Chapter 4: This Dream Is Too Real

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 each other and then back at Julian. Reed began to speak:

"Your Highness, you are the fourth prince of Aria, Ethan Caelan. You are renowned for your compassion, filial piety, and extraordinary talent, excelling in music, chess, poetry, and painting."

Leo added:

"Since you were young, you have shown a natural gift for music. Your music is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. Once, you played at the spring festival, captivating the entire royal court."

Reed continued with pride: "In chess, Your Highness is the best player in the palace. You once played against the grandmaster Li Chang Khan, and within 30 moves, he was thoroughly impressed."

Leo added:

"In poetry, Your Highness is an outstanding poet. You once wrote the poem 'Spring Day Thoughts,' describing the beauty of spring and human kindness. That poem was inscribed on a stone tablet and placed in the royal garden, admired by everyone."

Reed spoke again, his eyes sparkling with pride:

"In painting, your talent is unmatched. You once painted the 'Harmony of Mountains and Rivers,' with such vividness that viewers felt as though they were in a fairyland. That painting now hangs in the Hall of Supreme Harmony."

Julian felt like he was hearing about a legendary character and couldn't help but laugh: "This is so interesting. I am quite a remarkable person."

Julian thought for a moment, then asked:

"What about my other relationships? Have I done anything special recently?"

Reed answered gently:

"Your Highness, the Emperor and Empress have always loved and cared for you since you were young. Crown Prince Nathaniel Caelan and your brothers all respect and adore you."

Leo continued, his voice calm:

"The courtiers often mention your talent and virtue, hoping you will take part in court affairs. However, every time you return from court, you fall ill for a month."

Julian asked in surprise: "Why do I fall ill every time I return from court?"

Leo responded, his face serious:

"Your Highness, before you leave, you are always cheerful and healthy. But for some reason, every time you return, you are as cold as if you have caught a chill. The royal physician diagnosed that it is due to your weak constitution, unsuitable for exertion and strain."

Julian suddenly became suspicious, thinking: "How could someone be healthy in the morning and fall ill by the afternoon? Could Ethan Caelan have been poisoned?"

Reed continued:

"Your Highness is not only loved in the palace but also admired by many young ladies in the kingdom. Like at the recent Empress's birthday banquet, many young ladies fell ill with lovesickness because of you. The daughter of the Minister of Rites and the daughter of the General have not been able to eat or sleep. They write letters to you every day, filling my pockets."

Julian laughed, finding the situation somewhat humorous:

"It's like I have fans."

Reed and Leo looked at each other, their faces full of confusion.

"Your Highness, what is a 'fan'?" Reed asked.

Julian smiled and explained:

"A fan is someone who admires and supports a person, usually someone with talent or fame. Like there are people in the court who care a lot about me and follow my every move."

Leo laughed, understanding:

"So that's it. Your Highness is indeed wise."

Leo hesitated and said: "There is also a poem circulating among the people about you."

"A poem about me?" Julian was surprised.

"Yes, let me recite it for you," Leo eagerly read aloud:

"Heavenly fairy sculpted Ethan Caelan,

The most beautiful man, unmatched by anyone,

Kind-hearted and loyal,

His talents renowned everywhere."

"These guards are really good with words, maybe even exaggerating Ethan's talents a bit too much!" Julian thought.

"Alright, I will rest a bit more. You may leave me alone for now."

The two guards bowed and stepped outside. Julian lay back on the bed, his mind chaotic but also filled with excitement.

"If this is a dream, then I'm living Ethan Caelan's life. Let's see where this goes."

The image of the dream from the previous night came back to him, and Julian couldn't help but shudder at the thought of the tyrant king.

Curiously, he walked to the large mirror in the room. Reflected in the mirror was a young man who looked about 60-70% like him, but with more refined and delicate features. He turned his head, observing himself now as Ethan Caelan in the mirror. A straight, high nose, clear almond-shaped eyes like autumn water, long, curly eyelashes, soft pink lips—all creating a beauty so perfect it seemed unreal. Even with a famous stylist, Julian had never looked so beautiful.

His trembling hands touched his face. Smooth, flawless skin. Long, black hair flowed softly down his back, each strand gently swaying with every movement, creating a graceful and alluring look. Julian gently stroked his hair, feeling its silky smoothness, unable to suppress a surprised smile.

"Unbelievable... I've become Ethan Caelan. Is this a dream, or have I entered Liam Brooks' script?"

Surprise and wonder filled his heart. Julian took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Alright, I can do this. I am Julian Pierce, who has overcome many challenging roles to earn the title of film emperor. If I can conquer the screen, I can conquer this world too".