Before Benjamin knew it, spring ended and summer began.

Under his care, Charles's hormonal levels had finally stabilized, and the dreaded symptoms of his ruts were manageable. Benjamin's weekdays were spent running the clinic. Charles had gotten busier with his official duties and his visits during the week became infrequent.

Despite their busy lives, both men looked forward to Sundays. On Sunday, Charles would arrive at the clinic with fresh bouquets to place on Benjamin's parents' gravestones in the back garden. After that, they spent hours in the clearing dueling until they were breathless, wrestling in the grass, and exploring the forest until they were covered in dirt and sweat. After washing up, they dedicated their afternoons to trying new hobbies. 

Their first attempt was woodworking. While Charles took to it with surprising natural grace, Benjamin found himself struggling. They tackled poetry next, reading some classics before attempting their own. Benjamin's poems were clinical and dry, often about herbs, human anatomy, or advice he'd give his patients. Charles's poems were shamelessly romantic and cheesy. They both ended up laughing at themselves. 

They moved on to pottery next. Benjamin managed to produce functional, round bowls and vases, but Charles's were more like abstract sculptures. They even tried bird-watching at Charles's suggestion. It started as a joke, but Benjamin enjoyed the tranquility so it became a recurring activity.

Charles even often offered to help clean the greenhouse and the vegetable garden, but Benjamin remained hesitant. He still hadn't decided what to do with them. And just like that, the heat of summer waned and the leaves began changing colors.

Though Charles cherished his deepening bond with Benjamin, there was also an unsettling feeling of unease that followed. The more he learned about Benjamin, through his own observations and their conversations, he realized how little he truly knew about the doctor.

After some weeks, Felix and Calix had secured access to the Andromedus Medical Authority's AA registries. They had successfully operated under the guise of looking to recruit new doctors for the palace. However, the records were restricted to physical inspection only.

Charles had no choice but to bring more of his personal guards into the investigation. He assigned this mission to Kai and Hana. Kai accepted the assignment readily. He was excited at the prospect to go on a mission beyond the palace walls. Hana wasn't interested in the doctor. She was interested in the anomaly of the missing files. To Hana, files on multiple AA-eligible doctors going missing during the same timeframe was fishy. 

Hana's uncle had served as a high-ranking administrator within the Imperial Security Division before his retirement, and he had told her stories about their rigid obsession with protocol. In the world of Imperial security, everything was documented to the t—every ink spill, every torn page, and certainly every storm. 

After dismissing his guards, Charles sat alone in his office. He felt as though there were more and more obstacles when it came to Benjamin. Benjamin himself was quite closed off at times, only sharing bits and pieces of his life. And trying to piece together his past was no easy feat. There was the uphill battle against the Empire's silence on the missing files. And to top it all off, there was the unsettling arrival of Dr. Baek.

Despite all these obstacles, knowing that Benjamin was slowly opening up to him, almost as if he was starting to trust him, was comforting. Yet, even that comfort felt fleeting. It was as if he might vanish at any moment, just like the paper trail that had already disappeared. 

** ** ** ** ** ** 

While he was eager to hear back from his guards about the investigation, Charles was forced to turn his attention to the thorn in his side, Dr. Wren Baek.

Wren had become a frequent visitor at the clinic, dropping by once or twice a week to take Benjamin to lunch or chat over tea. Benjamin genuinely enjoyed Wren's company. They discussed medical journals, world news, and Wren's travels. When Benjamin mentioned the difficulties of treating patients at the brothels, Wren had immediately offered to accompany him on his rounds.

The Madams—Wagner, Xiu, and River—all adored Wren. They found him charming, polite, and exceptionally skilled. Benjamin and Wren often shared a laugh over the way the attendants would blush and gush about the "handsome traveling doctor" the moment he left the room.

However, Charles's mood soured every time Wren's name was mentioned. Sensing the growing friction, Benjamin decided it was time they finally met. He invited them both to his home for tea, setting out a round table on the terrace with three chairs equally spaced. Charles arrived early dressed formally. He was dressed in a sharp tailored suit that made him look every bit the future king.

"Am I underdressed?" Benjamin asked, feeling a bit self-conscious in his simple white button-down and black trousers.

"I wanted to make a good first impression," Charles said. His eyes, usually warm and soft when they were alone, were like chips of violet ice.

"I see. I'll go change into something more appropriate," Benjamin said, turning back toward the house.

Charles reached out and caught his arm. "No. You don't need to change. You look handsome just as you are." He paused, clearing his throat. "Your outfit is perfectly suitable for a casual tea."

Benjamin sighed with relief. "That's a relief. I mostly own lab coats. I probably would have just put one of those on."

Charles chuckled, his tension easing for a fleeting second. "We should get you a proper suit. We can go shopping this Sunday."

"That's a lovely idea, but this Sunday I'm heading to the market with Wren," Benjamin said. "Merchants from the different kingdoms are gathering to sell rare goods. I'm looking for some medical equipment and I'm also hoping to find a telescope for our astronomy lessons."

Charles's face immediately fell into a pout. "Was that an invitation?"

"Yes, I'd love for you to come along," Benjamin said quickly. "Only if you want to, of course. I wasn't sure if a crowded market was your scene."

The clinic bell rang before Charles could respond. Benjamin went to greet Wren, leading him up to the terrace.

"Your Highness, it is an honor," Wren said, bowing deeply. "I'm Dr. Wren Baek. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Charles offered a thin, effortless smile. "As it is mine. Seeing as your a friend of Benjamin's, I would like to make your acquaintance as well..." 

Charles spoke cordially, although the contempt in his voice was thinly veiled.

"I am a licensed doctor from Xenos. You see, I'm originally from Xenos. I would have been quite lost in Aster without Benjamin's guidance."

"You underestimate yourself, Dr. Baek. I've always found that men of... ambition... tend to find their way exactly where they want to be," Charles said with a feigned smile.

Benjamin ushered them to the table, the air already humming with a quiet electricity. Charles sat, his back straight and shoulders squared with one leg neatly crossed over the other, while Wren settled in, appearing comfortably relaxed.

"I was quite surprised when Ben mentioned he was introducing me to a friend," Wren remarked, leaning back. "I didn't realize Benjamin had such powerful friends like yourself, Your Highness." Wren cast a friendly smile at Benjamin.

Charles took a slow, deliberate sip of his tea. "Benjamin has a rare talent for recognizing a person's value where others only see title. Don't you think?" He said with a feigned chuckle.

Looking at Wren now, he asked with over-exaggerated curiosity, "And what brings a doctor of your standing to Isadora looking for humble work? Surely you would open doors at any hospital."

"I like to help where the help is needed," Wren replied easily.

Benjamin returned with a fresh pot, his movements hurried. "Charles is interested in joining us at the market this Sunday," he said, trying to break a tension that was under the surface of the polite mannerisms of both.

"The more the merrier," Wren smiled. "The crowds will be heavy by noon, so the earlier the better. I heard some mobile clinics are selling off their equipment. You know how they over-budget for those short missions."

"It is a waste," Benjamin agreed.

"I've never seen a mobile clinic last more than two months, yet they stock them for six," Wren shook his head.

As the two doctors descended into their talk of medical supplies and university budgets, Charles observed the two with an attentive gave and a practiced, affable smile — the same one he used at galas and summits. It was warm enough to be inviting, but too polished to be genuine. 

Eventually, Wren turned to him. "Your Highness, is there anything you're looking to purchase?"

"Nothing in particular," Charles replied. "I'm simply going to see if anything catches my eye."

"How did you two meet, if you don't mind me asking, Benjamin?" Wren asked, his eyes moving between them and finally resting on Benjamin.

"His Highness is... a patient," Benjamin answered, flashing a nervous smile.

"Benjamin pointed out that one of the medications I was using wasn't quite right, and offered his expertise," Charles said.

"But, in general, I do find that it's best not to poke one's nose where it doesn't belong, wouldn't you agree, Dr. Baek?" Charles spoke with a warm smile, though his words felt more like a hollow mockery of kindness.

Charles then turned to Benjamin, his voice softening. "But I'm truly glad I made an exception for you. Your expertise has been invaluable."

Wren chuckled, though his eyes remained sharp. "Ben is talented, isn't he, Your Highness? I've been trying to convince him to let me work at his clinic full-time. I even got my Isadoran license just for him, but he keeps refusing. Will you help me convince him, Your Highness?" Wren asked, returning the feigned diplomacy with a matching smile.

Hearing Wren use the nickname "Ben" and mention a license acquired just for him made Charles blood boil, yet he remained composed wearing a cordial expression.

"The clinic is too small for two," Benjamin interjected. "I'm already grateful you help me with the rounds."

"Oh look at the time. I must be going," Wren said abruptly. "I apologize for the abrupt departure, and hope you'll forgive me, Your Highness. I have a prior engagement. It was a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness." He stood up and bowed again.

"The pleasure was mine," Charles replied, sipping his tea.

Wren turned towards Benjamin. "And, thank you for the tea, Benjamin. Your taste is exquisite like always," he added.

He moved toward the terrace entrance as Benjamin escorted him, but before stepping away, he paused with a deliberate slowness. He reached out and rested a hand on Benjamin's arm, a gesture of familiarity that lingered a second too long.

"There is a private matter I'd like to discuss with you, Ben," he said, as if he meant for Charles to hear. "I was hoping to do it Sunday, but with a third party…"

He glanced over Benjamin's shoulder and found Charles's gaze fixed squarely on him. Their eyes met, and his lips pulled into a slow, knowing smirk. "Perhaps we can find an hour or two next week? Just the two of us?"

Benjamin nodded. "I'll check my schedule."

Once Wren was gone, Benjamin turned to Charles. "Are you okay? You haven't been acting like yourself since you walked in."

"That's how I usually am in public," Charles said. "Did you find me charming?"

"You were courteous, but I could tell you weren't trying very hard to show that you disliked him. Would you mind telling me why? He's very cultured and knowledgeable. And from what I've seen, he's also a kind person."

"There's something about him that rubs me the wrong way," Charles sighed, standing up and stretching. "Let's stop talking about him. Do you want to spar? I need to let off some steam."