After observing more closely, Shiro realized that it was a young man. He was likely in his early twenties, possessing a composed stillness that hinted at maturity beyond his years.
Not only that, but the mana he emitted hummed with a depth that suggested considerable experience or latent power. A subtle, almost imperceptible shimmer seemed to cling to him, like heat haze on a summer day, hinting at the immense energy he possessed.
The other people in the room didn't meet his gaze directly, their movements and speech becoming deliberate and slow whenever he shifted.
Vincent stopped Shiro a little ways away, offering a small, respectful bow. "We will wait here," he murmured in a low voice.
A prickle of unease ran down Shiro's spine. What's with the sudden shift? he wondered, noticing the contrast in the room's previously relaxed atmosphere.
At this point, the weight of the room's reaction settled upon that individual, and Shiro realized that this was not just a person of great importance but someone who held a high rank within the Official Bureau.
The carefully guarded expressions and subtly lowered gazes of the others spoke volumes about his status.
By the time he finished drawing these unsettling conclusions, Shiro noticed that this young man was approaching them, casting an unnerving silence over the already quiet room.
Every eye followed his movement, a silent current of anticipation flowing through the air. The air grew heavy, thick with unspoken deference, as the young man moved with a quiet, assured confidence.
The closer he got, the more Shiro was able to distinguish the sharp, elegant features of this man.
Blond hair, catching the light like spun gold, framed a face that was both striking and composed. He was quite tall, with a fair complexion that seemed almost luminous. And then there were his eyes…
Green eyes. The unmistakable shade of the imperial family.
His features were sharply defined, his jawline firm, and his gaze held a piercing intensity that seemed to see right through him.
Shiro was now completely certain that this man belonged to or was closely related to the ruling family of the empire.
The Valerius.
By the time he reached where Vincent and Shiro stood, the former immediately executed a deep bow, greeting him with respectful and reserved formality.
"Your Royal Highness," Vincent stated, his voice carefully neutral.
At that moment, a jolt of disbelief ran through Shiro. "Your Royal Highness" was a title exclusively used to address the firstborn son of the current emperor.
There's no way the person standing before me is the actual-
In that instant, Vincent forcefully pressed down on Shiro's head with his hand while maintaining his own deep bow. That hurts.
"I told you these formalities are not necessary," the man in front of them said, his tone cool and devoid of warmth.
Now able to fully see the person without Vincent's hand obstructing his view, Shiro understood with a sinking feeling that it was indeed Prince Leone Valerius, son of the current emperor.
"Nonsense! You know very well that they are necessary," Vincent replied with unwavering confidence.
At that moment, a faint smile, hinting at amusement, could clearly be seen forming on the prince's lips.
"You always behave like this," He muttered, a ghost of a smirk playing on his features.
"And who is this?" he continued, his intense green eyes now fixed on Shiro.
His severe and distant tone sent a shiver of apprehension down the spine of anyone who heard it. His gaze was no different – sharp, calculating, and concealing something vaguely ominous beneath the surface.
Shiro, a slight tremor running through him, was about to respond when Vincent instantly interjected.
"His Royal Highness has tasked me with investigating the whereabouts of the rest of the members of the Ishi family and to confirm if Professor Ishi truly had a son. Hence, I went myself to find him and brought him here," he responded with a note of satisfaction in his voice.
"Ayato's son…" Leo murmured, his gaze momentarily distant, a hint of weariness in his eyes.
Shiro watched him in disbelief, a strange feeling settling in his chest at hearing his father's first name spoken so casually by royalty. His father had never allowed anyone such familiarity.
Ayato…
"So you are his son," he proceeded, his gaze returning to Shiro.
"I can't quite believe that he actually had a family." The way Leo spoke held a petulant undertone, as if slightly annoyed by the revelation.
"Yes. His name is Shiro, the only son of Professor Ishi," Vincent responded shortly and clearly.
"Why are you talking for him?" Leo shifted his attention fully to Shiro, his piercing green eyes scrutinizing him. "Are you mute?"
Shiro couldn't believe this guy's disrespect. He couldn't help but wonder if he treated everyone with such arrogance.
"No, Your Royal Highness, I am not mute," Shiro replied, keeping his voice even despite the tremor in his hands.
"Well then, I hope you will be the one to answer my questions," he said, a sudden, disarming smile flickering across his lips.
Shiro felt a little disheartened by the unexpected shift in expression.
This will probably be a long and uncomfortable day.
"This place is rather crowded. Let's finish our conversation elsewhere," said Leo, his gaze sweeping across the room.
…
Vincent brought the two of them into an office that was just as sophisticated as the other room. The only difference, it lacked the ornate paintings and plush furniture, having only what was strictly necessary for its function as a workspace.
Even so, the polished wood and subtle detailing spoke of understated yet impressive luxury.
Vincent, noticing the brief flicker of appreciation in Shiro's eyes as he took in the office, felt a subtle warmth of pride, a slight hint of a smile gracing his lips.
"No one will interrupt you here," he said quietly while efficiently preparing tea and arranging a small plate of delicate snacks.
It seemed peculiar to Shiro that, given Vincent's obvious high status, other attendants or servants weren't present to handle these tasks. However, Vincent seemed genuinely pleased to be able to serve the prince himself, his movements precise and attentive.
The brief silence that followed was broken when Leo, with a languid grace, began to speak.
"You are well aware that your father was a renowned doctor, aren't you?" Leo said, his gaze steady as he brought the delicate teacup to his lips.
Shiro replied, keeping his tone respectful yet firm, "I am aware that my father was recognized for his exceptional skills in the art of medicine, Your Royal Highness."
"And yet," Leo continued, a hint of amusement in his voice, "little was ever truly known about that old man, ha... he rarely shared anything personal."
Leo spoke with a curious blend of confusion and irritation etched on his features. It seemed that a very subtle undercurrent of resentment also flickered beneath the surface of his words.
On the other hand, Shiro remained perplexed by the prince's casual manner of speaking about his deceased father.
Seriously, did someone of such high status truly speak in such informal way, even about serious matters?
"There's no need for you to speak so formally..." Leo said, with a dismissive wave of his hand towards Vincent.
In response, Vincent offered a silent nod and discreetly withdrew from the room, leaving Shiro alone with the prince.
Shiro felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. He was beginning to grow increasingly nervous, the idea of being alone with someone of such immense power, especially a member of the royal family, filled him with unease.
"Shiro," Leo murmured, his gaze softening slightly, "your father was well-received within this empire."
"Yes..." Shiro replied.
"Were you aware," Leo continued, a strange intensity in his voice, "that he personally took care of attending to my family?" He said this with a bold air, as if daring Shiro to contradict him.
"Well, I could sense that..." Shiro said cautiously, choosing his words carefully.
"Not only that," Leo stated, a forced, unsettling smile spreading across his face, "Your father also personally took care of attending and helping me with a certain… inconvenience."
"..."
A cold dread washed over Shiro. He wished with all his heart to be anywhere else. He couldn't fathom why this young man, this prince, continued to deliberately place him in such an uncomfortable situation.
"You see," Leo began, his voice taking on a more personal tone, "since I was born, my body has always been fragile. I was a very sick child for a significant period of time. Simple things like walking were difficult, and my body was frequently ravaged by high fevers."
He paused, his gaze distant for a moment before returning to Shiro. "Of course," he concluded, a hint of something unreadable in his eyes.
"that was until your father arrived."