Chương 75: midday of a requiem.

"Dammit kid, you're gonna give me an ulcer one of these days."

Prince Leon leaned against the open courtyard door, a lit cigarette hanging between his lips. A trail of gray smoke curled lazily towards the blue sky. Warm sunlight filtered through the leaves of a large evergreen, casting dappled shadows over Damian as he sat on a wooden bench.

He glanced at his uncle, then returned his attention to the bubbling water fountain in the center of the courtyard. Small birds tittered and hopped about, pecking at the ground. There weren't many quiet and peaceful places in a city as large as Rosweiss, but the central courtyard of Rossheim Palace offered a brief respite from the hell of the world outside.

Damian cleared his throat.

"…Sorry for causing trouble," he said, his eyes downcast.

"Who you apologizing to? 'Cause it sure as hell shouldn't be me."