanny was overwhelmed.

“We can’t afford repairs because we have to record every expense in the ledger.”

The nanny looked disappointed at Yudit’s words.

“I thought we might be able to do some repairs this time. The servants’ rooms are drafty and cold.”

“I’m sorry. Let’s discuss this once the next budget arrives. This amount includes the additional costs for hiring more servants and meal expenses, so we should be able to find a compromise.”

“Ah, well, that’s a relief.”

After Yudit suggested a solution, the nanny finally felt reassured. She knew that Yudit’s room, too, had been freezing for years. However, Yudit was young, while the nanny and the other servants were aging. No one wanted to live in the decaying prince’s residence, so it was difficult to manage with a small number of people. That’s why, the nanny thought, they deserved some consideration.

“So, what’s the task? You said there’s going to be a banquet?”

“They’re sending envoys from the Herut Kingdom. The princes will each host a banquet for them, one by one.”

“Herut? The people from the desert? Aren’t they barbarians?” The nanny shuddered in fear.

“That country has its own unique culture and way of life. Since they’re coming as guests, it’s better to refrain from making such remarks.”

Yudit spoke sharply, a rare occurrence, and the nanny pouted in response.

“There’s only us here, you know.”

“Still, we must be cautious. You know there are many ears in the imperial palace.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll go clean now. You don’t know how hard it is to clean with so few servants. Ugh, my back aches.”

The nanny patted her shoulder and turned away. As Yudit watched her angry back, he sighed softly. When reprimanded, the nanny often deflected by changing the subject to something personal about the other person, a tactic she had used for years.

Yudit had long known that the nanny wasn’t someone to look up to. He also knew that her attitude now was not fitting for a prince. However, since she had cared for him since his mother passed away, he found it hard to say anything. At least she stayed by his side instead of running away, which he appreciated.

But that wasn’t the important part. The banquet was only a month and a half away.

He had to do something. Sitting at his desk, Yudit wrote neatly.

A banquet that showcases the empire’s dignity.

It was something the Emperor had said directly. It couldn’t be unimportant. A banquet showcasing dignity could be interpreted in many ways. Reginald would probably host a banquet that overwhelmed the guests with the empire’s culture and food. But what could Yudit do? As he pondered, Yudit stood up and began walking toward the library.

…

“…Your Highness.”

“Prince Yudit.”

“…..”

“….Ah!”

Yudit was startled by the small voice coming from beside him. Bashur, wearing his glasses, was smiling gently at him.

“What book is so interesting?”

“Ah… It’s a book about the Herut Kingdom. I got an assignment about it.”

“I’ve heard about the competition. You’re already working hard,” Bashur said, looking at Yudit with admiration, but his expression soon darkened.

“Why…? Ah.”

Yudit quickly covered his neck in surprise. There was a faint blue bruise on his white neck. It was the mark left by the Duke’s visit the previous night. Yudit had intentionally wrapped a scarf around his neck to hide it, but he hadn’t realized it had loosened while he was reading.

“I know a good remedy for bruises. I’ll get it for you.”

“No, it’s alright.”

“I’m not alright with this.”

Bashur firmly said, then left the imperial library. Yudit watched his retreating figure with a complicated expression.

“Time has already passed like this.”

Yudit rubbed his eyes and looked out the window. The sun was setting behind the garden. He had been so absorbed in his reading that he didn’t realize how late it had become. The Herut Kingdom was fascinating. The folk tales and myths about the desert, warriors and dancers, oases.

He had studied their language and way of life, but he had never read these kinds of stories, so he was excited.

Thinking he should borrow a few more books, Yudit was about to stand up when Bashur came rushing back, oblivious to his hair falling out of place.

“Who said running in the library is forbidden?”

Bashur smiled awkwardly at Yudit’s words. It reminded him of when Yudit was a child, always bouncing with excitement every time they visited the library. In Bashur palm was a small medicine bottle, about the size of two fingers.

“Please, let this time slide.”

With those words, Bashur opened the bottle with a pop. The light green ointment emitted a soft, cooling fragrance. Bashut took a generous amount and walked toward Yudit. It was only then that Yudit realized what he was trying to do and pulled his neck back in a flustered manner.

“I-I can apply it myself.”

“The bruise on your neck is hard to see. Let me do it.” As Bashur’d hand approached, Yudit’s heart raced. He closed his eyes, feeling a ticklish sensation, but then a low voice interrupted.

“You seem to be getting along well.”

Bashur froze, and Yudit turned to see the Duke, Khalid, watching them with a curious smile. The atmosphere froze, and Yudit and Bashur stiffened as Khalid made a polite gesture.

“Greetings, Your Highness .”

“Ah, it’s a pleasure, Duke.”

“I’ve been wanting to meet you, and it seems fate has brought us together.”

At the Duke’s words, the already quiet imperial library grew even more silent. There were only three of them, which was a small blessing, but what was the Duke up to?

“…I, too, have always wanted to speak with the Duke.”

“Well, that’s fortunate. But… what is that mark on your neck?”

“….”

Yudit stared silently at Khalid, who smiled slyly, pretending not to know anything.

“…It’s nothing. I have a bad sleeping habit.”

“A sleeping habit… It seems the prince has some unique preferences. If you ever need a meeting for that sort of thing, I can arrange it for you.”

“Thank you for your kindness. I will let you know if needed.”
What a poor sense of humor. It was obvious that Khalid was teasing him, yet Yudit still chose to play along. Khalid chuckled softly at Yudit’s response, clearly enjoying the situation.