Double Surprise At The Royal Ball

Professor Heine continued, "I cannot believe that the first person whom I was able to trust would keep something like this from me!"

Professor Heidi raised an eyebrow and questioned, "Excuse me? So I was right; you and the King are acquainted before you were bestowed with the post of the royal tutor, aren't you?"

Professor Heine snapped into realization as he whirled around to discover that he almost revealed his intrigue to Heidi. He raised an eyebrow and responded, "I have recently let my guard down around you, have I? I will have to remedy that."

Professor Heidi asked, "What is with you?! Even I had a mysterious past, and everyone in the world recognizes it and knows who I am, and my image has been cleared up in Granzreich and in Vermillion. I don't understand you sometimes."

Professor Heine replied, "I merely don't know who to trust; be as it may, the only person on whom I did, betrayed me today. I'm not sure how to respond to that."

Professor Heidi inquired, "Wait a minute... is this why we were instructed to facilitate the Princes and Princesses with their assignment? And why we were ordered to depart before the event for a paid vacation?!"

Professor Heine answered, "Yes, it may seem so. However, we need to leave the palace now. I'm sure that the King and Queen don't want to see us here."

Professor Heidi asked, "Heine! Do you think that this decision is even right?"

Professor Heine replied, "No! I could never apprehend why they would come to such a conclusion, this choice of theirs can jeopardize the Princes and the Princesses prospects to the royal throne of their respective kingdoms. But we do need to follow Their Majesties orders."

Professor Heidi questioned, "Heine, what about our pupils? Won't they be disappointed if they notice that we merely departed? Will we ever come back?"

Professor Heine spoke, "Heidi, I know what you mean. I understand that we both aren't ready to leave our students yet. They need to comprehend that they have to aspire and make their dreams come true by standing up for what they believe in and make the world their own by seizing the day. They can't do that if they rely on our assistance. I think we all should deserve a break from this overwhelming atmosphere, you, Their Highnesses and me. And if they ever fall apart, we will be right there for them." Professor Heidi smiled, and then the two of them left the palace grounds in a carriage that went down the rattling roads and never turned back by disappearing into the night.

At the royal ball, Kai and Kaira were the first ones to emerge and witness all the nobles dancing on the floor tuning to the rhythm of the jazz music played gracefully by the orchestra.

Kai asked politely, "Do you want to dance along with the music with me?"

Kaira looked around in apprehension and replied, "How could I possibly do that? Look at all these people!"

Kai gave her a reassuring smile and countered, "Well... you will never know unless you try, I promise you that no one will laugh or comment you. Will you do me the honor? He spoke the last sentence with a bow and then extended his hand in return. Kaira accepted it and then proceeded to the floor along with him, and danced gracefully with the Prince and enjoyed her time with him.

After the music died, Kai asked, "Kaira, may I ask you a personal question?"

Kaira replied, "Yes, absolutely!"

Kai spoke, "Well... do you have a fiancee?"

Kaira answered, "Yes, I do; his name is Beau, and he has been my childhood companion and is also my cousin, what about it?"

Kai inquired, "Same here; her name is Beatrix. Don't you feel that being betrothed to someone who has been your childhood companion/cousin is a bit weird?"

Kaira smiled and responded, "Yeah, a little bit. But wouldn't you have preferably someone who you know and care about, rather than being betrothed to a complete stranger from a foreign land?"

Kai answered, "Well, you do make a decent point, but sometimes I want to show her affection and treat her as my future wife, but I think that it would be peculiar for her and I don't know how to do that, you know."

Kaira countered, "I think that you should just go for it. If you feel this strongly about her, then you must go for it. After all, what could be better than spending the rest of your life with someone who you know and care about and has been your companion for a couple of years, am I right?"

Kai took a deep breath and acknowledged, "Yeah, I think that would help us to understand each other better. Thanks for helping me, Kaira."

Kaira scoffed, "Please, don't mention it. After what all you have done for me all these weeks, it has been high time since I did the payback." They gave each other a side hug and then moved onto the buffet to stuff their gullet.

In the meanwhile, Licht noticed that Licha was all by herself in the corner agonizing. Licht approached her and asked, "What's wrong? Not enjoying the event that you have been dying to attend since the moment you arrived here?"

Licha picked up an apple and stuffed it into Licht's mouth and spoke, "Alright, fine! You win! I should have told my sister how I felt, now can you please go?! I need to be alone."

Licht sat beside her and confessed, "Licha, I heard that exchange between you and Brunia, but in this case, I can't help you anymore. I told you to admit, you didn't listen, and you repeated the same mistake as I did. However, you are in a situation where I have no experience in, and you are at a position where you have to figure it all out on your own."

Licha questioned, "But why do I feel so bad!? I am proud of what I do at the store, and yet I feel horrible!"

Licht answered, "That's because deep down you feel that you have wronged your sister. I have been down that road, but Brunie didn't act so mature like Brunie-girl did. She did have a point there, Licha."

Licha yelled, "Then what am I supposed to do!? Apologize!? She won't forgive me!"

Licht placed his hand on her shoulder and spoke, "If you apologize from the heart and state your true feelings towards her without assuming or worrying about how she would react, she will forgive you and will apologize in return."

Licha asked, "She was right all along! What does she need to apologize for?"

Licht replied, "She doesn't need to, but knowing her for the past few weeks and discovering her identity at the Khan's Dark Manor, I believe that she will. She doesn't need to, but she will."

Licha smiled and proposed, "How about we hit the floor and wait for her, and I will talk to her when she arrives; all on my own?"

Licht grinned and said, "I would love that! Let's go!"

During your time, Leonhard and Leonora were conversing with one another about their superpowers. Leonora said with exhilaration, "Learning about how to control your powers lesson with Heine and Heidi was the best one I ever had!"

Leonhard commented, "I agree! It was awesome! Lifting up things and flying in the air... it's like I have a whole new life!"

Leonora reminded, "You needn't forget that the powers that you have today originally belonged to my dearest sister, Brunia. Someday, you might need to give them back to her when Heine and Heidi figure out the process,"

Leonhard pouted and answered, "Yeah, yeah I know. Now, please don't be a buzzkill while I still possess it."

Leonora asked, "Alright then... how's your beloved brother Bruno? I heard that he was a wreck after my dearest sister Brunia left the palace grounds."

Leonhard replied, "He is crazy about her! He hasn't moved from his room ever since she departed, the sooner she arrives at the ball, the sooner my brother will be happy again. But I do feel jealous."

Leonora asked, "Why is that so?"

Leonhard spoke, "You know, you had an apparition confirm how much your sister loved you more than anything else in the world, but sometimes I feel that my beloved brother doesn't feel the same way about me."

Leonora gave a piece of advice, "Hey, he loves you more than anything else in the world, and I have seen that. Besides, dearest sister Brunia confessed that the primary reason that she loves Bruno is not only because of his intellect but also because of how much love he has for you."

Leonhard whirled around and asked, "You really mean that?"

Leonora nodded her head with approval and suggested, "How about we enjoy a little sachertorte contest while your brother meets up with my beloved sister?" As a response, Leonhard high-fived her and then went on to the buffet.

When the clock struck eight, the carriage that appeared all the way from Cumsta came into view. Ludwig announced from the palace gates, "Princess Brunia and her companions have finally arrived from Orosz! Guards, take positions!" As the vehicle halted in front of the entrance, Brunia and her companions descended from the carriage and then gracefully proceeded to the banquet hall where the event was held.

Andrew commented as they entered the room, "What a sick place!! This is everything that I have ever dreamed about!!"

Brunia reminded, "Andrew, keep a low profile! You are noble, remember? And that goes to all of you as well, now you may go and enjoy yourselves. And if anybody asks who you are, then just mention that you're with me and please! All of you, please act like you belong here." All her companions nodded with approval and then headed on their separate ways.

Everyone in the room fell silent, gasped and whirled around to see Princess Brunia at the entrance of the hall. Prince Bruno appeared in the view, approached her and then said, "You look marvelous tonight. I was starting to assume that you wouldn't show up."

Brunia replied, "Thank you, and you also do look dashing. And one tip I would like to give you; presuming things about me is the last thing you would ever want to do."

Bruno gave a genuine smile and responded, "Noted. May I have the honor, Princess?"

Brunia performed a courtesy and answered, "I'd thought you would never ask." And they both went on their way to dance on the floor.

The King and Queen observed them while the orchestra was performing and everyone was dancing to the rhythm.

The King inquired, "Do you think that something is going between these two?"

The Queen replied, "I sure hope not. This could ruin things for us, and the proposal waiting for Prince Bruno. But I'm sure that they won't disobey us, they're good children."

The King responded, "Yeah... but I'm not going to take the chance."

After the orchestra concluded their performance, Brunia looked over to see Licha beckoning her to converse with her in private. Brunia informed, "Bruno... I need to talk to Licha alone, I will be right back. Save the next dance for me?"

Bruno replied, "Absolutely, I will be waiting."

A few moments later, Brunia disappeared from the scene, and the King approached Prince Bruno and spoke, "My boy! Having a good time, I see?" Bruno answered, "Yes, father. How may I help you?"

The King replied, "I'm so glad you asked my boy! I know that this news would be a bit sudden, but you have a proposal waiting for you, I met the girl, and she's very well-behaved and--"

Bruno interrupted the King's speech by asking in surprise, "Wait! A proposal!? You want me to be betrothed to someone, father?!"

The King said with a reassuring smile, "Bruno... never in your life I have ever forced you to do anything, for the first time I'm insisting you do a favor for me. Would you at least please see this woman?"

Bruno sighed with defeat and answered, "Alright, father, if I must."

The King squealed, "GOOD BOY! She's waiting for you outside the hall." Bruno advanced towards the door to see Princess Sennett waiting outside for him!

He asked in disbelief, "Sennett!? What are you doing here?!"

Sennett gave an evil grin and inquired, "What did your father tell you? Can't you take a hint?"

Bruno stammered, "A-Are y-you t-the one who m-made that pr-pr-pro."

Sennett completed his sentence by saying, "Indeed, Prince Bruno. I am the one who made that proposal."

Bruno yelled, "What in the devil is this!? You came all the way to woo my father?!"

Sennett made a disgusting face and replied, "Yuck! No! I came here to convince your dear father in such a way that he will force you to marry me! You don't have a choice here, and you sure don't want to disappoint him, right?"

Bruno sprinted away from the area without a word. Sennett shouted, "Runaway all you want, Prince! But this time nothing is going to stop the weddings whether you like it or not!"

Bruno stopped and asked, "Did you say 'weddings'?"

Sennett responded, "Find it out by yourself what do I mean by that. Or maybe I just made a grammatical error. It would kill you if you didn't find out, right? So instead of running away, play nice, and enjoy the event." Bruno gave in and then entered the room with Sennett while Brunia eradicated the fight between her sister Licha.

As the clock struck nine, the King announced, "Everyone who has received the invitation to the royal ball, welcome! The Queen and I have an important announcement to make so if you would please be silent and make yourselves comfortable. And may my five sons and the Queen's five daughters come here by our side?" Everybody obeyed the King's orders and then prepared themselves for the news, and the Princes and Princesses took their place beside their respective parents. The King took a deep breath and continued, "All of you may be wondering why there is a ball in the middle of fall when there is usually no event organized at the time. The primary purpose of this event is... to officially announce that the Queen of Vermillion and I are engaged!"

Everyone's eyes widened with surprise except Prince Eins, Count Roseberg, Princess Eina and Countess Rosenthal; especially the younger Princes and Princesses. Murmurs filled the room as Licht yelled, "Father! What is the meaning of this?!"

The King responded, "Licht calm down, son, we will discuss this at the end of the ball."

Licha screamed, "There is no point of this! Licht and I are out of here, we do not support this at all!" They stormed out of the room followed by Prince Kai and Princess Kaira, who was also disturbed by the news.

Leonhard whimpered, "Is this why you gave us the bonding assignment father? Now it is all clear! You didn't want to test our capability; you just wanted us to get along to make things easy for you!"

Leonora added, "Yeah... we thought that you really cared about us. We don't support you either, nor we are allowing our friendship to get in the way of this nonsense!" They also departed from the hall in a hurry.

Bruno screeched with tears in his eyes, "So this is why you prevent me being around Brunia because you knew all this while that I loved her!?" Everyone in the audience gasped with surprise, and the murmurs only grew louder. Brunia and Bruno fled from the room together, filled with anguish and embarrassment for their parents. The King and Queen didn't let that disrupt evening, and the ball continued smoothly without any further commotion throughout the evening. Michael, Andrew, Aubrey, and Chantel decided that they didn't want to be there anymore and they slipped out of the hall without anybody noticing them and then straight headed to Cumsta in the carriage. All the younger Princes and Princesses locked themselves up in their rooms, except Prince Bruno and Princess Brunia who merely disappeared from the palace grounds without anybody catching them for the night.