After their storytime was finished, the jester told Tommy that the prince could enter into the office. Tommy was skeptical, but the jester assured Tommy that it would be fine. Tommy knocked on the doors of the office to his mother's office. The door swung open slowly, revealing the image of his mother and brother seated around her desk with serious expressions on their faces. His mother looked up when she noticed the door open. A small smile spread across her face, and she ushered him into the room with her hand.

"Theseus!" Wilbur calls out merrily, noticing Tommy as the blonde settles on his mother's skirt. She moves her non-dominant arm off the desk to wrap around Tommy's waist to keep him from sliding to the ground. Tommy leans his back against his mother's chest.

"Sit down, Wilbur," Kristin commands, looking up at her elder son. Wilbur pouts as he lowers himself back into the chair. Tommy has been to this office before, so he knows that Wilbur had dragged a chair over to be beside the desk instead of in front of it.

"What are you doing?" Tommy asks, tilting his head up to look at his mother's jawline. She looks down at him, her violet eyes sparkling with love. She uses her dominant hand to boop his nose. Wilbur snorts when he sees Tommy's scrunched up expression.

"I am discussing Wilbur's education with him," Kristin explains to him, gesturing at the large amount of papers littered around her desk. Tommy glances at them. He's able to read them because of his own education, but he also already knows what each of them says.

The imperial family remains in power because they know how to split responsibility while making sure every member knows how to do the other jobs. The tsar handles the domestic affairs of his empire along with foreign policy. The tsaritsa handles the affairs within the palace, the capital city, and diplomats arriving in the palace. There is an additional member of the family- either a sibling of the tsar or tsaritsa or a cousin- that becomes the General, the person in charge of the military. The tsesarevich learns how to do a little bit of everything from the previous generation while their sibling or cousin learns to be the next General. This delegation of power is supported by the Ministries. The Imperial Ministers are in charge of their own departments that handle more specific problems like the health of the imperial family, the regulation and usage of magic, and the cycle of innovation.

Unlike her predecessors, Kristin was not born knowing she would one day become the future leader of the empire. She was not trained for the trials of handling an entire palace and city, filled with people and commerce and politics. She was forced to learn much later in life. Tommy does not know if his mother was ever overwhelmed by the responsibilities thrust upon her simply because she fell in love with a tsesarevich, but she found a path to success for herself. She dedicated herself to mastering the art of diplomacy, politics, and business, and she was able to do so with grace and composure. Despite a later start, it is commonly known- though never explicitly stated- that Kristin is probably better than Philza, though the tsar never takes that as an insult. Just as Kristin learned in order to become his wife, Philza continues to strive to match her success to become her equal.

It is a romantic tale that becomes a lot more practical when Philza goes off on an expedition with his second son. Kristin took Philza's place, and she started handling all the responsibilities that Philza once presided over. She frequently got guidance from the ministries and Philza's vassals, but even with that, it would take a strong captain at the helm to guarantee that the ship didn't sink. Kristin did her husband's job with the utmost diligence.

Since Kristin took on more responsibility, she gave Wilbur more to do. Instead of spending years learning, Kristin has taken a far more hands-on approach with her son's education. As Kristin explains it, Wilbur can learn how to run an empire by first learning how to manage a city, and he will learn how to run a city by first learning how to manage a palace. This was not the normal way a tsesarevich would learn, but the nobles were unable to voice their complaints because the tsaritsa was now the most powerful person in the empire. If she wanted to break tradition, she would deal with the backlash herself, and most people did not want to make an enemy of the woman who commanded a darkling.

It wasn't as if Wilbur was bad at his new job, either. He was exceptionally good. Despite his young age, he was quickly proving himself to be a prodigy. He wasn't as physically and mentally strong as his brother nor did he have access to powerful magic like his best friend, but Wilbur was given his own gifts by the gods. There was a reason why some nobles believed that Wilbur should continue to be the tsesarevich even after he proved that he was a destructive alcoholic. That intelligence did not come from nowhere. It was carefully cultivated since childhood, and this was the reason why.

Wilbur becoming in charge of the palace and later the capital city happened in The Ender Prince as well. Ranboo rarely left the palace, but there was one occasion where he did travel through the streets of the capital. He was meant to stay with Theseus, but he was shoved aside by the crowd. As Ranboo tried to find his way back to the prince, unfamiliar with the world and anxious to leave the prince's side for long, he overheard a lot of the common people, including minor nobles in the more expensive districts of the capital. They were dissatisfied with the imperial family, but most of them thought that Wilbur would bring the empire back to its former glory.

"I was going to call for you later to discuss your education, but it appears I no longer need to do that. You have impeccable timing," Kristin tells him, using her hand to move aside a few papers. She pulls out a stack tied together by string the same color as Tommy's teacher, Kara Corvus', eyes. "Your instructor thinks very highly of you. In her own words, you are a bright student eager to learn and develop your mind. In her report, she requested to teach you about the empire's system of government and potions. I will allow her to teach you about the government when you are a little older. I will have to speak with your father, but I believe I can authorize her to have access to the Enchanting Tower so that she might teach you how to make potions, specifically healing ones, she says. Would that please you, Theseus?"

Tommy's eyes widen. Potions. Why didn't he think of that sooner? He can't use healing magic no matter how hard he tries, but he has not tried potions yet. There is no guarantee he will be any good at it, but Tommy would like to try. Potions are one of the most regulated forms of magecraft. They require a person to assemble certain components, some of them being parts of monsters or only found in dangerous areas, and brew them in a specific way. There is one more step in the process that involves putting EXP into the potion. Tommy only knows that much about it because Theseus brought Ranboo to the Enchanting Tower frequently. Still, there was a lot Tommy didn't know about the practice. He did know that healing potions exist. They are some of the most common potions, after all, with a significant amount being in the underground markets.

"Please!" Tommy says, clasping his hands together as a form of begging. He uses his special puppy-dog eyes on his mother. Tommy could keep a healing potion on him at all times. He would be able to use one on Kristin, and he would be able to use one on Tubbo. He really could prevent his mother's death and his best friend's injuries. All Tommy has to do is understand how potions work. He has a high chance of success, too, because Kara is a witch. Unlike mages, Kara's way of magic is entirely potions. It was an art passed on to her by her teacher, and Kara inherited her master's powers and skills.

"If that is what you desire," Kristin tells him. "Now, do you want to tell me why you came here?"

"I was waiting for Tubbo to get done testing. In the meantime, I want to start the procedure to let Tubbo stay at the palace in case he passes and wants to stay here," Tommy tells his mother, putting both of his hands on the hand that is holding him. If he was surprised by how much larger Shelby's hand was compared to his, he is even more astounded to know how much larger his mother's hand is compared to his. Tommy huffs. He wants to get bigger really soon. Being tiny sucks.

"Oh, I did that for Shelby!" Wilbur says, leaning forward. His upper chest rests against their mother's desk as he smiles widely at Tommy. "I bet she was the one to tell you about it."

"She was," Tommy confirms with a nod. Wilbur's smile grows even larger. Tommy smiles back at him. He loves it when Wilbur is happy. The more Wilbur is happy, the less he is sad. It is simple ratios, something Kara has been lightly talking about recently that Tommy already knows about because he spent a long time on it in his school from the other world.

"I'll start the procedure. It would be good for your health for him to stay here, and it might be good for Tubbo to remain away from his father's territory for the time being," Kristin admits thoughtfully. Wilbur winces in understanding. Tommy looks away from his brother to stare at his mother. Wilbur might know what is going on, but Tommy certainly does not. What is Schlatt doing that would be better for Tubbo to stay away? Did this happen in the Ender Prince? If it did, Tubbo never mentioned it.

"Is there anything else you desire, Theseus?" Kristin asks, meeting her son's eyes without an answer on her lips. Tommy blinks, wondering if he should simply ask. He stops, closing his eyes. He wants to know, but he doesn't think his mother would tell him. He will have to ask Kara later. She'll probably turn it into a game for him to find the answer himself, but at least Kara gives hints instead of outright refusing to answer like Tommy knows Kristin will.

"No," Tommy tells her. She hesitates, staring at him for a long moment as if searching his face for the desires he will not name. Tommy does not look away from her eyes. He believes he can see pain in her eyes, and he realizes that he should probably start acting more like his age. He should, at least, call Kristin by her title 'mother.' Is that what she wants right now?

"You are a good friend," Kristin whispers to him. He leans down, pressing a kiss to his forehead. Tommy bites the inside of his cheek to keep from crying as Kristin tilts her head to press their foreheads together. "And an even better son. Do tell me if you think of anything you want."

"I will," Tommy promises, ignoring the way his voice sounds watery. Kristin pulls back. She sets him down on the ground beside her chair. She lets her hand linger on his cheek, pinning him in place with her comforting gaze alone. Tommy feels something bubble in his chest. He knows what it is called, but he finds himself unable to make the accompanying noise. It has been so many years since he's been reincarnated in this world. Why can he not get over himself and say what the people around him want to hear, what he genuinely feels in his heart?

"Goodbye, Theseus. I love you. Have a good day," Kristin tells him. Tommy nods, taking a step back. Kristin does not ask anything of him. She turns her attention to Wilbur, going back to discussing something in his education. Tommy watches them for a moment. They both look like professionals, but their closeness makes Tommy realize how similar they look in appearance. They do not share the broader, more recognizable aspects like hair or eye color with each other, but there are noticeable features Tommy can identify on both of them. Their expressions, for instance, are exactly the same, as is the slight bounce in their hair.

Tommy could walk towards the door, but he hesitates. He instead walks around the desk until he's standing beside Wilbur's chair. He reaches his hand up, grabbing the fabric of Wilbur's sleeve. He pulls at it. Wilbur's attention is drawn away from their mother. He looks at Tommy, curiosity rising in the depths of his brown eyes. Tommy smiles at his brother. "Goodbye, Wilbur."

"Aww," Wilbur breathes. He reaches his arms out. They wrap around Tommy in mere seconds, and Tommy gets his face smushed into the silken fabric of Wilbur's jacket. Tommy wiggles to get himself some space to breathe, but he doesn't push away from Wilbur. He enjoys the warmth of his brother's arms. Wilbur pulls away, keeping his hands around Tommy's upper arm. He smiles at his younger brother. "Goodbye, Theseus."

With everything sorted out, the 'I love you' stuck on his tongue, Tommy starts heading out of the room. He hears them restart their conversation as the office doors close behind him.

—

Ranboo looks around. There are so many people surrounding him, but he doesn't recognize a single one. They don't seem to recognize him, either, simply ignoring him for the moment, but Ranboo doesn't know if that will last. If someone learns his identity, he will be in for a world of pain and trouble. Ranboo doubts Theseus will pay the ransom to get Ranboo back. He doesn't think his kidnappers would be satisfied knowing Ranboo doesn't have any secrets to be tortured out of him. That's if they don't outright kill him. Ranboo has functioning ears, and he knows what everyone around him is whispering.

"Has the tsar died yet?"

"When will that prince take the throne?"

"What has the third prince done this time?"

"Will the second prince ever step in to do something?"

There are a few nicer comments thrown in defending the imperial family, but they are few and far between, mostly about how Wilbur will help the country. Ranboo should join in, should at least defend his master, but the panic sits heavily on his chest, turning all of his words into gasping wheezes. He doesn't know what he's doing. He doesn't know where he is. How did he get so far away from Theseus?

"Excuse me." Ranboo whirls around, eyes widening and a choked breath causing him to make a startled noise. The person trying to speak with him draws her hand back away from him. Ranboo eyes her appearance, feeling a low tremor appear in his body. He vaguely recognizes her, but he can't tell because her blonde hair reminds him of the prince. Her navy blue eyes are different from the prince's purple, at least, and her gaze is so much softer as she clasps her gloved hands against her heart. "Oh, dear, you seem frightened. Are you okay?"

"I need- I lost- where- I-" Ranboo says, unsure where to begin or what to say. Theseus told him that appearances can be deceptive. Ranboo is far too trusting, the prince would say, and Ranboo really doesn't want to get hurt.

"Take a deep breath. In and out. My name is Madeleine. I am a seamstress here in the capital," The woman says. She glances around, leaning in to whisper. "I recognize you. You are the aide of the third prince, are you not?"

"I am," Ranboo breathes out his confession. He realizes how he knows Madeleine. She is more than a seamstress in the capital. She is Theseus' favorite seamstress. He frequently gets his clothing from her, trusting that she knows the recent trends.

"You should not be here. The third prince will be giving a speech to the people in the lower districts soon. You must hurry along to him before his anxiety causes him to lash out," Madeleine informs him. She points down the road, hooking her thumb near a side street. "You must go that way. Turn left. Keep going straight, until you come to a rowdy tavern. Turn right into the side street, and you will eventually find imperial guards. They will take you to your prince."

"Thank you," Ranboo whispers, turning to leave.

Madeleine catches Ranboo's arm, forcing him to look into her eyes. Suddenly, there is something else about her appearance that reminds Ranboo of Theseus. "You do not need to thank me with words. I desire the promise that you will ensure that the third prince does not have my head the next time I make a mistake."

"I don't-"

"You may not see it, but the third prince values your life. He has been showing you favor all this time. All I ask is that you, someone who has only recently appeared, share some of that with someone who has spent her entire life catering to his whims," Madeleine tells him, her grip tightening. Ranboo winces. He pulls himself away from her, and Endercat appears on his shoulder to respond to his anxiety. Madeleine does not say anything else, not even commenting on the sudden appearance of a cat, but her gaze weighs heavily on Ranboo's back as he runs away from her, following her directions.

–

Tommy's head snaps up from the wall when he hears the whirring of machinery. He reaches up to wipe the slobber from his chin as he orientates himself in the room. His vision clears right as people start filing out of the testing room. Tommy straightens his back, making certain to appear dignified in front of the children. The few who notice the third prince standing there bow to him, but most of them are holding downcast gazes that do not allow them to notice anyone else in the hall.

When the line of children has continued out of the ministry wing, Tommy loses a little bit of his confidence. He reaches his hand out hesitantly as he steps toward the door. He was told that he couldn't enter the testing room, but that was only when testing was going on, right? Tommy keeps himself from walking inside just in case, but he grows a little more anxious the longer it takes Tubbo to leave.

As if hearing his silent pleas, Tubbo appears at the door. He wears an exhausted expression, a testament to how he's been testing all day long. Tommy flounders when Tubbo does not utter a word. Deciding that patience is not a virtue he possesses, nor is dignity, Tommy rushes over to his friend. He grabs Tubbo's arm, waiting for those green-blue eyes to stare up at him. "Well?"

Tubbo blinks tiredly, slowly, before a bright smile stretches across his face. "You're looking at the new apprentice of the Imperial Artificer!"

Tommy matches his friend's smile. He throws his arms around Tubbo's shoulders, pulling him in close for a tight hug. Tubbo laughs merrily as he wraps his arms around Tommy's waist.

—

"This is Cogsmeade," Dream says, gesturing towards the giant walls. Ranboo breathes out in awe. The walls are made from metal with gears, both giant and tiny, twist across the surface. There are small dome-like structures connected to the wall by thin tunnels. Smoke billows out from the top of the entire thing.

"Wow," Tubbo murmurs to himself, sliding off his horse. Ranboo follows after him, but Dream remains on his equestrian beast.

"I would not get too close. The locals do not take kindly to strangers," Dream warns them. Ranboo looks over his shoulder, feeling Dream's gaze on his shoulder even through the mask Dream wears. Dream tilts his head to the side, and suddenly the smile painted on the ceramic surface seems a lot more sinister. "Or do... who am I to stop you?"

"Tubbo," Rambo whispers, suddenly fearing the situation. Tubbo turns around to look at Ranboo. He is unable to see how a section of the wall opens. A barrel comes out of the wall like that of a cannon but thinner and made from silver metal. It tilts down to point right at Tubbo. There are glass fixtures on the barrel, each one filled with some sort of red powder. Ranboo does not recognize anything about the weird cannon-like tube, but he knows danger when he sees it. At least, he knows it when it comes to objects. People, he's still learning, which is probably why he let Tubbo get so close to the wall when it was Dream that brought them there.

"Tubbo!" Ranboo yells, reaching an arm out for his friend. Endercat appears. She lands on Ranboo's shoulder, racing down his arm to jump on top of Tubbo. Her tail lashes out to grab Ranboo's wrist. He can hear a strange whirring noise, and the red powder in the glass seems to be glowing. Endercat teleports both Tubbo and Ranboo back to the horses. Once the purple sparkles from the teleporting fade from his vision, Ranboo sees a stream of white energy with a red aureole surrounding it shooting out from the barrel. It tears the earth apart, burning away the grass and cracking the ground. Either because of the teleporting or because of the beam of destructive light, the horses Tubbo and Ranboo were riding start going wild. Ranboo throws his arms around Tubbo, preparing for the light to hit them or for the horses to stomp on them.

Ranboo looks over Tubbo's head to see Dream sitting on a perfectly calm horse. The light stops, and the barrel retreats back into the wall. Without the sound of the earth being scorched, Ranboo can hear Dream's twisted laughter. Ranboo feels a shudder run down his body, and Tubbo tenses underneath Ranboo's arms. Dream tilts his attention to the two boys, and for a moment, his mask is unable to cover his glowing green eyes. Dream stops howling with laughter for long enough to whisper unforgivingly, "I knew you could teleport."