Season 1; Obliged To Meet The Emperor In The City Of Muelaemoar.

"Hmmm." Lawrence groaned from his bed as his sweat travelled down his face, his eyes slowly opening. He sees Estella's arm retreating but stopped it with his hand, "Mother?" he called.

Estella smiled. "I must have woken you up, dear."

Lawrence smiled and rose to sit. "No," he yawned. "Welcome home, Mum." he hugged Estella.

"I'm home, sweetie." Estella hugged back. They embraced each other for a minute then separated. Lawrence stretched his arms.

"Did you encounter anything?" Lawrence asked.

Estella shook his head. "Luckily, we didn't," she answered. "I heard you've been hunting with the knights. Is it true?"

"It is. Although, the knights did not allow me in the frontlines. I use a bow to assist them from behind. We've so far cleared the west side of the forest up to the steep mountains." he answered.

"I see," Estella spoke.

"You have news for me, don't you, Mum?" Lawrence asked, his face blank.

Estella sighed, "Was it obvious?" she asked. Lawrence remained silent. "Yes... sweetie. I have." she took out a letter and hesitantly gave it to Lawrence. The letter had a gold stamp of the imperial family crest, and Lawrence immediately knew it was from the Emperor.

He took it with a frown on his face, troubled, perhaps. He cut the top of the envelope and took out the paper inside it, folded in half.

[ "Invitation To Meet The Emperor" ]

Lawrence's face went blank. He shifted his gaze to Estella, which made her flinch, then returned it to the letter. He sighed. "Mother," he called.

"Y-yes?" Estella answered.

"Were you worried about this?" Lawrence asked as he opens the folded paper.

[ Prince Xavier, I request an audience with you. It's been two years since I've last seen you and I would very much want to see you. I'm now confident I can face you with courage. Would you delight this father of yours with your company? ]

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| A/N: The content above enclosed by ([, ]) is a summarized version of what's written inside it. The original had more content in it and more archaic words.

*

Estella gulped as she scans the face of Lawrence, reading the content inside the letter. He showed no resentment nor annoyance. But he also didn't show happiness nor excitement. Lawrence's face was blank as ever. Estella was about to give up on scanning his face when Lawrence finished reading. He shifted his eyes once again at Estella.

"I presume he is in the City of Muelaemoar?" Lawrence asked in a casual tone.

Estella nodded.

"Is that why you had 'Sleipnirs' to drop you off in St. Apple Villa?" he added to his question. "Was it also done by the Emperor's order?"

Estella nodded.

"Then why are you nervous, Mother?" Lawrence asked, raising a brow.

This time, Estella stooped and stayed silent.

Lawrence let out an exasperated sigh and spoke, "Do not fuss over it. I am not upset, Mother. It is a request, not an order. Although, I should probably go. But his majesty isn't as bad as you may think.

"But I am troubled. I do not have clothes that may serve me well," Lawrence added.

Estella's gloomy face turned to a smile, "Don't worry. I bought many souvenirs from the east and other things for you."

"Always come prepared, huh?" Lawrence laughed.

Estella smirked, "Mmm~ Always."

"Well, anyhow, continue to rest, sweetie. We have a long day tomorrow." Estella added.

Lawrence nodded. And so, the remaining time of the night passed. After returning to her chambers, Estella immediately was able to sleep due to her travelling exhaustion. Lawrence was able to sleep again for the assurance of having Estella on his side another day. Although he did not like the idea of meeting the Emperor the next day, Lawrence chose to not fret over it.

And just as the dawn came. The eager servants rose, and the guards switched with their posts, yawning. Another hour passed, and the sky was brighter, enough to wake the Prince. He rose from his bed only to meet the maids opening his door - as if they anticipated his awakening - and started cleaning and preparing for him.

"What's happening?" he rose abruptly when a handful of maids came rushing into his room. Others were clearing an area of his room, and the rest helped Lawrence up and cleaned his bed.

Emily gave Lawrence a robe and gently ushered the Prince to the bathroom. There, the bathtub ready to use. Emily started stripping Lawrence, making him jumpy and moving far from Emily.

"What are you doing!" he exclaimed.

Emily titled her head in confusion. "Young Master, you need to prepare for the bathe," she answered.

Lawrence pointed to the door, "Leave. I'll handle myself." he sighed.

Emily laughed, and so did the other maids. "Call us if you need any help, Young Master."

"What a busy day..." he frowned.

Estella's currently conversing with Lawrence's newly appointed designer. They were discussing what would best fit for him. There were many mannequins with fancy outfits and many pieces of jewellery on them. There were many varieties of clothing and different colours. One can guess how thoroughly planned it was.

Estella and the dresser agreed to use the following; a dress shirt, vest, a plain puff with a sapphire jewel, cufflinks and studs imbued with jewellery, black leather shoes, trousers, a tuxedo jacket. And a handkerchief to place inside the breast pocket. Overall, the outfit had different shades of blue, black, and white colours.

Everything was going into place, and the last thing to do was to have Lawrence wear his full attire. And that, Estella, looks forward.