"I want to portray bravery and strength, not a weak and tragic role like this," Julian Pierce said firmly.
Liam Brooks sighed, trying to remain calm. "Julian Pierce, I understand your thoughts, but you need to look deeper into this character. Ethan Caelan is not weak. He faces his fate courageously, enduring all suffering for loyalty and love. That is inner strength, not weakness." "But that’s not enough to convince me," Julian Pierce said resolutely. "I want a role that can showcase more martial arts, external strength, not just beauty and inner emotions." Liam Brooks stepped closer, his voice becoming more persuasive. "Do you know why I chose you for this role? Because I believe you have a unique ability to portray Ethan Caelan's complexity. This is not just a tragic story but a journey of courage and sacrifice. It requires nuance and depth in acting, which I believe only you can deliver." Julian Pierce listened, his eyes reflecting his thoughts. But after a moment, he shook his head. "I appreciate your trust, but the image of a beautiful and tragic character is not what I want to pursue at this time. If you give me the role of the king, I will consider it." Julian Pierce looked straight into Liam Brooks' eyes, his smile gentle but his gaze full of implication: "Julian, only you can play Ethan Caelan. I believe that next time we meet, you will agree to take on this role." Julian frowned slightly but maintained a polite smile. "I'll consider it. Anyway, thank you for thinking of me." "You'll see soon enough..." Liam hinted softly, as if talking to himself. Julian shook hands with the screenwriter, still feeling a bit confused by the enigmatic words of this strange screenwriter. He said goodbye and left the room, stepping outside. As Julian left Liam Brooks' house, he felt uneasy, his mind heavy with vague thoughts about the screenwriter's suggestive words. When he stepped outside, he saw his assistant, Lucas Grant, waiting by the car. "Mr. Pierce, are you done?" Lucas opened the car door, flashing a bright smile. "Yeah, all done," Julian nodded, getting into the back seat. "Thanks for waiting." Lucas closed the car door, quickly got into the driver's seat, and started the car. "How was the meeting? Was it enjoyable?" Julian sighed, leaning his head back against the seat, looking out the window. "It was interesting. He wants me to play a handsome historical figure." "A handsome historical figure?" Lucas glanced at Julian through the rearview mirror, speaking while driving. "Sounds... fitting for you." Julian raised an eyebrow. "Fitting for me?" Lucas chuckled. "But you prefer gritty, strong roles, don't you?" "That's right. I want to show strength, not play a role filled with tears and tragedy," Julian said, his voice a bit annoyed. "But he kept insisting that I'm the most suitable for the role of Ethan Caelan." "So you turned it down?" Lucas asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Yeah, I turned it down. But he kept saying that next time we meet, I'll agree," Julian shook his head. "What a strange screenwriter." "Maybe he has another secret plan?" Lucas said, his eyes lighting up as if he'd just thought of something. Julian laughed, feeling his mood lighten up as he listened to Lucas. "What secret plan? He's not James Bond." "Who knows, maybe he has some special trick up his sleeve," Lucas shrugged, his eyes sparkling. "I've heard that screenwriters can be very creative in persuading actors." "Yeah, maybe. But anyway, I still don't like that role," Julian said firmly. The car glided down the road, and Julian felt his mind gradually ease as he watched the scenery outside and listened to Lucas' cheerful chatter. Back home, Julian Pierce felt exhausted after a long, eventful day. He looked around his familiar room, trying to relax his mind. Liam Brooks' words still lingered in his thoughts. "What a strange screenwriter," he sighed, collapsing onto the sofa. He opened the fridge, took out a bottle of water, and stepped onto the balcony. Darkness enveloped the sky over the always vibrant and brightly lit city. That night, after showering and getting into bed, Julian quickly fell into a deep sleep. The surroundings were no longer his familiar room; a dimly lit candle on a round table made everything appear hazy and mysterious. The strange room was lavishly decorated with intricate details, with silk curtains draping a large bed. This was likely a room belonging to an aristocrat from ancient times. In the corner of the room, a young man with a delicate, fragile appearance was bound tightly with iron chains, kneeling. Long black hair cascaded down his slender shoulders, highlighting his smooth, fair skin. His white clothes were stained with blood, enhancing his fragile yet resilient beauty. His eyes were closed, his head drooping in exhaustion. In the dim light of the dark room, Julian couldn’t clearly see his facial features, but he could feel the allure of the young man. Suddenly, the door burst open, and a tall man walked in. He wore elaborate black robes embroidered with dragon patterns, exuding an aura of authority and power. The man approached the young man, his cold eyes slowly lifting the young man's chin. "You're still as stubborn as ever." The voice was cold and commanding. The young man’s eyelids fluttered, his pale lips moved, and his voice was weak but determined: "Just kill me." The tall man suddenly tightened his grip, squeezing the young man's face, his eyes filled with anger as he snarled: "Kill you? Very well, but before that, you will be mine." The young man opened his phoenix eyes, showing disdain as he looked at the man. " Stop wasting your efforts; I will never change." "Then let me tell you my plan." The tall man smiled with a hint of malice. "First, your people. Reed Jace and Leo Grant, they are just like you, willing to die. And Harrison Ryder, a general of Helios, dared to betray me and take my people away." The tall man sneered, his tone becoming even more venomous: "Helios' 36 tortures, you probably haven't seen them before, have you? To broaden your horizons, I'll bring one of your men before you every day, so you can watch him writhe in agony through each torture. Let's see how long you can keep that mouth of yours shut. The fun doesn't stop there; you've been away from home for a long time, so you must miss your father, mother, and brothers, right? Taking this opportunity, I'll raze Aria and bring them to Helios to reunite with you. How does that sound? Are you happy?" The young man suddenly trembled. Each word from the man was like a dagger to his heart. Images of his father, mother, and brothers flashed in his mind, and the fear rose uncontrollably. "You... you want to be a tyrant forever scorned?" The tall man laughed, his eyes still cold. "You know I don't joke. My patience is running thin, Ethan Caelan. If you don't obey, I'll destroy everything you love and cherish. The only thing left for you will be me." The tall man raised an eyebrow, his eyes showing ruthlessness and determination. "A tyrant? Who dares mention that besides you? I am the king, the one who holds power, the one who decides everything, including your fate. But Ethan, who among Reed Jace, Leo Grant, and Harrison Ryder will die first tomorrow? I'll let you decide." Ethan now resembled a small bird that had its claws cut and wings clipped, cornered by a beast. He had no choice, knowing that any resistance was futile against this man's cruelty. "Please don't harm them. I... I'll listen to you."The man looked at Ethan, his gaze softening slightly but still hiding his cruelty."Fine, everything will depend on you, but only if you please me tonight," he said, his voice commanding.With that, the man bent down and removed the iron chains from Ethan. The young man immediately collapsed onto the floor, his body exhausted and powerless. The man lifted him, carrying him gently to the bed as if he were handling a precious item."Father, forgive your unworthy son for failing to uphold the family's honor," Ethan whispered, closing his eyes. Tears of humiliation and endurance streamed down his cheeks, glistening in the weak candlelight.Julian stood there, feeling a chill run down his spine. He couldn't move, couldn't speak, only able to watch the cruel scene unfold before him. His heart pounded, each word from the man stabbing into his soul, unable to believe this was how humans treated each other.Julian jolted awake, sweat pouring down his forehead. He sat up, gasping for breath, fe
After a while, Julian opened his eyes and saw the two guards still standing there, their worried expressions unchanged."Am I still not out of this dream? Well, I might as well play along with it.""Come on, don't worry too much. I'm feeling fine," Julian said, trying to reassure them."Your Highness, do you need anything? Should we call the royal physician?" Leo Grant asked."No need, I just need to rest a bit," Julian said, smiling slightly."This is too strange. A dream like this is too real," he thought."But it’s interesting, let's see what I can do in this dream."He sat up and looked around the room."Is this a palace? It's even more beautiful than on a film set. You said your names are Reed Jace and Leo Grant, right?""Yes, Your Highness, I am Reed Jace, and this is Leo Grant," Reed replied, his eyes still filled with concern."Reed Jace, Leo Grant... I want to know more about me. In this dream, who am I?" Julian asked, trying to grasp the situation.The two guards looked at e
Julian Pierce stood motionless in front of the mirror, his mind still swirling with thoughts about this new world. Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside the door, pulling him out of his reverie. Leo Grant gently opened the door and entered, bowing as he reported:"Your Highness, the King and Queen are here to see you; they are right outside."As the door slowly opened, Julian saw his father and mother step in. Their benevolent beauty and regal aura seemed to illuminate the entire room. Julian stood up, quickly recalling scenes from historical dramas, and bowed solemnly."Father, Mother, your son greets you," Julian, now in the role of Ethan Caelan, said, trying to keep his voice steady but unable to hide his nervousness.The Queen smiled and approached Ethan."My dear Ethan, there’s no need for such formalities. You’ve just recovered; let me have a good look at you." As she spoke, the Queen gently guided Ethan back to his bed to rest.The King nodded, his gaze stern
Ethan struggled to remain calm, but his voice trembled more and more. He couldn't accept the terrifying prospect awaiting him. His eyes filled with tears, brimming with pain and pleading."The journey is long and perilous—can I even survive to reach there? There are countless traps in a foreign land; I could be falsely accused, harmed, tortured to death. My whole life, I would only be a slave to the royal family of Helios. This journey offers me only two paths: humiliation or death."He choked on his words, almost suffocating in the intensity of his emotions. Ethan knew he was not just begging for his life but also for the compassion of the father he revered. His heart surged with a sense of helplessness and despair."Father, I am also a prince, your son. How can you let me live in disgrace, trampled by the royal family of Helios? How can you abandon me like this?"Ethan's words pierced the king's heart like daggers, each sentence laden with fear and indignation. He hoped, even a litt
Julian smiled confidently, feeling more resolute."Yes, life is a grand play, and I will play this role well. Just wait and see, I will change the situation."With this determination, Julian felt relieved."Ethan, I will live your life, and I will change your fate."“To truly embody the role of Ethan Caelan, I need to understand more about the life here and Ethan's relationships,” Julian Pierce told himself. He decided to thoroughly investigate everything around him.He summoned Reed Jace and Leo Grant.“I want to know more about the rules of the palace and everything related to my daily life,” Julian said gently.Leo Grant looked at Julian with a serious expression and began to meticulously explain each rule, from how to interact with officials to attending banquets. Reed Jace added details about Ethan Caelan’s preferences and habits.By the time they finished, it was already dusk. There was a sound from a guard outside the door announcing.“Your Highness, Crown Prince Nathaniel Cael
Sebastian added enthusiastically:“That’s right, big brother isn’t wrong. Not only in the military, but he also reformed politics. Valerius Evander reduced taxes for the people, encouraged trade and commerce. Thanks to that, the people's lives improved significantly, and their trust in the court increased.”Nathaniel nodded, continuing:“Moreover, he promoted culture, arts, and education. Talents are valued regardless of their background. Those who are corrupt and bribe are severely punished without mercy.”Ethan listened attentively, sensing the strength and decisiveness of Valerius Evander. Sebastian cautiously added:“Although these policies have greatly benefited Helios, it’s undeniable that Valerius Evander is extremely brutal in conquering neighboring countries. Those who refuse to cede land or pay tribute are mercilessly annexed.”After finishing the story about Helios, Nathaniel looked directly into Ethan’s eyes, his voice slow but filled with deep concern.“Ethan, no matter w
News of consecutive victories kept arriving. In just one month, the army of the Kingdom of Helios, led by the four grand marshals, had crushed two neighboring countries, Yellowstone and Whitewater, causing other nations to fear and tremble. The Kingdom of Aria had also suffered a severe defeat, losing three major cities: Goldsun, Jaspergreen, and Windkeep, pushing them into a perilous situation.The Kingdom of Helios, once a small nation, had transformed into a mighty and prosperous empire since Valerius Evander ascended the throne.It was known as the "Glory of Valerius."Valerius Evander, even when he was still a crown prince, was renowned not only for his exceptional leadership but also for his bravery and decisiveness on the battlefield.Under Valerius Evander’s leadership, the army of the Kingdom of Helios had consistently won victories, expanding its territory and establishing a powerful dynasty. Alongside the young king were four experienced marshals, Zane Ryder, Aiden Cole, El
Cassian bowed his head and continued, “When I was an envoy to Aria, I had the honor of meeting the fourth prince several times. His reputation is well-deserved. His beauty surpasses that of the paintings, his demeanor as if he were a celestial being.”Valerius smirked, a hint of sarcasm in his eyes. “More beautiful than my concubines?”Cassian smiled gently, his tone respectful. “Your Majesty, Prince Ethan Caelan, when riding a horse, exudes heroic spirit; when playing the lute, his demeanor is unmatched; when playing chess, he is sharp and intelligent. Is there any woman in this world who can compare?”Valerius laughed heartily, but a deep contemplation was evident in his eyes. “It makes me want to meet him. But what use is an Aria prince to Helios? Bringing him here would be inviting trouble.”Cassian remained undeterred, smiling faintly as he responded, “Your Majesty, true talent knows no gender or origin. A treasure should be in one's grasp.”Valerius was silent for a moment, his