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Title: Attack by Strategem

Inspired by: Chapter 9 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Characters: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia, Raji Shenezard

Wordcount: 1168

Rating: General

Tipping the rim of the crystal goblet next to my mouth, I let the ruby-red liquid touch the edge of my lips. My heavy-lidded eyes continued to observe quietly, noting all the advisors and nobles who had attended the garden party arranged in honor of receiving the Crown Prince of Tanbarun.

The labyrinthine gardens of Wistalia are famous for its arbors of roses arranged cleverly by the palace gardeners. The climbing, winding vines of the roses were coaxed to follow the intricate designs of the wooden timbers cut to support the plants growth. I thought it perfect to have the welcoming party at this part of the garden; our foreign guests will have time to meet diplomats and ministers in an easygoing environment, and at the same time, enjoy the beauty of the white flowers blooming. The gentle scent of the roses has a soothing effect on the guests.

A group of musical players were hired to play traditional music while servants mingled with the guests, distributing drinks, most of it Clarines' own special brew of wines

I inclined my head towards a group of education ministers, the middle-aged men who has been lobbying for funds into setting up more schools for the common folk in remote villages. The each raised their glasses at me silently, as a form of salute and I nodded in acknowledgement.

A few matronly ladies twittered nearby, fans raised up to cover their noses and mouths. There's no need to guess what their conversations are: they are probably plotting on how best to persuade their husbands to help them introduce their eligible and marriageable daughters to either Zen or I, for who would be a better prospect than the heir and the spare?

Ignoring them, I focused my attention to the group of men a few steps away from me.

Lord Haruka has just commented about Zen's new messenger.

"He's quite nimble and skillful. And he seems to be an interesting man."

The older man let out a sigh. I hid a smirk. My brother's new messenger was an able-bodied young man, who is very good in his new role. I did not make any objections when a request was made for a special identification tag. Zen's growing collection of followers pleases me. My brother is beginning to be quite an adept judge of character. He would do well in the coming years, sans that pharmacist apprentice whom he keeps on insisting to keep by his side.

"It's good if he can be ready to protect you anytime, your highness. But the people around you can't be indifferent about whom you choose to put near you."

My eyes narrowed slightly. Lord Haruka's comments seemed to step way out of line. I decided to arrange a private discussion with Lord Haruka in the future. He may have the country's interest in mind when he talks that way to my brother, but I can very well handle the issue without his interference. My fingers gripped the crystal goblet, counting from one to ten. Now is not the time for a reprimand.

I saw Lord Haruka move a little closer to my brother, muttered a few words which I barely hear snatches of before noticing my presence.

The older man whirled around, gave a deferential bow of respect towards my person and a small murmur of "Your Highness, many thanks for inviting me," before disappearing behind another set of ministers mingling around my special guest of honor's few aides he brought with him. My eyes narrowed slightly at his shadowed face.

"Zen."

"Brother."

I lifted my hand in a wave towards the absent-minded looking Tanbarun Prince who had just extricated himself from another group of guests eager to establish connections. His relief was only short-lived when he realized he had just placed himself before my brother and I.

"Prince Raj," I deftly handed my empty crystal goblet to a passing servant, who paused by my side and offered another round of drinks. I accepted a new glass of my own.

The male servant made a small bow, moved towards Zen who declined to get a refill before turning to my guest who look flustered enough to down his original drink. He took a new glass of drink and downed it again in one gulp, before finally settling to his third glass and shooing the servant away, his face looking slightly flush.

I raised my eyebrows not at all surprised by his actions. A lot of people get agitated by my very presence. Mother used to tease me about it. My very presence can be a bit domineering without really trying. Hovering nearby, his Prince Raj's aide shook his head slightly in despair and I hid a snort.

I have my reservations about the Crown Prince's dubious character, but when it comes to drinking, he, at least, bested Zen Wistalia. The young man certainly knows how to hold his liquor. There might be hope for the prince after all.

I gave a wry glance towards Zen, who continued to take small sips from his own glass, which at best, was probably the only glass of alcohol he has ever drunk since the party commenced.

Disgraceful. I winced slightly, knowing that my brother can withstand poisons but not alcohol lurking in his blood system.

"Prince Raj. I do sincerely hope you are enjoying yourself. I am anxious to hear what you think of my country so far."

Prince Raj turned his nose slightly up, and my eyes narrowed a little. But I can see that he is uncomfortable with his formal clothes, and I let my shoulders relax. Can't blame him for being grumpy when he is swathed in formal clothes. All the stiff collar and starchy cravat can make one irritable.

Still.

"You have a very beautiful country, Prince Izana. Whilst my trip is long, I have enjoyed the beautiful sights and the mountains. The fresh air always helps one relax." He gave a gracious nod.

I gave him a genuine smile. Now that Raj and Zen stood side by side, I can clearly see a striking contrast of two princes: Raj represent Night, and Zen represent Day. While Raj, with his vivid, dark coloring will definitely stand out among the fair-colored citizens of Clarines, Zen can hold his own with his paler coloring and bluer eyes.

Lowering my glass of wine, I schooled my expression into a curious one. "I'm just wondering what you two talked about when you first met each other."

"Nothing much, Prince Izana. We just exchanged some polite words." Out of the corner of my eye, Zen, who seemed bored enough not to listen, snapped back to attention, apparently beginning to realize what I'm about to do.

I went in straight away lest Zen come up with one of his diversion trickeries he used when we were still young, or rather when he started to stop being cute.

"Didn't you talk about that girl?" I persisted, before adding coyly. "the red-haired girl."