Chapter IV-II:

First Prince of H'arkin

Headmaid Sonia, who had a habitual tendency to go all out, also went all out in making her cute. Eilane's dress was reminiscent of a bluebell flower, with lapis lazuli gemstones affixed to her neck and wrists. Her golden mane was thoroughly combed and cared for. Its natural waves and golden glow gave off the aura of a goddess.

Certainly she was very beautiful, but because she was still only 8 years old, the contrast in appearance and age just seemed creepy.

Rafael had cardinal red hair and matching eyes that gave off a harsh intensity. The two sat across from one another beside a window that let in warm sunshine. His aggressive carmine appearance seemed to alight even further in the presence of warmth despite his still-growing child’s body.

A high platter of desserts and rose tea was laid out on the intimate, round table where they sat. Alone together, it was both their first time in such a situation. The silence was stiffening.

“It is nice to meet you, Eilane.” He paused in uncertainty before continuing on, “I heard that we go through the same academic materials in our lessons. Have you perhaps read Nicomachean Ethics?”

But this was a textbook case of how one ‘shouldn’t judge a book by its cover’. The first prince actually had such a well-mannered temperament, most people fell silent whenever they had to reconcile his severe looks and mild personality.

Eilane became aware that although he was good-looking (and thus, probably no-good), this prince had good manners and tried to dutifully break the ice. At this age, she still believed a political marriage to be inevitable, so she decided she would try to be polite as well.

“Yes, I have. I suppose the education of royalty is quite similar throughout the continent.”

Rafael’s eyes sparkled like rubies at hearing this.

Unlike Eilane, the prince was intrigued in meeting another person around his age. Most nobility are raised surrounded by those older than them after all, never having a chance to interact with other children.

Not only this, but he too was under the mistaken impression that their nations weren’t on good terms. If he had to marry for political reasons, then that was his responsibility as first prince.

Of course, if Eilane should take offense to this, then there would be no helping it - He would never dare force a lady’s hand in engagement. Still, at the very least, he thought this would be a good chance to strengthen their bonds.

In wonderment, everyone rightly praised him as such: “What an exceptional and good child!”

His next words were filled with excitement, “This work is certainly the model to which all people should strive towards! When it spoke about how human virtue and just behaviour is needed to be reconciled into good politics, it truly moved me. I hope to become a stoic and righteous leader just as these works have described.” For the first time in his life, the prince could freely speak about his interests with someone around the same age - It was unsurprising that his speech was overly eager.

Eilane noticed he leaned forward and took in another big breath. After listening to his rambling words, her blue eyes took on a faraway look and she thought:

Ah… I can’t match his level of excitement.