Looking at the details displayed before him, Austin sighed softly as he contemplated what to do with both ladies.
He could tell that neither Sana nor Mae was unsettled or skeptical about the rumors going around the palace about the Fourth Prince.
They had both watched the little prince grow up, and they understood the reasons for his lack of interest in training and combat, which started a few years ago.
Also, the rumors and his lackadaisical behavior towards training never weakened the vow they made to his late mother to protect him for as long as they continued to serve him.
Just like Sue, Sana and Mae were very loyal to the Fourth Prince's mother, and they were prepared to do anything to support him.
Their loyalty level had recently risen due to what they had observed in Austin's behavior over the past few days.
Their respect for him had also grown significantly after seeing how hard he trained with Mira, how he shared stories with Lina during his spare time, and how affectionately he treated them, resting on their laps as he spent time with them.
But above all, Austin's decision to free Lily, just to make both sisters happy, had touched the hearts of both maids, and it had reshaped how they saw the prince.
Now, they were curious to see how he would live with his two wives on the Western Estate, and they were eager to serve not only him, but his wives as well.
Thus, because he understood their reasons for wanting to come along, Austin permitted them to join him.
The maids bowed respectfully and thanked him before hurrying off to pack their belongings.
He watched them go with a smile, then he noticed Sue heading toward him with a teasing smirk on her lips.
"Oh my, the wedding's still two weeks away, and you're already charming the maids? I wonder how your wives will feel when they hear about this."
Austin simply rolled his eyes as his smile widened, but anything he wanted to say in response was soon forgotten when he noticed his guards walking toward him, with their captain leading them.
A transparent screen suddenly popped up in front of him, and Austin glanced at the profile of the captain.
=====
[Leo]
> Age: 38
> Race: Human
> Title: Captain Of The Fourth Prince's Guards, Former Ninth Commander Of the Von Jurgen Household.
> Loyalty Level: Level 2.
> Class: Exorcist (Swordsman).
> Power Rank: Fourth Order.
> Magical Affinity: Wind.
> Identification: One of the former commanders of the Von Jurgen Household who became a captain of the fourth prince's guards ever since the death of the prince's mother.
=====
Within the palace, the fourth prince had a total of ten retainers working for him, which included his Aunt, the eunuch, his two maids, and six guards.
But among the six guards working for him, Leo was the captain of his guards.
The captain approached Austin and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Highness. All the preparations have been made, and everyone is ready to head over to the Jade Mansion. My men and I will do everything in our power to ensure you and your household arrive safely."
Austin nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Captain. We'll be leaving shortly."
The captain acknowledged Austin's words as he stood up, then he began glancing sideways as though he was trying to make sure no one else would overhear what he was about to say.
Noticing this, Austin asked with a puzzled look on his face. "What is it?"
"Your Highness." The Captain whispered as he leaned closer to Austin's ear. "My men and I believe the Third Prince might be up to something."
"What do you mean?"
"The Third Prince was seen leaving the palace this morning earlier than usual."
If Galen left the palace a lot earlier than was usual for him, there could only be one reason why he would do such a thing today of all days, and Austin knew just why.
But seeing how determined his brother was to have his head, Austin couldn't help but wonder if there was something he could do to prevent his brother's plan from succeeding.
Meanwhile, the captain noticed Austin's worried expression, and he whispered once again.
"Your Highness, Eunuch Po believes we should try taking a different route to the Jade Mansion. It will take a lot longer, but it should give us the advantage if anyone tries to ambush us on our way to the mansion."
A smile appeared on Austin's lips as he listened to the Captain's words. "Very well. Let's do that. Since everyone is ready to leave, let's set out now. We have a long journey ahead of us."
And with that, everyone made their way towards the carriages, and they quickly departed the palace, setting out in a special formation as they moved through the capital's main road.
Citizens lined the road, and they each stepped aside to watch the Fourth Prince's procession pass.
Their reaction was somewhat lackluster and indifferent, but this was something Austin had expected from them.
The world currently saw him as a lazy prince who was leaving the palace to marry from a disgraced household, so no one would actually feel eager to support him.
But Austin didn't care what the world thought about him, although he couldn't say the same about his wives.
Even if his wives didn't say anything to him, he knew exactly how they felt, and he was prepared to do anything to bring a smile to their faces.
But as for his family, Austin wasn't surprised to see that no one had come to see him off today, and he wouldn't have had it any other way.
He was happy with how he was finally leaving the palace. However, he had come to love the few memories he had made with his wives and aunt in the palace, but he couldn't wait to create even more amazing memories with them at the Jade Mansion.
And once they became husband and wives, Austin knew things would become a lot more physical and exciting as well.
A smile appeared on his lips as he rode his horse gently along the road, but as the procession crossed a certain inn, a man dressed in a green robe gazed upon them from the top floor.
Galen slowly sipped his tea as he watched Austin's party slowly fading into the distance.
"Is everything ready?" He asked, and a figure appeared behind him.
"Yes, Your Highness. We have made preparations, and once the prince leaves the city, my men and I will take immediate action."
Hearing the words of his subordinate, Galen sipped his tea once again as he watched Austin's back fade into the distance. "No hard feelings, little brother." He muttered as he stood.
"But the throne doesn't go to the kind-hearted. It goes to the one who is left standing. And I intend to be the last one standing."