The event was held in a well-known hotel in the capital. While not as prestigious as the Empire's Point Hotel, the acknowledged imperial hotel, the place was also famous for hosting big events like noble celebrations.
Just like this one. The only daughter of Ramon Strella, although not the one who inherited the title of Marquis, he was known for being close to the royal family, especially the current empress.
When they arrived at the hotel, cars had already packed the parking lot. Savier arrived half an hour earlier than the specified time for him.
He was a prince, so no one had obligated him to do so, and they would even accommodate the time he was free if he said so. Savier did not want to be a bother and so decided to arrive earlier and to also show his respect.
When they entered the venue, the staff waiting there quickly recognized Savier. She was also a bit surprised because of his early arrival and also the lack of bodyguards with him.
Savier wanted to enjoy the night with Rylan, so aside from him, no one accompanied them. He had other plans for this night and only planned to stay after he escorted the celebrant and greeted Uncle Ramon and his wife before leaving.
That was his initial plan; it could change a bit depending on the situation. His plan on leaving early remained unchanged; nothing would be able to hold him back.
The staff quickly reported his arrival, and soon one of Uncle Ramon's stewards arrived to welcome them.
"Your Highness," he first saluted and then gave an apologetic smile. "Please forgive us for not welcoming you properly."
Savier waved his hand, not wanting for them to stand in the ceremony.
"It's fine. Where should I go?"
Savier honestly had no idea what he would do. If not for his royal mother reminding him, he might have forgotten this schedule, and so he was not prepared.
The steward knew as much. He gave a gentle smile and led the way.
"Please, this way, Your Highness."
Savier pulled Rylan to him, and he walked with him by his side. The steward could not help but cast a glance at Rylan's side, but he could not look for more than a second before he looked away.
It would be rude to observe the Crown Prince's companion, and so he focused on leading the way.
Savier had a polite smile on his face as he nodded to everyone recognizing and greeting him along the way. Most of all, Sir Rylan was with him, so he let his imagination run rampant.
He was also always keeping an eye on Rylan, but the alpha was silent as he observed the surroundings. Although it was a noble banquet and the security was tight, Rylan would not neglect Savier's security. It was especially so as he was the only one with him at this moment.
Savier did not dissuade him and let him do his job. It was better than being distracted by other things.
It was not long before Savier met the birthday celebrant, Kirara. Her face boomed with joy upon meeting him. Savier gave a polite smile and greeted her.
"Happy coming of age." Savier looked at Rylan, and he immediately understood.
Rylan gave Savier's gift to her, which she gladly accepted with a wide grin.
"Thank you." She looked quite bashful. Savier did not give any compliments or anything.
To be honest, he was not that close to her. Since they were not in an age group, and she was not expected to manifest as an alpha. Their friend group was far apart; they were just family friends.
After giving her the gift, Savier pulled Savier to the side, and they sat on the couch. Kirara looked a bit disappointed. She probably wanted to talk longer with him, but she was soon returned to being instructed by the staff.
Savier did not need to be briefed as much as the others. His only role was to escort the celebrant. After that, he did not need to do anything more.
As for dancing with her? That was not part of his role.
The couch was not exactly in the corner, but it was secluded enough as not to be disturbed by the passing guests.
"Your Highness, won't you entertain some nobles?" Rylan could not help but ask.
Some nobles also saw Savier, but because of his silence and obvious distance, they could only salute from afar and did not dare to start a conversation with him.
Savier glanced at him, a playful smile hooked on his lips.
"Do you want me to?"
Rylan blinked and then looked away. "I'm just asking, Your Highness."
Savier narrowed his eyes and stared at Rylan. His eyes seemed a bit of a dark shade with the lighting. Rylan felt the hot gaze, but he did not meet it and continued to look at the floor.
Damn, Sir Rylan's shy.
Savier's imagination began to jump wilder than the next.
"I'm not interested in talking and socializing right now."
After a while, Savier answered seriously. That was the truth. Socializing was... tiring. In a few years, once he began to take official duties, Savier would have to talk with them whether he liked it or not.
He wanted to enjoy when he was still a student and was outside the court matters. Also, due to this reason, these nobles did not insist on talking with him.
A playful thought emerged in his mind, and Savier blurted it out without much thinking.
"I'm interested in talking with you more."
Once the words were said, Savier could not take it back. He was surprised, and so was Rylan.
Rylan finally turned to look at him again. Savier quickly composed himself. He was getting braver nowadays and was not easily flustered.
"I'm not kidding," Savier even had to say this.
The two stared at each other, maybe for different reasons. No matter the case, Savier would not get tired of staring at Rylan's face.
"I'm not interesting," Rylan spoke in a gentle tone.
Savier quickly shook his head and reached out. Initially, he wanted to touch Rylan's hand, but paused and settled on the cuff of his suit.
Rylan quickly glanced at it before returning his gaze to Savier's.
"You're mistaken," Savier whispered, making his voice deeper. "You're more interesting than you think."
Rylan stiffened slightly, unable to understand why his heart skipped a beat. Perhaps the proximity or the deep voice or more about what Savier had said.
Savier's lips hooked into a smile.
He never meant to hide his affection. While he would not outright say it, he was afraid to scare Rylan off... Savier had other things to let him know.
Slowly but surely.