When I had arrived in the capital, I never expected to acquire a talent like Eileen. The sparring with the Sword Duke had also provided a clue in my swordsmanship training. Things seemed to be going smoothly, however, some uncertainties still lingered.
King
The situation in the capital as described by Philip showed no significant changes. There were no signs of impending civil war, nor any disturbing news about the royal family or the king. Contrary to expectations, there was nothing substantial to be gleaned. Even the so-called royal secret obtained through Knox for a hefty million gold turned out to be mere information about the power dynamics between the factions of the first and second princes. Some belonged to the opposing faction, of course.
Information that will be revealed the moment a civil war breaks out.
It felt like a waste of money, and my heart ached at the thought. Still, I could be certain of one thing.
There are no nobles preparing for civil war yet.
The kings death. It was indeed a sudden death as had been known in my past life. A death unexpected by any of the kingdoms nobility. The certainty I gained from this alone made the trip to the capital worthwhile.
Yes. That alone is enough.
It would have been perfect if I could have gained the trust of my master and made the acquaintance of the third prince. To seek him out forcefully would only result in suspicion. As I planned to make the third prince king eventually, meeting him after the outbreak of the civil war would not be of much concern. So there was no need for further regrets now. fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
Moreover, since my masters child would be born soon, I ought to start thinking about names. After the naming ceremony, it wouldnt be a bad choice to return home with Eileen. As I was organizing these thoughts, Logan heard an unexpected voice from his master.
Where are you off to?
To the royal palace.
Me?
Yes. Get ready quickly and follow me.
Startled by the Sword Dukes abrupt statement, Logan was at a loss for words.
Why suddenly all of this without any prelude?
It was sudden news to me as well. But when His Majesty calls, what can one do?
Pardon?
It seems he has heard the rumor that Ive taken in a disciple.
Staring blankly at Logans flabbergasted look, the Sword Duke faintly smiled. He was proud to show the king the respect he rightly deserved, especially in a realm where too many nobles considered themselves above their ruler. From the Sword Dukes perspective, who had grown weary of such nobility, a disciple like Logan was a welcome change. Of course, the disciple himself had entirely different thoughts.
Why? How?
The opportunity for a country barons heir to meet the king was beyond his wildest dreams, something he hadnt even considered. While questions arose, there was no time to delve into them. Suddenly, a new possibility had presented itself.
I will go no matter what!
He had no choice but to seize the opportunity and knock on the door.
* * *
Loyalty! Duke Esperanza, your identity has been confirmed. Please follow me.
The grand white gates, emphasizing the gracefulness of their lines, split open to reveal the opulent interior. Beautiful as the barriers flanking the entrance that couldnt quite be told apart from art, still, nothing compared to the inside.
As the doors swung open, the kingdoms finest royal garden meticulously care by the top gardener unfolded before my eyes. But even this magnificent garden merely served as an ornament, set against the overwhelming gold luminescence of the distant palace.
Later, even the conqueror said, Its too beautiful to destroy. Preserve it as it is. And thus, the symbol of the kingdom the Granpia Palace maintained its beauty throughout decades, even as it became a spot of soreness when repurposed as a governors office after the empires war.
The majestic sight of the palace I was now witnessing for the first time brought back memories of the past life which Id thought were fading.
I will stop it at all costs.
My resolve strengthened under the weight in my chest. I clenched my fist.
Are you feeling the burden?
Pardon?
Do not worry. His Majesty cherishes talent. This meeting will bring you more gain than loss.
Understood.
It certainly would be beneficial, albeit in a slightly different sense than one might expect. Logan still looked solemnly at the back of his walking master.
* * *
I am honored to meet the master of this nation.
Thud.
Following my masters lead, I knelt on one knee and bowed. An aged voice with a hint of lethargy echoed from above.
Oh, this lad. I always tell you theres no need for such formality
If the seniors dont keep to their etiquette, who will? my master, Sword Duke Felix Esperanza, bowed his head with the right attitude.
The king chuckled at his gesture.
Youre always the same. It is reassuring to see such unchanging devotion. Very well, my old friend. Raise your head. And you, his disciple. I would like to see your face.
I lifted my head as commanded, only to be met with an old man whose hair and beard were completely white, void of their original color.
A golden crown rested on his head, a fancy silk uniform adorned his body, and dazzling rings decorated each of his fingers; all too ostentatious for a man so hale. This man was Samuel von Grandia, the king of the Grandia Kingdom, who would later be called an epitome of incompetence.
He seems rather healthy
In the past, even Samuel von Grandia had been healthy, which is why no one could have foreseen his abrupt death. If he had appeared frail or sickly, the struggle for succession would have been settled before issues arose. However, his youthful vitality led no one to rush the establishment of an heir. Thus, after his sudden demise, the kingdom split in two and plunged into civil war.
It will likely be the same this time around.
Logan felt a sense of relief upon seeing the healthy king, a sign that history was still flowing as he knew it. With renewed determination and organized thoughts, he faced the king now looking at him with an intrigued gaze.
Ha-ha. I see why you would take him as your disciple; the lad has spirit. Rare are those who gaze at me so intently upon first meeting.
I apologize, Your Majesty.
Oh, no need for that. I wasnt taught to follow such formality. I do enjoy spirited youths.
His courage is matched by his excellent skill. With his bravery and wisdom, he triumphed over successive territorial battles despite disadvantages, suggesting he could be a pillar leading the kingdom into the future.
Ho-ho! Indeed. Worthy of being your disciple. But how did you two come to meet?
Well, I bear scars from the past. His Majesty, back in his crown prince days
Thus began a journey down memory lane shared between the master and the king.
Logan, feeling like a mere screen, struggled not to lose focus through the lengthy conversation.
Ah, haha! To think it was such a story. Logan, was it? I truly appreciate it.
Pardon?
I wanted to meet you simply because I was curious about what drew my old friends interest. I thought it would just be notable skill. But it turns out
The king paused briefly, his eyes filled with mixed emotions as he looked at the Sword Duke. While Logan listened to the conversation, he failed to comprehend why the king was expressing gratitude toward him.
The kings complex gaze lamented a debt rooted in the disciples scars.
A scar that I regretfully owed too much to even speak of openly.
Ah
That scar you healed not only resolved this friends grudge but also lightened my heart. Therefore, I must express my gratitude. Thank you, truly.
Your Majesty, theres no need for exaggeration.
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