[How To Save The World]
It was about a tragic hero—Rein, seeking revenge after everything was taken from him. The story was known for its writing and world-building, though the character designs were a little strange.
It ended with Rein forgiving his enemies. Normally, that would've been a fine ending, but many readers hated how he faced no consequences after destroying half the kingdom. The backlash was brutal, the author receiving harsh criticisms.
Not long after the novel ended, the author was found dead. Even then, people wouldn't stop tearing into the story.
"—Your Highness," a soft, bell-like voice called out to me.
I turned around to see a young girl wearing a maid outfit. Her green hair fell to the length of her waist.
"Um.. I apologize, Your Highness—It seems I've interrupted your thoughts." She wasn't looking into my eyes. She must've been quite nervous.
"No, it's fine," I replied. "What were you saying?"
"His Majesty has told me to inform you that there will be a banquet to celebrate your recovery, Your Highness.." Her fingers were fidgeting; it looked like she was still nervous. Well, that was a given. I am The Prince, after all.
"Alright." I didn't say anything else.
She seemed like a good person to have around. Perhaps I could assign her as my personal maid.
She bowed then turned to the door to leave but—
"What was your name again?" I asked the greenhead.
"It's Lye, Your Highness." She turned around to answer before leaving.
Lye, huh? Quite a unique name. She looked quite smart even though she was just a maid. Maybe I could get Liona to turn her into a battle-maid? Ohoho...
That aside, I don't know what the 'banquet' will be like. But still, I should dress up a little.
...
The banquet hall was decorated grandly. The smell of well-produced wine drifted from the glasses the guests held. Music played faintly in the background. It was much better than the banquets I'd attended back in my world.
There were many guests, and now that he'd come to me, their eyes were fixated on us. Of course, they were focused on my father—The Emperor.
Those eyes will be fixated only on me in the future.
"You look ridiculous." Father gave me quite the feedback.
I looked down at myself and—well, he wasn't wrong.
"Nonetheless, this is a celebration for you. You won't remember any of these people, probably. So—" He pointed to the knight that came along with him.
He had dark hair, just like Liona. A sword rested on his back rather than at his side. He wasn't much taller than me.
"He is on par with the Volt, don't worry," Father added.
"I, Rein, am honored to serve you again, Prince Sorrel." He knelt on one knee. The guests watched in silence. So embarrassing. I will never get used to thi—wait. Rein?
"I've heard about your situation, Your Highness," he added.
"I'll be in your care." I forced myself to respond calmly.
I bowed at Father before moving somewhere else; a place with fewer eyes.
"Rein," I started.
"Yes, Your Highness?" His enthusiasm was impressive.
"I felt eyes on our way here. Do I look strange?"
"No, My Lord. I'm sure they are just surprised you woke up abruptly." Abruptly? Were they hoping I'd never return?
—Tsk.
A tall figure emerged from the right corner of my vision. Golden eyes staring into my mind.
Rein greeted,
"This humble knight greets the Duke!"
He bowed before turning to me—
"Your Highness, this is Duke Ele."
Duke Ele. He led the faction that opposed The Emperor in the future. One of the strongest swordsmen on the continent, feared and revered by many.
"Greetings, Duke Ele," I started.
The Duke's eyes widened, his practiced composure faltering for a moment—seeing how Rein had to remind me of who he was.
"I greet The Third Prince, Lord Sorrel." He bent low, head facing downwards. Honestly, he looked trustworthy—But you can't possibly fool me.
"I am relieved to hear the news of your recovery, My Lord."
I didn't want to respond. I simply nodded. But things never go smoothly, huh?
The knight escorting the Duke spoke up,
"Such arrogance…! You may be a prince, but you still need to respect the Duke!"
Father was watching the whole drama unfold.
Sigh.
"Rein, does this look like a punishable crime to you?" I asked.
"Yes, Your Highness.. According to imperial law, this could be charged as treason—punishable by death."
"Hmm…" I glanced at the knight.
"Forgive my subordinate, My Lord," the Duke stepped in. The knight must've been an important pawn.
"Make sure you educate him well, Duke Ele~" He was still bowing, so he probably didn't notice the grin tugging at my lips.
Nothing significant followed after my encounter with the Duke. Rein stayed by my side, scanning for potential threats. A good thing, because everyone who approached me seemed to be testing the waters, their questions laced with subtle poison.
"Your Highness, I trust your time in… slumber… was peaceful?" A plump minister asked, his smile not reaching his eyes.
Minister Corbin. Known for his absurd loyalty to the Emperor, my father.
"The sleep was splendid, but my memories are still recovering," I replied smoothly. "So if you'll excuse me, I'm afraid I don't recall who you are." My new life as a prince came with an easy excuse for rudeness—amnesia. Almost too perfect.
The minister's smile didn't waver. He bowed politely and introduced, "This old man's name is Corbin Basque. I greet you once again, Your Highness."
"Yes, it is good to know you." I replied.
He bowed and left.
I could feel Ranchael's eyes on me from across the room. He was talking to a group of nobles, his usual charming smile on full display. But his gaze returned to me at least every five minutes. He was preparing for something.
"Your Highness, it seems the Second Prince is not pleased with your recovery," Rein whispered in my ear.
"Is that so?" I muttered. Ranchael was a minor antagonist in the novel. Naturally, he'd go against the flow of the story. Though I didn't know what our relationship was like—there was no mention of me, the Third Prince.
My gaze caught Liona at the entrance. She was doing her job well. Arms crossed, her usual armor in place.
I made my way toward her, ignoring the curious stares. Rein followed but tried to stop me.
"Your Highness, it's probably not a good idea to greet Lady Liona right no—"
"Hello again, Miss-Scared-Of-The-Emperor," I said, a mischievous grin on my face.
She glared, dark eyes narrowing. "Don't you have a dog to kick, Your Highness?"
"Funny," I shot back.
"I'm surprised you're speaking rather politely to me right now," I added, grin fading.
"Well, there are many ears here." She had it ready, as if expecting me to say it. "My duty is to ensure the royal family's safety. Even yours."
"Fair enough."
Rein watched, probably surprised at our casual, peer-to-peer tone. A knight commander and a prince speaking without a wall of rank—it was a rare sight indeed.
I turned to him and said,
"Rein," my right hand on his shoulder, "you can join the conversation if you want to. No one should be left out."
His reddening face was priceless.
Liona let out a chuckle, which surprised us both.
"...What?" She asked at our staring.
"Nothing." We both said in unison.
"Ahem." A loud clearing of the throat came from my father. All eyes fixed onto him.
"This banquet is to celebrate the recovery of my Third Son, Sorrel Valren," he declared. "But more importantly, I've noticed unusual movements from the west."
Whispers erupted. Expected—no one anticipated such news. From this point on, they would prepare for war with Lunic, a small kingdom in the west. Small doesn't necessarily mean weak.
"There aren't any important figures to meet. Let's get going, Rein."
Liona slowly got back into her position as a guard. I locked eyes with the emperor before bowing. I left without causing a scene—I was holding back.
---[Line break]
Later that night, in a dark room that reeked of books, a man with green eyes sat hunched over a desk. "The banquet wrapped up nicely," He said, the words sounded like calm waves. "Wouldn't you agree? Count Mage, Syra?"