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 what you face, always maintain the spirit and dignity of a prince of Aria. By any means, protect the honor of the royal family.”
Sebastian, too, couldn’t hide his anxiety but tried to smile.
“Ethan, I know you are intelligent and talented. In any situation, always remember that your family and your country are waiting for your return.”
Both elder brothers understood that this journey was far from simple. It was a severe test, fraught with danger, and the hope of returning was slim. But they didn’t want to worry Ethan further, not wanting to burden their young brother even more.
Ethan bowed his head, his heart filled with many emotions. He knew his elder brothers were trying to encourage him, but he also understood the difficult and dangerous situation awaiting him.
Nathaniel gently continued, his voice full of determination:
“Ethan, if you have any opportunity, seize it. You not only represent the royal family but also all the people of the Kingdom of Aria. No matter how difficult it is, strive to survive and return. I believe you can do it.”
Sebastian placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder, his eyes full of love and worry.
“We will always pray and wait for you. You are not alone; we are always behind you.”
After giving advice to his younger brother, the two elder brothers left, leaving Julian Pierce standing silently in the quiet room.
Julian walked to the window, looking out at the distant sky. He recalled the strange dream that had haunted him. In the dream, a tall man who called himself the king had humiliated and oppressed Ethan Caelan. That imposing, ruthless man—could he be Valerius Evander, the young king of the Kingdom of Helios?
“Valerius Evander.”
Julian whispered, the name weighing heavily on his lips.
“He demanded an unmarried prince as a hostage. Was it merely a coincidence, or had he intentionally targeted Ethan?”
Under the flickering candlelight in the quiet night, Julian’s silhouette sat silently at the table.
“Even if forced, I can choose how to face it,” Julian murmured to himself.
The next morning, Julian woke up early, his eyes filled with determination as he looked at Reed Jace and Leo Grant. He ordered:
“Tell me about the teachers who have taught me. I want to know more about them.”
Reed Jace bowed respectfully and began:
“Fourth prince, your music teacher is Raphael Gray. He is known as the ‘Immortal Musician’ because of his exceptional talent. His music can captivate people and even move nature.”
Leo Grant continued: “Your chess teacher is Samuel Brooke, a renowned master with the title ‘Chess King.’ He has defeated numerous chess players from neighboring countries. Each of his games is a work of art.”
Reed Jace continued:
“Your poetry teacher is William Blake, who has written many poems praised in the court. People say that when he recites poetry, flowers bloom and the moon shines.”
Leo Grant smiled and added:
“Your painting teacher is Thomas Green, an artist with many works exhibited everywhere. His brushwork is so exquisite that it astonishes everyone. His paintings bring nature to life on paper.”
Reed Jace solemnly said: “And your etiquette teacher is Edward Moore, deeply knowledgeable about court rituals of various countries, known as the ‘Master of Ceremonies.’”
Leo Grant continued: “Your history and politics teacher is Robert Hale, an experienced official in governance and politics. He is known as the ‘Political Genius.’”
Julian nodded and asked Reed Jace and Leo Grant:
“I also want to learn horse riding, archery, and martial arts. Who teaches these subjects in the palace?”
Reed Jace bowed and respectfully replied:
“Fourth prince, your horse riding teacher is Charles Strong, a general with many battlefield achievements, known as the ‘Horse Saint.’ He has extraordinary horseback riding skills, controlling a horse as if it were part of his body.”
Leo Grant continued:
“Your archery teacher is Victor Archer, a renowned archer in the court, known as the ‘Shooting God.’ He can hit any target and has won many national archery competitions.”
Reed Jace added:
“And your martial arts teacher is Bruce Lancer, a martial arts master known as the ‘Martial Saint.’ He has trained in martial arts since childhood, mastering various forms, with exceptional strength and refined combat skills.”
Julian nodded slightly, his eyes shining with excitement:
“What incredible masters! Invite all of them to the palace to teach me.”
Reed Jace and Leo Grant responded in unison: “Yes, Fourth prince!”
In the following days, Ethan Caelan's palace became more lively than ever. The sounds of music, clashing chess pieces, and brushstrokes on paper created an enthusiastic learning atmosphere. Julian, with his intelligence and talent, learned quickly and innovatively in each subject. These days, though busy, were filled with joy and memories. They equipped Julian with many skills and knowledge for his journey to the Kingdom of Helios.
During martial arts training, Julian winced, feeling sore and exhausted after a week of horseback riding and archery.
“Whew, Ethan’s body is truly fragile,” he sighed.
Bruce Lancer smiled gently:
“I taught the Fourth prince long ago. You were smart and quick-witted, advancing rapidly, leading among the princes. But since he fell into the water at age 12, narrowly escaping death, his body has been weak and unable to continue martial arts training. It’s a pity!”
Julian smiled, rubbing his aching shoulder:
“Well, this body is quite useless now.”
Bruce Lancer placed a comforting hand on the prince’s shoulder:
“It’s alright, prince! We will train gradually, increasing the intensity. With patience, you will surely recover.”
Julian looked at Master Lancer and smiled: “Alright, if I can’t become a master, at least I should be strong enough not to fall off a horse again.”
Both laughed heartily.
Julian, though worried about Ethan’s frail body, understood that this weakness was a significant disadvantage, making self-defense difficult in dangerous situations. Every strenuous activity caused intense pain throughout his body, but Julian gritted his teeth, enduring the training, just as he had persevered since his days as a trainee.
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
As the afternoon drew to a close, Leo Grant signaled that time was up, and they had to return to the palace.As Ethan prepared to leave, Cecilia escorted him to the gate, her eyes filled with tears:"Your Highness, take care. Imperial Consort Victoria would be very proud to see you like this."Ethan smiled gratefully and took out a small box from his luggage, handing it to Cecilia:"This is a small gift to thank you for your loyalty to my mother. Please accept it."Cecilia, moved, accepted the box with trembling hands:"Thank you, Your Highness."Ethan looked at Cecilia, nodded in farewell:"Take care, you cannot stay here long."Then he mounted his horse and quickly returned to the palace.Cecilia watched Ethan’s figure until he disappeared from sight. She returned to her house and opened the exquisite wooden box. Inside was a precious jade bracelet and enough gold bars to live comfortably for the rest of her life anywhere. With the instinct of an experienced palace maid, she underst
When the Emperor and Empress returned to their quarters, night had already fallen over the entire palace. The atmosphere in the room was heavy. The Empress sighed softly, her eyes following the Emperor's back with concern."Your Majesty, please don't blame Ethan," she said gently, her tone full of pleading."Ethan is still young and easily influenced by others. It is also my fault for neglecting his education recently."The Emperor turned back, his gaze stern and full of anger."You think I don't know what you've been up to?"He stepped closer to the Empress, his voice growing harsher."Don't rely on your position as the Dowager Empress's niece to think I will always tolerate your actions. Ethan has endured much. Later, when we return to the Kingdom of Helios, you and I must make amends for him."The Empress bowed her head, her voice soft but her eyes burning with suppressed fury."I will obey, Your Majesty."The Emperor stared at her for a long moment before turning away, leaving the
Ethan gazed forward, serenely passing by. Yet, within him, a complex emotion stirred. For the first time since arriving in this world, he deeply felt the role and responsibility of a prince. His eyes looked far ahead, towards the arduous path that awaited him. He silently vowed to live and fight for those who had placed their trust in him.Ethan tightened his grip on the reins, his determination unwavering, knowing that the future of Aria and his destiny were now intertwined. As his horse advanced, he felt the heartbeat of the people sync with his own, sensing the sacred bond between him and his subjects.The escort continued their journey, covering the territory of Aria in just five days, crossing the forest that divided the two kingdoms. When night fell, the skies opened up with torrential rain. Harrison ordered the soldiers to set up camp.Though seated in his carriage, Ethan was exhausted, the rain seeping through, and he couldn't withstand the cold of the deep forest, soon develo
Zane looked deep into those phoenix eyes, sensing Ethan's confidence and royal bearing:"Your Highness, I pledge my life to ensure your safety," Zane declared.Ethan nodded with a smile. "Thank you, General."With that, Ethan turned and walked back to the carriage. Zane lingered, his eyes following Ethan's figure, a growing unease in his heart."Ethan Caelan, you truly know how to captivate hearts. Sooner or later, you will bring great trouble to Helios."As the carriage began to move, Zane couldn't stop his thoughts from drifting to Helios's future. With such an alluring and charismatic presence, Ethan could easily win the trust and affection of the Helios royal family, potentially disrupting the court. Allowing someone like Ethan to act freely could lead Helios into chaos.Zane recalled the title "Aria's Greatest Prodigy" bestowed upon Ethan by many."This Fourth Prince is not simple. If he ever intends to destabilize the court, I will be the first to eliminate him. I will not toler
The owner handed Harrison a prize: "Here, this fan is crafted by the finest artisan in Blue Peak City. There's no other like it."Harrison admired the silk fan, its intricate embroidery depicting mountains and rivers, and looked at Ethan with a bright smile:"Your Highness, this fan is beautiful and suits you perfectly. I want you to have it."Before Ethan could protest, Harrison placed the fan in his hand.Ethan accepted the fan, smiling, "It's truly beautiful. Thank you, Harrison."Harrison beamed with satisfaction.They continued to the food stalls, where a variety of local delicacies were being sold: grilled shiitake mushrooms, seafood skewers, grilled meat skewers, five-flavored rice cakes, tofu pudding... people were bustling, eating, and laughing.Harrison asked, "Your Highness, have you ever tried these foods?" pointing to a grilled food stall.Ethan shook his head, "I haven't."Harrison chose a skewer of golden, fragrant grilled shiitake mushrooms and said with a smile, "Your