Cross Him Off

Like fireflies, the aircraft left countless arcs of light trailing across the pitch-black night sky. Brilliant lights gleamed atop the royal palace’s magnificent dome, making the night seem as bright as day.

A sleek, silver aircraft with a curved hull came to a stop on the lawn. Vincent North opened the hatch and jumped down. His handsome profile was reflected in the glass as he stubbed out his nearly finished cigarette in the ashtray an attendant held out to him. He looked rather bored. “I can’t believe the Crown Prince is hosting a banquet of his own accord. That’s certainly a surprise...”

He teased, “I hope the banquet isn’t centered around mecha battle plans. I’m afraid I’ll fall asleep.”

The noble accompanying him chuckled. “I heard His Highness is hosting the banquet for his younger brother, my friend.”

“His younger brother?” Vincent raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. “Since when has Lance Igor needed someone else to host a banquet for him?”

“Not His Highness Lance. Another younger brother. Four years ago, you invited him to dance at his coming-of-age ball, then ended up looking like a beaten rooster. You haven’t forgotten, have you?” Vincent’s friend teased. “Though I suppose that’s normal. You’re our famous playboy. The people you’ve pursued could fill a ball all on their own.”

Vincent pressed his lips together, showing no sign of anger.

His friend continued, “He just graduated from the First Military Academy a few days ago. Now he’s not only a duke, but a second lieutenant, too.”

Vincent suddenly said, “I remember.”

His friend hadn’t been listening. “Huh?”...