Doctor Aiko...I've known him since childhood. He had a close relationship with father, I'd often see him in the library just looking for books about medicine.

"Uhm, the shelf for medicine is over there" I pointed to the far corner.

"Ah, thank you your highness" he showed a kind smile and bowed. I never understood why he did that.

"Uhm...if you don't mind me asking, are you close with father?" his smile fainted a bit, although it was subtle I still noticed it.

"Yes, I guess you could say that" he kneeled to my level and placed his hand on my head ruffling my hair a bit "I'm the most intelligent doctor in all of Arcelia. The king, or your father called for me to find a cure you see" his tone made me believe he was actually telling the truth. I've idolized him since then. I didn't know why but whenever he'd assure me and be there when I least expected it.

He seemed like...

"So, does that mean I'll see you often?" I felt selfish asking such a question, I didn't know him that well but why did I want...him to stay?

"Yes, you'll see me more often. And if you want..."

"I'll teach how a thing or two about medicine" he continued, and my eyes sparkled.

"The mind is a dangerous thing your highness" the prince suddenly snapped back to reality, was I spacing out again? The count chuckled seeing the dazed prince "Is something bothering you? Your mind seemed to have wandered off somewhere"

"I'm fine. Just a bit stressed I suppose"

"We can delay classes for today, I can even postpone them for a week if so" the count suggested.

"It's not necessary really! I'll feel a bit better by tomorrow" the prince fidgeted and looked away from the count's curious gaze, he rested his hand on the table and placed his chin on his palm. The count's eyes looked at the distant prince, wondering what he was thinking about "Those rumors about your highness's behavior..." the prince's eyes widened a bit at the sudden change of topic "Pardon?".

"Those rumors are exaggerated, aren't they?" the count's remark confused the prince what is he trying to say?

"I'm not a fan of rumors, rumors are but to spread lies to ruin one's reputation or influence them to do more meaningful duties. I believe that's your situation as of right now your highness" the prince remained silent but still listened "I was quite surprised to hear the childish prince had returned from Kasar, the rumors that were once buried had already resurfaced within seconds."

"Despite those awful rumors, you still approached your family with no issue whatsoever. Even though such rumors would prevent you from inheriting the throne, here you are learning how to be a great emperor for the kingdom that doesn't trust you."

"I find that rather inspiring, your highness crown prince" the count stared at the silent prince. Speechless as all always.

The count slid a note on the prince's desk "This letter was sent to you personally, must be important if it has the princess's seal on it."

"The princess declined the offer?" the prince had no choice but to cry at this point. All the noble women have declined his offer to be his partner in his birthday celebration, especially his own sister!

"At this point, I'd have to beg my whole soul to Lady Lucille." The prince buried his face his hands. After the count left, class was over for the prince. When he read the letter, it was a long paragraph as to why the princess Mikaela Romilly Kasavik had to decline his offer. And the word that stood out in the letter was...

"She called me a womanizer! That's why she declined it!" the prince cried out, Albert had to pat him in the shoulder once every minute "I'm sure someone will accept your offer, your highness. It's only been a day since you sent out those letters correct?"

"Wrong, they were sent out two days ago." The prince slammed his head on his desk "Careful your highness!" Albert cried as he held the prince's head up, he sighed and leaned back in his chair as Albert gulped seeing the prince at such a state.

"Who knew inviting people would be so difficult..." the prince groaned.

"If I may ask your highness, why did you want Lady Lucille to be your partner to the celebration. I understand her position and close ties with the Imperial Family and all, but I didn't think you two would have a close relationship."

"Is it possible that you two...?" the prince burst out of laughter, which made Albert confused "Your highness...?"

"That is one of the most hilarious question I've ever heard-" the prince laughed while wiping a tear off his eye, Albert was red from how embarrassed he felt.

"Lucille is my cousin. I wanted her as my partner because I know how influential she is in the social circle."

The social circle is where rumors start and possibly end. The circle is filled with noble mand and women who discuss certain rumors and gossip their way to ruin one's reputation.

"If she were my ally then I'm sure they'd think highly of me now. They wouldn't talk down on Lucille because of how witty she can be".

"That is true, it's even possible she'll even be knighted by how many good news of her are circulating." Albert agreed "So when will you visit her, your highness?"

"I'll do it on my own, I know a thing or two how to sway her to agree this time" the prince grinned, and Albert bowed "Understood, also in updates to the preparation. Are you still sure that you'd want to celebrate your birthday at the center of capital?"

The center of capital is known to be one of the biggest areas in the capital. Known for also holding national festivals and parades, it even holds the statue of the great white dragon Atlas Ataxia. The statue symbolizes the strength and harmony that the dragon blessed on Arcelia as it was the first ever emperor and protector of the great country.

The prince nodded and kept his smile as Albert left the room. The prince looked out the window and sighed.

It's not going to be an easy journey; convincing Lucille will be the hard part and repaying her would be another one.

It was hard to hire people to prepare this whole celebration...I wonder if anyone even remembered that my birthday would be the day after tomorrow...

"What? Why in the center of the capital?"

"I was just merely suggesting your majesty, and for whatever reason I have to host it there please hear me out."

"If you're doing it to brighten those rumors of you then it's not going to work"

"But-"

"You've already done enough damage to your reputation, I doubt a simple celebration with the people will lift it."

"But as the future emperor, I want to have a good relationship with them. To show that I will take care of this kingdom and them-"

"That isn't a way to lift those rumors of you. You think I want the future emperor to be called childish and not being taken seriously? Realize what you're risking Theodore."

"I don't care about the rumors I just want to celebrate with my people your majesty. I've already been called childish and bratty, all I want is to prove to them that I am not what the rumors said that I am. Whatever happens in the celebration I will fully take responsibility"

"...Fine, do whatever you please."

Talking to father was sort of hard, I was sweating the entire conversation...I still wonder if he'll attend. But judging by his current mood he was annoyed again.

"You're hosting your birthday celebration?"

"Yes, it-"

"Starts the day after tomorrow, I know"

Doctor Aiko seemed to have remembered my birthday...I wonder what kind of trick he'll pull.

"Are you going to attend?"

"Of course, unless you're planning on inviting me."

Why does he still talk to me...?

"Just take the invitations then"

"Thank you, your highness"

And why do I still respond...?

"I'll be sure to buy a present"

The seated prince sighs as leans back onto his comfortable chair, looking up at the ceiling he wonders what to do since class already ended Should I visit Lucille now? She might be busy... he thought, clasping his two hands together hoping that something would come up. Glancing out the window, he smiles admiring the bustling streets of the capital. I can't wait till my birthday...

Meanwhile, somewhere in the center of the capital was Raine, sitting comfortably on a bench. His back leaning against the wooden support, as he relaxed his legs. He lowered his head and exhaled, the troubled boy's eye lids blinked slowly as he drowned in exhaustion. With heavy eyes, he tried to stay awake.

"Did you not sleep at all last night" he heard the voice of a woman, turning to his right he recognized her.

"I didn't expect to see you here...Kairo"

Kairo Haven is the best friend of Kiyoko. They were the closest of friends, although Kairo didn't interact much with Raine but for some reason she'd always find him somewhere where he shouldn't be.

"You sound tired, you look messed up too" she added and crossed her legs. Kairo is head strong and talks her mind out. She's smart and understanding, as a daughter of the CEO of a vehicle company she's a pro at driving and even fixing vehicles. Despite such talents, she preferred to stick next to her childhood best friend while managing a small bakery near the center of capital.

"How have you been lately?" she fell silent at the question but glanced at his state "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

Raine chuckled and raised his head a bit, "I got fired from my job. And I lost my apartment, I practically have no where to go" with his tone it was obvious that he was trying to lighten up a bit.

"Damn, all in one day?" Kairo asked and he nodded lightly, his clothes were a bit muddy: his boots are worn out, and his hair is frizzy.

"Well at least I didn't lose that much."

"That much? You lost your job and home in one day and here you are smiling about it"

"I'm not smiling about-"

"I know you want everyone you've known to move on with their lives and not meddle in any of it. But there's nothing wrong in asking for help." Right...I forgot how many people cared about me back then...

Looking at it now...it was rather selfish to leave them without saying goodbye...

"I'm not saying that you can depend on us to solve all, of your problems. But you could use a little push towards what you want to do" Raine turned to her, even if they didn't have the best friendship growing up. In the end he really admired and looked up to her. Even though she bullied him a lot when they were little.

"Crying like that won't solve your problems. Just get up before I force you to"

She still has that attitude...Raine chuckled and Kairo noticed, "What are you laughing about?" she asked in annoyance placing her hand on her hip.

"It's nothing don't worry. I think I just missed how you always cheered me up in certain situations" the amused Raine, smiled at her. She didn't say anything and just simply waited, as Raine stopped laughing he got up and stretched his arms for a bit. Kairo gazed at Raine, seeing that the one boy that would always read books alone in the garden was finally able to explore the world his mother wanted him to see.

"I heard the prince's birthday celebration would be held in the center of capital"

"Now where did you get that information?"

"It's a recent rumor lately. Some think the prince is fixing his reputation to take the throne after his birthday"

"Hm, Jester already made a move. I thought it would be long since he started to play his little chess game."

"You're just jealous because he gets the upper hand. Be a patient dog, Phantom"