The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 131 : Punishment

As ordered, Rusks and Scarlet came to apartment 285. Rusks had managed to find a fresh set of clothes though he did not have time for a shower. Scarlet was in her previous evening's clothes, a bit crumpled for wear.

Seeing them walk in, Dusk jumped up, ran to the door and hugged Scarlet. She had been very worried about her disappearance.

"Where had you been? The AI did not know where you went? How did Rusks find you, and that too, so quickly?" she asked.

Scarlet bit her inner cheek, colouring a little, wondering what she should say. Now back with her cousins, she felt shy and embarrassed at her actions. She saw the teens in the kitchen area and considered if she could disclose that she spent the night in Rusk's apartment. She did not know of course of how the teens had found Luke and Dusk together... Their innocent world view was already destroyed.

Seeing Luke scowl at them, Dusk decided it is better not to delve deeper into the matter at the moment. She decided that all the Princesses were spoilt brats and used to doing things their way and throwing tantrums, though she could not, for the life of her, figure out what happened that caused Scarlet to throw a tantrum by hiding herself.

Dawn was very happily showing off her culinary skills. Catherine was now following her like a pet puppy dog, trying to understand what she was doing and how. She was putting her finger in everything, picking up pieces of ingredients and tasting them, making faces when they felt strange... When she picked up equipment like choppers, Dawn snatched them back before the Princess hurt herself. Catherine was following so closely, at one point, Dawn almost tripped over her... She had never seen actual cooking before.

Rosemary arrived with her maids, who were aghast on seeing Dawn and Catherine making breakfast! Apologising profusely, they ran and took over, much to Dawn's chagrin. The breakfast turned out pretty good. The meat and vegies were naturally very fresh and of the best quality and Dawn handled it better than the maids would have done.

Once breakfast was over, they quickly got ready. Dusk had her class, though it was still early for her. Her Duo-Pax was not in the garage and she rushed to catch a Mass, but Imperial Security, already under fire for losing Scarlet earlier, insisted on giving her a ride. She left the car for Luke as she was sure he had work to do.

Luke sent all the girls to have a shower and get ready. Only ones left were Rusks and Luke. Rusks started to say something, but Luke cut him off.

"I do not want to hear anything, not now. We need to get the kids out of here first."

... ...

Julien Lidwig was sitting in a lawn chair next to the pool on the roof of the PG Club. It was the same place where he first got the news of his appointment as Crown Prince. The place was empty as usual. Even in the normal days, it was Dusk and Catherine along with Rosemary and Lady Crystala who swam there. Few other PG Students bothered to use the facilities. The membership fee was high, and the student club was cheaper as well as lively.

"We have 15 minutes before Scarlet arrives. Tell me what the hell is happening, Rusks."

Rusks, who was sitting across from Julien, looked down. "I am sorry, Your Majesty. I did not expect it to happen. But in the end, it did. So, I have no defence. I am ready to hear your judgement."

"Judgement? So, you know you have committed an offence?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I know what I have done. I have breached your trust. She was under my protection."

"Rusks, we have known each other for more than 10 years. Stop saying Your Majesty and Crown Prince every time you open your mouth! Tell me quickly what really happened."