Salvage(24)

"This is..."

Despite having a slight inkling of what it might entail, Morsan inquired for the sake of certainty.

"I've been bestowed with a prestigious royal order, a symbol of authority that grants me the power to administer punishment to anyone involved in this matter according to my own discretion."

Morsan couldn't help but roll his eyes in surprise.

The weight of this responsibility is immense, as it signifies the trust and confidence placed in him by the highest echelons of power.

Lord Seaetto, Queen Mirellia's most trusted subordinate, has been granted immense authority through a Royal decree adorned with the symbol of the Queen. In the absence of Her Majesty, this scroll bestows absolute power upon its holder, second only to the Queen herself. This decision was made due to the King's recent inability to fulfill his duties effectively.

The scroll's descent into the embrace of Egone not only symbolizes the passing of power from Lord Seaetoo to Prince Egone but also carries with it a multitude of political implications.

The queen's deliberate choice to entrust her son, who is still in his early teenage years, with such a weighty responsibility speaks volumes about her confidence in his abilities and potential as a leader.

By publicly acknowledging her son's wisdom and qualifications, the queen sends a powerful message to her subjects and political allies. It demonstrates her belief that Egone possesses the necessary qualities to effectively wield the immense authority that comes with the position.

This proclamation challenges the traditional notion that gender, age, and experience are the sole determinants of leadership, suggesting that wisdom and capability can transcend the traditional barriers.

Despite Egone's attempts to downplay the significance of this gesture, it is evident to those observing that this is no small accomplishment.

The fact that the queen has chosen to publicly endorse her son's capabilities at such a young age indicates that he has already displayed exceptional qualities of leadership and decision-making.

This will not only garner respect and admiration from the people but also establish Egone as a figure to watch in the political landscape.

Furthermore, this subtle gesture indirectly reveals that Egone is destined to assume the role of ruler after the queen. By entrusting him with such authority at a young age, the queen is subtly hinting at her intention to groom him as her successor.

This revelation could spark intrigue and speculation among the courtiers and political elite, as they will begin to envision a future where Egone takes the reins of power and Egone can take several advantages of this.

The implications of this moment extend beyond the immediate political landscape.

It sets a precedent for future successions, challenging the traditional notions of hereditary rule and emphasizing the importance of merit and capability.

This not only shapes the political landscape but also inspires a new era of leadership based on merit and capability.

Morsan swiftly seized the royal decree from Van's grasp and promptly examined its authenticity, cautiously considering whether Egone was merely toying with him. However, a profound silence fell upon Morsan as he comprehended that this was indeed a legitimate and significant matter.

"Haha, you brats never cease to amaze me..."

Morsan remained silent, carefully observing Egone's face without saying anything to Tizona. Despite Egone's apparent smile, there was a lack of emotion in his eyes.

Morsan could sense that Egone's newfound authority did not bring him the expected joy.

It was evident that Egone was exhausted.

"I'm not sure how you ended up with this authority, but it's absolutely amazing! You've done an incredible job! You should embrace your accomplishments and show your genuine smile more often instead of pretending like now."

Even though Morsan didn't like to compliment Egone, this time he chose to do so as he felt how tired and weak he was compared to before.

Morsan had always been skeptical of Egone's abilities and had often found himself criticizing the young boy's every move.

But as he observed Egone's tireless efforts and the toll it was taking on him, Morsan couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy.

Egone had always been a diligent and hardworking individual, but lately, it seemed as though he had taken on the weight of the world on his shoulders. His once vibrant and energetic demeanor had been replaced by a weariness that was evident in his every step.

Despite his young age, Egone had become a pillar of support for those around him. His selflessness and dedication had earned him the respect and admiration of many, but it also came at a cost. People failed to see the toll it was taking on him, blinded by their own expectations and demands.

With each accomplishment, Egone's responsibilities grew exponentially. He was constantly bombarded with requests for assistance, advice, and guidance. The weight of these expectations threatened to crush him, but he never let it show.

He carried on, shouldering the burden silently, never uttering a single complaint. Morsan couldn't help but contrast Egone's silent suffering with his tendency to complain at the slightest inconvenience.

He realized that while he had been quick to criticize and find fault in Egone's actions, he had failed to acknowledge the immense strength and resilience the young boy possessed.

Egone's artificial grin became rigid upon hearing Morsan's words, causing him to inhale deeply and release a prolonged sigh. His lips then curved upwards, forming a genuine smile this time.

"~Yeah, I really outdid myself this time! Give me all the praise and worship you can muster. I managed to handle myself perfectly amidst a sea of snakes, foxes, and hyenas..."

Seating himself casually in the chair across from Morsan, Egone's demeanor contrasted with his previously graceful approach, leaving Van astonished as he raised his gaze.

Van couldn't help but gasp at the abrupt transformation in Prince Egone's behavior, as it revealed his true nature for the first time. The air in the room seemed to shift as if a storm was brewing within Egone's soul.

Prince Egone reclined in the chair, adopting a nonchalant and calm posture as he gazed up at the ceiling. Letting out a weary sigh, he muttered under his breath,

"Everyone can go to hell..."

His eyes once filled with a glimmer of charm and charisma, now held a glint of something darker. Van had always admired the prince from afar, captivated by his regal presence and seemingly perfect facade.

But now, as Egone's true self emerged, Van realized that there was more to this prince than met the eye.

***