In the Royal Palace of the Aetherion Empire…
"Why have you returned earlier than planned?" King Aetherion XIII asked his son, who had arrived at the castle a few minutes ago.
"I deemed that staying in Frieden Academy would not yield any more results," Prince Asta replied. "I have used the artifact there, but I didn't find any traces of my missing cousin."
"Is that everything you have to say?" King Aetherion XIII narrowed his eyes. "What about the two elven princesses? You proposed to them as intended, did you not?"
Prince Asta shook his head. "No. They are already engaged to someone else."
"Then why didn't you break their engagement?" King Aetherion XIII sneered.
"I have an image to uphold," Prince Asta reasoned. "That's why I decided to return home and ask you to execute Plan B, Your Majesty."
"Anything else?" King Aetherion asked.
"I have nothing else to report, Your Majesty," Prince Asta replied. "I apologize for falling short of your expectations."
