Nikias chuckles “I thought I was a Prince, don't I have the authority to fire a staff I dislike?” Andreas seems to think that amnesia makes you stupid, or maybe Nikias used to be this stupid. But the current Nikias isn't weak or stupid, and he's definitely not a pushover, despite his young age, Vahe used to be the terror of his employers - that's why he was most times unemployed.

With his sharp tongue and precise thoughts, he would constantly clash with those that tried to step on him. Labeled as a Wild Dog that most definitely would bite its owner, Vahe used such claims to his favor, instating fear is better when you have no one to rely on. They were men in their 40s scared of a 17 year old, they're the dogs. Memories of his life on the streets are so unpleasant that it brings shivers to his spine. It took him two years and a lot of traumas to create the Wild Dog, so what stops him from doing it all over again?

“Yes, your highness, you do, I just would advise against”, the man is unshaken by Nikias words, he seems set in going against him for some reason. Does he think that I'm some sort of puppet Prince and he's the master of my strings?

The Prince thinks for a couple seconds before replying to his servant again. “You dress like a servant, yet want to act as an advisor?” Finally, words that seem to shock the servant. At first he seems at a loss for words, but he's quick to gather himself.

“My apologies, your highness, you are correct, I stepped out of place”, he's smart, Nikias observes, Andreas probably was the one behind a lot of Nikias actions as he seems too used to giving advice.

“Enough, you both leave, I'll talk with my mother about your compensation later” Nikias says coldly. I shouldn't keep those unloyal worms here, I need to establish a good foundation if I want to stay alive.

“Your highness, what do you mean?” Andreas' words are shaken, but he seems to keep his posture. Ha, Nikias thinks with a smirk.

“I meant leave”, he emphasizes the last word strongly, his eyes shining with a hint of danger, both men flinch, but this time they obey the man and leave the room without another word.

Then the Prince turns to the two servants in black. Their eyes are less dull but they're filled with doubt towards the man in front of them. 

“What about you guys? Who are you?” His words are less cold, but still calm, almost as if he's trying to make the men comfortable, but that only makes them distrust him more.

“I'm Lowe, a commoner”. So the black clothes mean they're commoners, that's why the other ones were wearing white and that obnoxious pin with the royal family coat of arms. Nikias thinks with disapproval, why they need to be dressed differently if they both are still the same: servants.

“And I'm Raphael, also a commoner” the other one replies. Both men look exactly the same, dark brown hair, black eyes and well built bodies, one seems slightly taller and muscular than the other, and if he looked closely he probably could differentiate them, however right now they look exactly a copy of each other in Nikias' eyes.

“Are you guys twins or something?” He states the obvious.

“Yes, your highness, we're twins”, they bow slightly to show appreciation towards the royal comment. Nikias isn't sure who's the one that replied.

“From now on, Raphael please use a freesia flower pin on your clothes so I can differentiate you.” Both men nod. “If you're my personal servant, that means you guys are probably quite knowledgeable, tell me what you can do”. Commoners are more desperate for the approval of the royal family, they're still dangerous but they least know their place. He watches as the cautious brothers look at each other for guidance. Nikias remembers that in ‘Odd Eyes’, the younger Prince had skillful servants that would protect him from the constant murder attempts on his life. He didn't have guards, so his servants were the ones helping him, nobles wouldn't dirty their hands with blood, so the commoner servants were probably the ones protecting him.

“Yes, your highness, I, Lowe, was hired because I'm well versed with poison, so I analyze your meals, drinks and medicine before you consume them.” The man on the right says, his voice is soft and he seems to know well how much to say and how to say it. He’s smart.

“I see,” Nikias tone is low, he tilts his head, analyzing the man head to toe, he's the shorter one. “If you test my food for poison, how did I die then?” His words are harsh but not incorrect, Nikias heart stopped, he was dead for six minutes before Vahe’s soul entered and the body started recovering. Lowe doesn't cower to his words, his eyes are apologetic and his words are composed.

“The poison was administered directly to you during a moment where we weren't standing guard”, the servant kneels, putting his head on the ground. “We were incompetent and allowed harm to come to you, we will accept any punishment you deem fit…” 

He's sincere, Nikias can tell as much, he's not used to undying loyalty, but he can tell when someone is desperate, as he was in that position once before. “Should I fire you as I did them?” He asks.

Lowe doesn't raise his head, but he can feel the murderous intent from Nikias’ eyes on him. “I… I beg you to allow us to stay, we have nothing left, your highness, we swore our loyalty to you! Please allow us to stay by your side!” 

His words aren't that tempting, but his desperation touches Vahe. “Get up”, Lowe does as he is ordered. “I'll decide your punishment later, continue your introductions”. 

The other twin that remained silent is the one talking now, “I, Raphael, am knowledgeable in curses and other offensive magics”. They're useful, in the novel Nikias didn't have mana so having two mages near him is quite good. However all the commotion seems to be weighing on his head. Being a Prince is exhausting, it's been what? Half an hour since I woke up?

“You both may leave now, I would like my meal two hours from now, I'll rest”, Nikias says after thinking a bit more, the men are dangerous, but they won't go against him, at least not without someone else backing them. Maybe Evangelia could use them to target the Prince, but that's a possibility, while the noble servants were already for sure trying to manipulate him.

I just woke up and already had to throw the trash out. I'll be living an exhausting life from now on, Nikias thinks with a chuckle, at least he won't be unemployed anymore. That's the last thought that crosses his mind before the man falls asleep again.