{ ほんとの私のこと キミには知ってほしくて。。。
I want you to know the real me… }
{☆} — Nightfall had just about concluded its shift as the rising sun had started to emerge from the horizon. The air remained cool and dewy from the previous night’s downpour, though the forecast promised to bear good weather for the remainder of the week. While another new day had dawned upon the peaceful kingdom of Tenebrae, the halls of the Fleuret estate had been bustling with activity in preparation for breakfast. The kitchen staff scrambled to get everything ready in time – especially with the arrival of an honored guest from their country’s neighboring kingdom.
“Is he not coming to dine with us, Mana?” The Tenebraean princess curiously asked as food was being set generously on the grand table of the dining hall. Stella Nox Fleuret was seated at one end, feet swinging restlessly underneath her chair as the sweet smell of freshly baked rolls and pastries hung in the air. Her attendant watched her vigilantly through the corner of her eye, knowing full well who she had been alluding to and responded with an exasperated sigh. “In due time, princess.” Mana reassured the impatient young blonde. “The prince is still asleep and understandably so, considering he had endured a long and exhausting journey to get here.”
“Then shall I wake him up?”
"Absolutely not.“
”Why not…–?“
”It is disrespectful, m'lady, and unbecoming of your title. Has something so basic not been taught in your etiquette lectures?“
Round eyes widened in astonishment at the sudden blunt remark, followed by a small pout in response. Although Stella was of noble heritage and higher station, she could never win against Mana’s sharp tongue, considering she had been her caretaker since birth and was a highly regarded individual within the Fleuret family. But despite the sheer respect she had of the elderly woman, the young girl’s stubbornness simply refused to wane. When news of the prince’s arrival reached the household, she had been enthusiastic to see firsthand what sort of person the Lucis king’s child was like. Her father had discussed the details of the prince’s visit with his adviser in the conference room, and she had overheard how the Lucis king wanted to expose his son to the outside world at an early age; to help him become more culturally competent and strengthen ties with existing allies should it be his turn to ascend the throne – starting with Tenebrae. While the young prince was expected to expand his knowledge and dabble into their country’s Magitek and EX Arts for the duration of his stay, talks of a possible union had also been touched upon briefly. Not that she completely understood what that had entailed, but…
”Miss Mana?“
Both ladies turned their attention towards one of the palace guards at the sudden mention of her name. Mana’s brows furrowed in annoyance at the horrendous timing before giving him a dry response. ”Yes?“
”A moment of your time, please.“
The attendant shifted her gaze towards Stella and back to the guard, fighting back the urge to rub her temples at the unexpected quandary. She could not trust to peel her eyes away from the little princess, but with a heavy heart reached a difficult verdict and unwillingly followed the guard, giving the girl one last stern look before exiting the room. Stella huffed and remained in her seat quietly for a few minutes until her eyes brightened at the sudden opportunity presented. A rebellious spirit had started to swell within her –
Who was she to even tell her what not to do?
Hopping out of her chair, Stella sneaked away from the dining hall and into the palace hallways. She was certain he would be at the guest suites located at the west wing of the second floor, but the only problem now was figuring out which room in their manor he was staying at…
