Where’s the party tonight?

The day had finally arrived when Prince Bruno and Princess Brunia were expected to return from Orosz from their studies abroad with their two royal guards; Ludwig and Oliver. Leonhard and Leonora were extremely delighted, thrilled, and eager to witness the return of their beloved siblings.

Leonora asked, "Leonhard since your dearest brother Bruno has already gone to Orosz for three months before, how did you handle all the excitement within you?"

Leonhard shrugged and replied, "Let's just say that subtlety doesn't really help. I think that your dearest sister Brunia would prefer the usual you. I tried to be a good boy in front of dearest brother, but that just made him feel that I was avoiding him so just be yourself. I'm sure she would appreciate it."

Licha joined the conversation by saying, "Leo boy! Let me ask you this, did Brunie boy always pamper you more than required?"

Leonhard responded, "Huh? No way, I am a grown man, I don't think that dearest brother babies me that much!"

Licht jumped in and countered, "Come on, Leo! Brunie always babied him so much! One time, Brunie and I were in a huge fight, and when it was my moment with him for forgiveness and apology, Leo merely pouted and said that I got a pat on the head from Brunie and he didn't. He got super jealous and demanded me to make room for him!"

Leonhard yelled, "Hey! I'm not the only one who wanted a pat from him! Even Kai asked for it!"

Kai approached them as he heard his name, along with Kaira and responded, "I was living in the moment, I got so emotional that even I requested Bruno for it. But since he was younger, I requested the Professor to do it for me."

Kaira asked, "What happened after that?"

Leonhard burst into laughter and answered, "I'm so glad you asked that Kaira! Because Heine was so short that even if he jumped, he couldn't reach Kai's head!" Everyone shared a laugh until the sound of the rattling carriage came into view. Followed by that, came the King Viktor, Queen Viktoria, and both the Professors to welcome the Prince and Princess.

The carriage came to a screeching halt at the palace gates, and the Prince and the Princess descended from the vehicle, followed by their royal guards. Before anyone could say anything, Leonhard and Leonora embraced their respective siblings and expressed the happiness of their arrival at the palace. The King greeted, "My son, it has been so long since we last spoke. I trust that you have been well, and you too, Princess Brunia."

Bruno responded, "A pleasure to see you after so long, father. I have been doing very well, thank you for asking."

Brunia added, "I too am grateful for sending both of us to pursue this incredible opportunity, my King. I can assure you that it was a worthwhile experience."

The Queen acknowledged, "Glad to hear it, my dear! Now, the King and I have to attend to our duties while the eight of you and the Professors catch up. See you later, my dears!"

After their departure, Heidi pulled Oliver aside and asked, "You and Ludwig have done an excellent job! Now, I believe that since we last spoke, you were aspiring to eradicate the misunderstanding between you and the Princess, am I correct?"

Oliver answered, "Yes. Thanks to you, everything has been sorted out now, we're good."

Licha jumped in and asked, "Hey hotshot! What secret talk are you having with Heidi darling?"

Oliver replied, "Nothing important, Princess." Licha raised an eyebrow and walked away silently.

After all the Princes and Princess concluded their welcome for Prince Bruno and Princess Brunia, Kaira asked, "I have heard that you and Bruno have received several accolades for your work abroad, is this true?"

Brunia responded, "Yes, it's true! We both have poured in a lot of hard work for our contributions to our respective fields of study."

Kai inquired, "Oh? I'm already aware that Bruno is a virgining young scholar in the field of sociology and philosophy. Would you care to tell me what your work is about?"

Brunia smiled and answered, "It touches me that you care about my work, Prince Kai. My work is specifically dedicated to the field of biology."

Professor Heidi joined the conversation and said frowningly, "Interesting. Your Highness neglected to write about such achievements in your letters."

Professor Heine added, "Like Prince Bruno, all your correspondences are filled with 'Master this...' and 'Mistress that...'"

Bruno gave out a little giggle and glanced at Brunia, who responded, "W-Well, I... I did not think that it was something I should say so myself..."

In the meantime, Licha and Licht were whispering into each other's ear followed by Leonhard and Leonora who were subsequently a part of the discussion. Licha beckoned Kaira and Professor Heidi whereas Licht did the same with Kai and Professor Heine; which obviously struck as something suspicious for Prince Bruno and Princess Brunia.

Licha proposed, "Brunie! While you were away I made-- I mean bought something for you, Leo, Kainie and Heidi darling from the Vermillion Unlimited store come on!" And just like that, the sisters and their imperial mentor slipped away from the palace gates leaving the boys alone.

Leonhard suggested, "Now, since the girls are gone; dearest brother, Licht, Kai, Heine and I bought a suit for you that we thought we would gift it to you when you return home."

Bruno acknowledged, "My brothers! That is so thoughtful of you! I sure would love to see it!"

Leonhard squealed, "Great! It's it my closet, let's get ready there!" Before Bruno could pose any further questions, Licht grabbed his arm and fled into the palace.

The girls assembled in Licha's and Licht's combined room to find a closet majorly filled with female outfits. Brunia affirmed, "If you intend to dress me up in a lewd manner, then I'll have you know that I won't accept it!"

Licha scoffed, "UGH! Just keep quiet for a moment, Brunie! I'm trying to find the outfit here! Wait... I got it!" Licha displayed a dress with an immaculate and a spectacular design based on the color island blue; Brunia's most preferred shade.

She asked, "Well, how is this?" Brunia held the dress in her hands and touched the well-composed fabric and felt the depth of thought and meaning presented in the design.

She spoke, "Licha, where do you get these dresses from!? I had seen another one which was remarkable when you went out with Licht. I am going to tailor my ballgown for the upcoming royal ball from that particular store, and consult with the same designer!"

Licha blushed with delight as she witnessed her hard work being appreciated by her sister, who usually torments her and points out her flaws, and never complimented whatever she did.

Brunia inquired, "If I may ask, Licha... when did you go to Cumsta to buy this dress?"

Licha stammered, "Umm... well... I figured that w-we w-wouldn't get the umm... dresses as good as the ones in Cumsta... so I umm... ventured out there with Licht and the royal guards, while you were away."

Professor Heidi whispered into her ear, "You made these, didn't you? When did you do to Cumsta with Licht and the royal guards?"

Licha spoke in a soft voice, "Yes, I confessed about my work in Cumsta to Licht, so I asked him for the supplies. You know that, right? I didn't go to Cumsta at all!"

Professor Heidi pulled Licha out of the room, asked angrily, "Why are you lying about your work? The Princess really loves it. I'm sure that she would--"

Licha interrupted her by shouting, "No one can know for certain how the other one feels! Why do you say it as if it's so simple!?" She then calmed herself down and said, "I don't want to disappoint Brunie; especially after how she acknowledged me when we stood up to Eina when we were at her residence. Professor, the moment I feel that Brunie is ready to hear me out, I will tell her, I promise." At that moment, Heidi remembered that Brunia had a similar response when she was questioned about her scarlet box. They both went inside and switched onto their outfits for the outing that Licha and Licht initially proposed.

The Princes and their royal tutor were waiting outside for the Princesses and their imperial mentor at the palace gates along with the carriage and the royal guards. Licha suggested, "Since this outing is for both the Brunies, we must blindfold them and surprise them at the spot!"

Bruno yelled, "What!? That is preposterous!"

Brunia reacted, "Aww! Come on, Bruno! I wouldn't think that this would be so bad!"

Bruno calmed down and responded, "If Brunia is fine with this, then I guess I don't mind!" Licha and Licht blindfolded their siblings and ordered the carriage driver to move the vehicle.

As they arrived at the establishment, Kai and Kaira removed the cloth tied on their sibling's eyes. After their eyes began to focus again, they were astonished by the name of the pub everyone brought them; 'The White Lily Of Granzreich Pub.'

Leonhard quivered and asked, "H-Hei-Heine! Is this how the Queen of Fonseine was e-executed?"

Brunia answered, "No! The Queen of Fonseine was executed because she lived a life of luxury and didn't care about the common man, not so relatively loved by the people of the town to name a pub after you; the White Lily of Granzreich."

Licha added, "You may be handsome b-but you're quite stupid."

Leonhard shouted, "No! I'm not! How dare you!?"

Professor Heidi proposed, "Now, now. This outing is to celebrate Prince Bruno's and Princess Brunia's accomplishments or for quarreling?"

Professor Heine added, "Let's step inside!"

After they danced the night away in the establishment, while the guards were outside guarding their safety, Ludwig spoke, "Hey Oliver! Mind if I tell you something?"

Oliver replied, "Yeah... sure, anything."

Ludwig responded, "Is it crazy that I have started to get my drive back after a long time since Maximilian departed from the palace?"

Oliver asked, "No, not at all. Although I wanted to ask you, why did you start getting absent-minded in the first place?"

Ludwig answered, "Maximilian irks me and irritates me with his cheerful personality at times, that's the quality that helped me to talk to him about my life problems and help me through it."

Oliver inquired, "If you don't mind me asking, what was it about?"

Ludwig revealed, "You know, if it weren't for this job at the palace, my family would have been on the roads by now."

Oliver responded, "Good God. I didn't know, I'm so sorry."

Ludwig spoke, "Well if it weren't for you, my best friend, I would have lost this job by now!"

Oliver asked, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Ludwig answered, "I needed to get my focus back, no one wants an absent-minded guard on the job, right?" Oliver nodded with approval, and they both shared a laugh.

Ludwig casually mentioned, "Hey, you know the funniest thing that happened today? A letter in the mail came in the name of Prince 'Kabir Von Rathanlandia'. I figured that it was a misdelivery, so I turned it over to find that the letter was from a girl named Aubrey. Isn't that crazy? I mean, Rathanlandia is not even our neighboring country, how could a postman make such a dumb mistake?!"

Oliver's expression faltered, and he inquired in apprehension, "Where is the letter now?!"

Ludwig answered, "Well... right now, it's in my room, I thought of returning it to the post office tomorrow."

Oliver grabbed his hand and screamed, "Ludwig, we have to go!" They both rushed to the carriage and rode back to the palace's servant quarters as fast as they could. As they chaffingly arrived at Ludwig's chambers,

Ludwig asked, "What is the matter with you, Oliver?! Why is this letter of such concern to you; it's for a Prince of another country!?"

Oliver yelled in frustration, "I AM THE PRINCE OF RATHANLANDIA; KABIR VON RATHANLANDIA! I WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING BUT FIRST GIVE ME THE LETTER!!!" Ludwig silently obeyed his Highness' command and handed over the correspondence to Kabir. Nervous energy crawled throughout his body, and he screamed in despair, as he read the following words:

Greetings Your Highness,

I'm Aubrey, an acquaintance of yours. This is to inform you that your royal palace guards have come in search for you. They showed up at our residence and started questioning regarding your whereabouts. They reassured us that they weren't there to forcefully take you back to the kingdom, but they had to come, as the royal protocol of Rathanlandia suggests. Since you are at Granzreich to eradicate your misunderstanding with Princess Brunia Von Vermillion, the guards had no power to come and inform you about this tragic news since you are posing as a temporary royal guard for the Granzreich family and their guests.

So they suggested writing a letter via telegram to you, which brings me to the purpose of doing so. I hate to inform you with regret that the beloved King of Rathanlandia, your father recently passed away due to a heart attack. The exact date of death was 3rd January, which was yesterday. As you're aware as the Prince of the realm, the protocol suggests that the crowned Prince of Rathanlandia is next in line for the throne. You, Prince Kabir Von Rathanlandia, must resume your duties to the kingdom and must return to the palace at once to rule the land that your father previously did with utmost love and dedication that the people of the realm adore him. The King's funeral will commence within a week, so that will be sufficient time for you to reach home. He and your citizens expect nothing less from you, my Prince. As your friend, I strongly advise you to look into the matter at hand and do what's best for the kingdom at large.

One more important note about the protocol; you have to rule the kingdom alongside your mother until you're bethothed to a Princess of another realm, who will be your future Queen. Your mother, The Queen, is in deep despair and she wishes to quit her duties and pass on to the future Queen as soon as possible, so once you arrive at the palace, your mother will be proposing suitable mates for you to choose to be bethothed to. The choice is yours, my Prince, the kingdom needs you. I sincerely hope that you come to a resolution.

Regards,

Aubrey

*END OF LETTER*

Ludwig asked, "What's wrong, Your Highness?" Kabir shoved the letter on his face and explained everything; his purpose of visit and Brunia's past. Ludwig's expression faltered as he examined the words on paper and heard the entire story. He placed a hand on his shoulder and affirmed, "Prince, you must go; now!"

Kabir asked, "But what about Brunia?"

Ludwig reassured, "Don't worry, about the Princess, she will be fine."

Kabir inquired, "What about you? Will you still seem to find your drive?"

Ludwig smiled and replied, "I will be fine, Prince. Hope you don't mind that I brag to all the commoners of how a foreign Prince has been my best buddy for a while."

Kabir responded, "No matter, where we go, we will always be best friends, I promise that we will be in touch."

Ludwig inquired, "How did you know that the letter was important?"

Kabir answered, "Aubrey is one of my closest friends, so she told me that she would only use my station name whenever she had to inform me something confidential about my kingdom."

Ludwig squealed with delight, "Whoa! The smart Prince!" He pulled Ludwig into a warm embrace, quickly pulled away and ran towards the carriage to travel back to rule his land; finally coming to his resolution.

Ludwig rushed back to the pub but decided not to tell the Princess about Kabir's depart that night. He thought, "Well... let her celebrate her accomplishments tonight, but if I remain here... I cannot help myself. Oh! I know! I will make up an excuse and tell the Professors that I'm sick and return to my room, then in the morning, I can inform the Princess."

Ludwig pulled out both the Professors from the crowd and informed them that he wasn't feeling so well. Both the Professors reassured him that the Princes and Princesses were in their care and that he could go home. A short while after Ludwig returned, the Princes, Princesses and both the Professors ventured out into the dark to find their carriage missing. They came to the conclusion that they had no other choice but to walk home. While walking their way back, they stopped by a residence that looked empty yet intriguing.