Lottie's Ship Wish

CHAPTER 13

"I greet the Crown Prince Ethelson a joyous and blessed 14th birthday." Anthony bowed down in front of the small sun of the empire and his best friend Ethelson who had a big smile upon looking at him.

"Aren't we dashing today, soon-to-be Duke?" Ethelson asked with a humorous tone.

"Your compliments are wasted on me, your Highness the Crown Prince and soon-to-be Emperor," Anthony answered, still bowing, but with the tone clearly going with Ethelson's inside joke.

After that line, both of them laughed, still maintaining their poise and elegance yet with a hint of comfort and closeness to each other. Clearly showing their fourteen years bond.

"You're getting good at riding with people's jokes now. Before, you just smile and stay silent. It is so awkward!" Ethelson started. At the same time, a butler went to their way and offered both glasses of wine which they both accepted.

"It is hard not to learn if your friend is always equipped with bad jokes," Anthony answered with innocent smile and took a sip from his glass while Ethelson was flabbergasted.

"Wow. You do know, you just insulted a royal family member?"

"I didn't say it was you?" Anthony answered back with his ever-angelic smile.

His friend couldn't help but laugh and shook his head in disbelief as he took a sip from his drink.

"Fine, fine you won. You and your words, seriously."

Once again, both chuckled.

Of course, they were not the only those who enjoyed the birthday banquet. However, it was not the music or the especially made catering they were relishing, but the two friends themselves. They were the center of aristocrat's critical gazes; Anthony and Ethelson were their feast.

"Aren't they shining tonight?"

"They are now in their ripe ages. A little interaction with my daughters might do them good to...welcome them in the society."

"Oh, shush it. You just want to set them up with your children."

"Who wouldn't want them as in-laws, anyway? Look at them. So young, full of vigor and handsome."

"Yes. Aren't our nation lucky to have them as our future leader and foundation support?"

"We will be much luckier if the young soon-to-be-duke is the Crown Prince."

"My goodness! Your words!"

"Isn't that true? It is a waste that the soon-to-be king is born normal while his supports are Blessed. Truly disappointing."

Those words, Anthony heard them all. After all, they were not very discreet about it, but he stood silent like he always did. With his unwavering calm face and gentle smile, he was taught to have.

Even though it offended him because they were bad mouthing his friend, he must endure. His father Silvester Reynesford won't let him go if he tainted their honor even for the name of friendship.

"Seriously, nobles really have nothing else to do these days."

Anthony turned his attention to his friend Ethelson sighing in disappointment.

"Are you okay, your Highness?" Anthony asked and Ethelson grinned as an answer.

"I am used to it by now. I am more worried about you because you are such a softie."