The Ball of the Past VI

Brando remained silent. Grand Duke Anlek would of course come. This was the grand show he had planned himself: assassinate Her Highness the Princess, who was gradually slipping out of his control, and seize control of Prince Haruze's hold over the court—no, here it was Princess Bedis. Brando turned back and glanced at Haruze standing beside him. The Little Prince stared up at his sister from another timeline, his expression utterly lost in a fog.

Her Highness's expression was rather cold. She looked at Haruze, a complex mixture of emotions in her pale silver eyes. "Since the Year of Flowers and Summer Leaves, when you and I fled the Golden Vine Palace together, you, I, and Eluin have all experienced so much. You have grown up too, Bedis. It is time for you to take up your responsibility."

"Sister, I..."

Princess Griffine raised a hand to stop him. She turned around and said to Brando, "Viscount, I would like to speak with Bedis alone for a while."

Brando thought for a moment. This was only one corner of the dream, and there was little point in his remaining here. The only way to leave was to make up for Viscount Cadell's regret. He had to find more clues in the scenes of the dream. Thus, he nodded and said to Haruze, "Bedis, stay here. You and Her Highness haven't seen each other in a long time. I'll wait for you in the hall outside."

"Cadell..." Haruze looked back at his teacher, his childish gaze filled with panic and unease. Yet in Princess Griffine's eyes, it looked like the reluctance of a lover. She gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head and sighed softly. "Let the Viscount have some time alone. You still have plenty of time together, Bedis."

Haruze's