Kazien's three fiancés and Erica instantly tensed up. Their eyes were fixed on the man with the bright blue hair, their gazes alert and guarded. Even though the man's whisper was only heard by those at the table, it was enough to put them on high alert. Deep down, they all wondered who this handsome man really was and just how much he knew about their family secrets.
Kazien let out a long sigh, looking utterly exasperated. He replied to the whisper in a low but sharp tone. "That's none of your business, Felix! And don't you dare expose my identity here!" Kazien threatened with a deadly serious expression.
The man named Felix simply chuckled softly, showing no fear. "We've known each other since we were kids, Kazien! Do you really think I'm the type of person who spreads gossip?" Felix whispered back.
"Felix, if you want to introduce yourself, just do it normally and stop drawing so much attention!" whispered Kazien, who was starting to feel uncomfortable as their interaction began to be noticed by other students from afar.
"You've changed, haven't you? Where did the cute Kazien I used to know go? Now you're so cold to me!" Felix replied with a hint of mock disappointment.
His fiancés grew increasingly curious and annoyed by that strange intimacy. In their eyes, Felix looked like an old friend who was very close to Kazien, something Kazien had never mentioned before. Meanwhile, other students in the cafeteria began to whisper, guessing who this group of "commoners" was that the Crown Prince of the Garveon Kingdom had approached.
"Ah, forgive me for being late to introduce myself." Felix said in a louder voice as he stood up straight. "I am Felixius Erloch Da Garveon, the First Prince of the Garveon Kingdom, and your senior here. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Alvin, Allen, and Arken finally understood. As the first prince, of course he recognized Kazien, the son of the Duke of the Altavis family.
But the surprises didn't stop there. Suddenly, Felix affectionately wrapped his arms around Kazien from behind, resting his chin on top of the silver-white-haired man's head.
"I didn't expect you to grow up to be this handsome, Kazien. I heard your fiancé's name is Alvin, right? You're really making me jealous." Felix teased openly.
"Huh? What are you talking about? Has your brain short-circuited?" Kazien exclaimed as he struggled to break free from the prince's embrace, his face flushing red with annoyance.
"Hahaha! Maybe my brain really has short-circuited." Felix laughed heartily. "By the way, where are you staying? I have so much I want to talk to you about!"
Kazien finally whispered quietly so that other students wouldn't hear: "I live right across from the academy. It's my aunt's house, Allen and Erica's mother!"
"Okay! I'll drop by to see you sometime." Felix whispered back.
Felix released his hold and sat down casually next to Erica. He kept smiling at Kazien as if teasing an old friend. However, Kazien remained cold and didn't even return the smile.
"Prince Felix, what exactly is your relationship with Kazien?" Alvin whispered suddenly, his voice demanding an answer.
"No special relationship. I just really missed his face. It's been a long time since I last saw him." Felix replied nonchalantly.
"Do you like him?" Alvin asked again, this time with a very bold question.
"Hahaha!" Felix only responded with a booming laugh. That hanging answer truly made Alvin, Allen, and Arken burn with curiosity.
What on the world is the connection between him and my future husband? Allen thought irritably. He glanced at Alvin, who seemed speechless at the prince's reaction. Allen desperately wanted to dig for more information, but he realized he couldn't do it here, given Felix's status as the first prince.
Allen's gaze shifted to Arken, who sat right next to him. The one I'm more worried about is Arken! If Kazien has a special bond with this prince, Arken would rather die than have someone else become the fourth person besides himself!
Allen then glared at Kazien. The look was so piercing that Kazien began to break into a cold sweat. "After we get home, you have a lot to tell the three of us, Kazien. And I won't take no for an answer!"
"Y-Yes... I'll explain it to you all once we're back at the house." Kazien stammered.
Felix, noticing the interaction, then whispered to Allen and Arken with a curious face: "And what is your relationship with Kazien?"
"He is my future husband!" Allen and Arken answered in unison, their tones firm yet quiet.
Felix's eyes widened, looking genuinely shocked to hear that answer. He turned back to Kazien and asked, "Wait... just how many people are you going to marry?"
"Only the three of them! Why, is there a problem?" Kazien asked curtly.
"So, you really aren't interested in women at all, are you?"
Kazien nodded firmly.
Knowing that, Felix sighed. So... what my father said back then was the truth. Kazien really doesn't like women. What am I supposed to say to my younger sister? She has liked Kazien since they were little. Ah... this is giving me a headache.
"Felix, I want to ask you something!" Kazien said suddenly, his expression turning very serious.
Realizing Kazien wanted to discuss something important, Felix invited them all to the academy garden so they could speak more freely.
...
...
Under the shade of a leafy tree, Felix opened the conversation. "What is it you want to ask, Kazien?"
"I'll get straight to the point. Felix, do you know Marcos Eldebrans?"
Felix paused for a moment. "I don't know him personally, but I've heard many rumors about him."
"What kind of rumors?" Kazien asked curiously.
"He is often tyrannical toward commoners. And I heard many students from commoner backgrounds have become his victims, forced to leave the academy." Felix explained.
Hearing his answer, Kazien felt a surge of anger toward Marcos. However, he tried to calm himself down. I can't act based on rumors alone. I must find solid evidence to throw him in prison or have him sentenced to death!
"You're a prince, aren't you? Why don't you take action?" Alvin interrupted suddenly.
"Even though I am a prince, I can't just do as I please. My actions could destabilize the kingdom's politics because his father is the Finance Minister. I fear it would turn into a very serious internal conflict for the kingdom." Felix replied with a tone of resignation.
"You're weak! That's why I never liked you, Felix!" Kazien snapped suddenly. "This kingdom survives not because of those foolish nobles, but because of its people! Do you think a kingdom can remain standing without its people?"
Kazien stood up and immediately walked away, leaving Felix in the garden with a look of immense frustration. Alvin, Allen, Arken, and Erica promptly followed Kazien back toward the classrooms.
Only Felix remained in the garden. He sat in silence, reflecting on the sharp words Kazien had just hurled at him.
I know the kingdom survives because of the people... but how do I change this system without causing a massive upheaval? Felix thought to himself, watched their retreating figures. It seems I really must visit him at his aunt's mansion. I don't want to waste this chance to talk to him again.