CHAPTER 4- PLAN

Morning sunlight streamed through the grand windows, casting golden hues across the lavish bedroom. I stretched, feeling a fresh wave of energy coursing through me as the scent of something delicious teased my senses. My stomach growled in anticipation. Just then, the door creaked open, and in walked a blonde-haired maid, balancing a silver tray brimming with a variety of exquisite dishes.

"Food is ready, Mr. Teller," she announced, placing the tray on the table. Her voice was soft yet laced with a teasing undertone. "Oh! And after your meal, don't forget to call us. We'll assist you with your bath."

 I watched as she turned to leave but hesitated. The room felt too empty, too quiet.

 "Wait!" I called out. She stopped, tilting her head slightly in curiosity. "Would you stay? I don't feel like eating alone."

 Surprise flickered in her green eyes before she nodded. "Of course, if that's what you wish."

 As I savored the meal, my guilt gnawed at me. I was feasting while she simply stood by.

 "Here!" I gestured toward the plate. "Have some, too. I feel bad eating in front of you."

 She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Oh, hoho! I already had breakfast, Mr. Teller. My only concern is your tummy staying full before meeting the prince. Can't have you starving, now can we?"

Owen: 'Blush from embarrassment' You're right! I should worry about myself first!

Maid(Catherine): Mhm! Oh, did you know the prince has been acting weird lately? I don't know why but he keeps asking us, have the fortune teller wake up and he won't stop asking the same question every 20 minutes. 'Sigh'

Owen: Really? I didn't know he would worry me that much.

Maid(Catherine): Yeah! Wait! Or does he have a crush on you~?

 I blushed when she said that to me but did the prince really had a crush on me or did he just care about me, maybe I shouldn't think of something like this first, It's not like the prince had a crush on me anyway.

 After finishing the meal, She cleans up the table for me hands me a tower, and tells me to go and take a bath. Before she was about to go I wanted to know her name before I went to bath. "Wait before you go out can you at least tell me what's your name". She looks back with a smile "Call me Catherine and next time don't be too casual with me" I returned her smile. "Noted, Catherine."

 The warm water embraced me as I soaked in the grand bath, my mind drifting between Catherine's teasing and the prince's unusual behavior. Soon enough, I changed into the comfortable clothes Catherine had provided and pulled on my father's long hooded cloak before heading out.

 Catherine stood waiting, arms crossed. "You took your time," she chided playfully. "Come on, don't keep His Highness waiting."

 Just as I was about to go down, Catherine stood at the door "Now go and meet the prince". As I reached the hall, the prince stood tall, his presence commanding, yet his expression softened as he spotted me. Beside him was Duke Carls Lewiston, the famed warrior of the kingdom. His piercing gaze and the air of authority surrounding him sent a shiver down my spine.

 I bowed slightly. "Good morning, Your Majesty. I heard we have a meeting today."

The prince nodded. "Yes. I need you to assist us in uncovering the culprit who cursed our bloodline. With your fortune-telling abilities, we may finally have a lead."

 "I will accept the request you ask me but it will take a lot of time to find that person cause we haven't had any culprit of that person live or where he/she hides"

 "If that is the case, how about we start investigating every Nobel family since we invited them to come to the ceremony?"

 "That will work too—maybe we will get some information about it"-

 "Then, everything settled here—the meeting will end here, and we will start going tomorrow"

 When everything is settled down, I will go out to find the culprit but what about Catherine will I be able to hang out with her more—she is the best maid after all! As Owen had a lot of thoughts about what he should do now a sudden knock on the door stunned him, He slightly opened to door just to find himself in front of the prince. He bound "Greeting Your Majesty—may I know why you are here—is there any problem I can help?"

 He looks at me awkwardly and speaks with me in a soft tone "So—since today will be a day for you to rest more—why don't we go out and hang out together". I accepted his request at the speed of light "Yes! Since I have nothing to do now—why not we go to the town and walk around" I don't know why I just accepted his request so fast maybe he was just too hot—as my mind just melt with this weird thought~

 The town was alive with energy, vendors calling out their wares, the scent of fresh bread mingling with the crisp evening air. The prince held my hand as he helped me down from the carriage, sending another wave of heat to my face. We wandered leisurely until a quaint bookshop caught my eye. Just as I was about to pay for my book from the seller, the prince stopped my hand "Let me pay for you, I also bought something—I will pay for it together"

 We walked out of the store, I was so happy that I got the book, neither I finally make a potion, I also got treated by the prince how fantastic. The prince held my hand and opened my palm and put the thing he bought—A map—which he said could be useful for me. My face was so red as how sweet the tone when he speak.

 We went around in town for an hour and I managed to get the thing for Catherine and not just her but also His Majesty, I want to give it to him as a gift when the case is solved.

 As we headed back to the palace, it was already night. "Hey you should get some rest now or else you won't even wake up when someone calls you" I blush so hard that my face turns red just like the tomato, I nod and rush back to the room.

 Just when I was about to head to my room, I saw Catherine in front—I shouted her name "Catherine" I rushed to her! "Here is a gift to you for being my friend"

 "Oh my goodness—I'm so happy thank you so much"

 Bidding her goodnight, I changed into my pajamas, only to spot the map on my bed. Unfolding it, I traced my fingers over the unfamiliar places marked upon it. 

 Just like that, my day ends here—tomorrow will be another day and another me again~