The capital of the Veloras Empire was thriving. Merchants filled the streets, carriages moved constantly through the city, and traders from distant regions could be seen doing business everywhere. Standing before a mirror while attendants adjusted his cloak, Kylrus Van Veloras observed his appearance for a moment before making a simple request.
"Remove the insignia."
The head attendant froze.
"Y-Your Highness?"
"The imperial crest. Remove it."
The attendants exchanged nervous glances before quickly obeying. Nobody dared question his decision. Without the crest, crown, or ceremonial attire, Kylrus looked like an ordinary nobleman. However, the calm confidence in his eyes made it impossible to mistake him for anything less than royalty.
Behind him stood Cassian, his younger brother. Cassian had spent most of his life training as a warrior and was known for his discipline. Looking at Kylrus, he couldn't hide his curiosity.
"You're really leaving without a full escort?"
"Yes."
"Won't Father object?"
Kylrus glanced at him.
Cassian immediately straightened.
"Right. He won't."
The two brothers left the palace through the eastern gate and headed toward the city. Although no official announcement was made, people quickly recognized Kylrus. By the time they reached the commercial district, whispers had already begun spreading through the streets. Shopkeepers, merchants, and travelers quietly watched as the Crown Prince passed by.
As they walked, Kylrus paid attention to everything around him. The roads were well maintained, businesses were thriving, and security appeared strong. However, he also noticed several inefficiencies. Some public projects received excessive funding while other areas lacked proper attention. The empire was powerful, but it wasn't nearly as efficient as it could be.
Eventually, Kylrus turned toward the southern district. Cassian immediately noticed the change in direction. Unlike the wealthier parts of the capital, this area was home to lower-income citizens. It wasn't poor enough to be called a slum, but the difference was obvious. The buildings were simpler, the streets were narrower, and signs of wealth were far less common.
"That area..."
"I know."
As they walked deeper into the district, people gradually stopped what they were doing. A woman carrying water froze, a blacksmith stopped working, and even children stopped playing. One after another, people lowered their heads and knelt as Kylrus approached. He carefully observed their reactions and immediately noticed something.
They weren't showing admiration.
They were afraid.
"They're honoring you."
"No. They're afraid."
Kylrus approached a nearby man who looked especially nervous. Instead of standing over him, he lowered himself slightly to make the conversation less intimidating.
"What is your occupation?"
The man swallowed nervously.
"I cut firewood, Your Highness."
"How much do you earn each week?"
The question surprised everyone nearby. Even Cassian looked confused. Questions like that weren't normally asked by members of the royal family.
"Enough to survive, Your Highness."
"Specific number."
"Eight silver coins."
Kylrus immediately began calculating. Living expenses, food costs, taxes, and average income levels all passed through his mind. Something didn't seem right.
"Who collects your taxes?"
"Viscount Harlowe's office, Your Highness."
Kylrus stood up and looked toward Cassian.
"Cassian."
"Yes?"
"Remember that name."
"I will."
Kylrus then turned toward the gathered crowd. Most of them still looked confused about what was happening. None of them had expected the Crown Prince to stop and speak with ordinary citizens.
"The Crown exists to maintain the stability of the realm."
The crowd remained silent.
"If any noble demands more than what imperial law allows, report it."
People exchanged uncertain glances. The idea sounded strange to them. Most had probably never imagined that someone would actually listen.
"I will personally review the taxation records of this district."
Several people looked genuinely shocked. Kylrus didn't explain further and simply continued walking. Behind him, the atmosphere had noticeably changed. The fear hadn't disappeared completely, but something else had appeared alongside it. Curiosity.
After leaving the district, Cassian finally spoke.
"You're investigating a viscount because of eight silver coins?"
Kylrus glanced at him.
"I'm investigating the system."
Cassian frowned slightly, waiting for an explanation. Kylrus continued walking while speaking.
"If one noble takes slightly more than allowed, others will eventually do the same. If people feel ignored, resentment grows. Resentment eventually becomes instability."
Cassian slowly nodded. The explanation made sense, but it still felt different from the way Kylrus used to think.
"You've changed."
"In what way?"
"You look at problems differently. Before, you would have simply punished the viscount."
Kylrus smiled slightly.
"That would solve one problem."
Cassian waited.
"Not the cause of it."
The answer left Cassian silent. He couldn't fully explain it, but something about Kylrus felt different now. Not weaker. If anything, it felt like he had become more dangerous.
Meanwhile, beneath the western quarter of the capital, several cloaked figures gathered inside a hidden chamber. The room was dimly lit and completely isolated from the outside world. One of the figures stepped forward and delivered a report.
"The Crown Prince has begun moving."
Another figure spoke from the darkness.
"So soon?"
"He visited the southern district."
The room became quiet. That wasn't the response any of them had expected. According to their information, the previous Kylrus would never have wasted time on something like that.
"That wasn't part of his usual behavior."
"No."
A third figure finally spoke.
"The attack was supposed to provoke arrogance or anger."
Another voice followed.
"Instead, he's becoming more calculating."
The atmosphere inside the chamber grew noticeably heavier. None of them liked unpredictable variables.
"Interesting."
Back in the capital, Kylrus stood beside a bridge overlooking the river while Cassian remained nearby. Looking down at the flowing water, Kylrus organized his thoughts. His previous life had been spent chasing opportunities that he never had enough time to pursue. This life offered something completely different.
Power.
Influence.
Control.
But all of those things required information.
"They wanted to test me."
Cassian frowned.
"Who?"
Kylrus smiled slightly.
"That's exactly what I intend to find out."
He turned away from the river and began walking back toward the palace.
"Send a message to Selene tonight."
"Understood."
"We're going to start reviewing noble finances."
Cassian's eyes widened slightly. He understood exactly what that meant. Kylrus wasn't investigating a single noble. He was preparing to examine the entire system.
Kylrus had no intention of acting recklessly. First he would gather information. Then evidence. After that, he would expose anyone found guilty. If the people of the empire learned that the Crown Prince protected even ordinary citizens, loyalty would no longer exist solely because of fear.
It would become a choice.
Looking toward the palace in the distance, Kylrus made a silent decision. The Veloras Empire would change, and anyone who stood in the way of that change would eventually be removed.