n

n

nA little while later, Ezekiel entered the room with Nathan. I saw his other attendants just outside before he dismissed all of them.

nI was actually surprised by how many people he had brought with him and slightly confused as well. Does he really have to bring so many people just for coming here? I get that he's the crowned prince and all, but he could have just tagged 4 or 5 people instead of the whole battalion.

nUnless it wasn't his idea. I don't freaking know…

nNathaniel's eyes found mine and he then went straight to me.

n

"You should be resting,

" he said while frowning.

n'Here we go again…'

n

"Brother, I am resting. And also, I have guests to entertain,

" I answered and gestured to the others..

n

"'Sup!

" Eon greeted him and waved.

nNathan turned to them and scowled,

"You are all bothering her.

"

nThat action of his made me almost laughs out loud.

n'He is such a worrywart.'

n

"Come on Nathan, we are here for good reasons,

" Conrad reasoned out.

nI smiled at my cousin and curtsied as soon as he came closer,

"Good Afternoon, Prince Ezekiel.

"

nEzekiel returned it with his own and gestured for me to sit down again.

n

"I came here to check up on you and to hand you the Emperor's invitation as well,

" he stated as he joined us on the sofa.

nHe then handed me a fancy looking envelope with the royal family's seal on it, which I gladly took from him.

nJust the scent and feel of this look luxurious as heck.

n'Maybe I could pawn this, or auction it. Just kidding… Fufufufufu'

n

"Anyway, it is only a formal letter. My father said that you could visit the palace whenever you are ready,

" Ezekiel added.

nOoohh~ The palace! I get to go to the palace!

n

"One of the rewards for the event is granting favors, isn't it?

" Eon croaked at the side, looking excited.

n

"Plus the bounty from the wild boar! Man, that sounds so dreamy…

" Luther

n

"Nadia, you can ask the Imperial Majesty for whatever you want and it would be given to you!

" Eon said cheerfully.

n

"You could also ask for riches twice and you would instantly get rich as hell,

" Conrad chimed as he nods his head.

n

"Or you could ask for a title and land. Practicality is best,

" Noah joins them.

nMy head shook at their words as I tried to stifle the smile that was forming on my lips.

n'I forgot that I have that privilege, and two at that! Hmm… I wonder what I should ask for?'

nMaybe I should follow what Conrad had said. Twice the riches, but eh, I have money even now but I have no use for it. Land and a title? Could be. But how am I going to manage it?

n

"It is great that you are well now. Everyone was worried about you,

" Ezekiel then uttered.

n

"Especially your brother. He did not attend his classes while you were sick, you know.

" Luther said and glanced at Nathan who was sitting beside me.

nI turned to Nathan who only avoided my eyes.

n'That is just like him…'

nEzekiel picked up the tea that Mari had poured for him,

"And uncle has been stressing out nonstop as well, that even father is troubled.

"

n'This is making me feel guilty…'

n

"I'm sorry for causing such inconvenience,

" I uttered and let out an apologetic look.

n

"You don't have to apologize

" Nathan declares out of the blue.

n

"In any case, if you really want to make it up to us, you can just treat us to something,

" Eon grinned at me.

n

"I'll make sure to remember that,

" I replied with a chuckle.

nSomeone then suddenly peeked in the doorway. It was one of Ezekiel's people.

nThe Prince saw that person's gesture so he turned to me again.

n

"Right, I also brought the rewards that Emperor father had bestowed on you,

" he said and looked at that person,

"Bring them in.

"

nThe door opened widely and one by one, the palace people came in, holding different things. There were a couple of boxes in varying sizes, and some ornate figurines that sparkled as the light hit them, and many more.

nI gaped at them, and so are the others.

n

"Woah…

" someone muttered. It sounded like Noah but I was too distracted to properly distinguish who it was.

n

"I-isn't this too much? I mean I thought I would only have favors-grants but these…

" I mumbled and stared at the glinting golden ornates.

n'Don't tell me that is pure gold? Well, it's from the palace so it might be…'

nEzekiel beamed at seeing my flabbergasted expression,

"Emperor father personally gifted this to you as a wish for recovery and for your excellence in The Hunt.

"

n

"Damn… Look at all these things…

" Eon voiced out as his eyes surveyed the so-called gifts from the Emperor.

n

"It's sparkling so brightly that my eyes are going blind!

" Luther seconded as he squinted.

nConrad and Noah leaned forward and poked the supposed bonsai tree which is made in jewels.

n

"Look at this stuff! That is so neat!

" Noah mumbled in wonder.

nBea and Gwen were also staring in amazement but remained tight-lipped.

nI looked at all of it again and internally sighed.

n'Oh boy, this truly feels burdensome…'

n

"I will personally tell His Imperial Majesty my thanks,

" I told him after a while.

nEzekiel nodded,

"You can come to the palace anytime you want.

" He then glanced at Nathan,

"Just tell when so that your brother could escort you,

" he added.

n

"I will, thank you,

" I answered and beamed at him.

n

"Nadia, can I have this one?

" Eon suddenly says.

nWe all turned to him who was crouching over the box of the jeweled bonsai tree. He was looking at us with puppy eyes.

n

"What are you going to do with it?

" Gwen frowned at his brother.

n

"I will stare at it every second of the day. I mean, do you see her? She's beautiful!

" Eon exclaimed and gazed at the tree again like he is in love or something.

n'So it's a her now.'

nThe others only shake their heads at his foolishness.

n

"Hey Nadia,

" Gwen whispered in my ear.

nI looked at her in an inquiry. She was smiling playfully now.

n

"It's good that I had not brought anything huh,

" she muttered and pointed at the things with her lips,

"My gift would pale in comparison with His Imperial Majesty.

"

nI blinked at her for a moment and clicked my tongue.

n

"A gift's value is decided not on its merit, but from the thought that has been put to it,

" I lectured her as I squeezed her hand.

n'This silly girl…'

n