Even as everything else failed him since he stepped into the VR capsule that day, Reis was grateful for one thing he got in return. Only one thing.
The luxurious, soft bed at the palace. Fickle as it may be, he really liked the cushioning here. It was like it had a magical ability to make anyone fall asleep and make them forget about all their worries.
Reis counted it as the only thing that made his mistake that day less tragic.
So, by default, he wasn't the slightest bit happy about being forced to leave the warmth of the bed, which, for otherworldly reasons, was really hard to achieve.
He could live with chills, really. But knowing why he got them in the first place created a scary sense of self consciousness that wouldn't allow him to relax.
|For the record, you would have been transferred even if you weren't in the capsule.|
'. . .'
The displeasure showed on his face, so much so that almost everyone in the room avoided meeting his eyes. More like… they avoided looking at any part of him.
Reis wasn't the only one who stepped out with uncombed hair.
The younger three were much more disheveled. Still in their sleepwear, they looked half asleep even while standing.
The nobles sitting at the table, on the other hand, could not have been more prim and proper.
|They are here for official business with the crown. Of course, they would dress for the occasion.|
'And who asked you?'
"Your Majesty," someone finally broke the ice, "This is a serious issue. How could you let this be?"
Aldric was leisurely sipping his early morning tea as if he couldn't care less about whatever was going on, but had to speak in the end, "What do you mean?"
"This selection! It cannot be, Your Majesty!"
"And why do you think that?"
The noble hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Not all are suitable to become rulers of the kingdom."
Reis was sure he saw the guy looking at him from the corner of his eye.
"The succession battle should only be within those who are worthy of the crown to begin with!"
It wasn't a secret that most of the nobility didn't like the third prince.
Which wasn't really their fault, since 'Ann' hadn't done anything to make himself likable. If anything, he only did things to make people want to despise him. From insulting nobles in public to denying them favors, he checked every mark.
"There are certain qualities one must possess. A character fit to be a leader."
Reis narrowed his eyes. Why was this guy attacking him only?
|He didn't specify. |
It was obvious enough.
"And look at them," another noble gestured towards the ones in floral sleepwear, "They are clearly not mature enough for such a role!"
|See?|
Aldric didn't interrupt them even once.
They were here to complain, so they did. Why this was wrong, how this should be fixed, and so on.
Reis couldn't help yawning every few minutes, earning subtle glares from the crowd. They didn't attack him directly for this, but the rest made up for it.
Their worries were valid, to be frank. All the claims they had were backed by evidence. On base value, even they, the ones held in contempt, agreed.
Reis scoffed, seeing Adonis nod pitifully like a bullied child when one of them pointed out he was too young for outer palace politics.
If only they knew what lived inside the minds of these children. All of them. Given the chance, this one would use their petty complaints to his leverage without blinking.
"I don't mean to be rude," a rude noble spoke, "If someone doesn't even know how to dress appropriately for a meeting, how would they take responsibility for the kingdom? You can't put the kingdom in danger, your majesty!"
This time, the ruler had to look back at his children
Inappropriately? Who was dressed inappropriately? He had ordered his children to stay at the palace for the night and leave after meeting him in the morning. The queen had personally picked every outfit so they'd be comfortable. Who could still look inappropriate?
Who else other than the creature who had left the silk ribbons hanging cause he couldn't be bothered with it this early in the morning?
Of course, Aldric first looked at his eldest daughter, who was in her floor-length sleeping gown that could not be considered inappropriate from any angle. If anything, it covered more than the dresses she wore outside.
Lunive had a matching gown in a different color on.
Informal? Sure. Childish? Well, the queen liked her children looking like children.
It wasn't inappropriate considering they were summoned right out of bed. And if it were inappropriate, now would be the right time to dig out some eyes.
|Your family is weird.|
Reis scrunched his brows.
'Guess who picked it for me?'
|...It was automated.|
Only after making sure that side was clear did the king look at Reis.
Untucked shirt, loose pants, untied laces barely holding the shirt in place.
But it was in place.
Messy hair and an annoyed expression; he was the prime example of disheveled, as always. Always being the keyword.
The eldest, Ceron, had draped a long coat over himself so what was underneath wasn't Aldric's concern.
The twins were in their childish attire, as they called it.
None of his children were morning people; that much was obvious. They tried, when they needed to, most of them at least. But that didn't change the fact that they'd rather be in bed.
"I don't follow. What do you mean?" Aldric hadn't realized his words would send some of the nobles into shock. Visible, wide-eyed shock.
"Your Majesty! His Highness didn't even find it appropriate to put the shirt on properly for a council meeting. He doesn't even care about propriety!" One of them pointed towards Reis without even looking at him.
'Now they're directly attacking me…what is their problem?'
|They find your attire inappropriate.|
'What am I? A young lady being presented to in-laws?'