A SLAP ON THE FACE.
It was the "gift" that Nikolai received from his father on his 13th birthday.
An extravagant banquet was prepared for him.
However, behind the curtains, Nikolai was struck on the face by his very own father– the current emperor.
The aides, the royal knights, and the servants that surrounded His Majesty pretended that they didn't see the emperor hit the Crown Prince.
And he didn't expect them to take his side.
The only one who tried to protect him was his Gavin Quinzel– his closest friend and personal knight. If he didn't step forward to stop Gavin from reacting, that idiot would have been punished for trying to harm the emperor.
"I'm sorry, Father," Nikolai said, bowing his head to the emperor. "I beg your forgiveness."
Why was he apologizing again?
Ah, right.
The emperor coughed up blood suddenly and His Majesty blamed it on him.
NOTE: This happened before Nero reclaimed his place as the Crown Prince. ^_^