I can't predict that my words can reach him and that it could help him feel better, but here goes, my best bet.
"Still, it doesn't justify your actions that can cause others trouble, right?"
"…but, nobody is…"
"They can't really get mad at you because you're still a child and the prince, on top of it. You even said it yourself, right?"
"…But I…"
"You just don't want to feel lonely, right?"
"…"
"But you know, you are the prince."
"I know that!" Tears welled up from his eyes.
"I know that I should be happy because I am the prince and that I can have almost all that I want, but, is it wrong for me to feel lonely?!"
"No, that's not what I want to say. I want to say that, since you're the prince, you are born with the burden of being more mature and wiser than children your age. You should conduct yourself in a well manner and make sure you don't ditch your lessons, as they are useful for your future. In the future, you're the one who's going to lead countless number of people in Riviera. So, you should think of them and diligently study for their sake."
"…kh! But… what about my feelings…?"
His expression stated his question, "Are my feelings not important at all?"
...what a dejavu.
I think there were countless time when I thought of the same thing, as Reinst.
I cleared my throat and readied my answer.
"Well, before you are the prince, you are just Luca, aren't you? If you want someone to be able to view you as who you are in spite of your status as a prince besides your parents, you should find some true friends, or those that can stand on equals with you."
"…That's what I tried to do, but it was all in vain."
"No. It wasn't. …Hey, am I not enough?"
I offered myself to be his friend! Hey, it wasn't even my intention when I came here today!
To be honest, if you were truly a spoiled brat, then I wouldn't even want to accompany you any more than this.
But, after today's events and hearing his honest feelings, I changed my mind.
Somehow, I can see some parts of my old self in him.
"…!! You are just the same like the others! How can you…?!"
"Really? Has anyone tried to pull a prank to you like that and even lectured you like this?"
"But, before, you…"
He seriously didn't get it?!
"Well, duh. You are the only prince of this country and during out first meeting, I hesitated on how I should act. I thought I should just be a good girl and follow whatever you want, even when you're going too overboard. My action up to that time might be similar to the others… but, you know what? That was so tiring! And unlike the others, I decided to face you head on!! Isn't that what you wanted, as well?!"
Damn, I snapped out!
I said those words very fast, and in a tone very different from the one I used just until now, causing him to be overwhelmed. I mean, look, he literally jumped back (slightly) in silence!
The tears also vanished from his eyes, due to his surprise.
"…"
…Earth to the prince?
…did I surprise him that much?
Ah, uhm, shall I count how long he remains silent?
Let's see… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, seve---
"H, how can you be so brave now, then? You know fully well that I am the only prince of this country! Aren't you afraid if you are being rude?" He finally speaks out his question.
That is true.
If I were Reinst, I'd probably remain a good girl and would do whatever works in his favor, as they all expected me to be the future queen, so I should curry up the prince's favor, right~
However, right now, I have my family's full support and there is no need for me to gain the prince's favor.
I don't have to be the future queen. It's okay if the prince doesn't favor me at all.
"I have my family's approval to go all out on you as who I am. Dad said that your father, His Majesty won't punish me for something like this, regardless of what you think about it. Plus, after listening to your real thoughts, I think I really should get real with you instead of sucking it up to gain your favor, right?"
"…you sure you want to stick up with me?" He asked with eyes full of wonder, as if saying, 'despite all the taunting I've done to you and all my bad treatment? '
Well, I could also ask the same thing to you, like, 'you sure you want to be with a girl who's teased and scolded you harshly, or you just ran out of options?' I'll bet it's the second reason!
"Only if you promise me you won't cause any trouble again, and to obediently attend your classes from now on. You will have me around so that you won't be lonely anymore, so what's the point of continuing your mischief?"
"…" The prince wiped away his tears and nodded.
"But!!"
My suddenly loud voice startled the poor prince again.
My bad… I didn't do it on purpose. …or did I? His reaction is amusing!
"Make sure you're able to withstand me, as I'm not going to hold back against you for a single bit of consideration that you're the prince, you know? If you don't like this me, then you can go and find others more suitable to befriend."
"Got it." He smiled.
Now look at that genuine smile.
You are not a fully spoiled and selfish brat, aren't you?
You are just lonely and misunderstood.
Just like I was.
As Reinst, I felt that nobody truly saw me as just "Reinst"—but they saw me as the future queen.
Though the details of our conditions are different, but I know how it feels like to be in a high position and getting the special treatments—but deep inside we're still lonely.
I know the pain of loneliness.
And I don't want anyone else to suffer like me.
Maybe that's why I changed my mind, even when previously I wanted to have nothing to do with him.
I can't just leave him by like this, alone and feeling lonely. For this country's sake… and especially for this child's sake.
Not that I want to be the future queen, but this is just a sincere friendship.
"Let's start over from the beginning, shall we? I am rei---reintroducing myself! My name is… Alrescha Lyra Hartmann, just call me Lyra. Pleased to meet you."
Damn, just because I was reminiscing my life as Reinst, doesn't mean that I can screw up on my self-introduction!
"I'm Lucius Aideen seo Navarrete. Just call me Luca."
We shake our hands firmly.
"Well, now I'm officially re-hired as your subordinate, huh? But let's not do that kind of prank anymore."
"No."
Huh?
"You are not my subordinate. You are my equal, right? You also said it yourself before. So, you gained the title of my [friend]."
"…" Hmm, I thought he'd boss me around and make me his subordinate again instead of being suddenly called as his friend.
"What's wrong? You should be honored, for there's not many that I can call my friend! Perhaps you are the first one?" He smiles in a prideful manner.
...Uhm...
…LUCA, THAT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN BRAG ABOUT!!
I feel like I pity you from hearing the way you said it, full of pride.
Bragging about how I am your very first friend ever? The only real friend you've got?
...no, that is certainly something you can't brag about!
And, that is how I gain another achievement in my life.
[Achievement acquired★! Taming—I mean, Befriending the prince★!]