TOGETHER WE WILL CONQUER THE WORLD (WMMAP)

Chapter Forty Two: Thoughts

"You dropped this."

Oh no.

"Ah. Pardon me, your majesty. I was too forward. Blessings and Glory upon the obelian empire."

"..."

Athy, get it over with!

R-right.

"I only just realized that I had lost it. Thank you for returning it to me."

"It's my pleasure."

"I haven't introduced myself yet."

"My name is Jennette Magrita."

The trio flinched. Athanasia took her ribbon and looked at Claude. Angelina and Arthur were by his side, both has a diatribes expression on.

"Magrita. So you're that child Alpheaus has taken hunger his wing."

Jennette chirped.

"Have you heard of me before?"

Jennette shined. The trio's mouth opened wide.

That's the female lead for you!

She's the real deal... .

"You're quite bold, is it because you were raised by Alpheus?"

"My apologies."

"... I see."

The siblings were practically begging for this to end and Claude turned on his heel and walked away.

"We're leaving."

The siblings glanced at Jennette who as looking at Claude with admiration.

"Athanasia. Arthur. Angelina. Don't lag behind."

"I'm sorry."

"R-right."

"The princess seems tired. Perhaps I should assist her in walking to the carriage-"

"Felix. Move 10 steps back."

The four walked down the stairs and Claude snatched the ribbon from Athanasia.

"You should get rid of this. It's been lying around on the floor. There's no need to dirty your hands with it."

"Ah!"

Claude flicked the ribbon out of the way.

"Still... ."

"If there is anything else you wish for, just say so. All three of you. I can give you anything you want, so don't worry about this."

Did we ... do something wrong? Angelina asked.

I don't know. Arthur admitted.

I keep calculating and analyzing, but-

I can't tell what Claude is thinking.

Claude's thoughts were somewhere else.

"Bye daddy."

"Athanasia... Arthur?" Claude looked at the two walking to the same direction.

"Angelina... ." His youngest went to talk with kids her age.

"Why... ."

That expression... .

"Your majesty." Duke Roger walked up to him, his hand on his chest.

"Greetings from your humble subject, Roger Alpheus. Blessings and Glory upon the Obelian... ."

"That's enough."

"How moving is it that their highnesses are already having their debut. They were so very small the first time I saw them."

A memory of 5 year old Athanasia, Arthur and Angelina running to him. Athanasia held on to his hand. Angelina was in his arms with one arm under her to hold her, she had her small arms around his neck. Arthur was hugging his leg, laughing.

"The whole ballroom i sbuzzing with the talk of how your majesty escorted the princess in person. Of course. I was quite surprised myself."

"If ... if your majesty had more children, I'm sure you would have cherished them just the same."

"Other children. What a nightmare, a useless supposition."

"As you say, only a supposition, your majesty."

"Are you the type of person who often enjoys saying useless things."

"Only because one can never be sure of the future."

"In this case, I can be sure. Unless they all split into two."

"... is that so?"

"Your majesty. My ward is having her debut with the princess today as well. May we greet you after this doing is over?"

"Your ward. That child you're constantly going on about?"

"Yes. A child house Alpheus has been caring for since she was little."

"A child taken in by house Alpheus as their own... I've always thought that was out of character for you. How interesting."

"Young girls of this age are delicate as glass. There's a limit how well an adult can tend to them. Wouldn't the princesses be glad to have another girl their own age as friend? They may not show it, but i'm sure she's lonely."

"Lonely?"

"Their highnesses are bright children. They wouldn't say it out loud. But there must be an emptiness within their heart. Of course, your majesty already know this without my saying so."

"... you're making a racket on top of all this music. I've heard enough from you today. Go."

"What a lucky turn of fate that they are in the same room today, let's not-"

"I said that's enough. I don't want my time with my children to be interrupted."

"..."

"Yes, your majesty."

"Daddy?"

The men turned to see Angelina standing with her hands together in front of her. Her face was curious but she smiled.

"Daddy, you promised me my second dance. But if you're busy I can go-"

"No. No, I'm not." Claude walked to his daughter. Offering his hand, she took it.

The two walked to the dance floor, bowing. The people around them gave them extra space. Everyone watched the two waltz gracefully around, spinning and turning. It was magical.

The dance: (Look Above)

"You dance better than your sister." Claude said at the end of the dance.

"Hehe, I didn't step on anyone's foot." Angelina said, proudly.

The three were inside the carriage. Arthur took off his jacket, Athanasia was playing with her tiara, Angelina took off her heels.

"Athanasia. Arthur. Angelina." Claude grabbed their attention. he was about to come in the carriage.

"Congratulations on your 14th birthday and your debut."

"Hehe." Athanasia giggled. Angelina smiled and Arthur just said a thanks.

"Daddy, you're late. I've already been congratulated by others on both my birthday and my debut."

"Then should I take it back?"

"Nope."

The siblings room were next to each other. They all had their balconies close by that they could jump from their balcony to the others. Lucas first visited Athanasia then Arthur and Angelina. He was mind air, watching the three sleeping sound fully. With a snap of his fingers. Their hair started to glow. Athanasia and Arthur's hairs were like sunlight whilst Angelina's were like the shimmers of flowers made of gold.

"Maybe I should stay a bit longer ... ."