In a high and luxurious room a feather moved neatly on the paper. The hand of a young man near his thirties, with dark hair and icy blue eyes, made a few strokes before taking another sheet.
Sitting alone in front of his desk next to several stacks of papers, his hand stopped briefly and he looked up for no apparent reason.
– That was fast. – He commented with slight surprise – It is not strange that she runs into the arms of her father … always pampered.
After that spontaneous comment, he continued with his work, but this was barely maintained until he stopped again with more seriousness, giving a stroke of the feather.
~ Toc
– Again? And in a hurry? – raising an eyebrow – That’s not like her. She barely tolerates Mileo to seek her support … Why again …?
Confusion reigned for a moment on his face, as he seemed to be receiving more information of some kind.
– No, let it be … for now. May Mileo give me an explanation. My sister has taken a liking to cause problems lately … – he added, with some disgust.
The breaths passed and the room remained impassive, while the young prince resumed his activities as if nothing had happened. However, in that brief and mysterious exchange the wheels of fate had already begun to move.
–
–
A few days later, an old smithy was slowly recovering part of its lost splendor and its owner preparing everything to begin the real work.
Maybe Bran had lost a lot of things, but his hidden passion for weapons was not one of them. Learning the family trade was far from an annoyance to him, but rather a rediscovery of this facet of the past.
~ Brum
– ……?
The unexpected stop of a transport in front of the house caught his attention. However, a more complex expression was formed when seeing the origin of it and its occupants.
The first to go down was Violet, with her mature and elegant face, and immediately the youthful princess, without masks this time. Her expression showed no less intensity than that of her companion and, added to the speed of her return, a satisfied smile involuntarily marked on Bran’s face.
As the sweet maid completed the female threesome and some people began to notice this unusual group of beauties, Bran left the workshop to receive them, seeking to put on his best expression of “young innocent”.
– Young Bran … congratulations on your new house.
Airy was the first to approach, and although her words were sincere, one could feel tension behind them. Without giving the dialogue more time, it was Tiana who spoke.
– Your teacher … Is this where he is?
Her seriousness only reinforced the pleasant premonition that this man had finally got into trouble. Bran was even able to ignore the word “teacher” with a smile.
Holding back the emotion, he made a regretful gesture before replying helplessly.
– Yes … he has taken place in our house. There was nothing I could do to avoid it …
– All right. – She nodded with some relief in her tone – Please, announce me for a meeting …
– ………
“Please announce me ??” Isn’t this where you command him to come on his knees? And you call yourself an imperial princess ?!
Bran’s face stiffened and somehow kept his facade, but inside he had a lot to say.
– I … – forcing some words – … I will talk to him …
– Thank you.
– ………
The objective of this visit rested comfortably on a sofa, following his usual reading routine behind the world. Beside him lay a small human with reddish hair, sleeping peacefully with a book glued to his body.
To his regret, Quin had increased the time around him, choking him with endless doubts. The surprising thing was that he used to answer them, unlike the treatment anyone else received.
– Bastar- … kuhum … “Sir” Lehm.
– Little Bran … don’t take long to call me teacher. Sir, it’s very cold … – he replied in a playful tone without looking away.
The young veins bulged as Bran counted to ten.
– Princess Tiana is at the door and “demands” that you receive her.
– Mmm … Is that so?
– ………
He feigned ignorance as he crossed his arms waiting for an answer. Averting his eyes for a moment, Lehm resumed his reading, shaking his head.
– That fate has already ended …
– ……? That’s it?
– How much more is there to be?
– ……… Are you really going to ignore it?
Even now it was hard for him to understand why that person always did things the worst way. Who in their right mind would dare to leave a princess standing?
– You have my words. Also, I’m not interested …
What the hell does that mean?
– ~ Mñamm ñam ~ …
A series of movements announced the awakening of little Quin, who while scrubbing her eyes was aware of this atypical scene of dialogue. Looking at her brother, she put on a satisfied smile.
– Brother … Have you already become a teacher’s friend?
– ………
– Mmm … – bowing her sleepy head – Why am I seeing a failed princess in the window?
After a few seconds, as if finally coming out of the sleepy stupor, she opened her eyes wide and jumped off the sofa.
~ Tap Tap Tap
– ~ Caa…. keee! ~
A brief silence reigned in the room again, with one occupant turning a page harmoniously, and the other looking at him with a frustrated expression. However, finally Bran seemed to regain his spirits.
– Good! … I’ll take care of reporting clearly …
– Little Bran, you are very kind …
– Oh … yes … don’t mention it … – he nodded animatedly, turning around.
Outside, Tiana and Violet were waiting for him, while Airy was hugged by Quin in the side. He put on a serious expression to stand in front of the princess.
– Kuhum … he says he doesn’t want to see you.
– What d … ?!
Tiana’s hand stopped the expected indignation of her tutor, and she was somewhat less annoyed by this surprising rejection.
– We may not have understood each other the first time. Tell him I want to make an official request, and we can discuss the terms.
Official request?
– Oh … I see … – coming to a spontaneous realization – About that, he has said that he is not interested in your requests. He definitely does not want to serve you. – highlighting his words.
– Did he say that?
– Word for word … – with honest expression.
– Mmm … he is not interested …
She murmured for a thoughtful moment, slowly turning to Violet.
It was not necessary to guess that the silent woman showed all the disgust that was silent on her face. Ignoring that moodiness, Tiana tilted her head slightly while forming a suspicious half smile.
– ……?
Violet was confused by the strange attention she was receiving, and finally raised both eyebrows in question.
– If I’m not mistaken … he showed some interest in you …
– Sorry?
– Oh … I was just thinking … maybe he would be willing to receive you if …
– Tiana … What are you trying to say? – narrowing his eyes – Although I recognize that he has demonstrated valuable skills, that man is still someone … – clenched a fist, as if remembering something – … vulgar … and inconsiderate. I am not the right person to deal with him.
Faced with this blunt rejection, she shrugged her innocent “just saying” gesture, only to plunge back into her thoughts. A few seconds later they both turned their heads in unison, as if united by the same thought.
The innocent blonde-haired young woman was having a lively chat there, and feeling beset by an uncomfortable sensation she turned to her two companions.
– ……… Yes?
Without responding, they both continued to stare at her as they formed a suspicious half smile.
– Oh … it’s true … that will do.
– Yes … it will definitely work …
Not knowing what her companions were up to, she stepped back and shyly cringed like a little bird.
– Y-Yes?