CHAPTER 3: BONUS

### Flashback

"Young Highness, wake up, please," Ezekiel whispered urgently as he gently shook the prince. "Wake up, I'll be punished if you don't stand up."

Zen grumbled, pulling the covers over his head before reluctantly sitting up. "Fine," he muttered, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Any news?" he asked, still groggy.

Ezekiel hesitated, then sat down on the edge of the bed. "Yes... Emperor-Father passed away this morning."

Zen paused, the weight of the words sinking in as he reached for his dressing gown. "Anything else?" His voice was flat, detached.

"No, nothing."

Just then, a guard's voice echoed from outside. "Prince Greg has arrived." A moment later, a voice followed, cutting through the silence. "Can I come in, Alexander?"

Zen, now fully alert, responded indifferently, "Come in."

Ezekiel stood up immediately as Greg entered the room, his presence commanding attention. Despite the solemn atmosphere, Greg seemed unfazed. "I came to tell you... I assume you've heard the news about Father's death?"

"Yes, I heard," Zen replied, his tone emotionless.

"Since you know, there's no need for further explanation," Greg continued, a cold smile playing on his lips. "We are rivals now."

"Yep, I know," Zen acknowledged, his face betraying no emotion.

"Okay, then. Bye," Greg said with a smirk before leaving.

As soon as Greg was out of earshot, Ezekiel muttered under his breath, "He's really a bastard."

"Let him be," Zen replied, his voice heavy with fatigue as he crawled back into bed. Within moments, he was asleep again.

### Present Day

Zen walked through the court with a steady, purposeful stride, eventually making his way to the dining hall. As soon as he entered, the maids hurried to set the table. He sat down, ready to take a spoonful of his meal when a familiar voice interrupted.

"You're not going to invite me?" Ezekiel teased, making his presence known.

Zen looked up, slightly amused. "Zeke, good morning," he greeted.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Ezekiel replied, moving gracefully to the table and sitting down across from him. "Your Highness, have you considered re-establishing the Empire?" Ezekiel leaned in, his voice lowering with intent.

Zen's expression darkened as he frowned. "What makes you think about that?"

"You know, ever since your father died..." Ezekiel began, but Zen cut him off.

"Ezekiel," Zen snapped, his tone sharp. "Let's eat in peace."

Ezekiel nodded, sealing his lips and choosing silence. They finished breakfast without another word, the tension between them palpable.

After the meal, they strolled through the palace grounds. A guard suddenly approached them, his face tense. "Rank 6, B1 reports!" he called out.

"What brings you here?" Ezekiel demanded, his eyes narrowing.

"Prince Glory is on his way," the guard reported hurriedly.

"And?" Zen inquired, his voice calm but cold.

"According to our information, he's prepared for battle," the guard continued, his voice shaking slightly.

Zen raised an eyebrow, processing the information. "A surprise attack?"

"It seems so, Your Highness," the guard confirmed.

"Order the army to get ready," Zen commanded without hesitation.

"Yes, Your Highness!" The guard ran off to deliver the orders.

Zen continued his stroll, the weight of the impending battle resting on his shoulders. As they approached the old sycamore tree, he stopped, his gaze fixed on its weathered bark.

"Still remember?" Ezekiel asked, his voice softer now.

"Very fresh in my memories," Zen replied, his tone distant.

"What really happened?" Ezekiel pressed, sensing the shift in Zen's mood.

"Which part?" Zen asked, his voice void of emotion.

"About Miya," Ezekiel clarified.

Zen's expression hardened. "She fell from the tree, impaled by a splintered branch. That's how she died... and it served her right."

Ezekiel winced at the coldness in Zen's voice, but they continued walking. "It seems Glory has a death wish this time," Ezekiel mused, his voice laced with scorn.

"Showing pity on him?" Ezekiel asked, a hint of bitterness in his tone.

"He never showed pity on me," Zen retorted.

"But he is your elder brother," Ezekiel said, half-jokingly.

"F*** elderliness," Zen spat, his eyes flashing with anger.

Ezekiel burst into laughter, but Zen remained unfazed, walking straight to his room. Once inside, he pressed a hidden switch on the wall, and a concealed door slowly slid open, revealing a secret passage. Zen stepped through, leaving behind the tensions of the palace, if only for a moment.

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