Ijemaru looked around at the underground library. So many books, he was comfortable with books. Books were pure in their goal of passing on knowledge whether that knowledge was true or false. And books didn't engage in physical combat, only tests and trials of wit. He was rather fond of libraries. It was nice to know he and the prince shared something in common; readers tend to get along more easily than the uneducated. Even if it was a fake or forged friendship, both could be able to keep up the act.<br/><br/>When he noticed that the prince was holding up his tablet again, Ijemaru looked over and read it. He smiled at Eurich. "That's alright, I don't mind." He laughed slightly, "At least I'm not allergic to dust or anything. But you know..." he continued, "This really is a beautiful library... Not just in its size, but the quality of the books too." He wandered over to the wall and stroked the spines of some of the works. "There are some rarities in here; big names, excellent works of literature."<br/><br/>A little of himself was showing through, his passion for knowledge, art, and the works left behind by true geniuses. But that was fine. Truth made lies more believable. But... it didn't have to be a lie, did it? He had something in common with Eurich. Just because they'd be competing for the throne, didn't mean they couldn't be friends, did it? No, he decided, it didn't. They could certainly become real friends.<span style="font-style: italic">So then,</span>Ijemaru thought,<span style="font-style: italic">No lies with Eurich. There isn't any need.</span><br/><br/>Ijemaru turned to the prince and smiled. "Do you have any favorites?" he asked. "I've read many of these, maybe we could discuss them?" Of course, not lying meant he couldn't pretend to be just a little kid that liked playing games. He liked games alright, but he was more... matured than that. He hoped Eurich wouldn't mind too much as it became more obvious.<br/><br/>---------------<br/><br/>Claudius' and Miku's attentions was caught as the king addressed his guests. After the message was received, Miku sighed internally. She'd just have to spend more time with this girl. Poor thing had no idea who she was dancing with. But that was the way she wanted it, wasn't it? She wanted to pass herself off as a man to society? That she'd attracted this girl meant she was doing a good job of it. But still... it made her feel kind of... dirty.<br/><br/>---------------<br/><br/>Amadeus Hisuka followed the other nobles and dignitaries into the next chamber. He politely left his pipe where it was, as Ijemaru had warned him not to pick up any of those sorts of bad habits. He sat quietly and waited as everyone filed their way into the room. He was actually slightly nervous on the inside. He'd done things like this so many times it was natural to him. But if he somehow screwed up... he didn't want to face his son's punishment.<br/><br/>How sad it was. His own son had so far surpassed him in intelligence, power, authority, and presence, that he was actually afraid of him-- though he'd be damned if he'd admit it. Still though, the look he could give when someone displeased him...  Ugh, he held in a shiver.