“Thank you for such a considerate greeting.”
“……”
“……”
“……”
What in the…?
Once our introductions were complete, it should have been time for the students from Rienbul’s to make theirs. Normally, the person of the highest rank would begin by introducing themselves, followed by the next highest, and so on. The introduction Evan made was normal as per the rules of etiquette.
The highest-ranking member of the group from Rienbul was Shaghad since he was the only royal among them right now. But for some reason, Ismail, who ranked lower than Shaghad, had stepped forward.
No one in the Rienbul entourage criticized him for this behavior. I observed the servants and attendants who accompanied them with the assumption they were holding back on criticizing the behavior because they expected these idiots to mess things up, and, therefore, they let some smaller things slide, but I quickly realized that wasn’t the case.
I see, I thought, deciding it wasn’t just Ismail and Aisha that Rienbul expected to run wild; it was also their attendants. Meaning all these people were absolute morons who thought one of the twins could be the next ruler.
When did Astra turn into a place to throw away your garbage?
“I am Ismail Alaban. This is my sister, Aisha.”
“I am honored to meet you, Prince Evan,” said Aisha, her cheeks flushed as she looked at Evan.
Regardless of his personality, Evan was handsome, making him popular among the ladies. It seemed Aisha was no exception to that.
Ismail had blue hair and peach-colored eyes, while Aisha had hair the color of sunset and the same peach-colored eyes.
So, these are the problem twins, hm.
That meant the remaining young man with silver hair and blue eyes was Shaghad Rienbul.
Once Ismail completed his introduction, he looked at us like he was demanding we hurry up and show them into the palace. No one seemed interested in introducing Shaghad to us.
It didn’t matter how lightly they took this in their own country, status existed. They should at least put on a façade of caring while in another country, but apparently, they weren’t willing to do even that.
In any other situation, it could be assumed they were mocking the kingdom of Astra with this behavior. Actually, Evan’s subordinates standing behind us seemed about to burst into angry shouts.
It hurt getting hit with that much hostility from behind.
But these idiots probably weren’t mocking Astra. They just thought they could get away with the same behavior here they got away with in their own country. They didn’t even seem to question it. Neither did their attendants.
“Prince Shaghad, it is an honor to meet you,” said Evan, having no other choice but to act first. He stepped forward and held out his hand for a handshake.
“It is my honor, Prince Evan,” said Shaghad. He took Evan’s hand, though he looked uncertain the whole time.
The idiot twins glared at him as he did. Their eyes almost seemed to demand Evan send Shaghad back to Rienbul for insulting the Astra crown, but Evan ignored them.
I suppose this farce will have to continue. How irritating.
“Prince Shaghad, please, just call me Evan. We’re the same, after all. There’s no need for such formality between us. I’m sure the two of us have common worries. I would like it if we could build the sort of relationship where we can share those worries.”
“Thank you, Evan. Please, call me Shaghad.”
“As you wish, Shaghad.”
That’s cruel, Evan, I thought. He’d let Ismail’s lack of decorum slide, but he was clearly angry.
The twins’ faces were bright red as they glared at the ground after having the prince of another kingdom basically say right to their faces that they were by no means in the same standing as he and Shaghad.
They’re idiots. They could have happiness appropriate to their station if only they had an attitude appropriate to their station. Instead, they’ve come here to destroy that themselves. Greed really has no limits.