The Reincarnated Archmage

"I'm so glad to see you again, Aly!"

"The p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e is all mine, Your Majesty."

I'm currently in the palace since the Queen invited me again to have an afternoon tea with her. I haven't visited her for a while since I got busy with my everyday lessons. My efforts were paid off since I can now play a full piece on the piano. My piano teacher praised me and tell me that I should continue practicing so my skills will improve.

As for dancing, I can now manage to dance without tripping even once. My brother's footwork is also good which makes him a good dance partner. He always finds a time to join me in my dance lessons. While practicing, my brother always gives me some pointers that I should remember.

My life before was much easier than this. Unlike before, I should always give attention to my etiquette and reputation, especially I'm from a high ranking family. Sigh. Being a true lady is really hard.

The Queen tells me to sit next to her which I calmly obey. I remember when the first time she told me that, I'm really hesitant to do it. Why would I sit next to the Queen? Even if I was her son's fiancee, I should not act as if we're really close. And besides, I know that the Crown Prince will annul our engagement once he lost interest in me. And even if he didn't do it, I'll be the one who will annul our engagement.

The Queen happily talks with me and I just calmly listen to her. I give her my opinions sometimes to avoid any awkward moments between us. Most of her topics were all about the latest trends in the kingdom like desserts, dresses and jewelry. Maybe she's thinking that I'll be bored since I'm still young.

"By the way, Larson just arrived this morning from his trip with the knights in the South." The Queen suddenly said.

Oh. So that weird kid has returned.

"I see. Then I'll meet with His Highness to give my greetings later."

I said that, but I really don't have the intention to do it unless I have to. I can just simply give him an excuse that I'm too busy with my studies.

"You don't have to, Aly. I'm already here."

When I turn my head, I see the Crown Prince walking towards us. I subconsciously blink my eyes just to make sure I'm seeing things right. I'm pretty sure that he is that weird kid because of his distinctive features, but he looks calm and m.a.t.u.r.e now unlike his puppy-like aura before.

"It's been a while, Your Highness." I said after doing a curtsey. "I hope you are doing well."

"You don't have to be so formal every time we see each other, Aly. I told you before to just simply call me Lars. And don't tell me you didn't miss me even a bit?" The Crown Prince said in a helpless tone.

I glance at him real quick before lowering my head. His appearance has changed, but his personality is still the same. I can tell from the look in his eyes that he's teasing me and I can't do anything about it because we're in the presence of the Queen. This kid knows that I'm always sticking to the rules and noble traditions.

This Crown Prince is sly as always.

"Behave yourself, Larson. This child..." The Queen said then she let out a soft sigh.

After that, the crown prince joins us in our afternoon tea. It seems like the Queen and the Crown Prince didn't have a chance to talk earlier since the prince is busy organizing the doc.u.ments he gathered before passing it to the King. According to the prince, he just finished his work and was given a week to rest and relax before receiving another lesson.

When the Queen just finishes her cup of tea, she stands up and tells us that she suddenly remember something important and has to finish it today. She acts naturally until her figure is nowhere to be seen in the garden. Every time the Queen invites me, she always makes sure to finish all of her work so she can spend more time chatting and drinking tea with me. It's pretty obvious that the Queen is just making an excuse to let me and his son to have time together.

"I heard you're taking a lesson on piano and dancing." I heard the Crown Prince said. "Maybe you're preparing for my birthday celebration. Do you want to play the piano and be my dance partner at my birthday party?"

"...You're thinking too much, Your Highness. I won't dare to steal your spotlight at your birthday party."

Still conceited as ever. Why should I learn to play the piano and dancing for the sake of your entertainment? The prince laughs from my words and reaches for his cup to drink his tea. As I ponder what good excuse should I tell him so I can go home, the prince suddenly asks me a question.

"Aly, have you heard the rumors?"

"What rumors are you asking, Your Highness?"

"Hmm? Are you not aware of the rumors about me having a secret affair while I'm on a trip?"

"Oh."

He's talking about the rumor about him and the girl he saved in the South. To be honest, I've already forgotten that rumor. It doesn't matter to me anyway. Eliana and Victor are just being paranoid thinking that I'll become upset because of that.

"What do you think about it, Aly?" The prince asked. "Do you think I will really annul our engagement because of Miss Veron?"

I can't help but to raise my eyebrow when I heard what he said. How should I know that answer to that question? I'm not you, okay? And it looks like this prince is really close to that girl since he's already calling the girl in her given name.

But there's also a possibility that I'm thinking too much about it. I'm talking to this unpredictable prince right now. This kid calls me in nickname when I first met him.

"If you want to annul our engagement, then I won't dare to stop you."

In fact, I would even help you it in case you decided to annul our engagement anytime you want.

"You're hurting my feelings, Aly. You won't even try to stop me if I want to annul our engagement."

He said that, but his eyes are looking at me with amus.e.m.e.nt. I choose not to reply and drink my tea. After finishing my tea, I tell him that I have a lesson today, so I need to leave now. I'm about to leave when he says something.

"You know, Miss Veron is a pretty girl. She looks like someone whom I know for so many years. With a golden yellow hair, emerald eyes and red lips... She's really pretty. I feel like meeting Miss Veron is like a fate."

I look at the prince with a weird look, but quickly wipes it off from my face and return my blank look. The prince is observing me trying to find any changes from my expression. What kind of intention are you having right now, weird prince? Do you want me to feel jealous?

"But of course, Aly is still the most beautiful for me." The prince said with a smile.

It's best for me to ignore his words. I don't have time playing with this prince's trick. After showing him a curtsey, I leave the prince in the garden and ride my carriage where Zain is waiting for me. I should not meet with that kid while he's on a vacation. It won't be pleasant for me if I'll fall for his tricks.