After a while, Cedric was still grumbling softly about the prank, while Javier and Marcellus had finally settled down, their laughter fading into satisfied grins.
"Hmm? Where's Meira and Zania?" Javier asked, glancing at Cedric.
"Oh, them? They were with me, but Mother stopped them on the way here." Cedric exhaled and uncorked a fresh bottle of wine from the center of the table.
"Huh? What for?" Javier pressed.
"Even if you ask me, I don't know. Mother just told me to go on ahead and wait with you all." Cedric paused, then glanced toward Lithia and Harny. "Ah, I forgot, Lithia, Harny."
"Yes, Prince Cedric?"
"Mother is calling for you both. She said to report to the Queen's chamber."
Lithia and Harny stood up at once, offering polite bows to Javier and Cedric before each leaned down to press a quick kiss to Marcellus's cheek.
"We're going, dear."
"Mm, okay. Be careful."
After Lithia and Harny left, Javier grinned slyly toward Marcellus.
"Woo… how romantic~"
