This one is a bit longer than the last, which is only better for everyone. Well, maybe except for my body, because of it's lack of sleep. But, sleep is overrated. I always struggle a bit with writing Conrad, because if I recall correctly, he is quite different between the novel, the manga and the actual anime. It's been a very long time since I've watched it, but I've always felt that Conrad is more quiet, stoic and "flat" in the anime than he actually is in the novel/manga.


"I brought you some snacks, in case you were hungry."

"Oh thanks Conrad! I'm due for a break now anyways. Do you want some as well?"

"Thank you, but I'm not hungry right now."

Conrad retreated back towards the door, after he had delivered the refreshments, seeming ready to leave. Yuuri frowned a bit at the knight's response, but then shrugged, "ah well, all the more for me I guess."

The soldier bowed slightly before opening the door and exiting.

The magic user pouted a bit. He randomly picked one of the assortments, and nibbled on it. He supposed the cookie was delicious, but his mind was a bit too distracted thinking of certain matters to register the flavour. Okay, well, he's not fooling anyone; those certain matters obviously related to his dear knight. Yuuri just didn't like how Conrad was so polite with him all the time! It would be understandable if they were in a public setting, but the politeness never faltered even when they were alone. It creates a distance between them; it's as if Conrad purposely uses it to prevent them from getting too close. The politeness makes it seem like all the teasing and playing around didn't matter, like their relationship would always be set back to square one.

The more logical part of Yuuri's brain agreed with the distance; they are liege and retainer after all. It is very common, even suggested that there is always a breadth between the two. In fact, many of the royalty would actually frown down upon Yuuri and Conrad's current relationship, claiming it isn't proper for them to be this close. But when did the young man ever believe in propriety?

The king yawned, leaned back against his oak chair and stretched. He was satisfied with his work, and felt that he had accomplished quite a lot in the span of the day. He had approved of a public works project to be built within the city, one that will increase national pride and hopefully give the place a more welcoming feeling to both visitors and residents. He had made sure that more of the nation's funds would be dedicated to education, and to sponsoring the arts, such as music and theatre. He had also drafted a proposition to make sure every citizen would have equal rights, and to diminish the power of the loyalty, giving more authority to the residents. He knew this draft would surely be one that many would oppose, but he had to give it a try. He loved this kingdom, but as many positives as there are, there are also so many negatives. Sometimes it felt like there were endless adjustments to be made, and constant problems he needed to attend to. He supposed there were, since nothing ever stays the same, and the kingdom- along with the people in it- are constantly changing, adapting and evolving. He only hoped that with his guidance, his beloved nation would be on a path towards a better future.

The king glanced at the window. The orange sun was blurring with the rest of the skyline, washing the whole sky into a gentle coral colour. It was time for dinner. He shuffled his papers to make sure that they were in order, and neatly placed them on the edge of his desk. He excitedly got up from his chair and left, heading towards the dining hall.

"Hey Wimp! Stop right there."

Yuuri grinned, old habits die hard. He spun around to face the familiar voice. "Wolfram! I'm just about to go have dinner, care to join me?"

"Of course! Why else would I be walking in this direction right now?"

"I don't know, maybe you needed to go to the infirmary, or maybe you had to fetch a few supplies from that dusty old closet over there." The double black pointed to a creepy and ancient looking door. Both of them shuddered, and hurried past it, like it was a bad omen. (Unlike the "Bad Omen" birds that actually meant you were lucky if you heard them. )

The blond soldier gave an indignant grunt. "Or maybe I'm just really hungry, and would love to sit down and enjoy a hearty meal."

"Right of course, that too."

They looked at each other, and suddenly broke into laughter. Apparently it was too hard to keep a straight face these days. After they had recovered, they continued to walk without talking to each other, welcoming the comfortable silence. Their once rocky relationship that Yuuri had with Wolfram now seemed fundamental to him now, and he couldn't picture a world without him. The young prince went from an enemy, to a grudging fiance, and then he had become a close companion, someone who Yuuri could support on, and someone he always knew would be there for him, through thick and thin. However, their engagement was never officially terminated; they had agreed to keep the "farce" in play, for the benefit of both parties. Yuuri wouldn't have to deal with the entourage of suitors, and Wolfram wouldn't have to listen to his mother nag him about finding a lovely partner. Greta would have both of the fathers present in her life, and the relationship with the Von Bielefelt family would also be more secure. It seemed like there were only positives in this relationship, and so both of them willingly continued on with it. Of course, Yuuri didn't just keep up the act because of the political benefits, he also simply enjoyed the presence of Wolfram. The prince was someone who kept things alive and entertaining, and the palace would always seem a little less lively when the blond left for an excursion.

Alas, the king and the prince had reached the dining room. Yuuri pushed open the door, and the light flooded into their eyes, temporarily blinding them. Next came the warmth, wrapping around their bodies, hugging them in a motherly embrace. Then was the smell. Ah, that delicious smell that reflected the gross amount of love and care put into the preparation. And finally, the smiles of those he had most dear to him, beckoning him to join them, a needed member of their large family. Things just couldn't be more perfect. It was moments like these, that truly warmed the young king's soul, and made him realize just how lucky he was.


Yep, I hope you guys liked this chapter. I always thought Wolfram was a really nice person/friend if you managed to get past his angry side ;)