Three Years After I Was Betrayed By Humanity

After living in isolation in a deserted place for three years, there was a sudden knock on the door.

This was a highly strange phenomenon.

What’s even more strange was that the person outside the door was not an innocent passerby who had lost his way, nor a thief trying to rob the house, nor a fugitive that was on the interstellar wanted list, but someone… who I once knew.

To be precise, I used to fight side by side with this man.

Perhaps it was the change from my indifferent expression to a genuine surprise, or perhaps I had opened the door too violently, but it took him some time to relieve himself from embarrassment before flashing me an awkward smile, “It’s been a while.”

He had always been excessively handsome, and there was not an inch of aggressiveness within his facial features.
It was the kind that was very suitable for being a diplomat, as he could easily make others feel relaxed and comfortable with his looks.

I held the door with one hand and stared at him, as I tried my best to remember his name, but failed miserably.
“Long time no see.” I greeted him calmly with the social etiquette between two adults.

We were both stuck in awkward silence for a few seconds after that.

Finally, after clearing his throat slightly, he revealed the object that he held in his hands, “I haven’t seen you for a long time, so I have brought you a gift.
I wonder if your preferences changed over the years?”

Oh, I remember this bottle.
It used to be my favorite mead in the past, but because it was too expensive and I could never afford it, the only time I could drink it back then was when I met with the local rich nobles.

… Ah! I remember now.

I somewhat recall this man being referred to as the ‘Crown Prince’, which meant that he must be the prince of the empire.

“Thank you.” I reached out immediately for the bottle, but because I still could not remember his name, I decided to just go with the usual title – ‘Your Highness’.

“It’s been a while since I heard someone call me that, it feels somewhat nostalgic.” The man smiled.

“You’ve finally been ousted?” I blurted out.

The polite smile that was always plastered on the prince’s face seemed to stiffen for half a second.

“I ascended the throne two and a half years ago,” He explained the situation to me gently, “In fact, I proposed to invite you to my coronation, but…”

He paused awkwardly as if it pained him to continue.

“But nobody agreed to it, right?” I completed the second half of his sentence indifferently, but my hand was already twisting the cap of the wine bottle, “Then, Your High… Your Majesty, what brings you here today?”

Hearing my words, he flashed me a smile once again, as if the awkward scene from before did not happen, “I’m just here to catch up with an old friend, no special reason or occasion is required that, I presume?”

To be honest, I didn’t quite believe him, because every time his words came out so meek and gentle, it usually meant that he needed something.

After I took a sip from the wine bottle, the man spoke again, “So, would my old friend invite me into the house for a chat?”

I believe there’s a nee