As for my second Reason of wanting to see the world, this is also one of Nick's dreams.
He never left his own city and yet dreamed of travelling foreign countries. He had spent countless nights staring at travel vlogs and satellite maps, dreaming of foreign horizons he would never touch. But he could not because of financial issues and work.
He died without even being able to see the mountains or ocean that he wanted to see so much.
But now that all conditions are at my advantage, isn't it about time i fulfil that dream ?
"This world that is inhabited by all kinds of beasts, monsters and Races, I want to see it. I want to experience everything the world has to offer" I said
"I see. Power and new experiences ...huh" the King mused, a thoughtful, almost nostalgic expression crossing his face. "That's an admirable goal"
I thought a man like him wouldn't get it. but he does huh..
"So, what's your Other question?"
"Hmm....my second question is..." He paused for a sec
He looked into my eyes and said "Tyler Von Regulus"
Full name huh... He's Serious.
"Do you wish to become the king ?"
What ?
I am stunned.
There were many questions that I had predicted, he would ask. I had even prepared proper answers for those questions.
But this question was definitely not among them. This is too far from my expectations.
But since he asked, I gotta answer. It's a king's command after all.
"Wouldn't anyone wish for it if they had the chance ?"
"Maybe. But, I don't wish to know about 'anyone'. I want to know about you" he said
"Do you want it or not ? Yes or No ?" his voice got more serious
Can't even avoid it ...huh
Since avoiding it isn't a choice, lying isn't of use either.
"yes, I want to become the king"
A profound silence descended upon the room. The King didn't flinch. He didn't scoff. He simply stared into my eyes, his amethyst gaze acting like a high-resolution scanner, searching for any flicker of hesitation or the hollow bravado of a child in me.
After those few moments—which felt like an eternity of being weighed on a divine scale—he finally exhaled and said "I see..."
That's it ? You've got nothing more to say ? No 'How dare you'? No 'Your brothers are ahead of you'?
Sign...
"Since you were honest with me I will give you some advice.... It's a pretty basic advice but most people fail here...."
"Know your limits. Calculate both your Advantages And Disadvantages. And using all that data, plan accordingly. Whatever you do, just make sure the end result is positively in your favor." He said
I know it and I was planning to do just that.
Maybe by pure coincidence, But Nick's Dad gave him this very same advice when he was searching for a suitable career path.
'No one cares about what path you choose, they will only care about you if you finish and win. So choose what you feel comfortable in and know will be of advantage for you. Don't fall for other people's suggestions or tauntings'
I still remember those words.
That was also why I wanted strength. If things don't go well and i can't become a king even then i will at least become strong enough that even the king can't ignore me.
"Thank you for your wise words, Your Majesty" i told him with Genuine Gratitude.
My tone and words might have sounded a bit sarcastic but I was genuinely Grateful
"Your Majesty, huh?" The King let out a short, breathy laugh that lacked any of his usual sharp edge "Not calling me 'Father' anymore?"
I stayed silent
The King didn't press the issue. Instead, he leaned back against the sofa, his head tilting back to stare at the ornate carvings on the ceiling. For a moment, the 'Invisible Aura' that made him seem unapproachable at first seemed to dissipate, leaving behind just a man in an expensive chair.
"Tyler," he said softly. "I know you don't like me. No, you might even resent me for the silence I've given you for these six years. But... I hope one day, we can have a hearty conversation. Not as a King and a Prince, but simply ...as a father and a son."
Weakness...
This is the first time in my six years of life that I have ever seen him with such vulnerability.
Was mother right after all ?
"Whatever, you can go now. I am sure your mother is waiting for you"
"And my favor ?" I asked for one last time, Just to be sure.
"I will arrange your trainer Tomorrow." he said, his voice returning to its decisive tone. "I will send a messenger to summon you when they arrive. Be prepared to meet them."
"Understood"
"As for your first favor—the adventuring," the King added, his eyes narrowing, "that will depend entirely on your trainer's report. They will be the one to make the final decision and gauge your worthiness"
They ? Will there be several trainer ? or is he including the royal tutor as well ?
"Yes"
"Then, I shall take my leave, Your Majesty"
I bowed—a proper, formal bow— and walked toward the door. As I gripped the handle, I felt his gaze on my back.
I stepped out into the hallway, the cool air of the palace hitting my face. I finally felt some relaxation. The negotiation was over. The contract was finally signed. This was my new life's first hurdle and I, Tyler Von Regulus, Have succeed.
First Quest Cleared!
After coming out I noticed A presence. It was Butler Mike. It seems like he was waiting.
"Your highness" Mike greeted me, his bow deeper and more sincere than the performative gestures I'd seen in the dining hall.
Maybe because we are in private ?
If this were any other butler in the Central Palace, my first instinct would be suspicion—the fear that he had been eavesdropping to report back to the First or Second Queen. But Mike was different.
As the husband of my mother's personal maid, Hilda, and the younger brother of the Central Palace's Chief Butler, He is already a part of the Arbutus Palace family and someone extremely trustworthy.
"The meeting is finished, Mike," I said, my voice carrying a hint of the exhaustion I was finally feeling.
"I can see that, Your Highness. You look... older than when you entered," he remarked softly.
Do i ? It was a bold comment for a mere butler to say to a prince, but coming from him, it was a gesture of intimacy.
He led me through the labyrinthine halls of the Central Palace toward the exit where my mother was probably waiting.