No, Your Highness. It is an honor to meet you.
Why keep saying honor? I am the one whos honored. To meet such a young hero.
You flatter me, Prince. Any modest achievements of mine are purely due to my good fortune in meeting a fine mentor.
Ha-ha. If thats a modest achievement, I wonder what that makes a person like me.
That wasnt my intention
And its not just about personal might; youve even managed to save your family from crisis and expand your territory. You truly deserve to be called a hero.
Thank you.
Logan was somewhat taken aback by the unexpected situation.
So the prince knew about the affairs of a remote barons family that most nobles in the capital wouldnt bother with.
When Logan glanced at his master, the Sword Sage slightly shook his heada sign that he was not the one who disclosed the information.
The Duke spoke so highly of you that I became curious and looked into it myself. Did I overstep my bounds by any chance?
Not at all. I am grateful for your generous interest.
Is that so? Thats a relief. Ah, dont just stand there; please take a seat, make yourself comfortable. And you too, Duke. Theres no need for formalities among us.
With an easygoing smile, the prince pointed to the seat right in front of him.
Logan was slightly bewildered, but his master sat next to the prince without protest, so Logan, after letting out a small sigh, also took the seat in front.
Someone had prepared it, and the prince poured them tea himself, the delicate fragrance filling the air.
Drip, drip.
Ah, Your Highness!
Thats alright. Leave it be.
Ah
I enjoy meeting people, especially promising young talents like Sir Logan. But since I must watch out for my two elder brothers, I am limited in what I can dofor instance, this simple cup of tea is hardly fit to make up for a potential rudeness, but please take it as a gesture of my sincerity.
The words of a prince born third, feeling the difficulty of living in the shadow of others, were filled with confident determination despite his circumstance.
His teachers praised him for his brilliant mind, and the rumors of his potential went beyond mere prowessLogan began to believe them.
The rumors undersell him; surely he must be better than the first or second princes. That was his expectation, and now it seemed that the prince had surpassed even that.
I will humbly accept it.
Logan couldnt help but smile.
Im not one to beat around the bush or drag out stories. Ill get straight to the point.
The prince was surprisingly direct for his youth.
Sir Logan may not be aware, but right now, the fate of our nation is in grave danger. The nobles are dividing the country, each trying to consume the other. Although theres no physical conflict yet, its a bomb waiting to explode.
I already know when it will happen.
Logan listened in silence, not revealing his thoughts.
These nobles couldnt care less about the lives of the common folk. They are the poison that will destroy this country. Therefore, I need talents, I need power to drive out those poison!
Firm determination showed on the princes face as he clenched his teeth.
Your Highness!
However, his masters expression was quickly turning stern.
Your Highness, you made it clear you wouldnt force me.
Of course not, Duke. How could I, a powerless prince, enforce anything upon the Sword Sages disciple?
Thats not what I mean Uh
With a single phrase, the prince silenced his master and turned his gaze back to Logan.
Ive heard about you. At only twenty-one years of age, youve already reached the level of a high-ranked knight. A war hero who has led two victories. Even the Sword Sage here admitted he was not as skilled as you at your age.
As Logan looked at his master, the Sword Sage, flustered, turned his head with a cough.
Logan MacLaine. A genius of the century and the treasure of the kingdom. I wish for someone like you to stand by me, to rise on my behalf when the time comes. Can you do that?
Logan was faced with unparalleled praise and a choice that seemed inescapable.
Exactly what Ive been waiting for.
But even if he hadnt wished for it, how could he say no in the face of such a proposition?
Even a powerless third prince, by virtue of his title, could easily crush a small dominion like Logans.
Logan smiled inwardly as he slowly spoke.
Your Highness, I deeply share your sentiments. Having met you in person, I can see theres no falsehood in the rumors proclaiming you as the sole virtuous prince.
The princes face warmed with a smile as the Sword Sage watched the two with a complex expression.
However, it would be difficult for me to heed your call immediately.
Logan was pouring cold water on the situation.
Is that so. Perhaps I possess no potential after all.
The prince wore a look of dejection, but Logan calmly shook his head.
Not at all. There is ample potential.
Hmm?
At least, the unsavory nature of the two older princes is well-known. What are your thoughts, Your Highness?
Logan! Thats not for you to mention
Its fine, Duke. Please continue, Sir Logan.
If Your Highness can just demonstrate your fundamental qualities, I believe you can earn the support you desire.
Of course, that will soon become irrelevant.
But as the heir to my estate, I have a duty to protect my family. And currently, we are in conflict with the Count of Byphrosta formidable opponent for us. Given these circumstances, it would be difficult to respond to Your Highnesss summons immediately.
Byphrost? One aligned with the second princes faction? A border count in the southwest?
The prince frowned, and Logan assured him confidently.
Please give me a little time. Once Byphrost has been brought to heel, I will bring the full strength of my family to support you.
And you shall become my sword in return.
Hiding his true thoughts, Logan bowed.
Finally, a full smile blossomed on the third princes face.
Ha-ha-ha! That confidence is indeed worthy of the Sword Sages disciple. I look forward to it. Lets see such an auspicious day deserves a gift
Your thoughtfulness suffices. I shall accept any gifts after I have proven my worth.
Ho-ho. This mans growing on me. Alright. Then Ill prepare a surprise for that day. You can look forward to it.
In the heated atmosphere, Logan, smiling, took the hand the prince extended to him.
* * *
What were you thinking, saying such things?
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