It was already late at night and most of the students of the Aspakeony Academy were sleeping soundly in their comfortable beds, bothered only by the thoughts of homework and social interactions with their peers.

But a peaceful sleep wasn't a privilege bestowed upon everyone.

"Why the hell got into me? How could I be so stupid!?

"

In particular, the blue-haired second prince, Surou, was walking back and forth through his room muttering to himself in distress while still in his uniform.

Zoemi, the black-haired attendant of the young lady Espine arrived at his doorstep right after the lectures and to Surou's despair, he wasn't going to act for mercy or to lighten the punishment at all.

~My prince, about my punishment?~

~Ah! Tomorrow after classes are over – I understand, thank you for the efficiency. And, once again, thank you for showing your grace.~

The composed and almost lighthearted words were stuck in Surou's mind and didn't want to leave, hunting the blue-haired boy as if they were grudgeful spirits.

"Maybe I should call everything back? No... impossible... the arrangements have been made already – I will lose my face if I back down now...!

"

The second prince talked to himself while biting on his fingernails.

"Still... Whipping? Why did I go with whipping? No... he said that it was alright... that my decision was correct...!

"

Surou grabbed his hair as if he wanted to pull them out – it didn't seem as if he was talking about the black-haired attendant though...

"It will be alright, everything will be as I have planned! He said so! My plan is correct – I am in the right here...!

"

He grinned and let go of his hair.

*knock* *knock* *knock*

At that moment somebody knocked on his door and the second prince flinched.

"Who's there!?

"

The blue-haired boy asked in a panicked voice.

"It's me, my prince.

"

A calm male voice responded and Surou hurried to the door.

"How did it go? What was the teachers' reaction to the paper you've prepared for me about the punishment?!

"

Surou asked hurriedly, without even letting in the person he was talking to – and something in his desperate voice was suggesting that he actually didn't want to receive the teacher's approval at all...

"Everything went perfectly – as per your request I made sure to make it clear that it is supposed to be an act only meant to scare the potential bullies. I also personally send for someone who will be able to make it looks like the whipping looks very seriously while it will be as painless as possible.

"

The mysterious boy explained sounding as if he was reporting while bowing towards the door.

"Ah...! You did that? Good, good... Yes, right... You are trustworthy..

"

Surou breathed out nodding to himself while doing his best to calm his breath.

"But, still, one hundred whips - that's not something anyone could just shrug off...

"

The blue-haired boy let one of his inner thoughts slip while biting on his lip.

"Not at all, my prince – the arrangements you called for are perfect just as your plan. You are the one in the right – and if anything this will be killing two birds with one spell.

"

"What do you mean...?

"

The voice declared, sounding almost disgustingly servile, and made Surou flinch in confusion.

"My prince – only a great person such as yourself could have come up with such a splendid plan. You want to scare off the horrible people threatening your lover – one hundred whips is capable of scarring even the valiant knights. But you also want to get that attendant on your side too, right? Then, what would be better for showing him that you mean no ill will towards him than letting him experience one hundred whips that will not hurt him at all?

"

"Ah...!

"

Surou's supporter boasted over the benefits of such a splendid decision – and the second prince gasped, falling for the sweet words.

"With mere ten whips, the attendant might think that you just hired someone incapable – but one hundred whips of which none of would land properly? He will realize your greatness and will gratefully join your side in no time!

"

"Yes... yes, that's right – that's how it will be!

"

The mysterious boy declared with enthusiasm and Surou's face lighted up with a relieved smile.

"Of course, it will be like that – after all, it's the plan you came up with yourself, my prince!

"

The supporter assured, laying the compliments disgustingly thick.

"Not to mention that watching over executing such punishment would make you look impartial and send a great message to your peers! No matter who will break the rules you will punish them justly and adequately – which will solidify your position as the student supervisor!

"

And the supporter talking through the door wasn't even done yet...

"Oh, ah... yeah... yes... that's right... That's right. I will gain the recognition that I deserve!

"

Surou giggled nervously – it all sounded so good that he ignored the bad feeling in his guts and decided to not think further about the matter...

"My prince – why not go even further? You already know about that attendant's devotion, why not make him indebted to you AND your lover while you're at it...? Just ask your lover to use her spells on him after the punishment will be over.

"

…yes, the supporter definitely wasn't done yet...

"What do you mean...? Why would he need Buru's help if the person I asked you to arrange is as good as you said...?

"

Surou flinched and took a step back – he wasn't completely charmed by his supporter's words after all...

"Not – there will be no wound... but he has scars, doesn't he – scars that disfigure his face. Your lover will fix his face and he will have the debt of gratitude towards her – and by extension – to you.

"

"Ooohhh...! That's an amazing idea...!

"

"No, no – your lowly supporter merely learned to think quick because you always bless me with your magnificent ideas – it's all thanks to you, my prince.

"

The boy behind the door sounded as if he was smiling and bowing his head.

"That makes me relieved, you know... I always thought that you hated sir Auequas... And about that... why do you even despise him...?

"

Surou breathed out and asked.

"Forgive me, my prince, but this is a private matter.

"

The voice responded calmly.

"Always acting so composed, huh? Fine, you arranged what I asked you to, you are useful and you will be rewarded.

"

Surou smirked and nodded.

"My prince – being useful to you is my greatest pleasure and desire – I only wish to serve you now and forever – even after you ascend the throne that's rightfully yours. I shall take my leave now, my prince.

"

"Sure, take care.

"

The owner of the voice left and the prince returned to circling around the room.

"Having someone as loyal as that guy and Auequas on my side will aid me greatly...

"

Surou's eyes were darting around the room, it was clear that the calculative and cunning second prince was no more.

"With Buru and both of them on my side, I will be able to take my brother's position! I will be the next king! I will!

"

The second prince giggled to himself and resumed biting on his fingernails.

-------

The accelerated events weren't only messing with the script timeline – or rather, someone else was actively interfering with them...

------

"Mhmhmhm...!

"

In the corridor shrouded by the darkness of the night, the youth who was responsible for messing with the second prince's mind changed his stoic expression and smirked satisfied.

"Power-hungry fools are so easy to manipulate~

"

He chuckled before clearing his throat and composing himself.

"No, no. Act calm. Remember your father's training... Don't show your emotions until it's time to strike.

"

He said to himself and made an indifferent expression before turning the corner.

"Zoemi... It's always that accursed Zoemi...! oh... How I will enjoy watching you wriggle in pain~!

"

The only trace left after the boy was the echo of his delighted voice....