And He Was: And He Was : Mega Dump, #1

By PilinyTheYounger

(BL) Prince Sebastian has spent his entire life huddled in a cloak of solitude, isolated by the weight of his royal responsibilities and the burdens of his past. However, his world is shattered and irreparably transformed when he encounters a mysterious stranger who challenges the boundaries of his solitary existence. As their paths intertwine, Prince Sebastian is faced with a choice that could redefine his future and break the shackles of his loneliness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PilinyTheYounger
• Release date: Apr 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223053675

PilinyTheYounger

PilinyTheYounger has been writing for 5 years, but she was such an idiot she simply never worked up the courage to publish anything until the fifth year. So she's payign for it now by releasing a lot of books. Wish her luck!

Book preview

AND HE WAS...

PilinyTheYounger / Mercury -AND- Fatewells / Dodo

Usually, the castle would be bright, sunny, glowing, and the sun would warm the stone bricks, and people would be milling around making cheerful conversation. Today, however, was dark and gloomy. Clouds hid away the sun and a cold, ruthless wind screamed, whistled, and tumbled across the spires and balconies of the castle. The sky was mourning, even if the people weren't.

Not a single flower was blooming, not a common weed or delicate rose, as if proof of this occurrence, save the pile of bouquets in the middle.

They were piled on top of a delicate, gold-trimmed glass coffin, where two people lay side-by-side. The King and Queen, faced expressionless and peaceful, but there was no one there.

The death was not being mourned by any but one.

A young boy, perhaps 10 or 11, was standing alone, almost blending in with the shadows, on an elaborate stone courtyard. The boy stood still, head lowered, as the rain soaked and ruined his expensive, fashionable black suit, pooling into polished leather shoes, and mixed with the tears dribbling down his face. Water dripped down his chin, green eyes closed and chestnut hair a sodden, tangled mess. At the words of a grey-haired butler, the young boy turned.

It's time to go, Prince Sebastian.

FOOTSTEPS.

A pause.

And then a loud slam as the office doors bammed open and a boy marched in. He gazed upon the scene, a hand on his hip, with a grumpy face, beautiful platinum-blond hair, and eye bags. What is this?! the boy huffed. "Is the paperwork still not done? I gave all of you an extra five minutes."

Everyone in the room flinched, dropping their sponges and buckets, and spun in a bow toward the young prince. Prince Sebastian!

The boy frowned, snapping his fingers. Get to your right minds, people! Is the paperwork going to do itself?!

The people flinched again, going back upright and quickly dispersing as they went off searching for unfinished papers.

Just to give an idea – the office was as large as a ballroom with three floors. There was a brown, central desk where the prince’s father used to work, and generally, piles of documents all over the office that, if damaged would earn a whip for all the servants and maids in the castle. The floors were mostly white marble, but at the library on the very left from when you entered the room, it transformed into a checkered granite. The corners were filled with boxes from an attempt to pack the late king’s items so the prince wouldn’t remember the loss, but this had failed miserably and so the boxes just stayed where they were in the hope that one day the job would be finished.

The point of describing this mess?

It was going to be an extremely difficult job to find that paperwork. One that would most probably require more than an extra five minutes.

One man sighed as he surveyed the spilled water from the failed cleaning job, grabbing a mop and beginning to wipe.

Even. You. the boy, named Sebastian, growled.

The man dropped the mop, pursed his lips, and joined the others, leaving the water to run all over the polished marble tiles.

HAH, THOSE IDIOTS, Sebastian muttered to himself as he headed back toward his office. Ever since his parents had died in an accident, he had been forced to change his personality to that of a tyrant. what was he becoming? he was consciously aware of his attitude, but at the same time couldn't afford to change it. They can’t do anything useful. I wish I could just catch a  break for once; go to town or something.

May I assist you with that, my prince? a voice asked. Right on time.

Sebastian stopped in his tracks, turning around to see a boy his age. He was thin and tall, but he had wide eyes and a smile that could only belong to a person filled with joy. He was wearing a black suit too formal to just be a commoner, a signature blue bowtie popping out from his outfit.

Sebastian snorted. You? Helping me?

Well, my prince, the boy continued. "I am a butler, and I know my way well around the busy town. I can give you the best of experiences."

A butler? the prince echoed, the wheels of his brain turning furiously. ... Perhaps you may, then.

It’s a now-or-never deal. Choose quickly! the butler urged, checking his watch.

Uh – well – maybe – Sebastian gritted his teeth and looked away, the tyrant making a soaring comeback. It took quite the person to boss him around. Okay, fine. I can go with you.

Two minutes, then! the butler exclaimed, grinning. Randomly, it occurred to Sebastian that it had been almost 5 years since he had smiled like that, but the thought faded as quickly as it had come. This will surely be a day to remember, my prince!

Sebastian clenched his fist and raised it. Tyrant mode: on. You daresay order me when to leave?! I’m taking back my request; I’ll have you thrown in the dungeon, you doof!

The butler froze, bowing down quickly with his hand to his chest. His smile was now completely gone, leaving only a grim line in its wake. I apologize. I can give you as much time as you need.

Sebastian sniffed in annoyance. His heart distantly panged with guilt. why? he dismissed it, for it was nothing of importance. He had stoned his heart long ago. Then get me some commoner’s clothes. Now.

The butter clapped. You look astounding, my prince!

Sebastian pouted, placing a cap on his head and pulling the tip down so his face was hidden. "As a mere commoner? Are you fine up there?" At this, he took a hand and pointed it at the side of his head, where his brain would be.

Hah! I don’t think so! the butler exclaimed. Then he paused, and questioned, Actually, what did you say again?

"Pfft. Let’s get going already," Sebastian grunted, stifling back a laugh. He turned away from the butler. Since when, had he started to laugh? Perhaps there wasn't something wrong with the butler, but with him. Something wrong, indeed, because the darkness that had plagued his heart for who knows how long was now chipping and cracking away.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME, butler? Sebastian ordered,  breaking the silence that had followed through the carriage ride. I would rather dislike going on my first trip in six years with a stranger.

Oh, ‘tis an adventure, sire! Would you naught dishonor it called it a trip. That would do this no justice. But if you insist, I shall give you my name, the butler offered. I am Jylan.

Jylan? But isn’t that the name of –

My prince! Look! The village is coming into view. If we’re getting off the carriage, it best is now, Jylan interrupted, changing the topic, and pointing out the window. His eyes seemed to glow as he spotted a man coming down the trail.

The two exited the carriage and waved goodbye to the horsemen as the man from the town stopped in front of them. He had a gentle but curious smile poking at his face. Excuse me, the man piped, facing the butler. a few tinges of fear were in that smile too. But by any chance, are you a noble? your arms and face are astoundingly clean - too much so for a commoner. I’m sorry if you take offense; it’s just that nobles never come around to this area.

Sebastian jumped up in surprise, then furrowed his brows. Too sharp. No, he is not a noble. Neither am I. I am the c–

A hand was slapped over his mouth. - A CLEANER! The lad is a pipe cleaner! His job has just been finished, so he was treated to a bath. Jylan yelled, and several people nearby who had simply been going about their business turned inquiringly toward the scene.

A... a pipe cleaner, you say? the man replied, the smile on his face growing. "Oh, my! I’ve needed one for centuries! Please, I beg of you two, could you clean for me?!"

The curious people only became more astounded by the scene, coming closer to listen in. A woman reflected the needs of her fellow neighbor, stepping forward to speak for herself. I need a pipe cleaner, too! My toilet has been clogged for a year now and my children have been going out into the woods to take a dump!

Please! Me, too! My sink spills out dirt to wash my hands with!

My bathtub water won’t turn cold; it just burns my body whenever I step in! Can you fix it?!

I’ve been searching for a pipe cleaner for so long...

Sebastian peeled off Jylan’s hand from his face, glaring at the nervous butler. Then, he looked toward the people, pulling his cap off with determination. I AM NOT A NOBLE! he called. AND I AM NOT A PIPE CLEANER!

Yes, yes, go on... Jylan whispered hopefully. Maybe you could be an artisan? Or take care of the animals?

I AM THE CROWN PRINCE! Sebastian finished, grandly ignoring the butler.

The butler’s face turned pale. No-no-no-no-no-no! You weren’t supposed to say that. They’ll be cramming you into the news now!

Crown... prince? the crowd chuckled. What do you mean? None of us have ever seen that boy’s face before. He never exits his lush, furnished palace to check up on us commoners. If you were thinking up a rank, you should have just stuck as a noble. Or, if you have ambition, you could have masqueraded as a duke. A few whispers of Yes, he would be rather fitting as the son of a duke or baron followed up with that, only fueling Sebastian's rage a bit more. Every duke and Baron in the kingdom was under his command.

WELL, I AM! Sebastian yelled. I am the son of His Highness Rudolph II and Her Highness Ana! I may have been raised inside the palace due to the constant war, but don’t any of you daresay that I’ve never wished to come to this town!

"Psst... we’re not in the town yet, bud," Jylan whispered.

"I don’t care!" Sebastian whispered back.

WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? some officers questioned, stepping forward and munching on strawberry donuts. They all wore identical uniforms with identical sweet stains, identical nametags, and identical mustaches. The only thing different about each of them was their oddly-decorated shoes. One officer had blue shoes, one had pink ones, and some even painted to match a rainbow.

I’m speaking as crown prince, Sebastian said sternly. Now, if you could please save your thoughts until after, it would be wonderful.

Ha! And I'm the Archduke of Alredion. No wonder he’s known as the ‘Lunatic One’. That guy’s insane! a voice commented from the crowd.

Sebastian grunted, trying not to yell a reply.

Boy, we don’t get time for riddles like this, the officer in pink shoes spoke. He sucked on the tips of his fingers as he finished his donut, though some of the crumbs were still stuck in his mustache. Now step down from your high horse and come with us.

My prince will not be coming with you anytime soon! Jylan exclaimed, whipping out two black cloaks and draping one of them over Sebastian. As he dragged along the prince behind him, he slid on the second cloak.

The officers stood, dumbfounded, watching as the two boys ran the remaining distance toward town and got lost in the crowd.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! You’ll be all over the news, and nobody believes that you’re the crown prince! If they had decided to hurt you – Jylan fumed.

Shut. Up. Sebastian said, a tight smile on his face. If only murder was legal. Sebastian mused as he took one step after another. If it was, Jylan would be bleeding on the floor already.

They walked through town, but neither of them was interested in the winter walk anymore. Both of their minds were occupied with the situation, as both of them were the kind of boys to linger on their pasts.

Nearing the edge of town, though, Jylan remembered what they had even come for and budged Sebastian. My prince! I apologize for scolding you earlier.

Sebastian turned to Jylan and spat in his face. Not a very noble thing to do, but oh well. I friddin’ hate you, you friddin’ fool!

Jylan wiped the spit off his face. Calm down, my prince! Don’t you want to enjoy the town before we leave? He pointed to a small red building nearby. We could go to the toy shop!

"What’s a tow-yee?" Sebastian questioned.

"Toe-ye," the butler corrected, raising a finger. Jylan linked his arm with Sebastian’s and led him to the store.

"Loe-ve? God, what is it with these odd names?" Sebastian complained as he picked up a doll. She was dressed in pink with glistening purple eyes and braided brown hair. In her hand was a colorful wand with a shining star on top.

Do you not know what love is? Jylan asked, stepping toward Sebastian. He had been busy inspecting some anime figurines, two of them which were now clutched in his hands. Jylan looked toward the doll that Sebastian had, a blush creeping into his cheeks.

Is that... a Valentine’s jiff, my prince? Jylan whispered, chuckling. His eyes flickered back and forth between Sebastian and the doll.

Hmm? Sebastian flipped the doll around, reading the description tag. Oh – uh – yes, it is. But what is a Valentine’s jiff?

Jylan slapped the doll out of the prince’s hand, allowing it to moosh against the store floor. Nothing important! Now, my prince, would you like to purchase one of these?

No, thank you. I would like to know what a Valentine’s jiff is, Sebastian grunted. "At least inform me of... luv..."

Jylan laughed like a maniac, waving his hand back and forth, the figurine in its box ratting up and down. He couldn’t keep a straight face anymore.

You laugh like a villain, you menace, Sebastian commented, and Jylan laughed even harder.

Finally, he stopped to wipe his eyes. "My prince! My prince, please forget about love and valentines and jiffs! They are so meddlesomely boring – the butler coughed. - I don’t wish you to have to do anything even close to those things."

But Sebastian was already pacing over to the toy shop’s owner, the doll in hand. "‘Scuze me, duch. Could you please tell me what luv is along with the purpose of this doll?"

The woman behind the counter flattered her eyelashes toward Sebastian, taking the doll from his hands. "Young one, love is such a wonderful thing! To find love is a blessing, a miracle that is simply impossible to describe. One day, I’m certain, you will be blossoming toward it with some marvelous lady out there. the woman exclaimed with a smile. This doll is meant to help you with that."

Love... is wonderful? A miracle? Sebastian said. But how do you achieve love?

I’m afraid I can’t quite explain that, either, sir. You just have to wait until it’s time, the woman continued.

Sebastian looked at the doll blankly. Does that doll help me achieve love?

Perhaps. You just have to believe.

Then I would like to buy it, please.

Jylan’s usually light skin was redder than a tomato as he side-eyed Sebastian’s content face. My prince, are you sure –

Yes, yes I am, Sebastian said, smiling as he gazed at the doll. "Maybe love is what I needed all along! If I can just find it... somewhere..."

Well – well, uh, my prince – Jylan’s face turned purple. - p – prince... he trailed off trying to catch his breath.

First, I need to find a lady. A marvelous lady out there. Too bad the duch didn’t specify who that lady was, or where they were, Sebastian blabbered. But I can order my guards to search!

Jylan punched himself when steam seemed to be drifting from his head.

Sebastian didn’t seem to notice. He looked toward Jylan with a smile, lines creasing the corners of his eyes and dimples growing into his cheeks. This was the best experience ever! Thank you, Jylan!

Jylan eyes closed as he fell backward.

BUTLER!!!

AFTER THE TWO RETURNED to the palace, the prince was pied up in work again and the two didn’t get to see each other at all. By ‘at all’, it would be a lie; but even when they did, they would not even have a moment spared to wave hello.

Days passed by, then weeks, then months, then years. The two became separate in their ways, the prince traveling to a training school and the butler growing in his skills. The two quickly forgot each other, and they quickly forgot all about the doll fated to bring love.

The moment’s passing of Sebastian’s gentle demeanor faded away as a figment of imagination as he became more brittle than he already was. It was a shell that nobody could get through.

From eleven to seventeen,