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Tomorrow is the day of the grand birthday party. Even though it hasn't started yet, presents from the nobles and other families from another country are pouring into the castle. Lucean who's staring at his pile of presents could only gape in shock.

"It looked bigger than last year," Ridley commented.

"The reason is obvious," Lucean sighed, walking away from the area to the entrance hall where the guards, and other people are walking around to do finishing touches for tomorrow's party. But they didn't forget to bow their heads as Lucean walked passed them.

Lucean stopped in the middle of the giant doors, looking outside towards his beloved kingdom. Ridley looked at Lucean, curious of what he's thinking about.

"Nervous?"

"... Just wanted him to come tomorrow,"

"Ah," Ridley smiled. "I'm sure he will,"

"Yeah," Lucean smiled as well.

"But don't you think it's a bit dangerous?"

"Dangerous?" Lucean looked at Ridley, raised one of his eyebrows.

Ridley nodded, then shrugged his shoulders. "A woman's jealousy could harm that boy's life,"

After hearing Ridley's words, Lucean's face darken. He forgot about Princess Alarice. She's been with Lucean since childhood, even King Thodoris wanted Lucean to take Alarice as his wife. But understanding Lucean's feelings, Thodoris let it go and didn't care about engagements anymore. Now that he has fallen ill, he wanted Lucean to take a consort of his choosing tomorrow at the party. Lucean doesn't know the Princess's true nature, but he heard rumors that Princess Alarice fired several of her maids and harass other maids in the castle from getting too close or showing slight interest on Prince Lucean.

Lucean scoffed.

"If I caught her harmed the boy, then I'll do something about it. Don't fret," Lucean said, smirked at Ridley. Ridley chuckled.

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I can't believe I can't attend Prince Lucean's birthday party today. The party will start in an hour. Mercie didn't come out of the room since the Viscount and Viscountess agreed to let Mercie accompanied me until I feel better.

I feel better though! I can walk around the room, and I don't have a headache anymore. Even a prancing elephant can tell that I'm healthy as an ox. I groaned and fell to my bed, looking up to my ceiling as I'm trying to think of an escape plan. Like I said, this mansion is guarded. If I escaped through the garden then that means I need to climb a tall fence. Brahm's body is too weak to do such a thing.

Using my charm is pointless as well.

As I'm contemplating on my bed, Esma walked in with a tray of soup and fruits.

"Dinner!" she exclaimed happily.

"Ugh," I groaned in response. She giggled and set the tray on my nightstand.

"Don't be like that Young Master. It's unfortunate that you can't attend the party even though you told the Prince yourself that you'll attend. God must've told you to focus on your health,"

"God hates me,"

Esma giggled once more.

"Now now, eat dinner so you'll get better!"

"Fine," I sighed, changed my position to sit and grab an apple from the tray.

Esma walked out of the room after I finished my breakfast. Before she left, she told me the Viscount and Viscountess are meeting with another noble family that'll go to the birthday party. There are only Mercie and I in this mansion. I decided to go out of my room, glancing around to make sure Esma— or other maids, didn't see me.

I walked down to the second floor where Esma's room is at. I walked passed her room, carefully lean over to hear anything, but none. I raised one of my eyebrows and continue walking. But then I stopped when my suspicion is telling me something.

I hurriedly walked back, then knocked the door.

"Mercie?"

No reply.

I grabbed the door handle— it's locked!

"Mercie!" I called again. No reply. It can't be that she has fallen asleep. She never locked her room when she's asleep, and she would've opened it if someone called.

Did she went to the party?!

I gritted my teeth and run back to my room.

Oh hell no, if she's escaped, then I'll escape too.