Charlton drove his new car, the Marcedes Simplex which looked much more appealing than the Benz Victoria and other cars that has been sold so far. According to Ben, his cousin signed an agreement to a certain fella who has modeled the design. Now, the company name has been changed to Mercedes-benz. Though that is in the kingdom of origin. In Windsor, their company name was still Benz-Daniel.
He has not driven it for long distance since when it arrived, he was about to leave for Torton the next day. Anyway, when he test drive it, it was only inside their ducal mansion, and he was not able to test the speed too much. Now, however, he was able to appreciate the speed more.
He thought that he would arrive at the port in 1 and a half hour, but because of its speed, he was able to arrive in just an hour, and that is considering that the road wasn't as smooth as inside the capital.
--
When Charlton arrived at the port of Cornwell, he was just in time to see that the ship Alphonso which came from Alighieri dock. He was standing beside his Simplex waiting for Kylo to disembark.
He felt people staring, and he was not sure if its him they were staring at, or the car, for he was sure it was a head turner. It was a good thing that he exited the entertainment industry early, for if not, he was afraid that people would flock to him like whenever Serena goes out in public.
Even so, he was still very popular, especially given his contributions through the ministry of works.
While waiting, some people who recognized him came and asked for his autograph. Having no choice, he smiled and wrote some nice message to the notebook or whatever surface they wish him to write in.
--
Kylo smiled as he exited the ship. He missed Windsor. Has it already been a year? Time went by so fast. Although it was not his kingdom, it was his second home. Aside from that, he had very fond memories there, plus his friends were there too.
He looked down from the ship and his eyes immediately gravitated to the Mercedes Simplex. His eyes couldn't help but widen. That Ben Ringer was playing favorites!
After he graduated, he also negotiated and came to an agreement with Ben so that they can open a retail store of cars in Alighieri. He became the investor and they started selling cars there. The business was booming and he's making lots of money.
Just last month, he received notice that they have a new model to be released, and it will come out for sale in 3 months. He read that it can run as fast as 50mph, and it was just crazy. There have only been 3 models produced so far so he has to line up for one.
But deym! He sent one to Charlton right away. Well, he knew it must be Charlton's as who else would he own that car? UGHHHHH!!!! He can't help but feel envious.
He walked faster to get nearer the car and saw that Charlton was already surrounded by people of no significance and was giving them autographs. He cleared his throat to announce his presence.
--
Charlton looked up only to see that Kylo was already there. He could not help but be delighted to see his friend after a year. It's the longest they have been separated in their 22 years of life. He handed the notebook back to the person, and despite that there were still other people in line, he excused himself.
"Kylo, man! It's been a while. I missed you." Charlton said with a smile and walked over to give Kylo a manly hug.
Kylo hugged him back, "Charlie, I missed you too. Indeed! It has been." He replied. Then when they let go, he went to see the car. He whistled. "Deym! This looks better than the picture from the brochures. How's the ride?"
"Really good. Want to try driving it till we reach the ducal mansion?" Charlton offered.
Kylo shook his head, "Maybe tomorrow. I want to, but this looks too new. I'm not sure how it operates."
Charlton chuckled, "It's similar to the others, I'll show you on the way back. Where are your escorts?"
Just when he asked, Kylo's valet and another servant arrived.
"Ok, they're here. Let's go!" Kylo said excitedly.
--
"So, how long will you be staying here for?" Charlton asked as he drove.
"I won't stay long. After Via's graduation, I will head to Militeia with her. Her social debut would come after a few days, and I want to be there when that happens. Anyway, how have you been lately?"
"Busy. I just came back from Torton this morning. How about you?"
"I see, so that's why I couldn't reach you since last month that I have to resort to writing. The telephone network here in Windsor is so advanced, while in Alighieri, we only have one phone in the palace, and one in the post office. You have no idea how much I have been scolded for using the palace telephone to call Via. 'Kylo, that's for official business only!', ugh! Why don't you lend me Alexander so that he can fix it for us?"
Charlton chuckled, "No can do, we still have a lot of places to cover here in Windsor. Maybe next year."
"Ah! I never imagined that we will where we're at now. When we're younger, you're the one who used to follow my example, now it's the opposite! But, I sure am happy for you. I can't believe that my best friend was the one dubbed as the most promising youth of our age! By the way, how's Leonard?" Kylo asked. He wanted to ask about Geoffrey too, but he knew that Charlton didn't want to talk about him. Not that they have enmity, but well, he was seeing his intended behind his back.
"Leonard's also busy being the vice minister of finance. He has a lot of work to do especially that the first meeting of house of lords this year would be tomorrow. By the way, don't you wish to visit him? We're near their ducal estate."
"Nah, we'll see each other tomorrow, he will sure be present for his sister's graduation. I want to see Via first."
"Whatever happened to your motto bros first? I even came to fetch you before seeing my girlfriend."
"I'm so touched Charlie. But stop spouting nonsense. I bet you gave her a call first."
The two of them began laughing. It has been a year since they last met, but with their friendship, they were still able to bond like they have not been apart for long.
The ride back to the ducal mansion took them an hour and a half as they had to make stops along the way for Kylo to try driving the car. Since it was similar to the way the others were driven, Kylo was able to learn it quickly.
Since there was no roof for the car, they had to freshen up again before heading to the school and visiting their respective girlfriends.
--
TBC