Blacky's POV

There was a strange silence lingering around us.

The boy was just a little older than me, probably 16 years old, had really curly black hair and tan skin. He was obviously a foreigner with those striking features and slanting golden eyes but his presence was still close to nothing. Normally, one would expect such people with unnoticeable presence to be a very shy, quite, plain and timid person, yet he was the complete opposite.

He was still smiling arrogantly, as if he expected us to fall at his feet and beg for mercy. For someone who just emerged from a bush yawning, with leaves and twigs sticking on his hair, he somehow managed to look proud and demanding instead of a practical joke. In fact, a normal person might even feel intimidated under the stare of those mischievous golden eyes or entranced to do his bidding.

Unfortunately, the people collected here were far from normal.

"We don't particularly care whether you accept the apology or not." I stated the obvious.

"Say that one more time and I'll cut your tongue off." Beleth threatened in his bad mood.

"I have no obligation to entertain brats." Vince commented lightly.

"What they said." Keith replied lamely with a shrug off his shoulders.

Then in unison, we turned our attention away from the boy and carried on where we left off. Everything was done so perfectly synchronised, that one would think we rehearsed the scene or something.

"Like I was saying, get your hands off her, you dumb blonde!"

Vince's hands were rudely slapped off.

"Ouch. Easy there boy. Are you her boyfriend or something?"

"Doesn't seem so to me. Friends?" Keith joined in.

"I'm...I'm ...an acquai---no, I'm her bodyguard!"

"You are?" I asked confused.

"From now on, yes. I'll talk about it with your grandfather. After all, I want a better status than 'acquaintance'. There is no value to it."

"You guys are weird. But since she's not taken I still have my chance!" Vince hand was now creeping over my shoulder.

I moved away before someone committed murder.

"Do you even know her name, Romeo?" Beleth was fuming, but he kept a deadly calm.

"Oh right, we haven't properly introduced ourselves. My name's Keith Rosenberg. What's yours?" An idiot proved himself unable to read the atmosphere.

"How dare you lowly beings dare to ignore me?!" The boy behind hissed at us, the venom evident in his words.

All of is turned to stare at him again. Was it normal for a boy who came out of bushes to have so much dignity?

"Last time I checked, I'm a human being, just like you, kiddo." Vince stated with an exasperate tone, as if talking to a little brat that never learns. This proved to provoke the boy even more when his stare started to turn deadly. He opened his mouth, the venom was already at the tip of his tongue but he was interrupted before he could spit it out.

"YOUR HIGHNESS!!!!" Just then a man wearing strange foreign clothes came flying towards us....or more accurately towards the boy in the bush.

The man was big and muscular, with a naturally fierce face and moustache. His dark skin tone and slanted eyes only emphasised his fierce look. However, he was now rushing towards the boy like a dog who just saw his master.

A very disturbing sight. A big man fawning over a boy was a very disturbing sight indeed.

As the man was about to throw himself at the boy with his humongous force, the boy lifted his leg to kick him square on the face. Thus, putting a stop to the man's advance.

Being kicked in the face was a shameful thing. Or so it was supposed to be.

Not only was the man perfectly fine with it, but the expression he had was as if he received a blessing. He sat bent over on one knee with his head bowed down. The exact stance ancient people did in the face of their leader as portrayed in the foreign history books I had read. A symbol of respect.

"I had been searching for you, Your Highness! Please don't carelessly leave us behind! You do realise the situation---"

The boy crashed the man's head onto the ground with his foot, thus putting a stop to his dialog. Normally, people would see such acts as cruel and heartless, but the two of them were going through this scene as if it's an ordinary routine.

"You fool. Do you wish to let the world know about it? Know how to keep your mouth shut!" the boy scolded him as he lifted his foot back up. The man rose to his feet once more but still had his head bowed down.

"My apologies, Your Highness. In my rush to find you, I was ignorant of other people's presence. Please do be more careful so as not to suddenly disappear before us, Your Highness!"

"I didn't 'suddenly disappear' Rangan, I had clearly been beside you the whole time! And yet you went off somewhere when I was resting here! You foolish attendant!" the boy all but seethed.

The man, apparently called Rangan, was now staring at the boy with bashful eyes that begged for forgivance, a look of utmost repentence.

Once again, I need not mention how disturbing it was to see a grown bearded man make that face.

"Um....so...your a royalty?" Keith was the first to speak among us. After all, idiots need not worry about anything when speaking their minds out. Although, I don't particularly care who or what he is, but it was an amusing way to kill time so I decided to stay and watch.

Both the boy and his attendant turned towards us, the boy had that same smirk plastered over his again whereas the man finally showed a face befitting his image. Fierce and mean.

"Refrain from talking to His Highness in such a casual manner, you mere commoner. His Highness is not your equal! Show respect!" he growled at us. Now that he was fully turned towards us, we had a clearer view of his attire which included a pure white robe-like dress and strange gold earrings and bangles.

Even with such a fancy attendant, the royalty was simply wearing a casual shirt and a pair of jeans, blending in completely with our citizens. Not to mention, both of them were speaking fluent English with minimal accents. So the conclusion was simple.

I looked at Beleth, knowing that he should be thinking the same thing. He met my eyes and nodded.

"Pardon me, is Your Highness educated here?"

Well, no one could complain that was too casual, but the tone Beleth used when addressing the boy was far from respectful.

The giant man's face turned red, his cheeks puffed in a way that suggested he was going to burst out shouting any moment.

"That's enough, Rangan. I'll grant them the honour of answering their questions. After all, they are the first bunch of commoners who dared to disrespect me."

Oh, that explained the source of his arrogance. Without saying it out loud, anyone could understand what we were thinking.

"I am Samaleon Dravinci Vi Mornia Zeraphus, Second Prince of Zeraphus." he announced but strangely, the statement didn't have any ounce of pride, just like a bland fact. But the twisted smile was still there, as if he expected us to cower beneath his feet like Rangan after hearing his title.

"Oh." Vince nodded.

"I see." Beleth said probably remembering Zeraphus where we have went before.

"I thought so, your attendant's costume looked like a Zeraphian's." Keith beamed.

I simply waited for the second answer.

He stared at us for a long time, struggling to conceal his shock. And we just stared back.

"Well, your other answer?" I prodded.

"You! I just warned you about----"

Once again, Rangan was red behind his ears when he heard me speaking 'without respect'. Plus the fact I sounded naturally cold and aloof, it must had been twice as irritating to him. However he was cut off halfway by a simple wave of the hand by the boy, or should I call him Samaleon Dravinci Vi Mornia Zeraphus....

Hm.

Although I had no problem remembering that ridiculously long name but the fact it takes too much time to mentally think over it bothers me. Then again shortening the name of an unacquainted person is rude but as long as it was used in the mind, it should be fine.

Leon, that sounded better.

"Yes, I study here. At Crosswell High." Leon answered me accordingly but he still stared at us like mad as if trying to figure out an out of the world problem.

"Wow, you mean that super prestigious school for elites? As expected of a prince. Man, to think I can only drool outside of the gates of that school..." Keith exclaimed, looking at Leon admiringly.

"Ha, but of course. Crosswell is the only school in this nation befitting of His Highness. Mere commoners such as you could only dream of it!" Rangan boasted,

Come to think of it, I did remember Kylee talking about Crosswell High having one or two royalties. So that was him. Well, not that it concerned me anyway. I nodded at him and turned away, casually standing up from my seat.

"I'm going home. If you still want that payment just follow me." I directed this instruction to Vince.

Then, without even bothering to look at the others, I started walking away with Beleth close behind.

****

It was like a street parade.

A little girl, her self-proclaimed bodyguard, a young man in business suit, a jock and last but not least the main feature, a big muscular man wearing gold accessories and foreign clothings. Ah, there was also a young boy beside him but apparently, no one noticed him.

Even I could completely understand why so many people stare out of their windows when we passed by. Although, I just ignored the attention, ignored the extra presences and simply kept walking. Beleth, on the other hand, was unable to keep his thoughts to himself.

"Ok, blonde guy is one thing, but why the hell are you following us?!" He growled while staring pointedly at Keith who was walking beside us.

"Um....I got nothing else to do?" Keith said it like a question, pairing it with an innocent expression which made Beleth's vein pop even more.

"Fine, forget that idiot. What about Your Highness?" he glared at Leon whose presence magically appeared again from behind Rangan.

"I'm to accompany my brother, the first prince on a duty. We are on the way to meet him at the destined place." Leon answered him in a bored voice, "What? Did you think I was following you or something? Don't be so full of yourself."

"And you?" he directed at the most eye-catching person of the lot.

"Where His Highness goes, I go too. I'm his personal servant after all." Rangan replied with pride. He looked quite pleased with himself for not losing sight of Leon this time.

"What a coincidence." Beleth mumbled to himself, a scowl deepening in his face to show his displeasure.

And so we lapsed into silence again while proceeding down the lane towards the Henderson mansion. We simply walked, no one tried to voice out again. Beleth, like me, just ignored the others, Keith looked like he was having a normal walk as he skipped and hummed, Vince was tapping away on his handphone while keeping a close distance to is. Rangan....well, he looked like a marching soldier whereas the prince himself was unnoticeable as usual.

I knew how to notice and find his presence though.The reason why people normally couldn't see him even though he was right under the nose was simply misdirection. All I had to do was look at the exact perception my field of vision doesn't cover and he would be there. This was a technique I learned and used many times in missions to go by unnoticed, however this prince seemed to be doing it naturally and even against his will.

Very strange.

The magnificent gates of the Henderson mansion finally came into view. Six pair of feet reached the outskirts of the gate where the security house was and stopped.

"Now it's my turn to ask. What are you people doing in front of the Henderson mansion where my brother is assigned for duty?!" Leon gave us a cold look.

"I'm just following her for my payment." Vince quickly defended himself by pointing at me.

"This is where I live." I stated, ignoring the numerous shocked looks I received.

"Where she live, I live." Beleth added simply.

Then all eyes were on the last person to answer, Keith.

"I'm.....taking a walk?"

Once again he replied with an uncertain tone. Even though he said he had a nothing better to do before, but that still didn't explain why he was sticking to us. Until now I didn't particularly care whether he was there or not since he was a harmless existent, but I'm not innocent enough to let a complete stranger into my house either.

"So you're going to take a walk on someone's private property?" Vince asked him skeptically.

"I...I...just wanted to b-be..." Keith had a lot of difficulty putting whatever he wanted to say into words, in fact his was getting redder with each word he spoke. The more curios thing was how he would constantly glance at Beleth as he spoke, which made Beleth wear an expression of confusion.

Wait...the way he looked at Beleth...

It was so familiar, as if I had seen it just recently...

That's right, Rangan. It was the exact same eyes Rangan used to look at Leon.

When I came to this realisation, I finally understood what he wanted. He wanted to be with Beleth, whether as a friend or an idolising figure or a lover, I don't know nor do I particularly care, but the motive was now clear and it was innocent.

I had been wondering how to solve this issue, but it was no longer mine to handle. I lightly grabbed Beleth's shirt from behind and tugged it, making him turn around to look at me questioningly.

"You have one minute." I told him while looking at Keith who was still trying to stutter out a sentence.

Beleth was still confused, he looked at me then looked at Keith. At that moment his eyes met Keith's, realisation dawned on his face him. He let out a silent sigh as he nodded his head at me, telling me he understood my meaning.

"I don't have time to play kiddy games with you. So why don't you run home now?" Beleth said quite coldly, but I knew it was not his serious mode yet.

"I-I won't ask you to become friends with me or anything!" Keith said frantically, "I just want you to...um...maybe coach me or train me! I will work really hard and I would do anything for you! I want to be as strong as you! Please take me as your disciple! Because I really do admire you!"

He said it all in one breath, rushing it all out as if he was about to lose a precious opportunity. He panted slightly as he eagerly waited for Beleth's reply, eyes almost shining with brilliance. On the other hand, one look at Beleth's stone expression could tell you that he was not swayed one bit and was planing to chase him away heartlessly. Most probably because of my one minute order.

But after hearing all that, I had a change of mind. Since he was eager to get stronger and willing to anything for Beleth, it would be a waste to not make use of him. After all, I did see potential in him, and it would only be one more 'project' to the list. Also...

The prey was offering himself, what predator would refuse?

Once more, I tugged Beleth's shirt and nodded towards Keith. As expected, he understood me perfectly but he seemed displeased with my decision....which was truly a first.

"Fine. Do as you like." he said without dedication, appearing to be uncaring. But I could see that he was sulking.

Why? I don't know. Maybe he thought it was a nuisance?

Well, in any case, Keith looked like he just received permission to enter heaven and beamed at us. Meanwhile, Rangan had already went towards the guards and announced their arrival to which the guards responded by opening the gates. Soon, the whole bunch of us were on the long driveway to the Henderson mansion, walking past green fields, beautiful gardens, statues and an angel adorned fountain.

"To think that a driveway is larger than a park...why were you guys in the park anyway?" Vince asked while staring about admiringly.

"Getting away from a psycho." Beleth answered without thinking.

I stepped on his foot. Hard.

"Exploring the neighbourhood." I said instead, while patting Beleth who was smiling in a distorted way to hide his pain on the back. We received a few curious glances but most of them decided the earlier was just a joke. Fortunately that is.

From now on as a member, no as the heiress of the Henderson family, it was only natural to protect the family image. And announcing that we had a psycho running about the place was definitely not good for the image. However true it may be.

The main entrance was immediately opened by two butlers the moment we arrived at the doors. Both of them bowed as polite greeting to us, then one of them guided the two foreigners to grandfather's office for their appointed meeting. The other more elderly butler was left staring at us.

"Lady Blacky, Mr Beleth...may I ask who these people are?" he addressed me respectfully but his tone towards Beleth showed caution.

"They are people whom we made acquaintance with at the park and had some business to deal with."

Somehow, both Keith and Vince were very I pleased with my explanation.

"I'm Beleth's disciple! Nice to meet you!" Keith declared proudly, earning a confused look from the butler and facepalm from Beleth.

"And I'm Miss Blacky's boyfriend." Vince introduced himself.

"But your not." I told him seriously.

"Hm, then I'm Miss Blacky's to-be-boyfriend." he corrected himself while sending me a charming smile.

This time I remained silent.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, you blonde pedo!" he glared at Vince then he turned towards me, "And you! Don't just keep quiet! Why can't you deny it!?"

"But no one can predict the future so I can't prove his statement wrong." I answered him honestly.

There was a moment of silence.

"Hahahahahaha, oh my god, she's the most interesting person I've ever came across! Hahaha.." Vince laughed, "I truly do have a good eye for girls."

"Is she for real?" Keith asked Beleth and only received an exhausted sigh from him.

I couldn't even bring myself to care anymore. I don't think I would ever understand what these people find so amusing when I was just stating facts.

"Lady Blacky, Master Henderson is calling for you."

Just then the previous butler came back calling for me. I nodded at him and followed him as he took me to the office. And the others, with nothing else to do in this foreign mansion, naturally came with me. They proved to be a very noisy company to be with when they kept exclaiming at everything in the mansion, acting like a pair of four-year-olds at a candy shop.

We finally reached the mahogany doors of the office, with a few knocks and a 'come in', everyone went inside. There were five people in the office. One was grandfather who was sitting behind the desk, then there was Leon and Rangan.

Now the identity of the other two was obvious. If what Leon said was true, then that tall lean man with the same olive skin and golden eyes was probably Leon's brother, the first prince of Zeraphus and the man beside him was like another Rangan. Literally.

"You must be Lady Blacky, pleased to make your acquaintance, I'm Samadin Kashiran Vi Oria Zeraphus, you can call me Samadin." Leon's brother said with a very bright smile which lighted up the whole room. His presence of a strong, confident and smart man was blinding and filled the entire space. He took my hand in his and placed a kiss on it, which in fact was the proper way of greeting ladies in their country.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr Samadin."I responded with a slight bow.

Then he proceeded to greet everyone else with a handshake as they introduced themselves. When it was done Vince turned towards Leon.

"How come we didn't see any of those manners with you?" he asked referring to the huge contrast of Leon's rude attitude to his brother's polite one.

It seemed that Leon had become even more unnoticeable than before, if that was possible. His figure had always been at the wrong direction but now it seemed to be in the shadows too, even more so when there was such a blinding and overwhelming presence of the first prince.

Wait.

I have finally understood the key factor of Leon's unnoticeable presence.

He was being literally 'overshadowed' by his brother.

"Shut up." That was the only comeback he gave before he disappeared into the shadows again.

"Blacky. He will be your teacher from now on."

All heads in the room snapped towards the source of that voice, which happened to be grandfather who was sitting patiently behind his desk.

"Hey...isn't that Drake Henderson of the Din and Henderson Corporation?!" Keith blurted out astonished.

"You just realised?" Beleth have him a look.

"Well...I had been wondering about the mansion and the name. But I never thought Beleth was a Henderson! Wow!" he exclaimed.

"I'm not, you idiot, she is." Beleth pointed at me.

"Your a Henderson!?"

This time both Vince and Keith shouted together in surprise, staring disbelievingly at me.

I feel as if I was surrounded by idiots.

"She's my granddaughter." Grandfather stepped in, "And who might you two be?"

"They are acquaintances we made at the park." Beleth said before the both of them could introduce themselves in weird ways. He sent them threatening glares for good measures.

"I don't understand. Why does my brother, the crowned prince, have to babysit a brat like her?" Leon mumbled but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Samaleon! Do not be rude!" his brother immediately reprimanded him.

"It's fine Samadin, it is only natural for the child to be displeased. I'll explain. Zeraphus a land rich with oil and other natural resources, needs to be enforced by a corporation for its economical development. Many had fought over the rights, but the King has decided to choose us and has sent his eldest son over for the further deals and discussion. Further more, he wishes to have the younger one to be educated here while the eldest was to find his own job. Thus, I assigned him to train you into a heiress as his first job."

Grandfather briefly explained the situation, then smilingly added a few words of praise for the prince, "This is a very fortunate opportunity for you Blacky. This man is talented and all-round perfect in a world class level. Not only will he be able to cover you on the business and managing area but also on self-defence techniques and flawless manners befitting a royalty."

I nodded, not particularly feeling fortunate or honoured.

"Do I start now?"

"But of course, you can use the library. The butlers will guide you." he replied.

At this, the two butlers immediately opened the office door and held it for everyone to walk through. Just as everyone was leaving, I spoke again.

"One last thing, grandfather. Do you perhaps have a spare suitcase for this man?" I asked holding back Vince.

"Sure. I'll ask someone to bring it over to you later."

After expressing my thanks, I followed everyone to the library. Among dozens of tall and wide book racks, we found a nice place next to the large windows to sit.

"Well, before we start may I ask a question?" Samadin inquired.

I nodded for him to continue.

"If I'm not mistaken, I'm teaching only one person, that's you Lady Blacky. So what are they here for?" he waved at the long table where Beleth, Keith, Vince, Leon were sitting while the servants stood behind.

Needless to say it was a bit crowded.

"Where she goes I go." Beleth replied pointing at me,

"Where he goes I go." Keith said pointing at Beleth.

"Where you go I go." Leon declared looking at his brother.

"Where she goes I go..." Vince too pointed at me, "until I get my suitcase that is."

Anyone could see that Samadin had no idea what was happening, he had the expression of someone who just walked into an asylum. He managed to smile and nod anyway, but his twitching lips made him look like he was suffering muscle contraction problems.

After a slight pause, he opened a book and started a lecture about business and management, which to me, was purely a waste of time. It was all basics that I already know of.

The atmosphere became dull and boring in a second. Beleth and was randomly flipping a book while Keith was staring hard at the book he was reading with Vince just tapping away at his handphone. Leon had disappeared in the valley of book racks as Rangan valiantly searched for him.

I was pretending to listen attentively to Samadin's rant when I noticed it.

A glint beyond the windows. A small shiny surface reflected by the sunlight, dancing on the first prince's face.

In less than a second, the peaceful and somewhat dull scene was completely destroyed. Sharp shiny objects came smashing throw the windows, shards of glasses flew everywhere while those objects crashed onto the chairs and tables we were sitting on just a second ago.

Those objects turned out to be knives and throwing stars.

However not a single soul was harmed by the sudden attack since I had already grasped the first princes and pushed him under the table just before it happened. Same went for Beleth who had pulled both Keith and Vince down onto the floor. Fortunately Leon, Rangan and the other servants were not in the range of attack. Judging from the range of attack, the target was either the first prince or me.

A loud siren went off, which was most probably the Henderson mansion's security alarm.

"Intruders!"

"They're getting away!"

We heard shouts from below as we looked out of the smashed window to see a few masked figures running away from the mansion.

Without uttering a word, both Beleth and I jumped out of the window to chase those intruders. Surprisingly, three thuds of feet landing could be heard while we were running which turned out to be Vince, Keith and Leon jumping out of the window and following is too. The others had remained rooted to their spots still in shock, even Samadin and Rangan could only stare with their mouths agape.

Shouts of security guards, barks from dogs and many other alarms sounded behind us, but they were useless against those skilful intruders, so we took it upon our own hands, chasing after their tails without halting.

And so there was two groups, the former trying to get away, the later trying to catch the former.

But all the while I could only think of one thing...

Why was I purposely lowering my speed for those idiots to catch up?