The Prince

When I realized that we had already docked, I returned to the carriage. We will arrive at the palace before dusk, the coachman assured. 

I was simply glancing out the carriage window, observing the residents of the capital. Much nobility is strolling around the bustling streets, and guards are on patrol. 

The coachman makes a halt at a restaurant a short while later. 

"Mr. Avenier, you will eat here before continuing on your journey to the palace," the coachman stated with courtesy.

I gave a nod and exited the carriage. People are simply passing by it, treating it like any other neighborhood eatery. Perhaps as a result of its extremely plain external decoration?

The coachman stayed at the carriage, but I ignored the thought and went into the restaurant. With hesitation, I opened the door, and a well-dressed man welcomed me right away.

"Mr. Aveneir, right? Count Frenp asked us to serve you well for today," he continued, sounding as though he was anticipating me. " This is the table that's been set out for you," he said as he pointed the table at the corner."I'll present the menu to you soon," he said and made his way to the reception desk.

Something doesn't feel right. I'm not accustomed to this type of treatment, especially now that I'm in the capital. However, it appears that the count is genuinely trying his hardest to make me feel at home in the capital.

I rapidly gobbled the food I had selected when it was served. I would rather not arrive at the palace so late. 

During the journey to the palace, I attempted to sleep for a time, but I was unsuccessful. So I just simply scan the area in an attempt to become acquainted with it. We arrive at the royal entrance sooner than we anticipate. I have to get off here since the coachman informed me that he won't be able to enter. I expressed my gratitude and brought my belongings to the gate.

"State your identity and purpose," the admission guard asks me as I approach the gate.

"Nicholas Avenier, a resident of the West. I was invited here by the King himself."

"Let me confirm it first." I nodded, and then he walked to the guardhouse. His colleague asked him to examine a scroll, and then he glanced at me. He then turned to face me once more. "You are Nicholas Clement Aveneir, a recruit from the Sataraia training camp who will serve as the personal teacher of the Crown Prince, right?"

"Yes, that's who I am," I said with assurance. I felt uneasy as he gave me a full, unsettling look. I can see the disdain in his eyes. 

"You can leave all of those for inspection," the tall guard with a tanned complexion said. "You will now have the opportunity to have an audience with the King," he said, and he appeared to be a high-ranking guard.

Meeting the King personally is a great privilege for both nobility and commoners, so I can't help but feel a little uncomfortable.

As we head toward the room where I will meet the King and potentially the Crown Prince, whom I will train, I cast a quick glance around to divert my attention.

"You must be an amazing weapon master," suddenly said the Knight escorting me. "It's not really common for a trainee to get the King's attention," he continued in a mocking tone. I just shrugged and continued down the lengthy hallway. 

Given what they already know about me, it is inevitable that everyone in my immediate vicinity will denigrate me. They see me as just another commoner, an anonymous lucky peasant who will happen to work in close contact with the imperial family. Any false rumors that might surface don't worry me, though. I'm here to execute my plan, not to please anyone.

"We are about to enter the Audience chamber." the knight reminded me as we approached the massive door, "Don't forget to pay your respects to the sun of the empire."

The door was opened for us by the two royal knights who were guarding the chamber. Nearly blinding light radiated from within. Gold shines everywhere, especially when it is exposed to the sun's rays, just like the exterior of the castle that I saw during the trip here.

I noticed the King sitting on the throne, looking regal. Alexander, the King's aide, and my uncle stood alongside him.

I continued to approach the throne before bending down to bow to the king.

"Nicholas Avenier from the Western Region humbly greets thee, His Highness, the Sun of the Empire."

"Welcome to the capital. I hope you can see why I gave you the responsibility of training the Crown Prince, Nicholas Avenier," the monarch said sternly.

"I am truly grateful for the chance you have given me, my King. Thank you for your confidence in my ability to teach the Crown Prince," I replied with respect. 

"You'll get everything you need, but you have to live up to my expectations first, of course."

"Certainly, my King. I shall do everything in my power to train the Crown Prince."

"You may now stand. Commander Dyle will lead you to the Prince's location." I rose to my feet.

I bow again and head out of the room. I glanced at Alexander, who didn't seem to be concerned about me. A considerable number of smartly dressed people gathered outside the room. Maybe nobility who have business speaking with the King. 

"The Crown Prince is currently in his class," Commander Dyle said, before continuing, "He is a very modest boy, so I hope you can connect with him. I am the one in charge of safeguarding the Crown Prince's safety. I saw his growth as a young child till now, and I know he's been under a significant amount of pressure ever since he was called the Crown Prince."

The Commander's voice is filled with concern. Seems like he genuinely cares about the Crown Prince. 

"Don't worry, Sir. I will do everything I can. One thing I've learned from my mentor at the camp is that I need to learn to appreciate what I'm doing and to avoid worrying about things that might have an impact on how well I perform as a weapon master."

"That one's really good. Imelda is a teacher who undoubtedly knows what to teach."

"You also know her?" 

"The Royal Army's knights are all aware of who she is. The lone female leader throughout the continental battle decades ago."

I suppose I've struck gold because I'm Imelda's most valuable student.

The conversation between Commander Dyle and me regarding palace regulations and my upcoming training with the Royal Army continued. 

The Commander instructed me to wait until we got to the drawing room, where I would meet the Prince. I look around the space, taking in everything from the golden centerpiece to the sparkling tapestries.

 Luxurious. 

After a while, the door opened, revealing a boy standing inside with long white sleeves and a simple white and gold waistcoat.