CHAPTER 22 (BOOK 2)

"Tobby informed me that you wanted to talk with me." Jeremy said while walking towards his grandfather, the current king of Monaco, who was seated at his desk.

"Ohh yes!" The king replied as Jeremy sat.

The king reached out a piece of paper from his desk and showed it to Jeremy. "This arrived this morning."

"What is it?" Jeremy asked as he unfolded the paper and started to read it.

"Basically, it's a follow up on the invitation from the Philippine Government that we received last month."

"It will be this end of the month right? I believe..." Jeremy paused for a second trying to recollect. "I already instructed the royal household and Tobby has already communicated with them."

All official invitations to the Royal Family outside the Principality, it has been Jeremy who has been attending since he has been crowned as the next in line to the throne. On his first year, he traveled to at least all of the European countries connected with Monaco. On his second year, he traveled to America and Middle East Countries. And on his Third year, he visited some Asian Countries like Japan, Korea, Indonesia and China. However, he hasn't visited the Philippines for an official visit. He would love to go but the Principality hasn't received any invitation since the current Philippine administration has a sour relationship with the European Union, which the Principality of Monaco is a member, regarding various issues.

Unexpectedly, the new President of the Philippine government has been a good friend of the Principality He was once assigned as ambassador to the Principality for a term. In those years, he has built a harmonious relationship with Jeremy's late father. They had actually started the historic tradition of Christmas gifts for children in the Philippines, which, the Monaco's Consul to the Philippines continued.

The king shook his head. "I'm thinking that I would personally visit Philippines."

Jeremy placed back the invitation on the table. "Are you sure about this? The weather there is quite different. You know you have a health condition." He reminded.

The king smiled. "Is that the only reason?"

"Of course. Other reasons are only secondary. Your health is the Principality's top priority. Long travel, different weather condition and work may hinder your recovery."

Jeremy knew the differences his he has to make adjustment himself when he traveled back to Monaco after his long stay at Philippines. He was aware that it would be more difficult on the part of his grandfather considering his age and health.

"You know how close your father was with the country when he was still alive. He loved it so much that he has chosen it as the place he wanted you and your sister to experience the normal life while you are still young." The king paused and pointed at the invitation, specifically the sender's name. "Besides, the new President was a former ambassador to our Principality. That man needs our support." Sending signal that he would like to show his respect and admiration to the new leader.

Of course, the king has an ulterior motive as well on why he wanted to travel to the Philippines. He was curious why his son and grandchildren fell in love with such place despite a sour relationship with the EU.

"But..."

"Besides, I won't be the only one who would be going. You and your sister would be joining me."

It took some seconds for the words of the king to sync in to Jeremy.

Before Jeremy could say a word, the door suddenly opened by his sister, who interrupted their conversation. "Is it true that we're really visiting Philippines?" She joyfully asked.

"How many times do I have to tell you that when adults are talking you shouldn't just butt in!" Jeremy reminded.

"Yes, my dear." The king turned his attention back to Jeremy. "Give your sister a break. It's just the two of us."

"But she must still act appropriately." Jeremy turned his eyes towards his sister who stood beside the king. "You should act properly. You aren't a kid anymore." He continued.

"When are we going?" she asked as she ignored Jeremy's words.

"Now... now..." The King tried to calm them. "It will be next month."

'Hold on..." Jeremy interrupted. "We haven't yet agreed that you would also be going."

"Okay. Let's make a deal then. If the doctor gives me a clearance to go, you would agree." The King suggested.

Lately, the king's condition has been going well. Free from the stress of royal duties, he has been gaining his health back. Despite his steadfast recovery, Jeremy taken to himself all the official functions as a form of training as well as for the fulfillment of his promise, a promise he made to Kate before they broke up.