After giving advice to his younger brother, the two elder brothers left, leaving Julian Pierce standing silently in the quiet room.
Julian walked to the window, looking out at the distant sky. He recalled the strange dream that had haunted him. In the dream, a tall man who called himself the king had humiliated and oppressed Ethan Caelan. That imposing, ruthless man—could he be Valerius Evander, the young king of the Kingdom of Helios?
“Valerius Evander.”
Julian whispered, the name weighing heavily on his lips.
“He demanded an unmarried prince as a hostage. Was it merely a coincidence, or had he intentionally targeted Ethan?”
Under the flickering candlelight in the quiet night, Julian’s silhouette sat silently at the table.
“Even if forced, I can choose how to face it,” Julian murmured to himself.
The next morning, Julian woke up early, his eyes filled with determination as he looked at Reed Jace and Leo Grant. He ordered:
“Tell me about the teachers who have taught me. I want to know more about them.”
Reed Jace bowed respectfully and began:
“Fourth prince, your music teacher is Raphael Gray. He is known as the ‘Immortal Musician’ because of his exceptional talent. His music can captivate people and even move nature.”
Leo Grant continued: “Your chess teacher is Samuel Brooke, a renowned master with the title ‘Chess King.’ He has defeated numerous chess players from neighboring countries. Each of his games is a work of art.”
Reed Jace continued:
“Your poetry teacher is William Blake, who has written many poems praised in the court. People say that when he recites poetry, flowers bloom and the moon shines.”
Leo Grant smiled and added:
“Your painting teacher is Thomas Green, an artist with many works exhibited everywhere. His brushwork is so exquisite that it astonishes everyone. His paintings bring nature to life on paper.”
Reed Jace solemnly said: “And your etiquette teacher is Edward Moore, deeply knowledgeable about court rituals of various countries, known as the ‘Master of Ceremonies.’”
Leo Grant continued: “Your history and politics teacher is Robert Hale, an experienced official in governance and politics. He is known as the ‘Political Genius.’”
Julian nodded and asked Reed Jace and Leo Grant:
“I also want to learn horse riding, archery, and martial arts. Who teaches these subjects in the palace?”
Reed Jace bowed and respectfully replied:
“Fourth prince, your horse riding teacher is Charles Strong, a general with many battlefield achievements, known as the ‘Horse Saint.’ He has extraordinary horseback riding skills, controlling a horse as if it were part of his body.”
Leo Grant continued:
“Your archery teacher is Victor Archer, a renowned archer in the court, known as the ‘Shooting God.’ He can hit any target and has won many national archery competitions.”
Reed Jace added:
“And your martial arts teacher is Bruce Lancer, a martial arts master known as the ‘Martial Saint.’ He has trained in martial arts since childhood, mastering various forms, with exceptional strength and refined combat skills.”
Julian nodded slightly, his eyes shining with excitement:
“What incredible masters! Invite all of them to the palace to teach me.”
Reed Jace and Leo Grant responded in unison: “Yes, Fourth prince!”
In the following days, Ethan Caelan's palace became more lively than ever. The sounds of music, clashing chess pieces, and brushstrokes on paper created an enthusiastic learning atmosphere. Julian, with his intelligence and talent, learned quickly and innovatively in each subject. These days, though busy, were filled with joy and memories. They equipped Julian with many skills and knowledge for his journey to the Kingdom of Helios.
During martial arts training, Julian winced, feeling sore and exhausted after a week of horseback riding and archery.
“Whew, Ethan’s body is truly fragile,” he sighed.
Bruce Lancer smiled gently:
“I taught the Fourth prince long ago. You were smart and quick-witted, advancing rapidly, leading among the princes. But since he fell into the water at age 12, narrowly escaping death, his body has been weak and unable to continue martial arts training. It’s a pity!”
Julian smiled, rubbing his aching shoulder:
“Well, this body is quite useless now.”
Bruce Lancer placed a comforting hand on the prince’s shoulder:
“It’s alright, prince! We will train gradually, increasing the intensity. With patience, you will surely recover.”
Julian looked at Master Lancer and smiled: “Alright, if I can’t become a master, at least I should be strong enough not to fall off a horse again.”
Both laughed heartily.
Julian, though worried about Ethan’s frail body, understood that this weakness was a significant disadvantage, making self-defense difficult in dangerous situations. Every strenuous activity caused intense pain throughout his body, but Julian gritted his teeth, enduring the training, just as he had persevered since his days as a trainee.