Such an incident had also tarnished his reputation, making him one of the least respected princes.
Of course, he claimed that it was a lie and that he had been framed. However, the only person who believed his words was the King. Given Alden's reputation as one of the most diligent and hardworking Princes in the royal family, the King suspected something was wrong and decided to personally investigate the matter.
However, the damage had already been done, leaving the King with no recourse but to proceed with Alden's punishment.
Upon hearing Princess Morgana's words, Prince Alden was momentarily shaken and grew nervous. He understood the potential consequences if word got out about his return to the shop.
However, his confidence surged when he recalled that Orion had accompanied him there.
Suddenly, Prince Alden observed from the corner of his eye as the shopkeeper walked into the waiting area with a broad smile, only to abruptly freeze in his tracks upon witnessing the unfolding confrontation.
The shopkeeper took a deep gulp and hesitated, with fear in his steps, as he approached the scene, fully aware of who the two sides were.
Observing this exchange, Prince Alden's confidence surged as he realised he was untouchable, given his presence alongside Orion.
Princess Morgana witnessed the shopkeeper's entrance and was about to speak with him when she noticed her fourth brother's sudden confident expression. She became intensely irritated by his composure. "What is it? Don't tell me you've already forgotten what you've done?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at him in irritation.
Prince Alden exhaled lightly and shook his head in response. "No, I haven't forgotten. Nonetheless, I am here for official royal business, so I can assure you there is a very important reason for my presence," he replied.
"Why are you doing this to yourself, Prince Alden? This is so embarrassing," remarked one of the girls beside Princess Morgana, shaking her head in disgust.
Her name is Glynrie Haldir. She is the youngest daughter of the leader of the Haldir household, who are nobles and count among the royal family's extended relatives.
The two other girls nodded in agreement, their faces displaying disdain.
Princess Morgana snorted, quickly discerning his lie. With her first and second brothers, first sister, and third brother present, all of whom were equally diligent and still held respected status within the kingdom, there was no logical reason to send him, especially for a matter related to royalty.
Nonetheless, she had become tired of speaking with her fourth brother and immediately turned her attention to the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper froze, sweat building up at the back of his head as he met with the sixth Princess's gaze.
"Shopkeeper Pyne, why did you allow fourth Prince Alden into this shop?" Princess Morgana asked.
"He..." The shopkeeper began to stammer under the weight of the powerful gazes fixed upon him. After inhaling deeply and exhaling, he regained his composure and said, "Prince Alden arrived with a very important guest, so it would have been unwise to turn them away," he responded, his expression wavering as he wore a light smile.
A frown immediately furrowed Princess Morgana's brow as she heard the shopkeeper's response. If Alden had brought an important figure with him, it made sense for Shopkeeper Pyne to allow them both in, so he doesn't incur the wrath of said individual.
However, despite her efforts, Princess Morgana couldn't fathom who would risk crossing the entire Bryer household, whom Alden had embarrassed and offended simply because of their relationship with him.
Princess Morgana shifted her focus towards Prince Alden, "Who is it that you came h--" However, just as she was about to open her mouth and speak, she was immediately interrupted.
"Mr Orion, are you done already?" Prince Alden interjected as he rushed forward, passing by Princess Morgana and her friends.
Princess Morgana's words froze on her lips when she heard Prince Alden's. She couldn't help but doubt her ears, checking to see if she had misunderstood what she had just heard. It wasn't just her; even the other three girls beside her froze.
Princess Morgana turned around with the others to see who it was, and they immediately froze in their positions, staring wide-eyed at the person before them.
They were all present at the Pixies Kingdom's border earlier today and knew he was in the kingdom. However, they had never expected him to be with fourth Prince Alden.
Witnessing the scene as Orion and Prince Alden communicated with smiles, Princess Morgana and the others immediately realised that the important individual that Orion had brought to the store with him was Orion himself.
Shopkeeper Pyne's shoulders dropped helplessly in defeat as he observed this scene. He hoped his shop would survive whatever fate was about to befall it.
"You are right, Mr Orion, it does look good on you. However, is that all you would like to get?" Prince Alden asked.
Orion nodded in response, "Yes, I've already picked up some extras, so I'm good for now," he replied.
Since the shopkeeper had offered him anything he wanted for free, Orion had seized the opportunity to select another attire identical to the one he was currently wearing, along with a few more garments with unique characteristics that piqued his interest for later experimentation, storing them safely within the mountain.
"Okay, then. We can't afford to waste any more time, so let's head to our second location," Prince Alden responded.
However, Orion's attention was immediately drawn forward as he noticed a familiar figure heading their way.
"Mr Orion, I didn't expect to see you here," Princess Morgana said, swiftly approaching Orion.
"I just arrived here with Prince Alden to get myself some new attire before starting the task," Orion responded, his gaze fixed on Princess Morgana's figure.
Unlike the emerald gown she wore earlier today, Princess Morgana was now dressed in a thigh-high emerald and yellow mixed-coloured dress. Her beautiful transparent wings stretched outwards, and her blond hair neatly packed into a ponytail.