PLQYM | Chapter 14

When Lucian didn’t take Joachim’s outstretched hand, Joachim simply grabbed his arm and pulled him outside. As they left, Antien’s head attendant was waiting for them.

“Are we set?”

“Yes, Your Highness. You can leave right away,” the attendant answered politely, stepping aside.

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Joachim kept hold of Lucian’s arm, striding confidently forward. Thanks to Joachim’s long strides, Lucian nearly had to jog to keep up.

“So, Your Highness, a ‘date’?” Lucian frowned as he asked. He couldn’t just be dragged along without knowing the reason. If the Emperor found out, things might get seriously out of hand.

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“Don’t tell me you’ve never been on a date.” Lucian didn’t answer, his face blank, which seemed to surprise Joachim. “With that face, no one’s ever made a move? What kind of country is this?”

Lucian only half-listened, feeling his patience wearing thin. But Joachim continued, oblivious, “This—what we’re doing right now—is a date. Just the two of us, spending a pleasant time together.”

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Lucian had the distinct feeling he’d been dragged into something entirely wrong.

Especially considering the large entourage trailing behind them—calling this “just the two of us” was downright absurd.

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With a sigh, Lucian finally asked, “…May I at least ask where we’re headed?”

“You’ll find out when we get there.” Joachim’s grin showed a hint of mischief as he kept their destination a mystery. Lucian had a bad feeling. If the Emperor found out about this, things could get complicated. The thought gave him a slight headache.

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Meanwhile, Heraith returned to his office less than thirty minutes after Lucian had been whisked away by Joachim.

“So, in order to cover those expenses…”

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As usual, Heraith walked into his office while listening to the finance minister’s report with a few aides in tow. But this time, he stopped abruptly in the middle of the aides’ office, a break from his usual routine of walking straight past it without sparing the aides glance.

“Your Majesty?” The minister beside him started to speak, but Heraith raised a hand to silence him. His gaze swept the room, pausing at Lucian’s empty desk.

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His voice was thick with displeasure as he finally spoke, “…What is this?”

His attention was fixed on Lucian’s vacant seat and the elaborate bouquet behind it.

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As the Emperor’s expression grew colder, Nils Bowman hurriedly stepped forward. “Prince Joachim came and took Sir Lucian with him. The bouquet is a gift from His Highness to Sir Lucian, and….”

“….”

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“Uhm, for the purpose of hosting an esteemed guest….”

Nils’s voice trailed off as he carefully gauged the Emperor’s mood.

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Heraith’s sharp, silent gaze lingered on Lucian’s empty seat and the abandoned bouquet, his presence exuding a palpable tension.

He said nothing.

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Without a word, he turned and strode into his office.

The ministers and officials who had accompanied him hastily followed suit, snapping back to their senses.

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Meanwhile, the aides—who had been holding their breath—finally moved, as if released from a spell.

Watching the Emperor’s office door close, Nils muttered blankly, “…Is he angry?”

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The Emperor didn’t seem to be in a good mood at all, but why? Unsure of what to make of it, Nils looked around before heading back to his desk. He tried to focus on his work, but something just didn’t sit right. He had a strong sense that today would be a good day to leave early.

Meanwhile, Lucian was seriously having second thoughts about why he was even here.

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Currently, he found himself on Lake Peino, deep within the Imperial Palace, on a boat that Joachim was rowing himself.

“…I didn’t expect Your Highness to row the boat.”

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“I have quite a few skills,” Joachim replied, flashing a playful wink. “How about it? Not many people get to come here. And I don’t just bring anyone, you know.”

Lucian took a slow breath, summoning the last of his patience.

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Lake Peino, also known as the Fairy Lake, was hidden deep within the palace, accessible only to a select few.

A perpetual mist curled over its surface, and unknown grasses and flowers bloomed along its edges, their origins a mystery.

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It was a place of ethereal beauty, said to leave all who gazed upon it in silent awe.

Though small, it was an ideal retreat—a thought that briefly crossed Lucian’s mind as he considered stealing a moment of rest here someday.

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But now was not the time to dwell on that.

“Whenever I visit Pranas, Heraith always grants me access here,” Joachim boasted as they reached the center of the lake, clearly pleased to be sharing this experience with Lucian.

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Unlike Joachim, Lucian was deeply uncomfortable.

Officially, Joachim’s visit was to address concerns over a supposed unfair agreement with the Antien ambassador. Lucian’s role was to assist with the inspection of the port, ensuring there were no misunderstandings.

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Yet, he hadn’t even seen the port.

From the very first day, Joachim had made one thing clear—he was here to have fun.

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Lucian had been dragged from one pointless excursion to another: tea outings, plaza strolls, watching Joachim buy unnecessary trinkets, and more.

Lucian’s patience was nearing its end.

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“I wasn’t aware this lake would be converted into a port. Have you discussed this with His Majesty?” Lucian asked politely, trying to keep his expression neutral as he glanced around.

Joachim’s brow twitched slightly at Lucian’s comment. Ah, so that’s how it is.

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Joachim stopped rowing, and the boat came to a halt. Setting the oars aside, he leaned back casually, as if to convey that Lucian was at his mercy in the middle of this lake.

Was it a noble’s habit to show displeasure and intimidate those around them? Lucian felt more irritated than afraid.

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All these people with their terrible personalities.

He forced his expression to remain calm as he subtly estimated the distance to the shore.

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Hmm, I could swim to shore if it comes to that.

Having reached a conclusion, Lucian spoke calmly, “Your Highness, I’d like to return to my duties. I see no need for my continued presence here.”

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“Your duties?”

“Yes. As His Majesty’s aide, I’d like to promptly attend to the work piling up. After all, I am His Majesty’s aide.”

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Not your toy.

He let his smile carry the unspoken words.

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“Hah.” Joachim smirked, instantly understanding Lucian’s underlying message. But he didn’t seem particularly offended.

“I’m following you around today to properly convey my intentions to you, Your Highness,” Lucian continued. “I may be a little too frank, but…”

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It was clear that this charming aide wasn’t the type to shy away from expressing himself, even before a high-ranking prince on a lake surrounded by mist.

“…I don’t know if you’re bold or just insolent.” Joachim narrowed his eyes, watching Lucian, but Lucian’s unwavering gaze held steady. “As an aide, shouldn’t you be bowing your head, obeying my words?”

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“If that’s what Your Highness wishes, I’ll comply.”

But he doubted the prince would enjoy it. And Lucian could no longer afford to be passively led around like this. If he didn’t push back now, he’d be dealing with the fallout for a long time.

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“I understand that you’ve already received reports on the port inspections,” Lucian continued.

Joachim’s eyebrows rose slightly. Lucian was right. ‘How did he know that? I ordered it to be done secretly.’

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When Joachim said nothing, Lucian spoke in a quiet voice, “If further explanations or investigations are needed, I can assist. But if I’m no longer required, I would prefer to return to my primary duties.”

Having said his piece, Lucian lowered his gaze and bowed slightly—a silent acknowledgment that, from here on, he would follow Joachim’s decision.

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Oh, look at him.

This young aide, even before a prince, remained collected, saying exactly what he needed to. It was clear that Lucian was no ordinary aide.

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Why did Heraith always attract such peculiar people?

Without answering, Joachim picked up the oars again. “What if I decide to leave you in the middle of the lake rather than take you back with me?”

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“My apologies, but Your Highness and I are on the same boat,” Lucian replied calmly to Joachim’s challenge.

“What if I say I’ll row back alone and ask you to get off here?”

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“Then I’ll swim back. I have a few modest skills myself,” Lucian replied.

“Oh?” Joachim seemed intrigued, though he was no longer smiling.

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Lucian had learned early on that his position as the Emperor’s aide required knowing how to navigate delicate boundaries. And once again, his skillful diplomacy had served him well.

“But, Your Highness, I would be honored to return with you. It would be an achievement to boast about my excellent service.”

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At this, Joachim’s eyes lit up with a faint smile. “…You know just what to say.”

“I still have a lot to learn,” Lucian replied, bowing his head humbly.

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Joachim looked at him thoughtfully, then suddenly asked, “Do you truly have no intention of coming with me?”

“…Pardon?” Lucian glanced up, startled.

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Joachim’s usual playful expression was gone, replaced with something more serious. “I’m speaking more sincerely than ever, Lucian. Why don’t you come with me to Antien?”