Playing One More Tricky Angle

Abuchi, who had been silent this whole time, cleared his throat. "I think... perhaps we misunderstood. Of course, your studies are important. Maybe we can... figure something out?"

The mention of the first prince had effectively cornered Obinna and Abuchi, leaving them unable to neatly wriggle out of the discussion.

Defying their elder brother's authority was out of the question, so they exchanged glances, silently agreeing it was best to compromise. Before the tension could boil over further, King Ikechukwu finally intervened, his tone calm but authoritative.

"Nnenna," he began, "you will not be in charge of supervising the entire preparation for the celebration. That is the housekeeper's responsibility, that is his job."

At his words, relief washed over Nnenna's face, but everyone else at the table seemed displeased. The king, however, wasn't finished.