The heavy doors swung open, and King Liam, my father, stepped into the hall, followed by his wives.
Despite the exhaustion etched into the lines of his face, his presence was undeniable. He walked with a steady, rhythmic gait, nodding politely to the bowing nobles and occasionally exchanging a few words with the high-ranking dukes who lined his path to the throne.
I watched the entire procession from my corner by the dessert section.
However, my hands didn’t stop moving.
I picked up a cream puff, popped it into my mouth, and chewed enthusiastically.
"Careful, Your Highness."
A melodic, teasing voice suddenly drifted from my side, cutting through the ambient noise.
"If you keep stuffing yourself like that, you might turn into a piglet before the night ends."
I froze mid-chew, instantly recognizing the voice.
’Gulp!’ After hurriedly swallowing, I turned around with a bright, goofy smile plastered on my face.
Standing there, holding a glass of red wine with practiced elegance, was none other than Joana Von Crestfall. Up close, her violet eyes were even more striking, holding a glimmer of sharp intelligence that contrasted with her relaxed posture.
"Joana!"
I exclaimed while wiping my hands on a napkin with exaggerated haste.
"Nonsense! I’ll have you know I have my Father’s genes!"
I then puffed out my chest and flexed my arm, striking a ridiculous pose that showed off absolutely nothing but the fabric of my expensive suit.
"Look at this physique! It’s all royal muscle waiting to be awakened!"
"Pfft."
Joana covered her mouth, a genuine chuckle escaping her lips at my antics. The ice around her seemed to melt, if only for a second.
"You really are incorrigible," she said, shaking her head with a smile.
Then, her expression turned slightly more thoughtful. She swirled the wine in her glass, her eyes scanning my face for any cracks in the mask.
"I see you aren’t upset about the Fourth Trial."
Her words carried a double meaning.
She wasn’t just talking about my loss. She was referring to the fact that neither she nor the Crestfall family had extended a helping hand to me during the tournament. I had fought and lost with my meager forces, while she, they, stood on the sidelines.
’Upset?’
I laughed internally.
’Why would I be? That was part of the plan. If the Crestfalls had moved too early to support the "Fool Prince," it would have drawn unnecessary attention from my siblings and him.’
But outwardly, I widened my eyes in innocent surprise.
"Upset? Why would I be upset?"
I let out a sheepish, self-deprecating laugh, scratching the back of my head.
"I mean, look at my brothers! Look at their results!"
I gestured vaguely toward the center of the room where Bane stood like a conqueror.
"Big Brother Bane was terrifying! And even Sister Clara was amazing! Honestly, I’m just happy that I was allowed to stand on the same stage as them without tripping over my own feet. Being last isn’t so bad when the competition is full of monsters, right?"
Joana looked at me for a long moment.
Then, amusement flickered through her violet eyes. She nodded slowly, accepting the answer.
"Is that so?" she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips. "You certainly have a unique way of looking at things, Your Highness."
"Ah, come on, Joana."
I waved my hand at her dismissively, leaning back against the table.
"I told you to call me by my name. ’Your Highness’ makes my skin crawl coming from a friend."
I gestured to the spread of food with my fork.
"Anyway, do you want to eat too? I’m telling you, today’s dishes are all amazing. There’s even a strawberry cake over there that you li—" I caught myself, pretending to cough, "—that looks particularly delicious."
Joana maintained her composed smile, though she hesitated for a brief second.
"I am fine, thank you... Ilan."
"More for me then!"
I grinned, popping another tart into my mouth. However, I didn’t miss the way her violet eyes took a quick, longing glance at the strawberry cake I had mentioned before snapping back to me.
’Got you.’
She cleared her throat, swirling her wine again as she shifted the topic.
"So," she began, her tone casual but her eyes searching. "What do you think the next trial is going to be?"
"The next trial?"
I blinked, ’surprised’ by her question.
"Well... I don’t know," I replied honestly, letting my shoulders slump. "But I really hope it won’t be dangerous. I’ve had enough of fighting and sweating for a lifetime."
As I said the words, a face crossed my mind briefly.
"..."
My hand, which was reaching for another glass of juice, stopped in mid-air. For a split second, the chewing stopped, and the light in my eyes dimmed, replaced by a heavy, profound silence.
But it was only for a moment.
I shook my head imperceptibly and looked back at her, the goofy grin returning as if it had never left.
"What about you? Did you hear anything?"
Joana shrugged, though the motion was elegant.
"I don’t know as well. But according to Argus, Father mentioned His Majesty talking about ’taking care of the problem which has been eating away the kingdom till now’."
"I see." I nodded, keeping my expression curious.
But inwardly, I wasn’t the least surprised by that. Duke Valerius was one of the Protectors of the Kingdom; it was natural that he knew something was brewing.
’Though it seems even Father didn’t tell him it’s the Hollowlands outright.’
Just then, the sharp sound of a staff striking the floor echoed through the hall.
"Attention! His Majesty, the King, will now address the assembly!"
The chatter in the room died instantly.
"Well," I grinned at Joana, wiping my mouth with a napkin. "Guess we’ll find out soon."
I turned toward the throne, my smile fading into a look of dull curiosity as I waited for the announcement that would ruin everything.
"Mm, although I like fighting," Joana turned her head as well, "I sincerely hope your guess comes true."
I looked at her side profile for a split second before facing forward.
’Me too.’
’Because if the dreams hold true... we aren’t walking into a trial.’
’We are walking into a graveyard.’
’Our graveyard...’