His small transport stood waiting in front of Chermil Palace. Judging by the fact that it was a lone carriage, both Randall and Franz must have already left.
‘Randall I understand, but even Franz?’
It was unexpected, but even so Calian wasn’t late yet. After the driver confirmed that Calian and Yan were on board, the carriage began to move at a steady pace.
Because of the large number of visitors to the royal palace, there were many carriages streaming in and out of the grounds.
The carriage soon arrived at the Arpia Palace, where the king’s study could be found. The original schedule was to head to the Camila Palace, the king’s residence, but because the festival preparations had gone overlong the lengthy formalities were removed and there was only to be a brief greeting at the king’s office. Calian appreciated this development. The most difficult part of the schedule was changed into the simplest.
However, after a time Calian turned to Yan with a puzzled expression.
Where are they?
Randall and Franz were nowhere to be seen. Yan’s pupils trembled nervously. He didn’t know either.
Calian gave a rueful smile.
Well, it seems like there’s something I do not know.
Yan was at a loss for what to do.
Then, someone approached them. It was the grand chamberlain, who managed the royal household and gave quite a severe impression with his shock of white hair. He bowed reverently to Calian.
Hello, Prince Calian.
Calian acknowledged him with light nod.
Where are my brothers?
he asked.
Then the chamberlain looked up at Calian and replied,
They have already returned to the Chermil palace. His Majesty the King has said that something urgent had come up, so the format was changed. For the same reason, today’s lunch was canceled. I apologize that you weren’t informed in advance.
What the hell is going on here?
Calian replied with a confused look.
So you mean he’s meeting us individually?
Yes, Your Highness.
He could hear Yan breathing from behind. He could tell what he was thinking without looking at the face.
‘I didn’t tell you what to do when you meet His Majesty!’
Yan was so careful about manners even when Calian already had his separate education.
However, the king didn’t have enough time to meet the three princes at once. Calian couldn’t understand it. No matter how one thought of it, seeing the three at once would take less time.
Whatever the reason, he had to follow the king’s wishes, no matter how fickle.
Then may I go inside now?
Calian asked.
The chamberlain replied with a bow.
Yes, Your Highness. Right away.
This was the first time he would meet Calian’s father. He never thought such a first meeting would be such a difficult one.
‘The first meeting will be alone.’
At least Randall and Franz wouldn’t be there.
The tension in his shoulders unraveled at once.
He secretly took a deep breath as he walked toward his office.
Calian could not find any memories of private meetings with his father. Even when he was Bern, he had never met privately with his own father the king, as they were not on good terms with each other. Chase was the only king he had ever met alone, and the solitude with Chase were brotherly encounters. Nothing like this.
Calian entered the royal office with a serious look on his face.
He was like a swan swimming on a lake. Though calm on the surface, underneath he was as breathless as if he had done five laps on the shores by Chermil Palace. He repeated the words he would say dozens and dozens of times to himself, but they all flew away when his gaze fell upon the king.
