He thought it would be a good idea for me to familiarize myself with the place since we’d be staying longer. I couldn’t help but notice that he’d purposefully omitted saying that this place was also my home so being familiar with where everything was would be a wise as well. I couldn’t help but sigh at that. It felt like the version of Donellan I had in front of me was completely different from the one from the novel. Normally you would think that I’d have an advantage  since I’ve read The Tales of Earl Grey, then I would know everything there is to know about my “father”. But it felt like every time I was closer to figuring him out, or better yet, every time I thought I’d figured him out, I was only further from knowing the truth. I think the problem was that I was constantly comparing him to the novel and not seeing him as an actual person I need to get to know. I made a resolution to stop relying on the “facts” of the novel, and start seeing things for what they really are. These are no longer characters from a fictional story. I was merely deceiving myself into thinking I’d be able to adapt to everything and figure things out with no problem. I really am an idiot I thought to myself. I should’ve thought of this sooner. I couldn’t help but sigh at my own complacency. 

“You’ve been sighing quite a lot young master.” Hecate retorted. “What problems could a six year old boy possibly have to be sighing so much?” He chuckled. 

I couldn’t help but shoot him a look. If only this guy knew the problems I had to deal with. I don’t think he’d even begin to imagine if I told him. 

“Even a six year old has things they need to worry about.” I replied with a huff. 

“Really? Do enlighten me with these “worries” that plague you so. Maybe I can be of some assistance.” Hecate said smugly. 

“Please don’t take any offence to this, but I don’t think you’d be of much help.” 

“Oh?” Hecate retorted curiously. “I might not look it, but I am quite knowledgeable, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.” 

“I appreciate your concern Hecate but I am fine. This is something I need to deal with on my own.” I said curtly. 

“Well if you have a change of heart, you can always count on me young master. I am your father’s advisor.” 

“If you’re my father’s advisor, shouldn’t you be with him right now?” I asked in hopes to get him to leave. 

Hecate couldn’t help but laugh at this. He didn’t know why, but he found Simuel’s dismissive attitude towards him quite amusing. 

“Unfortunately, your father is quite busy with his knights at the moment. It looks like he has a lot of preparing to do and that means the same goes for his knights.” He said seriously. 

I couldn’t help but look at Hecate when he said this. I think it was the first time since I’ve met him that he’s had a serious look on his face. Even when he was addressing Donellan he still had a playful look to him. It seems like the novel is progressing at this point. Although I don’t know the details, going to the capital to meet his Highness wasn’t for nothing. 

“Speaking of my father, is his schedule always this busy?” 

“For the most part. We usually don’t get to see the master come out much especially when he’s preparing for an expedition. I think it’s the first time he’s had diner with anyone. We were all quite surprised.” Hecate said while giving me a knowing smile. 

Noor who hadn’t said much until this point also agreed with Hecate. 

“He is right young master. The master is usually always so busy. It is a rare sight for him to come out of his chambers to eat, let alone chat with anyone.” 

“Oh, is that so.” I said. I couldn’t help my sour mood at that moment. Of course I knew Donellan was a busy man, but I didn’t think it was this bad. I mean when does this guy ever get a break. 

The other two who noticed the little master’s bad mood looked at each other. Hecate couldn’t help but sigh. What a pitiful child he thought to himself. 

He cleared his throat before saying: “little master, why don’t you go see your father right now? I’m sure he shouldn’t be too busy at the moment.”

I looked up at Hecate, surprised by what he said. “But didn’t you say he was with his knights right now?” I said looking confused. 

At this, Hecate tried very hard to suppress the laugh that was threatening to burst out the moment he let his guard down. This little one is so cute, he thought. 

“Yes he is but I don’t think he’ll mind having you stop by. Plus it’ll be a chance for you to meet your father’s knight order as well.” He said reassuringly. 

I couldn’t help but look at him doubtfully. On one hand I didn’t want to be a bother and disrupt whatever training or meeting was going on but on the other, I really wanted to see him for some reason. Also I was curious to see his knights. 

So I nodded and told him that I wanted to see him. Hecate didn’t say much after that but only smiled, and lead us to where father would be.