WHO MADE ME A PRINCE
chapter seventy six - goodbyes.

SUDDENLY IT HAPPENED. The man gave Arius a head pat.

"You're quite a responsible older brother. Get home safely, you two."

Arius blinked a couple times before staring at the man and walking away, for good.

Was he being too dramatic?

But he could've sworn he felt bloodthirst from that man for a second.

He looked back at Athanasia who finally spoke, "That man felt dangerous. Was it just me?"

"No, I felt it too."

The two then sighed in relief.

"All thanks to your desire to get your fortune read." Arius taunted, as he walked out of the alley.

"Oh please! I felt a stare on us in the crowd, it wasn't the fortune teller, it was that weird man's stare. He was glaring at us in the crowd as well."

"He was...?"

"You don't trust me?"

"No it's just, that sounds weird."

"Precisely why I said 'weird man'."

"Let me guess, he wanted to kidnap us and sell our organs in the black market." Arius suggested in a dramatic tone.

"More of a reason to get out of here. Let's meet up with the rest."

THE WHOLE GROUP WAS ABLE TO SAFELY meet up at the fountain, all limbs still connected.

One more addition was none other than the twins. After they all met up, they once again separated.

Edwin and Edna wanted to see a bookstore and so they all headed there, except Arius and the twins.

These three went to a secluded alley to talk.

The twins coming here only meant one thing. They were going to give their answers. Finally, Arius gulped as he stared at the two.

". . .How much is our pay going to be?" The twins asked, catching Arius off guard.

"Y–Your pay? " He suppressed a laugh. "How much do you want?"

"Four gold coins per month. each."

Two gold coins were enough to provide food for a normal family for a month. So four would be more than enough.

But, that being said, Arius had originally planned to give them six gold coins each month.

Oh well, I suppose I'll increase it as they work.

"Done."

The twins kneeled. "We pledge our loyalty to you."

"Okay, okay, Now stand up, we're outside."

The two stood up.

"Speaking of which, I have a task for you two. I need it done before tomorrow morning." Arius smiled.

"As you wish." The twins responded.

THE DAY ENDED WITHOUT ANY MORE INTERESTING EVENTS. The Villareals had dinner with the royals. The last dinner of their trip.

And the Morning came rather quickly, too quickly. The Villareals were going to leave before breakfast, so the royals woke up at the crack of dawn to get ready to see them off.

They didn't have to, but Arius wouldn't live with himself if he didn't see them off. Athanasia didn't mind sacrificing her sleep, and well Claude was already an early riser.

The Villareals stood in front of their carriage. It was time for goodbyes.

"We enjoyed our visit. Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty." Millicent bowed, her younger siblings following the same action.

"Have a safe journey." Claude spoke.

Then Millicent walked over to Arius, and crouched down. "Your highness, it was wonderful to meet you."

"Please, I should be the one saying that. Your visit was one of the best times of my life. I really enjoyed it. I hope you visit soon."

"Likewise, I hope you will visit us in Feradona as well."

The two shared a smile before Edna and Edwin leaned forward to say their goodbyes as well.

After that, they were about to step in their carriage when Arius said, "Bring it." to Olivia standing to the side.

The Villareals paused for a minute.

"Since you're my friends, I prepared little tokens of our friendship. I hope you'll like them."

The younger siblings grinned with sparkling eyes.

Olivia brought forth a tray, containing a small box, a rectangular box, and a book.

"Edwin," Arius picked up the rectangular box, "For you."

Edwin slowly opened the box, to see the same dagger they saw in the market, except it was more refined now. The sheath and everything had been polished and the blade was sharpened.

Edwin widened his eyes in surprise. "This! No way! You got it for me!"

Millicent cleared her throat, before glaring at Edwin.

Edwin straightened his posture, "Thank you, Your Highness, I love it."

Arius chuckled at the siblings. "I'm glad you do."

Arius then moved to Edna, with the small box. "Do you like cats?" Arius asked before handing the box over.

"No." Edna replied, her expression turning disappointed.

Was a cat going to pop out of the box? Usually children like cats. Edna looked a bit curious as she opened the box, but she found no cat inside.

Instead, a glass bottle of deep orange fluid with black substances mingling in it.

Azlorphus.

Edna looked up at Arius with surprised eyes.

"It's the real thing, got it for a reasonable price too, so you don't need to worry."

"This–woah, I–I can't thank you enough!"

Millicent cleared her throat, again. And Edna immediately bowed. "Thank you , Your highness! I absolutely love it!"

"That's good."

And then Finally, Millicent.

Arius had prepared a book for her. As they had discussed several topics, Arius noticed Millicent would show more interest in worldly discussions.

Races, continents, class system in different kingdoms. When I say races, a more specific word would be Elves.

On the Sagaphore Continent, where Feradona, Obelia and Arlanta were situated, there was a dense forest rumored to have Elvish inhabitants. There would be annual sightings of long-eared creatures but no definitive proof. Arius and Millicent discussed Elves for hours beyond hours.

And so now Arius was giving her a book about Elves. But it was not just a normal book on Elves. This book was more of a journal by an elf hunter. The sightings, encounters and symbols of elvish language were all described in detail in this book.

How did he get this book?

Let's not forget he had two half elves working for him. All these items were in fact the twins' hard work. It was hard to acquire them in the span of a few hours, but hey, they did it.

"It's a very detailed book on elves." Arius spoke as he handed it over.

Millicent had a smile decorate her face as she bowed, "Thank you, Your Highness, I will definitely read it."

And so, soon they were no more within the Palace. The carriage had left, yet Arius stood there for a couple minutes more.

Claude held him up. "Did you want them to stay longer?"

Arius shook his head before wrapping his arms around Claude's neck. "It's fine, we'll meet again, someday."

Olivia came up to him. "Your Highness, The young master of the Duchy is here."

Arius raised his eyebrows. Why did Ijekiel come this early?

"GOODBYE, YOUR HIGHNESS."

"What? You're leaving? T–Today?"

"Yes, my father decided to send me there as quickly as possible."

"This . . .is quite sudden."

"I know, I don't have much time, or else I'll be late for my ship." Kiel bowed.

"Thank you, Your highness. For the past month and for accepting me as your playmate. I really enjoyed our time."

"Hey! Don't say it like you're never coming back."

Ijekiel raised from his bow and smiled. 

"Right, then I'll see you again, Your highness."

Arius smiled. "Better. See you later, Kiel."

Ijekiel smiled hearing that nickname that Arius gave him.

After that, the two shared smiles once and with that little conversation the young master of the Alpheus Duchy too, left.

Things were progressing. Time was passing by like the wind. There were still many things Arius had to take care of. Many problems he still had to solve.

And he will.

The twins had finally agreed on their deal. It was time for Arius to start taking the steps to solving each and every problem.