"Is today the day, Elsie?" asked a little boy with icy blue hair that shone with opal black highlights, styled neatly as he had to attend an important occasion. His innocent crimson eyes brimmed with youthfulness and anticipation.
"Yes, Your Highness. Today is the day you were born three years ago, and you will meet the nobles of the kingdom at your birthday party," the maid replied while sliding shoes onto his little feet.
"So, that means I can also roam around the castle freely after that, right?" The excitement in the boy's voice was palpable, even contagious.
"Sigh~ Why are you more excited about that, Your Highness? Shouldn't you be excited about your birthday party?" The maid said as she picked up the little boy, making him stand up while she inspected his outfit for any imperfections.
He was wearing a coat woven from brocade fabric in emerald green with light floral textures all around. Embroidered on the chest was a Phoenix—the crest of the Everhart family—with padded collars providing comfort. A small shoulder cape with a golden lining could be seen, and a golden sash tied in a knot at the front completed the look.
"Yes, it's perfect," the maid muttered under her breath in satisfaction as she admired the little gentleman.
"...Now, I can go!" Without waiting for her reply, the little boy started running toward the door, barely able to contain his excitement.
Swish.
"Before that, I have something to tell you, Your Highness," the maid said as she suddenly appeared before the gate blocking the boy's way.
"What is it?" the boy asked, his hands still flapping in excitement.
"Happy Birthday, Your Highness!" Lowering herself to his level, the maid presented him with a whole dozen sweets—sweets he loved!
"Cocoa Sticks!" The boy replied with a charming smile as he accepted the cocoa sticks. "Thank you! You are the best, Elsie!"
"Shh! Not too loud, Your Highness. If her Majesty hears that I gave you these, she would—"
Creek.
The door opened as their banter continued, and a beautiful lady entered.
"—Kill me."
She was the Queen of the Everhart Kingdom and the mother of the boy, Kiera Everhart.
"Shit!" I quickly hid the cocoa sticks in my coat as I heard the creaking sound of the door. If Mother found out about them, there was no way I would get to eat even one of them.
Since I had become capable of eating in this world, one thing I liked most was the cocoa sticks Elsie gave me. The sweetness mixed with a slightly bitter taste and a crunchy texture was just perfect!
But I couldn't eat them too often, as Mother had banned them, saying that it was not fitting for a prince to enjoy such desserts. After that, I could only get them occasionally by convincing Elsie to betray Mother.
And today, it was not just any cocoa sticks—they were a gift from Elsie. I couldn't risk having them taken away!
"What were you saying, Elsie? That if I find out, I would kill you?" Mother asked Elsie in a questioning tone.
"I—I... It was... was..." The ever-lively and lovely Elsie had her face pale with fear as she confronted Mother.
"It was...?" Mother pressed.
'I need to do something.' Seeing Elsie trembling, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
"It was—"
"It was about my training classes, Mother." I cut her off, giving her a sidelong glance to let me handle the matter.
"Training classes?" Mother wondered.
"Yes, training classes, Mother. I was asking Elsie to teach me the sword."
"But you are still too young for that, dear."
"That's what Elsie said to me too, Mother, isn't that right, Elsie?" I gave her a sidelong glance to follow my lead.
"Y-Yes, Your Highness is right, Her Majesty. I said it was too dangerous for him right now, but he still insisted," she improvised, placing all the blame on me.
"But then why would I kill her for that? She is right. It is still too dangerous for you, dear," Mother said, her concern clear in her voice.
"But I want to, Mother! I saw Father practicing from the window one day, and I want to be just like him... No, I want to be better than him!" I said, using every bit of my non-existent acting skills.
"But—"
"No ifs or buts, Mother!" I stretched out my hands and body as far as I could and continued, "See, I am a big boy now! I can handle the training, so please, Mother, please!" I tried my best to make the cutest expression possible.
"...Still—" There was a slight hesitation in her eyes regarding my request.
'Just one last push!'
"Please, Mother! I would even behave as princely as possible at today's party, so please, please."
"But—"
"Pretty please!" If someone were to say I was brainwashing and manipulating her with my antics, they might not be wrong.
"Sigh~ Alright, if you behave properly at the party, I will talk to your father about it," Mother finally conceded as I flashed Elsie a thumbs up.
"Thank you, Mother!" I instinctively tried to hug her, but then remembered the "treasure" in my coat and restrained myself.
'Hoo... Almost blundered. I need to be careful.'
"Ahem!... So, why did you come here, Mother?" Prince mode was activated.
"I came here to take you with me. The party has begun, and the guests have arrived. It's time for you, Aiden, to make an entrance. Are you ready?" Mother asked, her tone turning serious.
"Yes, I am."
"Then let's go, and remember your promise."
'I made a promise? Oh, to behave properly!'
"A prince always keeps his promises, Her Majesty." I made a fist with my right hand, thumping it against my chest as I bowed in respect.
The sudden change in my behavior surprised Mother for a moment, but she quickly replied, maintaining her usual queenly demeanor.
"I expect nothing less from my son."
**********
The Grand Hall of Everhart Castle was gloriously decorated to celebrate the third birthday of Prince Aiden.
Every corner of the Golden Hall, located on the southern side of the castle, brimmed with rarities and unique items from all across the world.
The marble on the hall's walls was adorned with intricate golden carvings, making the already enormous hall appear even more gigantic and royal.
The crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling were mystical to behold. The shine, reflection, and opacity of the gems embedded within mesmerized even the biggest gem traders present at the party.
The mana energy they emitted was so pure that even someone on their deathbed could have their life extended by a few days with a single inhalation.
The tables were covered with the finest red silk found in all of Melux, embroidered by the most talented artisans.
Silverware cutlery was set on each table, and every guest who entered the hall was served the tastiest wine that had ever graced their taste buds.
The windows allowed the perfect amount of moonlight into the hall, which, combined with the luminescent glow of the floating candles, transformed the atmosphere to resemble—if not surpass—paradise. Magical butterflies and fairies fluttered around, elevating the ambiance to new heights.
The Ice Phoenix banners hanging on the entry gate of the hall, along with the numerous guards confiscating every weapon from the guests, seemed overly cautious to some, while others understood that the party was to be held with the utmost sincerity and seriousness.
The chatter among the guests in the hall was lively, as no one present had ever attended a banquet on such a grand scale.
"Now, Her Majesty Kiera von Everhart and His Highness Aiden von Everhart are entering!"
At that announcement, a dead silence fell over the hall as everyone eagerly awaited the appearance of their future king.