章 41: Alfonso's whims

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the palace as Harsha prepared to leave. He wore a simple tunic and pyjamas, with his long hair neatly tied back.

Viswa entered the room with a knock and a serious expression. "Arrangements are complete, Your Highness. We can meet them at the shop in the capital as planned."

Harsha nodded with satisfaction. "Good. And what about security?"

"Rama Nayaka has checked for any spies watching us," Viswa replied, his face serious.

"Let's go then," Harsha said,

As they walked through the opulent corridors. Suddenly, a loud, cheerful voice cut through the air. It was Alfonso Deva Raya, the Third Prince.

"HEY BROTHER, WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

Harsha continued walking, ignoring Alfonso's call. Viswa followed closely behind.

Alfonso quickened his pace to catch up. "Hey, why are you ignoring your older brother, Harsha?" he said, a playful smile on his face. "It's been a long time since we talked."

Harsha glanced briefly at Alfonso but kept moving. "I have matters to attend to," he said. "I don't have time for idle chatter right now."

Alfonso's smile wavered for a moment but quickly brightened again. "Oh, come on! It's not every day I get to see my little brother in action. Surely you can spare a few minutes?"

Viswa, keeping his gaze forward and maintaining his composed demeanour, whispered, "Your Highness, we should stick to our schedule."

Harsha gave a brief nod in acknowledgement. "Brother, if you'll excuse us, we have some places to visit."

Without waiting for a response, Alfonso gave Harsha a hearty pat on the shoulder. "Eh! No need to be so formal. Today, your older brother will tag along with you."

Harsha opened his mouth to protest, but Alfonso cut him off with a grin. "No arguments! I insist. Your older brother will buy you anything you want today. Let's head to the market!"

With that, Alfonso's cheerful energy seemed to fill the corridor, leaving Harsha and Viswa with little choice but to accommodate his unexpected company.

Harsha let out a deep sigh and said, "Fine."

As he spoke, he noticed Narayana and Varun walking down the hallway. Harsha waved them over, gesturing for them to join him and Alfonso. Both men, initially surprised by the sudden change in their plans, quickly complied. They knew better than to question Harsha's decisions, especially when his temper was involved. They swiftly retrieved their swords and met at the palace gate.

"Greetings to the Third Prince Alfonso and the Youngest Prince Harsha," Narayana and Varun said in unison, offering a salute. "We have been assigned as the guards of the young prince during his brief visit to the capital market."

Alfonso's expression shifted slightly, showing brief seriousness at the presence of the guards, but his smile quickly returned. "It's fine, HAHA! You can tag along," he said with a hearty laugh.

Turning to Harsha with an eager grin, Alfonso asked, "So, Harsha, where do you want to go? Your brother will buy you lots of treats today!"

He playfully pinched Harsha's cheek, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Harsha, however, remained indifferent to Alfonso's antics. He glanced at Narayana and Varun, who stood ready, then replied, "Maybe we could start with the pottery and steel workshops."

Alfonso's eyes lit up even more, clearly delighted by the idea. "Pottery and steel workshops? Excellent choice! Let's get going then."

Alfonso strolled through the bustling streets of the capital, his aide—a woman with long black hair and piercing jet-black eyes—trailing closely behind him. Harsha's attention shifted from Alfonso to Viswa, who walked beside him.

"Make the meeting for tomorrow," Harsha murmured. "This guy will take me around the whole day."

Viswa nodded slightly. "Understood, Your Highness. We don't really need to report to them anyway. I've anticipated any obstacles, and if we're not there by the appointed time, they'll stop waiting."

"Ah, that's great," Harsha replied.

As they continued through the vibrant market, Alfonso's exuberance was on full display. He suddenly stopped in front of a colourful pottery stall and picked up a vase, holding it up.

"Harsha, look at this vase!" Alfonso exclaimed, a broad smile stretching across his face. "Your big brother will buy it if you like it. I'm very rich, you know," he added with a smug look, clearly enjoying his role as the generous older sibling.

Harsha glanced at the vase with indifference, then at Alfonso's eager face, and replied simply, "Sure."

"Come on, Harsha, smile a bit," he urged, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He reached over and pinched the sides of Harsha's cheeks, trying to coax a smile from him.

"Come on, please just once," Alfonso pleaded, his voice almost sing-song.

Harsha remained stoic, shaking his head. "No."

"Your Highness, you are making Prince Harsha uncomfortable," the aide interjected, her tone stern as she pinched Alfonso's ear in a gentle manner.

"It hurts, let go! I won't do it," Alfonso pouted, rubbing his ear.

Harsha ignored the exchange looking at the vibrant streets. He had met Alfonso a few months ago and had experienced similar antics. Alfonso had dragged him around town, treating him to various sweets and trinkets. Despite his reluctance, Harsha had grown accustomed to the Third Prince's nature.

The day continued with Alfonso energetically pulling Harsha through the market, where he bought an assortment of items—pottery, sweets, and trinkets.

As evening approached, they arrived at a forge situated at the edge of the city. The forge was renowned for its fine craftsmanship and the master blacksmith was known for his exceptional skills.

Alfonso stepped inside and called out, "Master, do you have a good sword for my little brother?"

The master blacksmith emerged from the shadows, his eyes keenly assessing Harsha's build. After a moment's consideration, he retrieved a magnificent sword from his collection and handed it to Harsha. The hilt of the sword was adorned with an embedded ruby and crafted from wootz steel, a witness to its superior quality.

"This young'un probably needs a sword like this," the master said with a nod.

Harsha took the sword and swung it in a few practice arcs, feeling the balance and weight of the weapon. "This is nice," he said, admiring the craftsmanship.

"YOU LIKE IT?!" Alfonso exclaimed, his excitement palpable. He turned to the master blacksmith, saying, "Master, I'll buy this for my little brother."

The blacksmith smiled, nodding in agreement. "It's a fine choice, Your Highness. I'm sure he'll find it useful."

Harsha, Viswa, Varun, and Narayana made their way back to the palace, their arms laden with the various items Alfonso had bought throughout the day. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden light over the palace.

As they approached the palace entrance, Alfonso turned to Harsha with a broad grin. "Bye, little brother! See you later," he called out, waving energetically. His cheerful voice echoed through the grand hallway as he began to walk towards his own quarters.