Chapter 20: ROYAL CELEBRATION

Since teaching the trio a lesson, they seem to stop causing any disturbances, they still avoid Caspar when possible, but they follow orders.

Tomorrow was the royal celebration, Caspar was nervous. Although this was not his first time in such a ceremony since he was a part of the soldier's celebration. This time Lothar told him that he would have to interact with a lot of nobles and learn a lot of etiquettes.

Caspar had spent the last couple of days with Lothar and Cecilia, where they crammed most of the knowledge he needed as not to embarrass himself or the Prince.

To Caspar, this training was a thousand times tougher than any training he had done before. By the time he was done every night, he would be exhausted.

As Caspar lay down on his bed, he remembered Lothar's secret orders from the day. Lothar had taken him aside when Cecilia was away and told him with a stern expression.

"No matter what happens, always keep Cecilia within your sight tomorrow."

Caspar nodded and received Lothar's order. Like that, Caspar slept while full of dread for tomorrow.

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The next day, Caspar put on his uniform meticulously as he made his way to the Reiksguard HQ. When he arrived, Carsten briefed him and the rest of the Captains about their duties today.

When the meeting ended, and everyone started to leave, Carsten took Caspar aside and asked him in a quiet voice.

"Did his highness tell you about your mission today?"

Caspar nodded gravely to Carsten as he replied.

"Yes, but he didn't clarify anything."

Carsten sighed as he explained to Caspar.

"We believe that someone will attempt to kidnap or harm the Princess today."

Caspar was stunned, Cecilia was like a cute little sister to him, he would protect her like he was protecting Felizia, so he couldn't help but ask.

"Why?"

Carsten frowned at Caspar's question as he replied sternly.

"You do not need to know. Your mission is to protect the Princess, and that is what you will do, understood?"

Caspar had no choice but to acquiesce. He did not want to be bogged down in royal intrigue since he honestly did not care about it, all he had to do was protect Cecilia, and he will do just that.

After completing his briefing, Caspar went to Lothar's office, where the two left to fetch the Princess to attend the celebration.

Since Caspar was not going to be at Lothar's side for the evening, Lothar was also followed by Carsten and Captain Gunther Flugel of the first squad.

Carsten was an essential advisor, so he will be expected to socialize, so having Gunther at Lothar's side as well was necessary. The rest of the first squad will be protecting Lothar in person. The second squad was tasked with safeguarding Lothar's residence and Reiksguard HQ.

The third squad, on the other hand, were left under the command of Lieutenant Walter Gilges. Since Caspar did not know what they were capable of yet, he had assigned them to join the rest of the royal guard in protecting the celebration and inform him if anything strange occurs.

Soon, the group reaches the Princess's residence. Cecilia was already dressed up and waiting for them. She frowned when she saw them as she looked at Lothar and complained.

"Lothar, what took you so long?"

Lothar smiled at his sister and apologized.

"Sorry about that Cecilia, Caspar was late."

Caspar, who was minding his own business, suddenly turned to face Lothar as he thought to himself.

'How can he blame me for being late??? He was the one taking his sweet time. He's doing this because he knows that I can't argue with him in public!!'

Caspar had no choice but to grind his teeth and glare at Lothar. Cecilia's mood quickly got better as she laughed at the duo's interaction, that did not stop her though from taking Caspar's side.

"Lothar, you should not bully Caspar and blame him for your own mistakes."

Lothar was also holding back his laughter as he was grinning mischievously at Caspar. After hearing Cecilia complain, he had no choice but to reply.

"Well he was too nervous, how was he going to have fun like that?"

Caspar was stunned. He had not expected Lothar's earlier words to not only amuse Cecilia but also calm his nerves. But he did not have much time to think about it since they soon set off to join the party.

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The celebration was held in the Royal Hall. The party consisted of a portion of time where the people interacted with each other with some snacks and drinks, then there would be a banquette where the guests would have their dinner while watching performers play.

As soon as they got close to entering, someone had called the names and titles of Lothar and Cecilia. The rest of the members in the group did not require someone to call their names when they entered.

Everyone's eyes quickly made their way over to the group, but Lothar and Cecilia ignored them as they first made their way to where the King and Queen were.

The group then paid their respects to the King and Queen. Lothar greeted King Rainer as a general would greet a king. Cecilia, on the other hand, walked up to her mother's side and hugged her with a smile.

Even King Rainer did not know what to do with the way Cecilia acted, so he had no choice but to smile and shake his head.

"How have the two of you been?"

The king asked Lothar and Cecilia.

"We have been in good condition, your majesty."

Lothar, though, replied in his usual official tone. Seeing his son treat him like that, King Rainer sighed as he told them.

"Well, enjoy your night today."

The group bowed to the King before walking back into the party. As soon as they walked back, they were stopped by a man that had similar looks to Lothar. The man looked at Lothar before speaking.

"Lothar, are you not going to greet your Eldest Brother?"

Lothar smiled and ignored the provocation as he spoke.

"Good afternoon, Leonhard, have you been well?"

The man Lothar was talking to was Leonhard Von Elser, The Eldest Prince of Urmacht.