After questioning Spencer about his condition, Leonard sensed something was amiss. Having dealt with many people in his previous life, he was certain that Spencer wasn't trying to hide the information.
Instead, he seemed to be restricted in not being able to speak about the topic.
"Forget it, I'll figure it out on my own in the future." Leonard waved his hand and ordered, "Get the people ready and make sure it is a grand exit. As the Crown Prince, I can't let others think I'm shabby."
"Yes, Crown Prince." Spencer placed his right hand on his chest and nodded.
At the same time, he heaved a sigh of relief that Leonard didn't pursue the matter.
Nevertheless, he was already prepared for a harsh scolding or reprimand when he went behind Leonard's back to convince Mirelle to tutor him during the bon voyage.
Either way, Spencer knew that if there was another situation similar to this, Leonard might just transfer him away.
As Spencer excused himself to get everything ready, Leonard remained in the chamber.
He was pondering over the next move based on this action. 'No point in crying over spilled milk.'
Leonard had dealt with many unexpected variables and factors before, so he wouldn't panic or lose his composure.
Instead, the only solution to such a matter was to remain calm. Once the mind was calm, the brain could function smoothly and come up with multiple ideas to counteract.
Time went by, and Leonard exited the palace's gate. He was then promptly greeted by Spencer.
"Lady Mirelle is waiting inside the carriage," Spencer informed him.
Leonard simply nodded and boarded the carriage. He needed to let Spencer know about his displeasure, lest the former might continue to do things behind his back.
Spencer also knew he crossed the line this time, so he didn't expect to be forgiven immediately. All he cared about was the crown prince being able to step into the path of a mage.
"If the Crown Prince was to lose a single piece of his hair, then you can just disappear." Spencer turned to Curtis and warned solemnly.
Curtis knelt on one knee and bowed his head, an indication that he had received the order.
Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Leonard was graced by the sight of an elegant woman.
Just like the magic tutor list, Mirelle Asthorne appeared almost identical to what was stated.
"I greet the Crown Prince." Mirelle stood up and gave him a polite greeting politely.
Despite the politeness, Leonard could sense some resentment contained in the tone. If it were anyone else, then Leonard wouldn't have found it surprising.
However, the tone came from Mirelle who was known to be gentle.
'I never met her beforehand, so why would she be resenting me?' Leonard was perplexed.
Nevertheless, he still acknowledged her greeting and introduced himself.
"Good morning, Lady Mirelle. I may be the Crown Prince of Aldros, but I would prefer the form of address to be either Leonard or Leon."
"That would be impolite and against protocol."
"Is that so?"
Silent, Leonard proceeded to take his seat and closed his eyes. Since it was evident that Mirelle currently held no interest in a conversation, then why should he try to initiate one?
When Mirelle noticed Leonard closing his eyes and seemingly taking a nap, she was dissatisfied.
'What was the emperor thinking in appointing someone like him as the Crown Prince?' Mirelle furrowed her brows.
She had sought equality, but just 3 days ago, someone named Spencer had arrived at the Aldros Imperial Academy. She initially thought it was another servant from a noble house intending to recruit her, but was later informed the elderly man was an Eighth Circle Mage and a trusted aide of the Crown Prince.
With such a prestigious identity, Mirelle had no choice but to agree to the meet-up.
Yet who could have thought the elderly man completely disgraced the status of an Eighth Circle Mage and even threatened to shut down the equality system of the academy if she refused to tutor the Crown Prince?
'At age 15 and still can't form a magic circle. If this isn't an inept mage, then what is it?' Mirelle frowned deeply.
Sometime later, the carriage began moving and Mirelle couldn't withstand her curiosity further.
"Crown Prince, may I ask why you wish to recruit me as the magic tutor?"
"I didn't recruit you. Fate chose you."
"Fate?"
Leonard nodded and inquired, "I've answered yours, so why don't you answer mine? I've heard you refused many noble houses for private tutoring, so why did you agree to tutor me?"
"..."
Silent, Mirelle's brain nearly short-circuited and thought the crown prince was toying with her.
She pursed her lips and wondered what kind of tragedy was befalling her. She might not be restricted by the imperial family of Aldros due to being a part of the Mage Association, but it wouldn't do her any good if she had bad blood with the crown prince.
"Your servant, Spencer Reed, threatened to revoke the academy's equality policy if I didn't agree." She said begrudgingly.
Nodding, Leonard finally understood how Spencer managed to convince someone like Mirelle to agree to a request so quickly.
'Spence is indeed a talent to have.' Leonard thought.
"Well, pardon my question, but I was only informed about your presence now. Either way though, Spence's intention was the same as mine. If you want the commoners to have a chance to rise, then you best devote yourself fully during this time." He calmly said.
"You—" Mirelle didn't expect Leoanrd to be unaware of the conversation between her and Spencer. But then she was once again left frustrated when Leonard went on to emphasize that his viewpoint was similar to Spencer's.
"When you want something in life, you must be ready to give something up in return." Leonard coldly remarked.
"You don't think the Crown Prince title is something I can just have without offering any sacrifices, right? If you believe that to be the case, then I must say your ideology would never be realized in this lifetime."