Path Of The Prince

Albert Eldran and Cloudy Adaires strolled down the dimly lit street, their steps heavy with the weight of their thoughts. The early dawn light obscured the worry etched into their faces. As Cloudy had predicted, not everyone in the royal court was thrilled about the prince's return. Beyond King Eldran and the top ethereal warriors, those with the most influence were Princess Alfreya Eldran, Honourable Aristocrat Glynn Belkarn, and the absent Prime Advisor, Alexander Levison. They had secured their positions not just through the strength of their ethereal arms but through the power of their intellect. In a kingdom that revered ethereal arm prowess above all, rising to power through sheer intelligence was seen as both respectable and formidable.

From what King Eldran and Kael Franklin had hinted, both the princess and the advisor were among those displeased with Albert's return. And as for Glynn Belkarn…

"Perhaps you should be more mindful of your personal safety, Your Highness."

A shadow emerged from a quiet alley, the smile on its face unmistakable to Albert and Cloudy.

"Glynn…" Albert halted cautiously, raising his hand to shield Cloudy behind him. Glynn Belkarn was one of the few who could refer to the king by his name, so the formality of "Your Highness" seemed out of place.

"But don't worry, I'll take care of that for you," Glynn replied, seemingly unfazed by Albert's guarded stance. "I'm just here to inform you that any friend of Shun Xshasi is a friend of mine. Even though some treacherous bastards may not welcome you, the Belkarn Clan will always have your back."

Albert raised an eyebrow, aware of Glynn's peculiar friendliness toward Shun. However, something Cloudy had told him sent a shiver down his spine: whenever Glynn spoke of Shun, his tone was not just respectful but almost worshipful, tinged with a horrifying sense of pride and excitement.

Glynn Belkarn's reputation around Haven was far from admirable. Unlike the loyal and honest Glenn Belkarn, Glynn was notorious for his ruthlessness and his willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his goals.

Glynn sighed, "Your Highness, one day you will understand that this world only accepts the heartless and the determined. Some people try to cleanse the world's corruption with kindness and love, but they always fail. They either lose their lives, their freedom, or, worse, the very kindness they tried to rely on."

"People are inherently kind, yet not pure enough. I understand the human mind better than anyone. I see when that small spark of vileness consumes their kindness." Glynn's smile remained bright, his expression unmoved by his own words.

"Instead of striving for unattainable perfection, it seems more realistic to embrace the other side of the pendulum."

Albert's eyes filled with fear and hesitation. During his long journey to the South, he had learned that the kingdom was far from the paradise his father had described. As Glynn suggested, it was often the shameless who held power, just as it had been during Tyrant Kolgwyn's era.

Unlike the Eternal Dynasty of An, the prince of Lordrixis held little significance; the next ruler would be the one who possessed the first complete ethereal arm. Albert couldn't understand why some people envied him.

Glynn, reading his thoughts once more, said, "Your Highness, rules are made by men, and they can be remade by men. If you want to be the next King of Lordrixis, the old rules will no longer matter."

"The person who can help you reach that position is within your grasp."

Albert turned to Cloudy, who trembled slightly under the pressure emanating from Glynn. But before he could respond, Glynn's words had already escaped from his mouth. 

"Shun Xshasi. He is your—our—only future."

…

Shun Xshasi had a dream of his past again, but this time, it wasn't a nightmare. 

The irresistible thrill of taking someone's ethereal arm as his own filled him with an urgent excitement to begin his plan.

Emilia, Gideon, and Yurien had already left for the army base, but everyone else, including Albert and Cloudy, was at breakfast. The atmosphere remained relaxed and harmonious, yet Albert was silent, burdened by his thoughts.

Silver noticed his unease. "Albert? What happened yesterday?"

As if jolted awake by Silver's question, Albert stood abruptly. "Shun, can I have a word with you?"

Ignoring the curious stares from the others, he turned to Silver. "Silver, if you're not busy, could you join us?"

The previous night, Albert had spent hours in conversation—first with Glynn, then with Cloudy, and finally with himself. Glynn had delivered a long speech about the path Albert should take. Cloudy, despite her fear and suspicion of Glynn Belkarn, had analyzed that the path Glynn proposed would benefit Albert rather than harm him.

Shun swallowed the last of his bread and replied, "Sure, I was only planning to visit Elysia and the outskirts of the capital. I have all the time in the world."

Silver nodded. "I only have a meeting in the afternoon. Some of the complete ethereal warriors were busy with their apprentices yesterday."

The mood lightened when Jaylen accidentally smashed a plate in his rush to the kitchen. He had planned to study for 10 hours today, a decision the others didn't understand but respected.

Leon, who usually preferred the library to himself, didn't mind sharing it today since he had to go to the White Crane Manor.

After breakfast, Albert, Cloudy, Shun, and Silver gathered on the large balcony of the mansion's third floor. Both Albert and Cloudy wore expressions of heavy, determined resolve.

"Shun, Silver, I'm asking you this not only because you two are the strongest but also because I believe you're the most likely to help."

Shun and Silver exchanged wary glances, sensing the gravity of the situation.

"Overnight, I constructed a plan with the help of an anonymous individual," Albert began, recalling Glynn's words. Sometimes, one couldn't afford to be weak or friendly; if someone threatened your safety, you had to strike first. But even now, he hesitated, taking a deep breath before continuing.

"A plan to assassinate my sister, Alfreya Eldran."