Chapter 10:The Monstrous Prince

The cold air surrounded everything, soft whispers could be heard from the hall. The

Monstrous Prince, Claude Strass Albertine. He was the ML of the novel 'The World Is Cruel'.

When he had entered the hall, he shocked many people as they thought that the second prince would be the one coming instead of the Crown Prince. Due to his curse everyone treated him like a monster giving him the name, 'The Monstrous Prince'. However no one dared defied him as he was still regarded an important part of the Empire.

"Why is the Crown Prince here instead of the Second Prince?-..." The Crown Prince glared at the nobleman.

"Eek!"

"Your Highness, it's a great honor to have you hear at my son's birthday,"

"Indeed. My father asked me to give this to your son as a present and to give you this letter,"

"I'm sorry if this is about my son being a Saint then I will not accept it,"

"Don't worry. It's not about that,"

"...Alright then. Let me introduce my children. One of them, who is celebrating his birthday today is about your age, but younger than you,"

"That would be great thank you,"The Crown Prince said in a rather monotone expression.

"Sebastian, Lillian, Arius. Come here for a second." Damien hollered for his children.

'Arius?-..' The Crown Prince thought for awhile, thinking of the boy he had met a week ago.

"This is the Crown Prince. Do show some respect to him,"

"Yes father," The trio replied in unison.

"I shall head off to entertain the other guest. Do try not the get into a fight Sebastian," Damien said the last part in a very low voice.

After Damien had left, things had got very tense and awkward between the four of them. However Arius finally stepped in and started talking.

"Your highness why don't you get some desserts or go to the balcony? I assure you that our Chef makes the best food ever. And if you go to the balcony you will get to see an amazing view of the Empire. After all, the dance will not start until the clock strikes nine,"

"I see. Then I shall take up your offer on going to the balcony,"

"Excellent, I shall lead you there," Arius smiled.

"Arius!-.."

"Brother, remember what father said??"

"Fuck-....ouch!-.." Sebastian got hit by Lillian.

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"We're here at the balcony Cecillion. Or should I say Your highness?"

"..."

"..."

"Was it that obvious?"

"Mhm,"

"I didn't expect us to meet like this. Not as the Crown Prince,"

"Me too. I didn't want us to meet like this either,"

"How did you recognise me? Was it my mask?"

"Your curse,"

"Ah,"

The two looked at the beautiful landscape in front of them, enjoying the cool gust of wind. Finally Arius broke the silence by asking the Crown Prince how he had gotten his curse. However Arius already knew how the Crown Prince had gotten his curse but asked him anyways as he had wanted to break the awkward silence between them. Looking at Arius, the Crown Prince hesitated and was reluctant to share as it was a thing that he hated sharing to others. However, despite that, the crown prince still decided to share about it as he was comfortable enough to share it with Arius.

Centuries ago, the second emperor of Strass was on a hunting expedition to catcher the Sage of Darkness. The Sage of Darkness was known to wreak havoc. Finally, when the Second Emperor captured the Sage of Darkness, he brought her back to the Palace to give her her punishment for her sins. However, they had both fallen in love with each other. When the First Emperor, the Second Emperor's father found out, he commanded the Second Emperor to marry the daughter of Duke Solvata as an agreement to not kill the Sage of Darkness. Despite of the Second Emperor's efforts, the Sage of Darkness found out and was furious. When Second Emperor tried explaining to the Sage of Darkness the agreement, the Sage of Darkness placed a cursed on the Second Emperor saying that the curse will never be lifted unless someone like a god removes it. And since then, the Sage of Darkness was nowhere to be found, disappearing into the depths of darkness leaving the Second Emperor devastated and in despair. And now that curse has been passing down through the bloodline of the Albertine.

And now at the present timing, the Crown Prince has now been affected by the curse. Giving him the name 'The Monstrous Prince' who everyone fears and hates. When Arius listened to the Crown Prince's story, his hurt ached as he thought it was sad as the Second Emperor only wanted to be with his true love and protect her from his father.

"It's quite sad don't you think? The Second Emperor only wished to be with her. The Sage of Darkness,"

".."

"What's wrong?"

"Truth be told, the Sage of Darkness wasn't a woman but a man. That was the reason why the First Emperor rejected the idea of them getting together as a couple. However, even if the Sage of Darkness was a woman and not a man, the First Emperor would've still rejected the idea as the Sage of Darkness was evil and of low status,"

"Really?! That's amazing. But it's still saddening. Their backstory was indeed very tragic,"

"I get what you mean.."

...

"Arius! It's time for the dance!"

"Ack! Coming Aeryn! Well your highness. Let's see each other again soon?"

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After The Debutant

"Well that was sure a chaotic night," Lilith exclaimed happily.

"It sure was, dear," Damian smiled at his children, sadly yet happily.

"Sir. Arius has fallen asleep," Aeryn said carrying Arius.

They all looked at each other laughing slightly at the sight of Arius. He had never changed his habit of sleeping in random places. They were glad that this habit of him remained the same.

———

Claude POV:

"How was the ball Your Highness?"

"It was alright.."

"Did anything bad happen?"

"No,"

"Glad to hear that,"

Staring into the starry night sky, I started to think about him. About how beautiful he was. I was captivated by his beauty and smile. He wasn't like the rest of the nobles, trying to get his attention for power. I wonder if I will ever get to meet him again

"Sire. We're back at the palace,"

"Right,"

No One POV:

Getting of the carriage with was bedazzled in gold,Claude saw his loyal servants outside the entrance of the palace.

"Your Majesty. Welcome back, we have prepared your bath and tea with your medicine that the doctor has prescribed to you,"

"Thank you Hans,"

"Roy, go get the documents from my office and bring it to my room. I expect a report for what happened yesterday,"

"Of course Your Highness,"

Going into his room, he checked each and every secret cabinet to see if the things he hid inside was still there. Fortunately, everything was still in order and in place. After checking, he went into the bathroom and soaked himself in the bathtub (A VERY BIG ONE LIKE A HOTSPRING). When Hans had entered the luxurious bathroom with a bath robe, Claude stepped out of the bath (HOTSPRING), and took the robe from Hans, wrapping himself with it, pushing back his wet hair.

"I shall now leave Your Highness,"

"Yes, thank you,"

Walking out of his bathroom,Claude walked towards his desk and sat down on his leather chair. He then started looking through the documents he currently had with him, waiting for Hans to bring him the remaining of the documents and his full report. Finally there was knock on the door and Claude gave permission to enter his room.

"Your Highness. Here are the rest of the documents. As for yesterday, while you were away visiting Grand Duke Rowan on the Emperor's orders, I ordered some people to check out the bandits hideout.  I got a report saying that It they were really enslaving beast and elven people. I've tried getting in contact with them until now but it's no use. The people I sent were probably captured and killed,"

"I see. We can't afford to loose any more people. Fortunately, I got father's permission to ask Grand Duke Chester for help. Let's just hope to he agrees to assist us. Roy, ask father, His Majesty to send more reinforcements. We may need it,"

"Of course, Your Highess,"

————

"Woof!"

"Agh..."

"Woof! Woof!"

"Moon? Snow?.."

"Ruff!!" Moon barked cheerfully and licked Arius on the cheek.

"Haha!- that tickles Moon,"

"Ruff!" Snow barked at Arius, signalling for him to put his robe (cardigan) on as it was cold.

Laughing slightly, Arius picked up his robe (cardigan) from his chair and opened the balcony, feeling the cool breeze (gust of wind) on his face. He sat down on the chair that his parents had set up for him as he liked sitting there and looked at the sky. It was a full moon. The moon was black on one side and bright on the other ( 🌒 ). The moon reminded him of Claude, The Crown Prince.

In the novel, The Crown Prince was hated and depised for his curse. However, after the Saintess removed his curse he became the Center of attention. Everyone loved him and was amazed by how handsome he looked. When his curse was removed he was targetted by many of the nobles. The nobles would try to marry their daughter off to The Crown Prince. But of course, it was futile. They were all rejected by him. But the true reason was because of the Saintess. They had both fell in love with each other, making him the male lead.

"I hope I will see him again..."

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A/N: Hello my beautiful readers! While I was gone, I noticed that we have finally reached 10k reads! And you what that means! Another part for Arius's backstory!! Or should I say Ezekiel? A quick question before I sign off:

What do you think will happen next? Will they meet each other again?

Anyways! I hope to see yall in the next chapter! Bye my loves! ❤️