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
His voice became solemn as he reminisced about the distant memories."Victoria Everglow was famous for her talent and beauty. The Emperor, who was then the Crown Prince, visited Aria Music Academy. Shortly after, she was taken to the palace to become a consort."Ethan listened intently:"Do you know what happened to my mother after that?"Raphael shook his head, his eyes reflecting his sadness."After she entered the palace, we never saw each other again. She never returned to visit my master. Two years later, I received news of her sudden death. This news devastated my master and everyone at the academy."Ethan felt the deep sorrow in Raphael's words.Silence enveloped the room. Ethan felt his heart grow heavy. Since arriving in this world, he had considered it his second home. Now, knowing Victoria Everglow was his mother, he felt a profound connection to Ethan Caelan's emotions and body, no longer distinguishing between the two.After Raphael left, Ethan ordered an investigation an