(With that, the Olympics are over. I have to say, one of the best ones in a long time. I really enjoyed it and everything that happened. To a degree. I know a lot of terrible stuff also happened, but that opening ceremony is probably one of my favorites in a long time. Enjoy!)

             The next morning came as the brothers and his friends were at the mess hall, waiting for breakfast to be served and the day to begin. Arthur, Vlad, and Lukas also joined them and sat at the large, brown table with many different plates of food served to them along with drinks. It was a peaceful silence that filled the dining hall before Duncan stared at his youngest brother who was still holding that pleasant smile reflecting on the joy he had found yesterday.

Deciding now would be the best time to talk about it, Duncan cleared his throat and spoke, "So, do you want to talk about it, laddie?"

Their brothers and Arthur's friends stared at the youngest prince who still held a soft expression. He was staring at the windows, gazing into the wonders of the outside world and the treasures it holds. He refocused on his friends and brothers before nodding his head in agreement. The prince explained his encounters and fascination with the village as well as what the people were thinking of them.

"I see" Duncan replied in a thoughtful tone with Dylan thinking of solutions to help the people, "I suppose you being a rebellious little rabbit was a good thing after all. This is something we needed to know. Those daft advisors aren't helping us with much! I need to do away with the lot of them!"

Sean placed a hand on Duncan's shoulder to speak, "Right, and when you go in with that loud voice of yers, that'll end well. Nah, we need another approach to getting rid of them. For now, and I cannot believe I am even going to suggest this at all, rabbit should act like a rabbit and stay with the people after work is done. I mean it!"

The brothers turned to Sean with surprised expressions of their own. Sean rolled his eyes at them and scoffed. He gestured to Dylan to explain everything that was running through their minds.

"Sean bash's correct" Dylan backed up hesitantly before his voice was reassuring along the way, "Right now, until Duncan bash is king officially, we can't remove the advisors. Since we cannot remove them, we will need another way to help the people and ensure our kingdom is safe. Arthur bash is meticulously with the details and doesn't leave anything out. I am sure he would be able to pick up everything he could to help the people. I do agree with Sean bash. Arthur bash needs to help us before running off to the village"

Arthur couldn't believe his ears. His brothers were truly going to support his trips to the village? Truly? He stood up and stared at his older brothers closely, seeing if they were lying or make a stronger condition to this.

"Regardless!" Duncan spoke seriously, "You're going to stay with us to finish your work first before heading off ta the village to learn more, ok? Now, what is happening right now that we should focus on?"

Arthur could only smile before explaining what needed care first and what they should do about it. He couldn't wait for the evening to come and meet with Francis. He had so much to tell him, but the youngest brother forgot to apologize to his brothers about his attitude to them. That apology would come later as the baker woke up in his secret hideout and realized he had spent the night there and not at his home.

"Mon dieu" Francis groaned as he sat up and covered the light pouring in from the view of the palace, "I suppose I was so happy and tipsy to realize that I had fallen asleep. No matter. I am sure Clarisse handled everything, but I should head back"

The baker stood up and stretched before cleaning up the little hideaway in case he would see the guest again. A grin appeared as he shook his head and went to the cabinets to clean up his appearance a bit before returning to the bakery.

"Bonjour! Comment vas-tu?" he greeted to everyone in the bakery.

"Aiyah! Where were you, Francis?!" Yao yelled as he happened to exit the kitchen to glare at the baker.

"Je suis désolé" Francis spoke with a dreamy expression, "But I made a new friend. I wanted to make sure he was ok before returning home. Also, I hired you and Erzsébet, so this means I trust you to take care of the bakery and mon petite soeur when I am not around"

Yao couldn't argue with that, but a scowl was still present on his features. He shook his head before speaking in his native tongue and attending to his work in the kitchen with Francis laughing at him.

"Be lucky he greeted you and not Erzsébet" Clarisse spoke as she stepped down from the wooden staircase with a notebook in her hand, "She is ready to whack you with the frying pan for not returning. Once I explained it to them that is something you do, they were horrified, but they calm down"

She approached her big brother who pulled her into a warm hug before dancing in the middle of the bakery! She was caught off guard by this and gazed at him to see his happy expression. This was different from the ones she had seen when it was the two of them. She wasn't sure what it was, but she decided to indulge in it too. Together, the siblings were laughing and dancing together with Erzsébet and Yao staring from the counter.

"What do you think is up with them?" Erzsébet asked curiously with her hand holding her face and curious expression.

Yao simply stared at the baker and let out a hum when he noticed a red string slowly appearing around the baker's ring finger. His golden eyes were wide as he suppressed a gasp in his mouth. It was rare to see such a thing since a power like that was not around, but he smiled. The chief was happy for his friend and boss before deciding to shrug it off.

"Ah, white people lost in their whole little wonderland" Yao complained with a rare grin, "But sometimes that wonderland isn't so bad. Come Erzsébet! We should prepare the bakery for the rest of the day!"

He swiftly turned back to the kitchen to work on his orders. Erzsébet pouted at her coworker before staring at Francis. She couldn't tell why, but she loved that expression on Francis's face. She hoped to have that one as well, but for now, she would be busy trying to save money and make a life for herself. She went to work preparing the bakery for the day, leaving Francis and Clarisse dancing in the center of the bakery.

"Goodness! This friend must've been important to you, Francis! I haven't seen you this happy in a long time! Did Antonio and Gilbert come to visit?" Clarisse asked excitedly.

"Non, but I made a new friend! He and I will hopefully meet again tonight!" Francis spoke happily as he twirled his little sister who laughed.

"Well, if he is new here, why not take him to the Celebrations?" she suggested with a step and bow to her brother, "Now, don't give me that look. I can comprehend everything that comes my way. It sounds like your friend hasn't been to our kingdom before. Why not show him the wonders of the Celebrations?"

"I could, but that would mean I have to close the bakery a little early. Are you find with that? I know we need all the money we can get" Francis asked unsure at the idea of closing everything too soon.

"One day will not be bad" she spoke in a knowing tone, "So, take a fun night out for the Celebrations!"

"Merci!" Francis spoke in delight as he pulled his little sister close and spun in place with her laughing.

He gently placed his little sister on her feet before running towards the kitchen to announce his delightful news to Yao and Erzsébet who were equally excited about this night as well! Clarisse only shook her head before adjusting her glasses and went back to counting their money.

"Well, for now, we will allocate more food to the people and use some of the reserve money. Is that right, Dylan?" Duncan asked as he turned to his brother who was sitting at the desk and looking over the notes.

"I believe so. Once the people are satisfied with the food and water, then we can slowly start implementing a little higher tax and then other areas that need our attention" Dylan said in an agreeing tone before signing off on a document.

The brothers sighed in relief as Vlad and Lukas even breathed one too. Arthur signed off on his share of the documents and agreed with his brothers as well before turning everything to Liam. Arthur basically shoved the papers into Liam's chest who struggled to hold and catch everything before falling to the floor!

"Oi! I know you're excited, but don't push your brothers!" Sean spoke as he helped gathered the papers and noticed it was finished, "Oh, wow. You did it. Well, I suppose a deal is a deal"

Arthur was practically shaking with excitement and anticipation as Vlad and Lukas were at his side. Sean gave the papers to Duncan to double check before letting Arthur go.

"Aye, aye" Duncan spoke with a chuckle and shake of his head, "The wee lad can go, but he must return. Oh, and take your friends too. It isn't fun to partake in this alone"

"Thank you!" Arthur spoke with a bow and delight before snapping his fingers to make a cloak appear over him, "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

He took their wrists and ran out of the palace as quickly and excitedly as he could carry them! His brothers only grinned and laughed before gathering everything to turn in for the advisors. As they examined the documents, Duncan felt intense eyes staring at them. No, staring wasn't the right word. It was as if they were being examined for some reason. Duncan glanced to his brothers who appeared to be unaware of this. Deciding to keep quiet for now, the oldest prince hoped that his little brother could find out anything on his little excursion.

"Come on, come on! I don't want to keep him waiting!" Arthur exclaimed as he couldn't wait any longer, "We need to find him!"

"Calm down, Arthur!" Vlad replied with a shake of his head, "I doubt he's going anywhere"

"You can't blame him for making a new friend" Lukas reminded with a grin of his own.

They were delighted to see their friend happy, but they also noticed the people were in a better mood as well as busy. This wasn't the same kind of busy that made set up stalls and kept them running their jobs. Tonight is start of the fun Celebrations that would be host every weekend!

The people would share food and drinks with each other and wear garbs for fun dancing and singings. The people who play instruments or sing any song. There are rows of tables with all kinds of food and drinks to be shared with others. Everyone was in high spirits as they set up benches, stands, and lights to illuminate the night. Some would stay up until the dawn while others could turn in whenever the desired. After all, it is a time to party as well as relax.

"Ah, that's right" Lukas commented as they were walking through the crowd, "It is the Celebrations. Arthur, this will be your first time at one, right?"

"Yes, it will be" the prince replied in a stunned tone that changed to excitement, "And we need to learn and experience as much as we can!"

"Sure, learn" Vlad commented in a teasing tone with Arthur rolling his eyes at the fire mage.

They shared laughs and teasing tones before walking deeper into the crowds to stopping at a bakery. Yao was carrying a grand cake with Erzsébet holding a few plates and forks in her hands.

"Oh? Are you customers?" Erzsébet asked warmly before bowing, "I am so sorry, but the bakery is closing a little early for the Celebrations tonight. Please come back at the start of the week if you need a delicious meal or treat from us"

"Ah, that's fine" Arthur spoke as calmly as he could, "Is your main baker here still, or did he leave for the Celebrations?"

"Francis?" Yao asked curiously until he noticed something about Arthur that made the chief smile, "Ah, well, he's still in there. We were going to get a head start before it got too crowded"

Arthur was relieved to catch the baker and turned to enter the bakery. Erzsébet was surprised to see Yao do that, but he only held a grin. Vlad ran after the prince with Lukas shaking his head at their behaviors.

"Apologizes for their reactions" Lukas said with a polite tone and bow, "It is Arthur's first time out, and Vlad is boisterous with a fiery personality. I will ensure they do not cause any trouble. Thank you for telling us where your baker is"

He took another bow before following his friends. Erzsébet held a confused expression before shaking her head. She made sure she held the plates and silverware before heading towards a table with a grinning Yao who was curious about the tale Arthur and Francis would embark on.

Arthur entered the bakery with a grin when his emerald eyes were staring at the back of Francis who was locking up the kitchen and the vault for his money. He couldn't wait to speak with the baker more and completely forgot about his two friends that were at his sides. Vlad waved his hand in front of Arthur's face with Lukas poking the prince's cheek in a teasing manner.

Arthur moved his hands to push them away before approaching the counter to tap on the belle to gain the baker's attention, "Hello there, good baker! Are you going to ignore a good customer?"

"Je suis désolé! We are closing for the Celebrations tonight! Please come back tomorrow, mon ami" Francis spoke as he shook his head before turning around to see Arthur, "Oh! It is you, Arthur!"

The baker stared with a relieved expression as he leaned over the counter to look at his friend. Arthur simply shook his head before shoving his hand to push Francis back.

"Oh, but you just turned me down. Very well, I shall leave you then" Arthur spoke with an eye roll and sarcastic tone before turning around to leave the bakery.

Vlad snickered with Lukas rolling his eyes at their friend's behavior. The prince's sarcasm is legendary among his friends and brothers as well as the staff in the castle. Lukas was a little worried if the prince's sarcasm would chase off his new friend, but the baker only laughed.

"Well, of course, I am closing mon boulangerie for the Celebrations that I was planning to take you to" Francis spoke warmly before shrugging, "But I don't suppose you want to go to such event, do you?"

Arthur countered with equal strong banter, "And go with a good friend of mine who could look even better if he shaved the stubble and serve frog legs to match the personality of his"

Vlad's expression changed to confusion with Lukas rolling his eyes at them and their banter. They continued to playfully insult each other and take jabs until Clarisse stepped down the wooden stairs and adjusted her glasses at them.

"Oh? Frog? Well, you must be a caterpillar with those eyebrows of yours!" Francis snapped back with Arthur holding a faked hurt expression.

Clarisse glanced to Vlad and Lukas who were not going to do anything to stop the couple from their squabble. She looked outside and noticed the sun was setting and soon the Celebrations would begin. Knowing her brother would be furious if he was even late to just one, she stepped between them with a fan in her hands to point it at both.

"Excuse me!" she spoke in a high tone as she waved the fan to both and then fanning herself, "But you do know that today is the Celebrations, correct? The start of the weekend and time for relaxation and enjoying oneself after working so hard. Or would you prefer to say here and continue to bicker like an old married couple then be my guest"

Arthur's face flushed at her comparison with Francis surprised to see the time move so quickly!

"Mon dieu!" Francis spoke surprised as he noticed the sun was starting to set, "She's right! Oh, and where are my manners? Arthur, this is mon petite soeur, Clarisse. Clarisse, this is mon ami, Arthur!"

Clarisse examined Arthur and felt something off. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

'He's odd and feels different from the rest of the customers we've served' Clarisse pondered as her calculating expression never left Arthur, 'He isn't a threat judging by his excitement and Francis's clear trust in the man. I don't know why he is throwing me off. There is something more to him. Just who is he?'

Arthur could feel her scrutinizing gaze at him, but he dismissed it for now. He knew it would be improper to not introduce his friends to them. He introduced Vlad and Lukas to the siblings before Francis wrapped his arms around his little sister and Arthur.

"Let's go! The night is young! Let's enjoy it!" Francis spoke delightfully as he pulled them along to exit the bakery and into the busy village.

It seemed to change in the blink of an eye to the prince. There were many lights with different colors hanging from the roofs of buildings to illuminate the area. A wooden stage was finally finished with minstrels performing with either a story, an instrument, or a lively song. There are tables filled with many foods and wonderful drinks. The people were in high spirits too as they were chatting, dancing, and singing together.

Arthur stared at the wonderful sight with Clarisse happily approaching the table to have tea for herself. Lukas went to have a small meal for himself as Vlad ran to the stage to perform some of his magic tricks. Yao and Erzsébet were chatting together and having drinks together. Francis stared at Arthur's stunned expression with a small smile.

"You know, you call me a frog, but with your mouth hanging out, you're more likely to catch the flies!" Francis teased with Arthur shooting him a glare before closing his mouth, "Have you never seen this sight before?"

"No, not really" Arthur admitted as he crossed his arms over his chest to stare at the wonderful sight, "My older brothers and I are not allowed to leave our home as often as we would like to. Oh, right! I did speak with them and thank you for the advice. It worked well"

Arthur gave the baker a warm smile that made Francis's expression red. This is a rarity for the baker since he couldn't find anyone to make him flush and heart flutter. Instead of hiding his flushing expression, Francis held his hand out to the baker.

"You know, it is a tradition to dance. Would you like to, Arthur?" Francis offered with soft expression and wink.

The prince was surprised to be given this offer and chuckled. He grabbed the baker's hand and pulled him to the center of the square with the rest of the people too caught up with their own dances and chats. Francis was stunned to see his friend take the lead and suddenly felt a little self-conscious.

"What's wrong? Getting cold flippers, frog?" Arthur teased as he prepared to place his hands on the baker to begin their dance.

The baker was taken aback by his friend who knew where to put their hands and arms in their proper places. Arthur held Francis's left hand in his right. The prince then had Francis's right arm on his shoulder. Lastly, Arthur placed his left hand on Francis's right arm. The baker was caught off guard as he did not recognize this dance at all.

"Well, I haven't seen this before at all" Francis confessed as he made sure to adjust himself accordingly, "Are you sure this is right?"

"Positive!" Arthur answered without missing a beat until he sighed, "If you would like, we can dance how I know and then move onto how you would dance. Take it or leave it, frog!"

He was a little embarrassed for assuming and will eventually fumble at the next dance as his blushing head turning to the side. Francis found his reaction and attempt at comfort a sweet effort and leaned his head affectionately against the prince's.

The prince's expression grew even redder as the baker hummed, "Merci, mon ami. I shall gladly take you up on your proposal. Now, lead the way!"

"Gladly!" Arthur answered as he tried to shake off his blushing expression to a confident one to then pulling the baker along.

Arthur wanted to use the complicated yet painful dances he learned over the years at the palace under those restrictive and pesky advisors. When the prince's eyes fell upon the baker's trusting form, the prince decided to use a simple waltz for their first dance.

With guiding hand and simple step, the prince led the baker on their simple waltz to the center of the plaza. Francis glanced between his feet and Arthur's face to make sure he could keep up and not make a complete fool of himself. Arthur rolled his eyes at the baker's worried manner to extend their arms to keep away from each other! Francis nearly stumbled but soon found himself balanced.

"Que?" Francis asked as he was surprised to find himself balanced at all before turning to Arthur.

The prince smirked with confidence before using a step and pull to bring Francis close to him again. Francis was caught off guard until the prince nearly missed a step and tripped only for Francis to extend his arm out to ensure Arthur didn't fall and understood before pulling Arthur close to him.

"Do you get it?" Arthur asked with an eyeroll until he faced the baker with a grin, "Everyone will make mistakes, but it will be fine if we have fun and nothing to worry about. Honestly, I never cared about what others thought of me before. Why start now? As long as we are having fun, then why give a damn?"

Francis should've been caught off guard by the prince's choice of language, but the words were much sweeter. The baker let out a carefree laugh before following his friend's lead and enjoying the dance. Arthur let out a laugh of his own as they take step by step to twirl and jumping together as the song accompanied them.

Yao was having a slice of cake and enjoying the couple dancing together in a warm, comforting embrace and dance. He could see the red strings create an invisible link to the couple before eating another piece of cake.

"I thought those threads were lost forever" Yao commented in a knowing tone, "It is sweet to know that it is still here"

Lukas raised a brow at Yao when Lukas had a drink of his own. He was listening to the chief's word who knew that too.

"You know" Yao spoke in a knowing tone, "I am from the Kingdom of Hearts. There are many legends and myths that we have involving bonds. Do you think they're bonds are merely friendship or more?"

Yao ate his cake in a satisfyingly with Lukas's eyes were growing wide before he whipped his head to see his friend holding a different expression to the baker! Lukas then turned to the chief who finished his cake and threw out the dirty plates and silverware.

"Oh, do not worry about what I think" Yao spoke in a knowing tone with hints of gratefulness, "It is nice see it blossom before your eyes if you ask me. How often do you see it and knew it was meant to be?"

With that, the chief left and went to enjoy the company of the other people who were partaking in the Celebrations, leaving Lukas to stare at the couple. Instead of feeling fear and worry, Lukas held a simple smile that was warm and comforting to his friend, genuinely happy for him to have a partner.

"Hey! Lukas! What's up?!" Vlad asked as he hopped off the stage to stand with his friend, "Wow! Arthur's dancing with him! Huh! I thought he disliked it!"

"He dislikes dances" Lukas answered with a knowing grin, "But I don't think he dislikes the baker"

Vlad was curiously as Erzsébet let out a squeal that caught the mages off guard before turning to the waitress. She was embarrassed before shaking her head and hiding her flushed cheeks. She stood up to approach them with a confident expression.

She slammed a hand on her chest to answer strongly, "I knew they had something! Did you see Francis's expression light up! He is practically enamored with Arthur! And do not tell me that Arthur isn't holding that lovely expression for nothing!"

Vlad nearly fell at her statement and quickly stared at his friend. He couldn't believe it! Did Arthur really fall in love with the baker!? So quickly and happily?!

"How did you know that?!" Vlad snapped as he prepared to defend his friend, "Are you just playing matchmaker in your mind?! How dare you!"

She glared at him before rolling up her sleeves to prepare for a brawl. Vlad glared at her with Lukas stepping between them with an icy expression that made both back off.

"It shouldn't be up to us. It should be up to them" Lukas stated with a satisfied expression as he stared at the couple, "And we should only be there for them if you ask me"

He went to have himself another drink, leaving Vlad with Erzsébet. Vlad huffed as Erzsébet got an idea! She turned to the stage and went to find anyone who could perform with her only to find no one else there. She sighed in a defeated manner when she saw everyone else having meals and drinks with others.

As she was prepared to ask for someone, a gentleman with a violin approached her to ask, "Excuse me, my lady, but do you need help?"

She turned to him with her cheeks dusting a pink color at the sight of him. He was clearly not a commoner by the outfit he was wearing. An elegant brown coat with a tan, button up shirt and brown pants. He has fancy black boots and white pants with matching gloves. He has fancy glasses on his face with violet eyes. His brown, neatly comb hair to his left side and a strand up.

"Oh, I suppose so?" she asked as she tried to find her voice before shaking her head at him, "I can't possibly bother you! I am so sorry!"

She waved her hands frantically and preparing to leave him only for him take gently take her hand in his. She flushed as he held a warm expression to her.

"I am sorry if I am overstepping, my lady" the gentleman spoke softly, "But it appears that you need some assistance. I would be gladly to offer it to you. If you do not wish for it, then I shall depart and not bother you, my lady"

Erzsébet had never been treated like a lady. Not that she tried to appear as one nor behave in one. She is always an independent, tough lady who would either fight or defend herself for anyone who dared stand against her. It was quite a shook when this gentleman was standing before her and treating her as one. He surely would've heard the conversation she had and was nearly ready to fight with Vlad.

"Are you sure you wished to help me?" she asked again, making sure the gentleman was truly willing to help her.

The gentleman seemed to be aware of her worries and pressed a soft kiss to the hand he was holding.

"My lady, I believe every lady should be treated as if they are royalty themselves" the gentleman spoke in an honest manner, "You should be no different, even if you choose to defend yourself and argue with those who are in your way. If anything, I find that admirable, my lady. Now, please let me help you"

Seeing his determination, Erzsébet only nodded her head and smiled at him before gripping his hand tightly.

"Rendben! Köszönöm! Do you see that couple in the distance?" she asked as she pointed out to them.

The gentleman adjusted his glasses before nodding his head when he made sure he could.

"And I noticed you play. If you play and I sing, it will create a wonderful setting for them!" Erzsébet suggested in excitement before taking a bow, "Ah, where are my manners? I forgot to introduce myself. I am Erzsébet"

The gentleman finally smiled before pressing a final kiss to her hand and offering his arm to her to take, "Danke, meine dame. My name is Roderich, and I will be delighted to aid you"

She let out a giggle before taking his arm and walking up on the stage together. She went to grab a microphone while he took a stance with his violin. He opened one eye to her with her returning an excited smile filled with energy. Together, they played a wonderful melody that swept the whole people into a dance.

Arthur's dance came to a slow stop as Francis hummed along to the melody Erzsébet and Roderich created with his eyes closed and gently holding Arthur's hands. Arthur only stared at the baker to admire his features and take in how relaxed he appeared to be. The baker opened his eyes and smiled at the prince who flushed and sharply turned his head only to see the people joining in and dancing around them!

"Ah, it appears Erzsébet has livened up the crowd with that handsome gentleman" Francis spoke as he gestured to the waitress singing with a wonderful voice accompanied by Roderich, "And, I believe it is my turn to show you how I dance, mon ami!"

"What? Woah!" Arthur spoke as he caught off guard by the baker who grabbed his arm and began to turn in the other direction!

Francis laughed at how caught off Arthur was before taking it slow. France held Arthur's left hand in his right up before slowly running. Arthur soon caught on and followed his lead. Francis let their hands go to twirl which Arthur followed. Francis clapped with the crowd with Arthur following to then rejoin their hands to have Arthur lead.

"If I can learn to do it, so can you!" Francis encouraged as Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Yes, well, it helps that I have a good teacher too, I suppose" he replied with a small grin before grabbing Francis's arm and continuing the dance again.

Soon enough, they were dancing with the crowd! Sharing laughs, cheers, and claps before jumping and spinning together. Vlad grabbed Lukas's arm and Clarisse's hand to join in as Yao was in the center of the dance. The Hearts citizen held a mischievous expression as he made sure the Spade citizens were lost in the dances.

Clasping his hands together, fiery sparks bursts from his hands and slowly took the form of a small, red dragon. Yao laughed at the small dragon before resting his head against the dragon's head.

"Nǐ dúguò ma?" Yao whispered warmly with the dragon nodding his head, "Good! Then, follow my lead, little dragon"

The dragon flew to his, long, comfy sleeves to take cover as Yao stood up and swayed in place. Waving his hands and shaking to the beat, before dropping to his feet and spinning himself to join in the fun! Some of the people were impressed and even cheered him on! Yao loved the feeling of the crowd cheering him on! Spinning and twirling in place, Yao jumped to his feet and then clapped his hands to make fireworks bursts from it! Red and golden lights burst into the night sky as the people cheered and applauded at the sight with his friends staring at it. The little dragon turned to Yao before disappearing in flames with his creator taking a bow.

Arthur laughed as he rested his head against Francis's shoulder to enjoy this amazing night. Francis held him close before laughing himself at the wonderful Celebration.

"You know, mona mi?" Francis spoke warmly, "This is one of the best Celebrations I've ever been in. Merci!"

Arthur buried his face in the baker's shoulders to hide his flushing expression and only nodded his head in agreement.

While the Celebrations continued well into the night, they decided to retire to the bakery. The group was laughing and chatting about their time together as well as other ridiculous nonsense they could. Francis had an arm around Arthur's shoulders while letting Clarisse hold his hand. Vlad was drunk as he was carried by Lukas. Yao had his hands in his sleeves. Erzsébet was laughing with them after she bid farewell to Roderich for the night. They were happily making their way back before Francis stopped at the sight before him.

It was Dražen! He was speaking with some advisors that Arthur recognized and made sure to hide his face with the cloak and stand behind Francis who was stunned by this. He, Yao and Erzsébet approached them with Lukas placing Vlad on the floor before pulling Clarise to him and Arthur's side.

"Excuse me, but what is this?" Francis asked as he tried to hide the panic in his voice, "What is going on here?"

Arthur listened in as best as he could to the conversation with Lukas joining in as well.

Dražen answered with a snicker, "Well, turns out that you need to pay up more money than we thought! If you don't, well, this bakery will be mine!"

Francis felt his blood cold with his blue eyes wide. This couldn't be happening, could it? This is all he and his little sister have. This couldn't be right. They were paying taxes accordingly and it shouldn't have gone up. Francis wanted to rebel, but Clarisse rushed up to them.

"How much have the taxes gone up by?" she asked before her big brother could do anything he would regret.

Dražen snickered before handing her a sheet of paper with a ridiculous demand. She was shaking as Francis growled.

"You cannot do this! This is ridiculous! There is no way you can demand this much money!" Francis demanded as Yao interjected and held him back.

"Oh, I can and will! If you don't come up with the money then, the bakery is mine!" Dražen declared as everyone was silent and frustrated.

This couldn't be it for Bonnefoy siblings. They lost their parents. It was only them. They couldn't find a way to make up the money to save their bakery. Arthur's hands were tight and in a fist. He wouldn't let anything happen to their bakery and would do everything he could to save it. Already planning a way to save the bakery, the prince turned to the palace with a determined expression to save the bakery and teach Dražen a lesson he will surely never forget.