The Reborn Magus and His Prince

Chapter 24

The marquis's birthday coincidentally fell on the weekend so Yulian got a free pass from the academy. 

Alex prepared everything Yulian needed from the suit down to his leather shoes. Not like he did not own one but Luke had shown a look of disdain when he came to Alex's room hours before they departed wearing his out-of-style brown suit. While the prince did not much have a reaction instead he called the attendant at his side who's holding something white. He was ushered to a side room that he guessed served as the prince's wardrobe. The attendant helped him to take on the whites suit and even styled his hair.  

Yulian checked himself in the mirror. Now he can pass as a noble's son. To be honest, he forgot the matter of the customs of a noble's party, on the day of the event only that he remembered that he had one decent suit to wear. However, he knew that his suit won't pass the standard for a marquis' party even if a royal had formally invited him, he can't have Alex lose face in front of so many people. So he deliberately displayed his best dress in front of Alex hours before the event. It would give the prince time to think of something else for him. At this time he shamelessly makes use of the prince's power. But he did not expect him to be fully prepared and had predicted this kind of predicament of his. He even got his size right! 

Yulian thanked the attendant and went out of the side room, still wondering how Alex knew.

"Let's go." Luke seeing them all ready leads the three down to the carriage. 

"I'm glad it suits you perfectly," Alex whispered in his ear. The two walked behind the twin.

Yeah, too perfect actually. But he did not question the other. "Thank you. I'll wash this and return this after the event."

"No need for that. Keep it. I've had it made according to your stature so it would be useless to me."

"Ahem! Why do I feel like I smell something sugary here with a capital 'D'?" Leo heard everything from the front and refuse to be a third wheel. "Luke, do you smell it too?"

"Shut your mouth and get inside." 

The four had reached the vehicle and inside Leo did not stop his teasing (mainly only to Yulian) even at his brother's constant frowning at him. Only when Alex voice his subtle warning at him, did he quiet down. 

They had reached the marquis' manor a little late than the designated time so it wasn't a surprise when several carriages had already lined up before them to drop their owners in front of the manor then proceeding to exit the other way. 

One attendant that overseeing the guests at the entrance had seen the insignia of the carriage and knew it contained the prince inside. In an instant, their carriage was ushered ahead of the others which they also made way for them. 

The prince got down first followed by Luke and Leo. The three had attracted attention from everyone near them. Those who already had taken steps inside could not help but pause and turn their heads to see the three dashing young men. And those still inside their vehicles, craned their necks outside the window to see the prince and the twin sons of the duke. 

Most guests were already familiar with the duke's sons however it was rare for the prince to show his face in this kind of event. Everyone knew that the prince's attendance was only limited to those events that is held in the palace that the lower rank noble rarely could attend. They did not know if this kind of arrangement for their royal highness was one of the king's orders or his will. In any case, they finally had a glimpse at the prince's royal face! 

Yulian trailed behind the three. Alex was leading instead of Luke. Usually, he notices that Alex did not care about ranks and customs when he's with the people he's comfortable with and would prefer to be on the side and be laid back with everything. But now that they entered the society of the nobles, the three had resumed their roles in status. 

Alex turned his head slightly and gave him an apologetic look in which he returned with a slight smile expressing that he understands.

The marquis had long been waiting for the prince near the door to greet him. His wife and his son were both at his side as they bowed at Alex in greetings.

"Your highness, welcome to our humble home." Marquis Stewart said with a respectful smile.

"Thank you, Lord Stewart," Alex also acknowledge the lady of the manor. "Forgive this one's gift as I have only thought of one thing that the lord might like."

Luke presented a simple rectangular gift at the marquis in which he accepted in enthusiasm.

"His majesty as well as I greet you a happy birthday, Marquis Stewart."

"Thank you, your highness, and to his majesty the king! Please, your highness, young lords and...?"

The marquis notice an additional unfamiliar face behind the three. He wasn't sure if Yulian was an attendant or another guest that got too close with them.

"This is Yulian Albertine," Alex pulled him gently forward. "He's a friend of mine as well as your son's classmate."

Something finally dawned at the marquis but quickly hid it. "Oh, Clayton's classmate!" He turned his attention to the boy beside the prince. "Hello, young man."

"My lord, happy birthday. Though, I am ashamed that I brought no gift. Please forgive this humble one."

"Oh, nonsense! You're his highness lo-ahem, friend, you are very much welcome here child."

Then he addressed the prince again. "Your highness, please let me escort you to your table."

The marquis was about to lead the way but Alex stops him. "That won't be necessary, Lord Stewart. We'll manage ourselves beside you still have other guests waiting for you. We won't be taking much of your time any longer."

The marquis once again expressed his gratitude and made a silent motion to his son to follow the prince and his friends. 

Clayton wanted to refuse his father as he's not that close with them and was terrified of the prince. However the marquis insisted coupled with his mother's plea, he relented. He begrudgingly took the steps that the four had taken inside.

Once Yulian's group had been deep into the ballroom, people flocked the three in front of him. Endless introductions and greetings came in their way. Some would drop him some curious stares and did curt greetings to him, those people mostly would rather focus their attention on the gentle prince, And if he's occupied by someone, they would turn their attention to the twins. Though one twin was rather cold, he would still give someone's reply if being greeted. While the other one was the complete opposite. Leo was the darling of the crowd, the ladies warmed up to him and decided to drag him separating him from his companions. 

Yulian stood at a corner and let Alex do his duties as a royal. In any case, it did him favor as he was given an opportunity to scout the surroundings. He scanned every people that his eyes could reach especially the servants wearing the uniformed black and white serving the guests. However not a shadow of his target.

"Hey, peasant!"

It's been ages since he heard that annoying voice. He knew that guy had been following them. He did not answer him but instead called out in his sweet voice. "Oh, your highness! You're back so soon?"

He saw from the corners of his eye how the mohawk stiffened and without looking bowed to the air. "I'm sorry, your highness! I did not mean to - "

"Ha! So you're afraid of Alex! I wonder what would happen if I told him how you addresses me?"

Clayton realized that he had been tricked and was even threatened. This freaking little peasant grew bold and haughty now that he had successfully seduced the prince. He could only grit his teeth and straighten his back.

"Albertine."

"Mm, much better. What do you want from me?"

"Not from you!"

"Ah ah." Yulian raised his brow at him.

"I mean, my father told me to follow his highness and I just got bored - I mean, I got nothing to do so I called you." Mohawk's tone got polite after his warning.

"Then, you come here." Yulian beckoned him to his side. 

Not wanting to piss this shorty, Clayton obeyed.

Now that he had this young master. It's time for some interrogation.

"I wonder if you could help with something." He started.

Mohawk frowned, he's not willing to help this peasant but he got no choice. "What is it?"

"I am looking for someone and it happens I saw him that when your father came to the academy. He seemed to a servant of your house."

"And his name is?"

"Hmm... Not really sure. I'm actually not the one looking for him, it's my friend's cousin's friend. I think he was surnamed Dan or along the line with it." He knows, that Tim's brother might not use his real name but he's giving it a shot.

"Dan?" Clayton thought for a while. "I don't think I remembered any Dan here, not that I know every servant's name here."

"Wait for a second."

Yulian turned his back at him and conjured the photo of Tim's in his hand. He swipe his forefinger at the surface of the photo When he showed it to mohawk, the only image that appeared in it was the elder brother.

"Here. Familiar to you?"

"Of course, that's Theodore. But I don't think he's a Dan."

"And?"

"He's my father's footman."

"Do you know where he is?"

Clayton snorted. "Naturally at the stables. Footmen aren't allowed here. Where did your brain go?" He said the last sentence in a whisper.

"What's that?" 

"Nothing! I only said he's probably at the stables."

Though Yulian clearly heard him but he decided to ignore him since he had helped him. "Where are the stables?" 

"On the east side. You're going to go to him right now?" 

Yulian did not answer as he contemplated. He saw from the distance that Alex was still occupied by some people. And as if sensing, his stare, he looked up and met his gaze. Those golden eyes held no warmth when talking to people but when it meets his, it was like the scenery of dawn. A warm light colors those captivating eyes.