As expected, a few days later the newspapers were scattered throughout the capital announcing the end of the war on the border. All citizens were ecstatic by the news, especially those who were relatives of soldiers who participated in the war.
The servant left the busy shop being surprised by so many people walking through the streets. All seemed happy and relieved, and if the Emperor did not announce a three-day holiday for them to celebrate, then the people would do it on their own.
Because of this, the shops already announced promotions and customers crowded at their doors. Just like the eighth prince had said.
"He was right. The good news really came... ", whispered Argus proudly. "Ah, I need to go tell him!"
Argus was incredulous and bewildered with the coincidence. His master has been very strange for a month, that is, since the eighth prince had a sudden illness that left him bedridden for days, barely able to breathe properly. His illness was so sudden and strange that Argus really thought his master would die. He even knelt down and prayed to the Goddess Kronasis to heal Lucian.
When Lucian woke up again, it was as if he had been reborn.
The eighth prince who was melancholy, gloomy, lonely, living in the smallest palace by no one of the imperial family really caring about his existence, suddenly seemed to be reborn. Reborn as a confident and insightful man. All his gloom has been replaced by mysterious and charming elegance.
Now, Lucian walked with his shoulders raised, with a spotless etiquette and a cute smile on his face. There was confidence in his voice when he spoke about his visions, causing shivers in Argus when such visions come true.
The servant was really incredulous and begrudged with the coincidence. Your master has been strange in the last month, although it is a very good strangeness.
He was mysterious.
It was fascinating!
As soon as Argus returned to the eighth prince's palace and found him drinking tea and quietly reading a newspaper, it took him a few seconds to recover from the surprise of finding such elegance in an alpha man.
Alphas were usually rude, with strong bodies to be warriors who fought on the battlefield. A figure of a barbarian warrior, so to speak. However, the two alphas in the imperial family were the opposite. Lucian was delicate as a rose, his beautiful long blond hair was like silk curtains, his eyes were clear equal to that of the Emperor, resembling the most expensive jewel in the world.
By the way, did Lucian Saint Richmond ever stop being elegant and beautiful? Of course, Argus had served him for years and knew very well that he did not, but people did not see it. Only now it would be impossible not to notice such beauty.
"You seem in a hurry, Argus. Something happened in the city?"
"H-Ham? No, sir. I mean, yes."
"Yes, no... decide."
"Forgive me ", Argus took a deep breath, "The city is in euphoria, Your Highness. Your vision has come true again! We have won the war on the border!"
Lucian tilted his head slightly and opened an enigmatic smile. Taking his hand to the chin, he thought a little and then looked at his servant.
Elegance in person! Every movement of it was beautiful and delicate, worthy of a prince.
"It seems I did right to send you to order my clothes."
"Your Highness, but I have not heard anything about a banquet celebrating our victory."
"Yet, Argus. Yet."
Lucian leaned his elbow on the table and was immersed in thoughts again.
So different from your usual self...
If the news of the end of the war has already surprised Argus, his chin almost fell when, on the next day, the Emperor declared three days of festivities and a banquet celebrating the victory two days later.
As the eighth prince had said.
If it were only these two things, Argus would think it was a coincidence, but Lucian had fixed small things like the guidelines of political meetings, weather phenomena and even the fact that soldiers would be delayed because of bandits trying to loot a small village.
Reading the newspaper and knowing the news that came was not a novelty, because Argus had already heard it from his master.
"Argus, how are the preparations for the victory banquet?"
"The banquet will be held after the ceremony in which he will give the medals of honor to the knights."
Lucian looked at his servant, who held the newspaper in complete surprise.
"What's up? Any bad news?"
"No! I mean, yes...", Noticing the prince's eyebrow rise, Argus knew immediately what he would say. "It is bad news, but I think that Your Highness does not consider so surprising."
"Haha, does that make you sad? If you think about it a little, you'll know that these are easy situations to predict."
Argus twisted his lips in disgust. It was not quite so, how could he just reason the moment that bandits would attack an entire village right when the imperial army would pass by?
He had no way of knowing.
Unless you are...
"Your Highness, be honest... you have awakened some kind of supernatural power?"
Lucian laughed low and drank a sip of his tea.
"Perhaps? That would be pretty scary, don't you think?"
"N-No, sir. Changing the subject, Your Highness, just as you asked me, I checked with the other servants about the guest list. As you imagined, the Grand Duke will be present with his brothers."
A smile sprang from Lucian's lips.
"Wow! Oh, and please don't forget to check the two bottles of apple juice I ordered."
"I have already checked in the kitchen and given instructions to maintain storage according to your request, Your Highness."
"And also know that you are the one who should serve apple juice to the Grimwood, specifically for the youngest."
Lucian got up from his chair and approached his dresser, opening a drawer. A few small jewels were stored there. The prince took a small silver and blue brooch and raised it high to see backlight.
"Okay, let's see... Oh, perfect."
"Your Highness?"
Turning towards the servant, the prince approached Argus and handed over the brooch.
"Wear this to the banquet, and remember that you should only serve me and the Grimwood, right?"
Looking at the brooch in hand, Argus noticed the image of a bird whose eyes had a bluish stone and carried a branch decorated with crystals. It was expensive just to look.
"Is it really okay for me to wear your brooch, Your Highness?"
"Trust me. So... let's get ready for the feast?"
Lucian seemed too excited, was smiling all the time and made so many requests. He himself checked his new costume that he had ordered, as well as secured several other details even before the banquet was announced.
Of course that was not bad at all, after all always waited for the day when his master would finally be happy. It was just strange that the change occurred so abruptly.
"Your Highness, if I may ask... why are you so excited about this feast?"
Lucian turned over his shoulder, and a gloomy smile appeared on his face.
"There is someone I want to meet in person."