Chapter V-II:

Second Prince of H'arkin

In walked the great hero, Mithius.

“I apologize for my tardiness, I was asked to aid those in need.”

Seriously? Eilane Erst felt her eyebrow reflexively twitch in irritation.

It should have taken hours to get here from the church by foot. It seems I really can’t underestimate this musclehead’s muscleheaded-ness.

Walking up the plush red stairs leading up to the throne, not a glance was spared towards any of the others, including Joaquin. His silver irises looked only upon the Queen, as true as his holy sword that glimmered argent.

When he advanced one step further above the prince, Mithius kneeled fully, closing his eyes and head tilted towards the ground. His form declared devotion - a stark contrast to the one before him.

Joaquin’s eyes swirled like deep pools of blood, he was no longer smiling proudly and his expression looked as if he were planning premediated murder. “I thought paladins possessed punctuality.” He said bitingly, “But even without mentioning that, it seems strangers are more important to you than your obligation to your queen.”

Finding Joaquin's sass quite funny, the Queen looked on in amusement. But Mithius did not reply to Joaquin’s provocation.

“Since you so ungraciously kept everyone waiting, I did you a favour and stepped in first. Now that it is so, you should know to wait your turn.” She thought he would get even more angry at being ignored, but to her surprise, the second prince had calmly continued.

Hm, so it was an act to catch my attention. Joaquin made a show to seem arrogant and hotheaded, however he is as collected as his older brother.

Although she found him quite amusing, she also didn’t like dealing with his type the most.

Schemers are the worst.

Even an arrogant fool would be better. At least they cannot plot against or steal power from me.