Not Your Perfect Prince
Promise and Purpose

In the afternoon.

"What do you mean, William?"

Looking towards William who had won the championship, Reinhart felt puzzled.

"I told you. I did win this game, but it was just a title. You are the real winner.

Therefore ... All those gifts, I don't need them! You can take it!"

"..."

"I've spoken to the organizers. They agree to transfer gifts to others. I agreed and signed everything.

You have to take it yourself."

Reinhart felt somewhat dazed.

"Thank you?" he said with a doubtful expression.

"No need to thank me. I lost, so it's natural. Even ... I lost at peak condition."

After saying that, William looked towards Reinhart. Compared to the figure who was fighting crazily on the battlefield, the young man in front of him clearly looked lazy and tasteless!

Shaking his head, William said.

"You only won this time. There's no next time! Because next time ... I will defeat you in a landslide! Just like you did before!"

After saying that, William left.

Reinhart blinked with a blank expression. Seeing the back of the young man walking away, he shrugged his shoulders.

'At least, in this way I can get the items I need.'

Just a few minutes after William left, Reinhart was startled by the arrival of a fat gray cat.

The cat walked into the room with all four of its short legs.

"Tom?"

Looking at the fat cat, Reinhart's expression instantly turned strange.

"What are you doing here?"

MEOW!

The cat meowed before finally walking towards the bed where Reinhart lay. The creature looked solemn, making the silver-haired prince shocked. Tom immediately jumped up, but due to his fat body .. he couldn't even get on the bed and fell back to the floor.

MEOW!

Tom immediately meowed in a dissatisfied tone.

Looking at the cat, the corner of Reinhart's lips twitched. He had never seen a cat that could not jump!

Getting off his bed, Reinhart grabbed the gray cat with both hands. He then sat up and lifted the cat.

"What are you doing here, Tom?"

MEOW!

In response, Tom meowed while touching Reinhart's forehead with his front legs.

Sensing the soft and supple soles of a cat's feet on his forehead, Reinhart tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

"You ... worried about me?"

Seeing the cat staring at him with both round and innocent eyes, Reinhart finally decided to give up. He picked up the cat and stroked its rather short fur, but it was soft and smooth.

"Then ... until when are you going to hide there, Vanessa?"

Hearing Reinhart's words, the sound of falling objects was heard from behind the door.

After a while, Vanessa's figure entered the room followed by the female knight who always accompanied her. Both of them carried some items, apparently fruit and some healing potions. Although not a high level, it was obviously quite expensive.

Holding Tom, Reinhart got off the bed and walked up to them.

"Actually I'm fine. You don't have to bother buying that kind of right. I was just told to rest longer."

"I ..."

Vanessa seemed confused as to what to say. He had trained a lot and prepared a lot of questions, but he ended up saying nothing in front of Reinhart.

Seeing Vanessa's expression, Reinhart smiled gently.

"Thank you so much for coming. Sorry to worry you, Vanessa."

"This ... It's my fault! Because of me, you're pushing yourself too much!"

"..."

Hearing Vanessa's words, Reinhart was stunned for a moment. It was unexpected that the little girl had such thoughts.

After a while, Reinhart finally said.

"How about a walk, Vanessa?"

Vanessa tilted her head with a dazed expression.

After hours later, Reinhart and Vanessa stood on top of the castle's outer walls while looking at the cityscape and the beautiful mountains surrounding it.

"Is there anything you want to tell me, Vanessa?"

Reinhart's sudden questioning took Vanessa by surprise. The girl had indeed prepared herself to say many things to him, but had no chance due to the large number of guests who had come to visit the young man.

"Is ..." Vanessa held on tightly to her dress. "Are you going, Brother Rein?"

Hearing that, Reinhart was immediately shocked. His expression became softer.

"Just this time you called my name directly, right? That's kind of surprising."

Reinhart's slightly seductive remarks made Vanessa's face red.

"Sir Rein!"

Vanessa rushed forward and beat Reinhart's chest. However, his punch was clearly very soft. The girl looked upset.

Seeing that, Reinhart smiled. Not hugging Vanessa, she held onto both of the girl's shoulders then said as she looked directly into her eyes.

"I'm gone, doesn't mean I won't be back, does it?"

"..."

Looking at the sad expression on Vanessa's face, Reinhart again said.

"There's a goal I want to achieve, Vanessa."

"I'll wait!"

"Maybe three years is not enough. After graduation, I should go to the battlefield ... or maybe travel the world."

"I'll wait!"

"You know, even if our parents betrothed us both, you're still too young. You may not know what you feel.

If you can't wait, you can—"

Reinhart was immediately startled by the tears rushing past Vanessa's cheeks.

"Vanessa, kamu—"

"Why do you say as if we can't be together?"

"..."

"Why do you always ask me to find someone else?"

"..."

"Is it because I'm young? Am I not beautiful? Am I not smart? I—"

"Although you're young, you're the ideal type of girl, Vanessa."

"Then why?"

"I .. might not be the best for you."

"I want a place on your side .. is that wrong?"

"I ..." Looking at Vanessa's stern face, Reinhart let out a long sigh. "You have the right to vote, Vanessa. But wait another three years. At least until you are considered an adult and I have graduated from the Starlight Academy then we will discuss it."

Vanessa stretched out her hand, showing her little finger as she said.

"Promise?"

Grabbing the little finger of the girl with his little finger, Reinhart answered softly.

"Promise."

***

Three days later.

After the intercollegiate race was over, everyone started to return to their respective academies.

While Reinhart was satisfied with the gift she received, many people had different thoughts. Especially the other princes.

Losing in a tournament might be one of the reasons, but .. they all have one important reason in common.

When they saw Reinhart's magic, they felt left behind!

Back heading to the academy, the princes had a strong determination in their hearts. Become stronger, stronger, and stronger.

Yep. Without Reinhart knowing ...

What he did would change a lot of what was supposed to happen in the future!

Whether good or bad, no one knew it before the time came. Only time can answer.

>> Connect.