"Making a prince do clerical work is quite bold."

"It is a good opportunity for him to learn about his own country."

Even if it would normally be unthinkable, for someone who would become king in the future, it was not a bad experience.

When Qiong Xing requested his presence, Brat arrived running in less than a few minutes after the communication ended.

After hearing the situation, he agreed readily, and the three of them worked together on sorting the documents.

"Brat, are you afraid of His Excellency the prime minister?"

Qiong Xing asked casually, suddenly curious.

Unexpectedly, Brat shook his head.

"I used to think that way too, but after seeing him talk with yo... I mean, Mother, I stopped thinking like that."

Perhaps still not used to it, Brat’s way of speaking was awkward.

Qiong Xing had told him he did not need to force it, but Brat insisted on calling him "Mother," so Qiong Xing respected that decision.

"He is a kind person who answers properly when asked. However, he is also someone who is extremely busy. If he judges something to be pointless or unproductive, he will cut it off without hesitation."

That might be why he sometimes felt cold.

But anyone would become irritated if they were made to do meaningless work while busy.

If someone only dragged him down, it was only natural they would be discarded.

"So the fact that Brat is still being taught various things now means that he acknowledges you. Even if he does not say it, he is properly watching your efforts."

Qiong Xing smiled and said, "That is good," and Brat also smiled happily and nodded in response.

...

"Oh, you are awake? Perfect timing. Let us take a break together. I will prepare food, so please go wash your face."

With that, Sergei was pushed out of the room.

When he returned after washing his face, food had already been prepared on the table.

"Welcome back. Let’s eat together."

Sergei knew it was meant for him, but what had been placed there was something called onigiri, which he had never eaten before, and a brown soup that looked like muddy water called miso soup.

The prince and the old man were eating it as if it were normal, so he tried it as well, and his eyes widened at the taste.

"It is good."

"I am glad it suits your taste. There is more, so please have seconds if you want."

Perhaps because he had rested a little and felt refreshed, his suddenly returning appetite drove him to keep eating whatever was placed in front of him.

"I understand you are busy, but please make sure you eat properly. A body that is hungry, and a mind that has not slept, are both inefficient for work."

"Understood. I will be more careful from now on."

"You are quite different with him than with me, aren’t you."

Of course it is, you damn old man.

"You probably told him something like, ’Can you not even manage your own health properly?’ right? If you are worried, why not just say you are worried clearly?"

"..."

"..."

Qiong Xing’s blunt remark left Mr. Paulo unable to say anything as if it was too childish to admit.

Sergei, on the other hand, seemed unsure how to respond at all.

Seeing the two of them fall silent, Qiong Xing sighed and quietly handed over another serving of miso soup. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"To think you would be the one scolding these two. As expected of Mother."

At the prince’s muttered comment, Qiong Xing turned his face away and pretended he had not heard anything.

"Alright, alright. Once you finish eating properly, it is back to work. Brat also seems to have something he wants to say, so please listen to him."

Feeling satisfied after a long time of eating a proper meal, Qiong Xing nodded and began reviewing the documents handed to him.

"I found irregularities in this budget report. The numbers are clearly off. The totals are significantly higher than other departments, and the purpose is too unclear. Mother rechecked the submitted documents and recalculated them, and there are multiple errors that cannot simply be called mistakes."

"...You noticed that?"

"I only glanced at it, but I noticed something strange in the calculations, so I thought it should be corrected and had Brat verify it."

It was something he would not have noticed under normal circumstances because he did not usually check that closely.

Looking at it now, the amounts had been gradually increasing over the past several years.

Comparing it to seven years ago, the difference was clearly significant.

"Then you were gradually increasing it so it would not be noticed."

It was Sergei’s fault for not checking the details carefully.

"I apologize. Thank you for noticing it."

"That is the result of how you have teach the prince so far. I should be the one thanking you."

"Um, I also... thank you, as always."

Instead of being blamed, they suddenly said thanks to him, and Sergei did not know how to respond.

Sergei had agreed to help teach the prince at Qiong Xing’s request and he had also considered the prince future potential.

In fact, he had been pleased to see that he was motivated, so there was nothing to be thanked for.

The prince had changed from a selfish and spoiled prince into someone hardworking, and he followed him without complaint even when treated strictly.

"...I did nothing."

"You are being praised, so you should just accept it and be happy. You really have not changed since before."

"Shut up, old man."

"In my eyes, you two are quite similar."

"..."

"..."

There is no way that is true.

"Sometimes you do need to push yourself, but it is also important not to overdo it. There is not much I can do, but if you ask, I will help as well. Brat is here too, and even Mr. Paulo, who pretends not to worry but actually does, is here. So please just say something when you need help."