As the day and the farce of a farewell party ended, Wilson enjoyed the evening breeze on the academy grounds after playing along with Alphonsus at the parlor. If nothing bad happens, it will be years before he can come back, so he wandered the grounds one last time. Alexus found him midway, and together they wandered around.
Somewhere in the academy, sounds of shattering could be heard all over a luxury room. No other sound could be heard other than the continuous shattering of plates, vases, and other expensive items. There were a few people in the room, most of them wearing hoods. The one who was causing the chaos was a man with golden eyes.
"Explain to me what made everything go out of proportion?" Seemingly fully vented, the man spoke. His golden eyes looked at the people gathered with anger. "Didn't I instruct you all not to mess with Wilson more than necessary?"
No one dared to speak up in response to his question. They didn't want to be involved in the wrath of the prince. It is public knowledge that he is generally gentle, but when angered he proves himself to be the ruthless royal he usually hides.
"Y-your highness," Raphael braved it and spoke. "I understand that we had overstepped with this incident. But we were able to gauge Wilson's attitude and skills through the spar."
"But you've cost me the House of Mare," Alphonsus snapped at the words told to him. "Wilson has grown wary of me. Though he is still receptive of me, he is keeping his distance. We won't be able to meet him for a long time. I cannot stabilize him since I won't be able to leave the academy for a few more years."
"Wilson is affectionate with you, Your Highness," Raphael countered. "He'll not cut you off. You can use the distance to create longing in him. He'll be easier to coax this way."
Not satisfied with this retort, Alphonsus threw the ink case at Raphael, who could only flinch as the case shattered before him and the ink spilled on the floor. His golden eyes were steel in their coldness.
"Idiot," another person spoke under his cloak, blue eyes peeking out from under his hood. "Even if Wilson is willing, the Thymes will probably act to protect their heir. They didn't become prominent just because of their neutrality and peacefulness."
"What do you know about them? You've never interacted with Wilson or the Thymes to be speaking that way," Raphael barked at the other. "For all we know you've never been under his notice. Always inferior to the golden child despite being of the same status as Wilson."
This riled the person, and he was about to draw a sword on Raphael. Alphonsus saw him about to do so. Not wanting any blood on his carpets, he slammed his hands on the table.
"Enough of this foolishness!" Alphonsus commanded. "I don't want to see or hear any disagreement in my council today. What I want right now is to stabilize our positioning."
The person let go of his sword and chuckled a little at the situation at hand.
"What is so funny?" Alphonsus looked in his direction. "I know you're not afraid of consequences, as you're still useful. But remember, I'm not really the most forgiving person."
Putting his hands above him, the person said, "I know of that personally. If you were so saintly, it would be impossible for us to gather here and have this talk. But you can't blame me for laughing at how you're reduced to this after a small slip."
"The situation is not as light as you're making it to be." Alphonsus was annoyed, but reigned in his temper. "A fallout with the Mare is a huge loss to the faction I am building. The Thymes are not fully in my bag, and Wilson, whose the only connection with them, is leaving. It is a disaster for all that was done for years."
"As you say, that is what's happening," the person nodded his head. "Not to mention, Wilson has always been close to the Davis who came from the same line as the Queen Daphne. He'll probably have more contact with the Davis more than with you after he leaves. Latest reports show that the Golden Ram has been moving a few medical personnel to assist the Fiefdom of the Earl Thymes."
Alphonsus broke at the news he is hearing. "That guy is always lingering."
"There's nothing you can do with their relationship. They're childhood playmates and friends after all," another person spoke from the side. Locks of red are a little visible under his cloak. "Their mothers have been close. Not to mention, Alexus has been quite indulgent to those whom he cares about."
"Shut up!" Alphonsus snapped. He didn't like to hear of anything that will potentially take away what he considered his. "None of you get to speak about that guy and Wilson like they are to be more than they are."
"What? Can't bear to lose your obedient war hound?" a female voice rang out. "I know you've invested too much time and effort in the heir of Thymes. Don't tell us you've fallen to the golden root of the numerous roots of the Thymes?"
"I haven't," Alphonsus said coldly as he glared at the only female in his council. "Losing him is a big loss to us. Most of our people came to us because Wilson kept us close. The nobles have faith in the Thymes and their character. To be blunt, we managed to expand and reach this point because of Wilson. You can't blame me for being protective of the most useful piece among my pawns."
"You better be," the girl said simply. "The whole thing at the party did end in a mess. I'll take care of the fallout with the Mare. But you better take care of that cousin of yours."
Raphael wanted to retort, but Alphonsus gave him a glare.
"I appreciate that," Alphonsus said, he then promised. "Raphael will not interfere with any of the plans for at least three months to give him time to reflect on his blunder."
"That's the greatest news I've heard in a long time," the blue-eyed man said. "I'll take care of making connections to replace those that will likely step out after this incident. Would that make you a little more assured, Your Highness?"
Alphonsus didn't say much, but he is more or less not angry anymore to hear that not all is lost. He can't afford any more losses at this point in time. Though he wanted to blame Wilson for leaving so soon, he had already foreseen that this is coming before he had started to systematically get close to him.
The pride of Thymes. The century's most dazzling star. The proud child of the kingdom and its fundamental values and morals.
Old nobles have nothing but praises for him, even his father the king wistfully eyed him to join the family. Perhaps due to how dazzling Wilson was, there wasn't much opposition when rumors of their relationship spread. Leveraging on his perfect reputation, Alphonsus was able to leech and manipulate so many things into his pocket.
"You better be," Alphonsus said to the blue-eyed man.
"When have I failed you, Your Highness?" The man bowed to him. "Since you've impressed me, I've pledged my loyalty to you. I would never let you down to the best of my ability."
"Don't speak as if you're the only one who is useful here," the red-haired said. "Your Highness, don't worry about the Thymes during this time. I'll keep you updated with news from their end. You can focus on stabilizing things on the academy grounds. If you need help, I can make sure you can communicate with Wilson seamlessly."
"I'll take your word on it," Alphonsus turned to the man. "I'll probably need that promise fulfilled sooner rather than later."
"No problem," the man gave his guarantee.
"I think we're all set for today in this case?" The sole female asked.
"That would be all for today," Alphonsus announced. "I expect that no more slip-ups this time around. If all of you want me on the seat of the throne, you all better get your acts together."
"You have our word," the female said.
As if rehearsed, the others in the room said in unison.
"All for the rise of King Alphonsus and the kingdom of the promised."