"At four this afternoon, you have a tea ceremony with your fiancée."

“...”

"Your Highness, I assume you are listening?"

"I’m listening."

Kaizen stood by the window, hands clasped neatly behind his back, radiating the kind of exasperated calm only a butler could achieve. 

"Good, because this meeting has been scheduled for months. It is non-negotiable."

"I’m not going."

"You are going."

"No, I’m not."

Kaizen turned to face him, his expression unflappable. 

"Should I notify His Majesty of your refusal? Or perhaps I’ll inform the embassy that Crown Prince Jun Aldenhurst of Altea is now allergic to royal obligations?"

Jun sat by the chessboard, nudging a pawn forward before leaning back in his chair. His voice had that usual edge of frustration.

"I have a legit reason. All these formalities are stupid."

Roen Heltix had draped himself across the arm of a nearby couch like it was built just for him. One leg hung off the side, while the other rested on the cushion. A book sat in his hand, though he clearly wasn’t paying attention to it as his eyes flicked toward Jun.

"You complain about these events all the time, yet skipping them just makes everything worse."

"You always side with Kaizen."

Jun let out an exaggerated sigh and stood. His steps were heavy as he moved toward the door, each one full of reluctance.

"Alright. I’m going."

Kaizen nodded once, adjusting his gloves.

Jun paused at the doorway, glancing back over his shoulder. His tone softened.

"Honeeey, you’ll be here when I’m done right?"

Roen’s hand reached for the book beside him.

"If you don’t leave now, I’m throwing this at you."

Jun chuckled, unfazed, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"That’s a yes."

Roen flopped back onto the couch, the book sliding up to cover the lower half of his face. His voice came out muffled.

"Who the heck are you calling honey?"

Jun’s grin stretched wider, his tone playful as he stepped into the hallway.

"You, obviously. I’ll be back, honey!"

The sound of Jun’s footsteps faded down the hall as the door clicked shut behind him.

Roen’s eyes lingered on the door for a moment. His hand rested lightly on the arm of the couch, his fingers brushing the fabric absently.

When nothing happened, Roen sighed, leaning back into the cushions. The book he’d been holding slipped from his chest and fell onto the floor with a soft thud. Roen didn’t move to pick it up. His gaze drifted to the ceiling, and he stayed there, his arms draped across the couch, waiting for the quiet to settle in.

"It’s just having tea."

Sure. Just tea.

Roen rubbed his hand over his face, dragging it down until he stared blankly at the ceiling.

"What am I even doing? There’s no future for us."

Us.

A short laugh escaped, tinged with bitterness.

"Hahahahaha. Right. There is no us. It’s just me. And my stupid unrequited crush."

He stayed with that thought for a moment, eyes closing as if shutting the world out.

"It’s just tea."

Jun adjusted his cuffs again, glaring at the tiny buttons like they were plotting against him. He stepped out of his room, moving slower than anyone with two functioning legs should.

Kaizen walked behind him, his steps precise and his face blank, but his patience was already cracking.

"Your Highness, the tea ceremony is scheduled to begin shortly. Please ensure your pace reflects that."

Jun stopped in front of a window and leaned against the frame. He stared out at the gardens below, where the trees swayed gently, oblivious to his suffering.

"It’s a nice day. Not really a tea-ceremony kind of day."

Kaizen didn’t break stride, stopping just behind Jun.

"The weather is irrelevant to your obligations, Your Highness. Please proceed."

Jun sighed like Kaizen had just asked him to fight a bear. He walked on but stopped again a few steps later in front of a tall vase on a pedestal. Jun tilted his head, inspecting it with unnecessary focus.

"Was this vase always here?"

Kaizen stepped closer, his voice clipped. 

"The vase has been here for months. It was a gift from the Serevian ambassador. You approved its placement."

Jun squinted at the vase. 

"It looks crooked."

"It is not crooked."

Jun lingered anyway, staring at the vase like it held the secrets to life. He finally tore himself away, trudging forward with the enthusiasm of a man walking to his doom.

After another ten steps, Jun crouched down near the wall and started messing with his boots.

"The strap is loose."

Kaizen stopped, his hands folding neatly behind his back. 

"The strap is not loose."

"It feels loose."

Jun sat down fully on the floor, stretching his legs out like he was settling in for a long break. He leaned back against the wall, his head resting lazily on the polished marble.

"I don’t want to go."

Kaizen stared at Jun, his expression still unreadable. 

"Your preferences in this matter are noted but irrelevant. You must attend the tea ceremony."

Jun tilted his head back to look at the ceiling. 

"It’s pointless. She doesn’t care about this. I don’t care about this."

Kaizen’s voice sharpened slightly. 

"Then care enough for the royal image, Your Highness."

"You say that because you’re not in my position. Also, that useless older brother of mine should marry her, not me. Why me? Why! WHYYY!"

“Please refrain using crude language, and refrain from talking disrespectfully about his highness Jay.”

Jun’s jaw dropped.

"Disrespectful? Hah! That bastard ran away!”

"His Highness Jay forfeited his obligations when he chose to leave the palace at ten years of age. As you are aware."

Jun groaned, sliding further down the wall until he was practically sitting on the floor.

"He should’ve been dragged back! He’s the firstborn! Why is he allowed to do whatever he wants while I have to deal with all this?"

"His absence does not absolve you of your duties as Crown Prince, Your Highness. Now, kindly rise from the floor."

Jun pointed accusingly at Kaizen.

"Easy for you to say. You’ve never been the spare who got promoted because big brother decided to live a cozy life."

Kaizen’s patience threatened to snap.

"Your Highness, if you do not head to the drawing room now, I will escort you by force. Shall I also apologize to Miss Sho Ai for your delay."

Jun waved his arms.

"You’re impossible. Do you ever hear me."

Kaizen adjusted his cuffs.

"Often, Your Highness. I choose not to indulge your theatrics."

Jun let out a louder groan, then dragged himself upright with dramatic flair.

"Gah. I hate you."

Kaizen straightened his gloves.

"That is fortunate, for I feel entirely the same."

The tea room was quiet, with sunlight streaming through the paper screens and casting soft shadows on the tatami floor. Sho Ai sat on a cushion, her back straight. She reached for the teapot, wrapping her fingers around the handle and lifting it carefully. Tilting the spout downward, she poured tea into a small cup, stopping when it was half full. She returned the teapot to the tray, setting it down gently. Her fingertips brushed the edge of the teapot as she adjusted its position slightly.

Jun stepped into the room, his heels clicking softly against the wooden floor. He stopped in front of the cushion opposite her, glancing briefly at the low table before lowering himself. He knelt on the cushion, tucking his knees under his body, and placed his hands on his thighs with his fingers loosely spread.

Sho Ai lifted her head briefly, her eyes meeting Jun’s before dropping back to the teapot.
“Your Highness.”

“Miss Sho Ai.”

Jun lowered himself onto the cushion across from Sho Ai, folding his hands neatly on his lap.

"I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. I hear punctuality is one of your virtues."

Sho Ai reached for the teapot again, her wrist turning as she lifted it. She tipped the spout over the second cup, filling it halfway. She placed the teapot back onto the tray, lowering it carefully, and slid the cup across the table toward him. Her fingertips barely touched the porcelain as she moved it.

“As anyone from a proper family should. Perhaps you’ll find it one day.”

Jun tilted his head, a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth.

"Something for us both to look forward to."

"Patience is important. Especially when it’s tested again and again."

Jun picked up the cup, his lips pulling into a faint smile.

"And you’re a master of patience. It’s inspiring."

Sho Ai reached for her own cup, lifting it with her thumb and forefinger. She brought it to her lips and took a small sip. She placed it back onto the table, letting it rest exactly where it had been before. Her gaze rose to meet his.

"And you’re a master at testing it. Remarkable."

Jun sipped the tea, his face neutral as he placed the cup back down with care.

"The tea is excellent. Of course, I’d expect nothing less from someone with such... experience."

Sho Ai moved her hand toward the teapot, adjusting its position slightly on the tray. Her fingers pressed lightly against the handle before she placed her hand back on her lap.

"And I’d expect nothing less than flawless manners from the Crown Prince. Though you still manage to surprise me sometimes."

Jun gestured lightly at the teapot.

"How generous of you. I’ll try not to ruin the tea by enjoying it too much."

Sho Ai reached for the teapot again and poured herself another cup. She lowered the teapot back onto the tray and adjusted it with a slight nudge from her fingertips. She placed her hands back on her lap.

"I’m sure your presence alone has elevated the experience already."

Jun leaned back slightly, his hands resting loosely on his knees.

"Elevated? That’s kind. Maybe I should visit more often. Twice a year instead of once."

Sho Ai glanced at him, her tone sharp despite her calm expression.

"If you did, I’d consider taking up gardening. Something peaceful."

Jun raised an eyebrow.

"Gardening? You seem more like a fencer. Something sharp suits you better."

Sho Ai set the teapot down with barely a sound.

"Sharp things are tricky. They can cut both ways if you’re not careful."

A brief silence filled the room before Sho Ai let out a quiet breath, her voice softening.

"I’ve heard you grew up with a companion. Someone you were very close to."

Jun’s shoulders stiffened slightly, though his face didn’t betray much.

"Most people have friends, Miss Sho Ai. Surely you have some too."

Sho Ai tilted her head, her tone light but with an edge of curiosity.

"Of course. But not many friends inspire so many rumors."

Jun’s lips pressed into a thin line.

"People love gossip. It’s practically a hobby at this point."

Sho Ai sipped her tea, her gaze still resting on him.

"I’d like to meet him someday. It’s rare to know someone so important to you."

Jun reached for his cup again, his fingers steady, though his expression tightened.

"He’s not important. Just a childhood friend."

Sho Ai’s lips curved slightly, the calm tone returning to her voice.

"Even so, an introduction would be lovely. I insist."

Jun cleared his throat, his voice clipped.

"He’s busy. Always busy."

"That’s unfortunate."

"Very."

Sho Ai’s gaze lingered on Jun for a moment before softening.

"I’m sure an opportunity will come. I think I’d enjoy meeting him."

Jun opened his mouth, but Sho Ai cut him off, her voice turning serious.

"Your Highness, may I ask for something?"

Jun paused, his fingers brushing the edge of his cup.

“Permission to request something? How very proper of you, Miss Sho Ai. By all means, enlighten me.”

Sho Ai’s face remained pleasant, though her words carried more weight.

"A private conversation. Just us."

Jun blinked, his composure slipping for a second.

"Private?"

Sho Ai inclined her head slightly, her tone unchanging.

"Yes. Surely you don’t mind something so simple."

Jun glanced toward Kaizen, who stood near the doorway like a statue, before turning back to Sho Ai.

“Very well.”