Chapter 4: A Banquet

Later, the afternoon snack time passed for a bit, the King finally arrived at home, at least, it was sooner than other days. " I'm back, Aeyryn my beloved!" The king moves his gaze around the front hall palace where Aeryn the Queen was sitting but didn't see the familiar figure to meet his arrival, he felt a bit lonely and asked:" Where's Verhyn?"

The Queen slowly stood up and said with an indifferent tone:" He's in the library, don't disturb him dear." "Oh, and he left you some cakes as well" She was motionless waiting for the King's answer before leaving to get back to doing one of her favorite hobbies.

" Won't you eat with me then, Aeyryn dear?" The king decided to put on his tricks, just like the Crown Prince usually does when the Queen was about to leave them. " I already ate" Aeyryn just left after saying that line leaving the king stood dumbly at the front hall.

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Verhyn was alone in the library with no one, since he asked the guards to leave him some privacy. He was searching lots of books about magic spells, magicians, their origins, and other general things like that to try and investigate this suspicious person alone. The land they're living in was one rife with magic, where magic's use is as common as any other trade or skill. It took him a long time before he found out several books about the many spells that the *black-figure*(This was the nickname that Verhyn gave to that sussy man) used during this morning.

" It required lots and lots of stamina to just create another version of yourself yet could act alone and produce a dimension as well, just what is this kind of man?" Verhyn desperately wanted to know, since he has long had a fragile body with small endurance. Yet, the gods really endowed him with superficial strength, though it wasn't that great either, and he was eager to learn other new spells, not just those simple ones that kids could even do by reason as magic users here in this world required a fundamental amount of stamina to perform tricks.

It was simply admiration that Verhyn's giving this black figure. He frowned once again remembering the line that the black figure said before leaving him,' What does he mean by that, he already knew me? Then why couldn't he just say hi, if we're already companions, why must it be so secret?'

" Your Highness, the King and the Queen requested for you," Laina said with her usual voice and stood outside the library door waiting to escort the young prince.

" Coming." Verhyn stands up and opens the door and reminds her:" Don't put away the books, I will be coming back" Then they leave to meet the pair that are in need of his presence. It was just right at the time for the family' dinner

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" Mother, Father, you called for me?" Verhyn stood straight with his newly-worn clothes, it was darker than usual, but it carried a majestic and cold vibe, suitable for this country's future king. Well, since they're going to eat dinner, It's best that he dressed up lest his dad is going to brag how other kids are doing so great at dressing themselves.

" We're going to have dinner now, so please get seated son" The king answered him with the same attitude as usual, but it seems like something has been making him hard to stay idle, so he swiftly stands up and continues saying without waiting for the young Crown Prince to reach the chair" Verhyn, you're going to your first banquet tomorrow!" The King was super excited to inform Verhyn about this, since the kid didn't get to socialize and form any relationships apart from baking cakes and practicing his unusual strength and those tea parties with the elders.

" Where is it, Father?" Verhyn answered without any surprise, well he's all big boy now, it should be time to make some friends and explore the outside world too. He had stayed input for too long.

" Oh, uh, it's in the North of our land. '' The king replied and started picking up his fork and knife to start eating his meal, even so he sometimes peeks to see how his son will react. The Queen starts to dine in as if the banquet has never been informed of, while Verhyn still sits there on his chair but hasn't been able to start the meal yet, his mind wandering elsewhere.

" Is that kingdom called Isenrim? They hardly ever opened their gates to invite any other outsiders apart from their citizens. Isn't that strange, Father?" Verhyn furrowed his brows, his icy blue eyes glistened under the chandelier shiny lights, his lips pressed into thin lines trying to question the King about this sudden invitation.

" Oh it's going to be fine, we need some alliance for our lovely kingdom anyway, you'll be fine son." The King then continued with a scoff" You're too introverted, don't worry" Verhyn heard this and moved his gaze towards the Queen to see her expression, but sadly she didn't show a slight confusion or concerning look on her fair face. She still wore that angelic look and silently enjoyed the delicious feast, making people think that she isn't inside the conversations just now.

" Yes Father, I guess I'm going then" He put on a slight pout, but finally he decided to eat the meal that is being represented in front of him in a very beautiful way. The meat was beautifully cooked, other vegetables were also freshly picked and washed as well, and the heat was still reserved by the magic carrying the mouthwatering smell. It was a fine meal according to what Verhyn had been eating for most of his lifetime, though he still prefered cakes and candies over dishes like this.

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After the family had finished eating, they all said their goodbyes to each other and went back to where they were before. Verhyn once again was on his way to the library to binge read all the books he had just found. He spent all night trying to understand and Verhyn also experimented with some simple spells too with the hope that he won't have to rely on his super strength that much. And that night he went to sleep at 4:30 am in morning after getting persuaded so much by his personal maid Laina.