⌨... 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐉𝐄𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐒 🍥 applyfic ...₎

∘ ── ★ 𝐎. prologue

        The sound of chattering filled the air around the Kingdom of Dawnn, not only that of the residents of the Kingdom but of the servants of the palace too. Soon, the royals from around the world would be arriving to stay in their little Kingdom for a chance at finding a partner to marry. Sure, Dawnn was a place where royal families passed through often to take advantage of the shared palace and the stunning views of the land, so it should be nothing to all these people who had seen royal family after royal family pass through. However, today was a new occasion, one they had never seen before. Young royals of some of the most powerful royal lines would be arriving to stay within Dawnn at any moment now, and it was all for the sake of finding the partner they would spend their lives with, someone to rule by their side in harmony. The citizens thought it was beautiful, a romantic event to bring luck to the Kingdom. Oh, how mistaken they were.

        This event wasn't for love, and it certainly wasn't lucky. In fact, most of the princes and princesses on the way didn't even want to attend. It was the one who currently occupied the throne in their kingdom that made them obligated to do so. Maybe some saw this as a good thing, but for the most part, this was something to look at with detest. They were on their way though, and there was no turning back so the kingdom of Dawnn was ready to welcome them with open arms. Or... At least mostly ready, that is.

        Through the heavy doors of the main castle, down the huge corridors filled with pricey art and artisanal pottery, there was a grand ballroom filled with grand banquette tables. There, on the tables, were gorgeous crystal centerpieces filled with the best flowers the kingdom's garden could offer and each chair had expensive glasses and the finest silverware being laid in front of them. Preparations were almost done, servants of the Dawnn palace bustling about and putting finishing touches on things. One servant was laying down the last few sets of cutlery that remained, but they seemed to be struggling to get it just right. Just as they thought they had it, they pulled away only to knock another set of the table. The fork and spoons clattered across the floor, the sound echoing in such a big room.

        They sighed, a feeling of anxiety sparking within them as they knew what was about to come.

        "Jun, come on, we've been over this! You set the silverware down, and you take your hands away very carefully," Another servant by the name of Bryce Han Song scolded, emphasizing the word carefully, "It has to be perfect."

        Bryce, who usually went by the name Han, was a very particular person. He was known by all the other servants to be quite the grump and his need for perfection seemed to know no limit. Chen Junhie, Jun, on the other hand, was simply a clumsy person and this accident was just one of the many mishaps they were frequently scolded for.

        "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," Jun spoke, eyes directed at the floor. He didn't dare look up for fear the annoyed look in Han's eyes might send his emotions spiraling. Jun was pretty sensitive.

        "Don't be so hard on him, he didn't mean it." Jun's savior appeared. Dimitri Kim was probably one of the most mature and helpful servants on the team. If you could consider anyone to be the leader, it would be him, "The fix is simple, just do this."

        Dimitri grabbed another roll of cutlery from the cart that held spare plates, glasses, and utensils. He passed it to Jun with a small comforting smile, which the other was grateful for, then he patted Han on the shoulder as he spoke again, "See? Not a big deal."

        Han huffed, deciding not to pursue the matter further. It would only waste time, and the royals would be arriving any moment now. He knew they had to be done and out of the way by then.

        "I suppose so," He answered, not truly feeling his answer.

        Dimitri nodded, satisfied with the answer as he knew he wouldn't be receiving a better one. At least not from Han. He returned his gaze to Jun as they finished placing the new set of silverware on the table, collecting the ones they had knocked off from where they landed on the floor, "Is everything done here?"