Obelia's Rose

Chapter 33

OBELIA'S ROSE, CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE, BY VIICERENE.

I greeted the guards. "Greetings, Alexander and Liam." I smiled at them, passing through the doors and seeing a certain white-haired male strolling around and reading some books that belong to Athanasia.

 "Blessings and Glory upon the Obelian Empire." He said, still flipping pages of Athanasia's favorite book.

"I trust you have been well with your sister." He said. Huh? Since when did he get here? Did the guards slack off? He smiled at me warmly. So much if he passes such genes to my future niece and nephew.

"Good afternoon," I said. "Good afternoon..." He trailed off with his mind in the clouds. "What are you even doing here? This is Athanasia's library." I said.

Ijekiel was confused. "Isn't this the public library?" He asked. I sweatdropped nervously. "No, it is not. It is my sister's and you're certainly not supposed to be in here." I said.

He grinned at me. "I thought surely this was the private library. There's nobody blocking my way." He said. "What about the guards at the door?" I asked him questioningly.

Daddy threatened them a few days ago because they let a person in. Have they not learned their lesson? This is the future crowned princess they're talking about.

"Oh, you mean the ones too busy talking among themselves they didn't even notice my arrival?" He asked. An 'Ah' escaped my mouth.

I guess they slack off when my sister isn't here. I've only seen them standing at attention when Athanasia is here. But how could they have possibly missed this?

He's so sparkly. How could he have not been seen? "You're not lost, are you?" I asked him. He smiled at me warmly. "I suppose my navigation is poor because I've spent so much time abroad." He said.

"I didn't dare to think that this was Athanasia's private library." He said. Total lies indeed. He is really mister white's son.

"But if there is no one to stop me, like maids and some idle guards... Isn't this too insecure for the private residence of the Royal Family...?" He questioned me, unsure that this property is truly Athanasia's.

"No one else has ever come here," I said. "I just did, didn't I?" He paused. "It feels like anyone could come in here if they desired." He continued. Huh? "On top of that, you don't even have a single guard with you today." He said. 

"..." I stayed silent, planning what to do with him. "That won't do," He stopped. I was clueless. Perhaps he really wants to be punished. "I heard that your knight, Miss Issha Robane, your newly-appointed personal knight, although is well known for her skills, to have such a sparse line of defense..." I cut him off. 

"Lord Ijekiel... You speak quite elegantly for someone who is illegally trespassing on the property of a member of the Imperial Family of Obelia. And, I'm pretty sure this part is connected to the palace. Who would dare assassinate me on royal grounds?" I glared at him.

He held Athanasia's favorite book in his arms. "Are you going to remove me?" He asked, and I scoffed. "Do you think I could 'just have you removed'? No. I could press charges to your crime."  I said.

I smiled at him, certainly not happy. "You know, Ijekiel... You very much resemble your father." I said. Ijekiel didn't have his calm attitude anymore.

"I beg your pardon..." He said, placing his hand to his chest. He bowed deeply. "I apologize for my rudeness today... For entering Princess Athanasia's private property without permission," 

"And for speaking rudely in your presence, I will accept whatever punishment you see fit." He finished. Oh, how about I sue the Alpheus Duchy, for trespassing on private property without permission?

That's a law here. And this... This is the property of the Royal Family. I looked at him. "I suggest you proceed with more caution in the future. I'm planning to heighten security."

"I understand, although I did not expect to be fortunate enough to see the person I wanted to meet." He said, smiling. Excuse me?

Fortunate? You're going to get sued. "I did blindly explore in the hopes of possibility," "But I never thought you would appear before me." He said. 

"If it isn't too much to ask... Can I come closer?" He asked. I shook my head, but he still stepped closer.

"Under Law nine hundred forty-two, going against the word of a descendant of Aeternitas de Alger Obelia, or otherwise known as a member of the Obelian Royal Family, is restricted, even if the offender is a noble." I finished.

"And you've intruded enough already." A voice said. Ah, Lucas. "The princess also did not grant you permission, so stop right there." He said. Ijekiel looked mad, it seems he would like to talk to me about Athanasia.

"The Magician of the Tower, it seems?" He asked. "Identify yourself." He said, using his privlege. Lucas had a mad look on his face.

"I belong to the Imperial Royal family. I, Lucas, the Magician of the Tower, only takes orders from the princess and His Majesty." He said. "You sir, Ijekiel Alpheus, has already transgressed the law and have shown discourtesy to the princess." He told Ijekiel. 

"And although Her Highness has mercifully chosen to pardon your crimes, It would be befitting for you to know your place and keep your distance."

What do you mean... Pardon his crime? I can sue his family, and take a large sum of money away from them. And perhaps... This is what the ladies are talking about. The Lord of Gentle Charisma and the Lone Wolf.

"You are speaking as if your actions are not much of a transgression, Magician of the Tower." Ijekiel said... "What right do you have to enter the property of the Imperial Royal Family?" He asked, and I smiled confidently.

"It seems like you haven't been educated well. Do you live under a rock? He is one of the only ones permitted to go inside this place without permission."

"But do you, sir, have the right to interrogate me about my rights?" Lucas asked. I waved my hand, signaling that this is enough. "This may be rude, Your Highness, but is he the one that His Majesty chose to be your playmate instead of me?" He asked, I nodded. 

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"Did you come through the door aswell, just like Ijekiel did? I didn't hear the door shut." I said, looking down at the ground as I thought of the events that happened earlier.

"Why would I need a door?" He asked. Wow, how fancy, using his mana uselessly just to get in Athanasia's private library earlier. He'll eat some more mana again.

"You seem to really dislike Ijekiel." I said, thinking about how my future brother-in-law acted. Daddy certainly wouldn't approve of someone with such an attitude.

"He looks stuck up." He is! Now I'm going to question Athanasia's taste in boys. Lucas looked horrified just thinking about someone that acts like Ijekiel.

"You're probably the first person to say such a thing abotu Ijekiel." I said. Lucas now looked at me with a weird expression on his face. 

"What? Don't tell me you've fallen for him just like one of the girls at the tea party?" He asked. No! "No I haven't what, is my taste that bad to like him?" I asked. I rolled my eyes.

"DON'T DO THAT! YOUR EYES ARE GOING TO GO TO THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD!"

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