“Why did you give me your shrimp?” I asked, confused.
“You looked like you were really enjoying the shrimp. I don’t like shrimp that much either, so I gave them to you,” Maximilian replied.
I looked at him for a few moments, then nodded. “Thank you,” I said.
Maximilian smiled and went back to eating.
After we had all finished our meals, we looked over the menu again to order dessert.
“I want the caramel pudding,” I said, pointing to its picture in the menu.
“Then how about we share dessert?” Maximilian asked me.
I looked up at him. “What?”
“I want caramel pudding too, but I don’t think I can finish one by myself, so I’d like to share it with you.”
I fell silent for a moment, weighing the idea.
“All right. I’m worried I won’t be able to finish one by myself either.” Then I called the waiter over to place our order.
A moment later, the waiter came and took our order.
Maximilian and I shared the caramel pudding, while Elvie and John ordered tiramisu and lemon pie, respectively.
Not long afterward, our orders arrived. We finished dessert, then went to the cashier to pay.
“Just use my debit card,” Maximilian said, handing his card to the cashier. “I’m treating you today.”
“Wait, don’t!” I protested. “I can pay for my own meal.”
“It’s okay. I’m the one who invited you to eat, so it’s only natural for me to pay,” Maximilian replied.
“But I feel bad. And you already drove us here, too.”
“It’s no problem. How about this? You can treat me next time instead. For now, let me pay.”
I sighed.
“All right. I’ll treat you next time,” I said reluctantly.
After paying for the meal, we walked toward Maximilian’s car and returned to my office.
On the way, Maximilian asked me, “When do you think the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact the U.S. Embassy?”
“We’ll probably contact all the embassies that agree to participate within three days,” I replied.
“I agree with the student and cultural exchange program you created. The requirements you proposed are fair enough to ensure that every child who participates is truly qualified,” Maximilian said.
“That’s also the core of this program. I want every child who participates to take it seriously and work and study as hard as they can if they want this opportunity. In addition to studying academic subjects, they’ll also learn how to socialize, understand different perspectives, and make new friends,” I said seriously.
Maximilian smiled and replied, “You’re not only focusing on the children’s IQs, but also on the development of their EQs. It’s rare to find someone who thinks like you. Usually, people focus only on academics without realizing that emotional intelligence is just as important.”
“Yes, that’s exactly what concerns me. I don’t want the children to develop only their IQs, but their EQs as well. They’re the pillars of the country’s future. So this is very important for their future, too,” I said.
Maximilian smiled.
“Many privileged people feel they no longer need to work hard and abuse that power for their own benefit. But you’re different, Your Highness. You use that privilege so people who don’t have it can make their voices heard through you,” Maximilian said candidly.
I fell silent for a moment, sorting through my words before answering.