TWO DAYS LATER
When William woke up, his room felt suffocating. Ten maids surrounded his cradle, their eyes trained on him like hawks, their movements cautious and rehearsed. Every time he shifted, one would flinch as if he were made of glass.
When his nanny finally took him out of the room, the entourage of maids followed closely, forming a protective wall around him. Even during dinner, they remained, standing as silent sentinels in the corners of the room, their watchful eyes never leaving him.
[UGH! THIS IS RIDICULOUS. YOU'RE BEING TREATED LIKE A BABY EMPEROR.]
William's lips quirked into a faint smirk. "Well, thanks to someone, I've earned this royal treatment."
[HEY, I SAID I WAS SORRY! I DIDN'T THINK IT THROUGH, OKAY?] Wiz grumbled.
"It's fine, Wiz. Really." William's tone remained composed, his eyes glinting with maturity far beyond his years. "Mistakes happen."
[WHEN WILL THIS END?]
"This?" William glanced at one of the maids fussing over him. "Not until my brother's breakthrough ceremony. So, a whole week of this."
[UGH! A WEEK?! THIS IS TORTURE!]
William chuckled lightly, but his thoughts remained focused. Strength comes with sacrifices, and this is only the beginning.
After days of anticipation, the awaited moment finally arrived—Jack's breakthrough ceremony.
Preparations for the event had taken just one and a half weeks. For most noble families, such an undertaking would have required months, but the Medici family's efficiency was unparalleled.
William awoke to the dazzling sunlight filtering through the curtains. "Status window, turn on," he whispered groggily.
YAWN… GOOD MORNI…
WAIT… WAIT… IS IT FINALLY THE AWAITED DAY?
Yes, today is the day.
YES! FREEDOM FROM THAT SUFFOCATING PROTOCOL AT LAST!
AND YOU KNOW…
William ignored Wiz's relentless chatter.
Today's ceremony was more than just a celebration of Jack's achievement—it was a showcase of Medici influence. Nobles from prominent families would attend, their presence a testament to the family's power.
"The key players are Archi, Valois, and Bavaria," William thought. "But for now, they're of no use to me." His thoughts shifted to the Duke of Milan, the sole wildcard in his plans. Though unlikely to attend, the Duke's shadow loomed large.
As the empire's strongest figure and a hero William fought alongside to defeat the Demon Lord in novel, the Duke was both an inspiration and a threat. Meeting him in William's current form was unthinkable. But if everything went according to plan, it would never be necessary.
[HEY! HEY! WILLIAM, ARE YOU LISTENING?]
"Yes?"
[WHAT'S THE PLAN FOR TODAY?]
"Nothing."
[NOTHING? WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOTHING? (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻]
"We'll observe the guests."
[BORING!
AND YOUR PARENTS WON'T LET A BABY SIT THROUGH SUCH A BORING EVENT :/ ]
William smiled mischievously. "What if I throw a tantrum?"
Wiz groaned. "You're gonna throw a tantrum? Seriously?"
"I'm just playing the part."William said with mock innocence.
[UGH… DO WHATEVER YOU WANT! -_- ]
Their conversation ended as the door opened. Jack entered, dressed in a sleek black three-piece suit, his usual boyish charm accentuated by the formal attire.
"Oh, you're awake, William." Jack's voice was soft as he gently picked him up.
William grabbed Jack's collar as he spoke. "Do you like this suit? I was forced to wear it, and tonight I'll have to change into another one. It's exhausting!"
But when William's tiny hands tugged at him, Jack smiled. In that moment, all his fatigue seemed to melt away.
"Let's go outside," Jack suggested before pausing. "Wait, I should inform Baroness Mowbray first."
[HAHAHA! HE FINALLY LEARNED :P ], Wiz chimed.
At the door, they met Baroness Mowbray, her expression calm and composed.
"Good morning, young master," she greeted.
"What is it you need, young master?"
"May I take William out?" Jack asked eagerly.
"No, young master. William hasn't had his breakfast yet."
"Please, nanny! It won't take long!" Jack's sparkling eyes made resistance futile.
The Baroness sighed. "Fine, but bring him back in fifteen minutes."
"Thank you, nanny!" Jack exclaimed, practically skipping in excitement.
The two ventured into the grand garden, settling in the same spot where William had sat with his mother days ago. The gentle spring breeze carried the scent of flowers as Jack shared stories with William. Their peace was interrupted by a soft voice.
"Bella of the Kalipa Viscounty greets the heir of the Medici family. May I sit here, my lord?"
A young woman with blonde hair and striking green eyes bowed gracefully. She wore a yellow dress that complimented her beauty, but her presence was unexpected. Bella, daughter of Viscount Kalipa, was known for her cunning and sharp tongue.
"What is she doing here?" William wondered, his innocent expression betraying nothing. Then he looked around and smiled with a large grin.
"Yes, why not?" Jack replied, though his polite tone was at odds with his guarded expression.
"Congratulations on your breakthrough, young lord."
"Thank you," Jack said with a polite smile.
"Would you like some tea?" Jack offered.
"It would be an honor."
As Jack signaled for tea, he noticed servants in the garden who didn't belong to the Medici household—clearly brought by the guests.
"Will Viscount Kalipa be attending today?" Jack asked, his voice calm.
"No, my lord. I will represent the Kalipa Viscounty."
"Is he well?"
"Yes, my lord. He's occupied with domain affairs," Bella replied smoothly.
Jack's expression sharpened. "Miss Bella, I dislike pretense. So kindly tell me why are you really here?"
Bella hesitated, her composure slipping. "I… I'm here to congratulate you, my lord."
"As far as I know, congratulations are customary during the evening ceremony. Even my uncle hasn't come to see me today," Jack pressed.
"I'm sorry, my lord. I didn't know."
Jack leaned forward, his tone firm. "Do you realize your actions could spark rumors? It would appear that Kalipa is seeking undue favor with Medici."
Bella's smile faltered. "I'm sorry, my lord."
Jack leaned back, his tone softening. "Mistakes happen. The important thing is to learn from them."(in other words don't you dare to do it again.)
[WOW, HE'S SAVAGE! I'M A FAN, [XD] ] Wiz exclaimed.
"Thank you, my lord. May I take my leave?" Bella asked, her voice subdued.
"Why? The tea hasn't even arrived yet," Jack teased.
"It's fine, my lord. I just remembered something urgent," Bella said hurriedly, retreating.
[HOW DID HE KNOW SHE WAS UP TO SOMETHING? ]Wiz asked eagerly.
"Look around," William said. "What do you see?"
[SERVANTS, OBVIOUSLY.
]
"They're not ours. They're the eyes and ears of the guests. Bella wanted them to see her closeness to Medici to boost Kalipa's influence."
[OH, NOW I GET IT!
]
Jack sighed. "She ruined the mood. Let's head back inside, William."
He carried William inside.