Elliot wrinkled his brows as he looked at Flynn. The male’s face was hidden within the shadow as his head was half bowed, but Elliot felt that Flynn didn’t seem to care that his fate was in this little prince’s hands.

He bit his lip before letting out a light humph, “I'll forgive you this once.”

Mathew leaned on the table, resting his chin in the palm of his hand. He glanced between the gardener and his little brother with a slight chilling smile, “I see.”

Elliot shivered from the tone of his voice. Was Mathew not happy with his choice? He eyed the crown prince and noticed a malicious glimmer in his eyes as he waved his hand, dismissing Flynn, “if that’s the case, then leave.”

Flynn nodded and calmly left the room. It seemed like this matter didn’t affect him at all. But the servants in the room were already sweating. If Elliot mentioned being treated coldly by the servants to Mathew, they would be lucky to be fired.

They looked at Flynn with pitiful eyes and thought that their little prince was merciful.

“You didn’t bother punishing him?” Mathew’s voice was cold despite the smile on his face. Elliot shivered as he heard him continue, “then what was the point in telling me?”

Elliot pouted his lips, sealing them tightly, not wanting to dig himself into a hole. Mathew noticed his younger brother’s pale face and let out a sigh, “Enough, I’ll be heading back. There're still some things I need to take care of.”

He glanced at the nervous servants and said lazily, "I advise everyone to avoid a similar incident from happening while I'm gone."

Everyone’s face paled.

Elliot bit his lip but quickly responded, “Where are you going? Brother, can I go?”

Mathew’s eyes grew gentle and patted the prince’s soft hair. “No, I’m heading to the kingdom…you know very well why you cannot come.”

Elliot still pouted but didn’t ask anymore. Mathew glanced at the servants, “see me out.” he said calmly. Elliot followed close behind as Mathew got ready to depart. His watery eyes glistened at his brother, “when will you come back?”

Mathew paused in thought, “it might be a few months…”

Elliot knit his brow, making Mathew chuckle. “I’ll come back when I can.” After he took care of a few things, everyone bid him farewell, leaving the estate calm again.

Elliot lingered in his thoughts as he blankly watched the back of Mathew walk into the carriage. The only person he’ll be in contact with now would be that gardener. Elliot took some deep breaths. Thank God he didn’t shoot himself in the foot and punish him. He only hoped that he could somehow win his favor.

Days went by quickly as Elliot focused on studying while trying his best to convince the System he was not going out of character. So far, he seemed to be in the clear. Mrs. Chenge was also pleased as she took advantage of Elliot's found enthusiasm and brought in the material that she didn’t think she would be able to teach.

Elliot began to understand Gabriel’s kingdom more. At first, he thought they were a powerful kingdom with great wealth, but it turns out it was the exact opposite.

Their kingdom was one of the poorest on the continent due to the first king's inadequate abilities to rule. Wars were started and lost faster than most kingdoms, resulting in scarce resources.

Elliot can understand the peoples’ vehement anger at their sickly king for making the decree. The cold war between the princes would only make things worse.

Elliot sighed, closing the text before stretching his stiff body. He glanced out the bay window in the study; the garden was at full bloom with gentle water drops on the plump green leaves. The heated sunlight shined through, making the room unbearable to stay.

Mrs. Chen noticed Elliot’s distracted gaze, and a gentleness showed in her eyes. She lightly coughed, closing the book in her hands, “This will be all for now. We will pick up where we left off tomorrow, don’t forget that I will quiz you about what we went over today.”

Elliot’s eyes shined as he quickly nodded before he left the room. It was as if Mrs. Cheng’s words of dismissal gave Elliot energy to move again.

He hastily made his way towards the garden and immediately felt the gentle breeze on his face. The trees protected Elliot from the scorching sun, making it the perfect place for him to laze around.

The servants kindly greeted the small prince as he wandered the garden. The estate was peaceful, and the servants appeared to be in a good mood. Ever since Prince Mathew left, their little prince hasn’t done any pranks.

He seemed to focus more on studying and on that gardener. Ever since that day, he seemed to like bothering the poor guy. Whether it would be ordering him around or asking him to play, the little prince wouldn’t leave the man be.

Elliot eyed the garden and noticed the tall figure tending to the roses. His eyes instantly glittered before he rushed to the man and nearly pushed him to the ground.

“Good afternoon Flynn!”

The servants couldn’t help but quietly thank Flynn for his sacrifice.

Flynn knit his brows as he caught himself, “what do you need, your highness?” he already seemed used to this treatment, despite the annoyance showed on his knit brows, he never went out of line like before.

Elliot hung on Flynn’s waist as he spoke pitifully, “I’m bored from studying all day, why not entertain me?”

Flynn’s brows twitched as he let out a deep sigh, “I’m a gardener, not a jester. If you’re bored, then find something else to do. Aren’t you taking piano lessons?”

“I don’t want to play…come walk with me?”

Flynn glanced between the roses and Elliot, letting out a sigh, he seemed to give in and placed his tools down, “don’t blame me if they die.”

Elliot smirked, “Die? Roses are resilient. One day of neglect will be fine. Come on, let’s go!”

He quickly pulled onto Flynn until they came to a small pond within the garden. Koi fish swam around the clear waters and raced towards the edge of the pond where Elliot stood. They opened their mouths, hoping for some food.

Flynn watched the small prince play by the pond. He wondered why he would always insist that he’d keep him company.

The small prince was always alone in the past, so why bother him now?

He hesitated before finally asking, “is there a reason why you drag me away?”

Elliot paused by the water and glanced back. Flynn was leaning against one of the magnolia trees with his arms crossed against his chest. He seemed to notice Elliot’s confusion and continued, “there’s a lot of other servants at this estate. Some are even closer to your age, so why bother me?”

Elliot pursed his lips. It’s because you’re quite handsome, sir – No, that’s not right – he couldn’t say that he needed him to become king, could he?

[Comment below~ :0]

>"You're the only one who tolerates me."

>"I'm just lonely."

>"I need your help."

> Tsundere mode [ON]