The Japanese Tutor (PART I-II) [ONGOING]

XXIII: Learning Must Continue

Astor returned to London to prevent suspicions from the Imperial Prince. He didn't understand that he had to be tagged along with his personal ventures as it was actually against his own rule. As he went to the place where Takahito would temporarily stay, he had various thoughts that lingered him while walking on the busy street.

Did Takahito actually know about his own plans? Astor shook his head to erase this question before he looked at the building and went in. It was a typical apartment, but the top floor had more luxurious features than the other. The spending that the prince had disgusted him as he would stay here for a short while. This lifestyle raised his eyebrows, and proceeded to the building.

Astor used the metal stairs. The building consisted of eight floors, and Takahito's place was at the top. As he went up, his legs began to sore, and he muttered, "I hate his particular mind! Did he expect that his father's funds were unlimited?"

When he finally reached the last floor, he took a deep breath and screamed. Not caring about other tenants' reaction in this place, he walked and stopped at the end of the hallway. He faced the door beside him with the apartment number painted on it. He knocked it and heard footsteps approaching him.

"Is that Mr. Binosty?" Astor heard Takahito's loud voice.

"Yes, I am," Astor replied.

The door opened, and Astor looked beside to see the face of a person. Astor's eyes widened to see a familiar face—he saw him a few years ago in the tea shop with Aya and another lady with her. His Hispanic features were unique to his sight that he got to distinguish him easily.

"What's your name?" Astor asked in curiosity.

"Diego Cruz," the boy introduced himself.

"Mhm..." Astor bit his lip. "What are you doing here?"

"I am applying for a beneficiary, sir," Diego replied. He moved to the other side and bowed to him. "I have to leave, sir."

Astor nodded and quickly moved away from his position. "Oh, sure. Goodbye, then."

After Diego left the unit, Astor glanced at the man in front of him—sitting on a tall chair facing at the large panel windows with his legs crossed. He had a wine glass on his hand half-filled with grape wine. Astor took a few steps closer and asked him, "what brings me here, your majesty?"

"London is such a wonderful place. I am glad that my father agrees with the bilateral agreement regarding modernization in my country," Takahito spoke up. His voice was mellow and smooth, but it gave the ambassador goosebumps, "I'm sorry that I have to bring you to my personal dilemma. You have more knowledge when it comes to this lovely country. Don't worry. I already ask someone to replace your position in the meantime."

Astor crossed his arms and replied, "you have to spend your father's budget wisely, your majesty. This place costs hundreds of pounds, and he deemed to you that it is part of your practice as the future leader to spend well."

"I nicely spent my funds. You must not worry about it, for you have no associations other than leading me to that woman's location."

His statement brought coldness to Astor. This intention was against the nature of his political business as an ambassador. As he bit his lip and glared at him, he remembered that Kinoe was indeed right about his intentions.

"You should have to ask someone here in London instead of bringing me here. I am an ambassador, not a tour guide, your majesty—"

"Your personal affair or your allegiance to maintain foreign relations?" Takahito grasped his hand on the chair's handle and shouted at him, "that young lady represents negatively of my country! She must be taken away from this place and bring back where she belongs."