Chapter 8. The Fiancé

The news of the Crown Prince's waking up had spread rapidly across the continent, but what caught everyone off guard the most was the sudden change in Rayshawn's behavior. Not only had he immediately rid himself of Garrett Barlowe, his former lover, but he also seemed to be much more approachable and humble.

Prior to the incident, Rayshawn had built a reputation for being brash, hot-tempered, and hostile to deep thought. His reputation preceded him as someone who acted rashly and enjoyed getting into fights. The only time he appeared gentle was when he was with Garrett, the poor baron's son. Rayshawn would unquestioningly follow Garrett's lead, even to the point of angering other people and nobles.

Rayshawn's reputation has nearly plummeted due to his reckless behavior and his blinding dedication to Garrett. This all changed, however, when the incident happened and Rayshawn nearly lost his life while trying to protect his lover. But the moment he opened his eyes, an incredible change took place.

The impatient and angry man had been replaced by a Crown Prince who was more humble and thoughtful. Many people were surprised by Rayshawn's most recent display of maturity and humility after becoming accustomed to his erratic behavior. It was as if something had been pulled back, showing a different side of him.

The citizens of the Esgalduin Empire were filled with optimism as word of Rayshawn's waking up and character change traveled across the continent. The once-reckless Crown Prince had transformed into a symbol of power, wisdom, and leadership, ready to lead his people into a new period of wealth and stability.

Two days after he had regained consciousness, Rayshawn went straight to the training yard, eager to put his body through its paces. He could not allow his physique to become stiff and weak due to the small pains that lingered, not with the dedicated care of the physician and the young priest.

"I know being a male comes with a lot of advantages, but to be this light and powerful, this prince's body is really perfect," Rayshawn laughed, swinging his sword with practiced ease.

On the second day, Rayvenne's memories had finally been fully integrated with Rayshawn's, giving him access to the knowledge and skills she had accumulated in the modern world. The once-muscle-bound Rayshawan now possesses the advanced skills and capabilities of Rayvenne, a deadly combination that makes him even more impressive as a crown prince. A crown prince with a body built for war and perfection, with modern knowledge from Rayvenne, he's the only perfection in this world.

The story of Rayshawn's change for the better swiftly reached the ears of the Empress and the Emperor; they thought their son was confused when he first woke up and maybe will change back after a while. However, not only is he not changing, but everyone in the palace talks about him being such a nice person. After being worried about Rayshawn's relationship with Garrett, the Empress now looked on with pride at her son.

"Our son has truly come into his own," she commented to the Emperor, a subtle grin on her lips. "He carries himself with a confidence and grace that befits the heir to the Esgalduin Empire."

Nodding in agreement, the Emperor was just as impressed. "Indeed, he has shown extraordinary strength and wisdom in his actions. I have no doubt that he will make an exceptional ruler when the time comes." Said the Emperor with pride while staring at his only son, who's training in the training yard.

-

In the Marquis Vanderberg's mansion, the Marquis and his eldest son, Siegfried Hartmann von Vanderberg, were having a heated discussion regarding the Crown Prince's phenomenal change in attitude.

Siegfried, however, remained unconvinced and steadfastly refused to acknowledge the reports of the Crown Prince's transformation. "People don't change in a single night, father," he said, his brow furrowed in skepticism.

The Marquis attempted to temper his son's adamant stance. "We don't know for certain," he said. "The people in the palace are simply talking about it these days."

Undeterred, Siegfried scoffed. "It's been only two days. He'll be back to his old ways again, doing whatever that bastard Baron's son wants!"

The Marquis' eyes narrowed at his son's bold statement. "Sieg! He is still the Crown Prince. What you said could be considered treason!"

Siegfried met his father's stern gaze, unrepentant. "Father, have you seen how Ivory is being humiliated and hurt because of his actions? Our Ivory?"

The Marquis fell silent, contemplating his son's words. Ivory Whitlocken, his only daughter, his precious child, and the most beautiful woman in the Empire, was and still Rayshawn's betrothed—a union that had been celebrated throughout the Esgalduin Empire as the top of strength and power. Yet Rayshawn's obsession with Garrett Barlowe had caused the young woman untold anguish.

"I understand your concerns, Sieg," the Marquis said, his voice softening. "Rayshawn's previous behavior was indeed unacceptable, and it has left a deep wound in the family. However, if the reports are true and he has truly changed for the better, then we must be cautious in our judgments."

Siegfried opened his mouth to protest, but the Marquis raised a hand, silencing him. "I know you are protective of Ivory, and rightly so. But we must wait and see how the situation unfolds. The Crown Prince's actions in the coming days will speak for themselves."

Siegfried's brow furrowed as he contemplated his father's words. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke up: "Then, father, to make sure he's changed or not, why don't we visit him with Ivory? We'll know about it then."

The Marquis studied his son's expression, concern evident in his features. "Are you going to fight him again?" he asked. The last time Siegfried challenged Rayshawn into a fight, he was sent home, dying. He doesn't want to raise his complaint and be at war with the royal family.

Siegfried's lips thinned into a tight-lipped expression. "Depends on the situation," he replied, his voice measured and resolute.

The Marquis sighed, knowing full well the tenacity and stubbornness that ran in the Vanderberg family. He understood his son's protective instincts, especially when it came to his beloved Ivory, but he also recognized the delicate nature of the Crown Prince's position and the potential consequences of any rash actions.

"Very well," the Marquis conceded. "We shall arrange a visit to the palace, and you and Ivory can assess the situation for yourselves. However, I must implore you, Sieg, to approach this with an open mind. The Crown Prince's well-being is crucial to the stability of the Esgalduin Empire, and we cannot afford any further unrest."

Siegfried nodded, his jaw set with determination. "I will do my best to keep an open mind, father. But if I see any indication that he has not truly changed, I will not hesitate to take action." He paused, his expression hardening. "Let's also consider canceling Ivory's engagement to him."

Before the Marquis could reply, a knock on the office door interrupted their discussion. At the Marquis' command, the butler entered the room, his movements graceful and his demeanor respectful.

"My Lord," the butler began, "there is a letter from the palace bearing the Crown Prince's seal."

Siegfried's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" he exclaimed, unable to conceal his astonishment.

The butler continued, "This is an official letter that states that the Crown Prince will be visiting the Marquisate tomorrow."

"This is an unexpected development," the Marquis mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "We must prepare to receive the Crown Prince with the utmost courtesy and respect. Sieg, I will need your cooperation to make sure that our interactions with him are civil and safe."