The Bard’s Counsel and the Prince’s Ambition

Your Royal Highness, as your brother and advisor, I must still remind you that this is not some third-rate romantic knight novel plot adored by girls on street corners.

Do not delude yourself with fairy-tale scenarios where a kind-hearted, lovely maiden is spotted by a handsome knightly prince at a banquet, falls instantly in love, and then lives happily ever after.” The bard Randall stated plainly.

“You could, of course, directly approach Bishop Rhys Delvos, though it’s highly probable you’d be rejected.

After all, Bishop Rhys Delvos regards Sister Antolia as the apple of his church’s eye; even if you are the Prince of Draynes, he is highly unlikely to relent.”

“Precisely because I know that, I haven’t…”

“For now, it seems the best course is to frequent the monastery and cultivate a relationship with Miss Antolia.” Randall offered his counsel quite naturally.

“Find opportunities, and if there are none, create them.

Essentially, you need to make others feel you are an inseparable part of Sister Antolia’s life.

Honestly, you are a prince! Though your inherent presence might be a little subdued, you are a legitimate prince with a strong legal claim to your title, aren’t you?

There’s no need to awkwardly pretend to be a commoner to approach Sister Antolia.

Simply present yourself as a prince, with all your inherent power and prestige.

It’s like a pride of lions vying for a favored lioness; you are the prince with the grandest mane and the highest status.

If you step forward, would any other dare to compete?

That position is yours for the taking, provided you can be a little more assertive—”

“Just by being assertive?”

“Exactly.

Showcase the charm you undoubtedly possess.

I hardly think you’re an ugly man, so cultivating affection should come naturally to you.

Moreover, the King’s intentions are quite clear; he fully supports you.

So, what do you have to fear?

You don’t need any elaborate tactics; simply charging forward will suffice.

Am I wrong?”

“When you put it that way, it truly makes sense!” The prince was momentarily stunned.

“You are truly brilliant, Randall! It is my fortune to have an Otherworlder like you as a friend!”

“I merely analyzed the situation for you and offered a few suggestions along the way.

La la la~ The beautiful maiden hails from the borderlands~ She is kind and brave, with gentle eyes~” Randall resumed playing his lute.

Having been enlightened by the recent analysis, Prince Iliran felt a surge of confidence and immediately rose to his feet.

“I shall go prepare at once! Thank you so much, Randall, you are my best friend!”

“My best friend, you say? Then, for this meal’s cost—” Randall began, but Iliran had already placed a heavy purse on the table.

“I must go now! Thank you! Remember to play a tune for me later!” Watching the prince depart with such eager excitement, the bard Randall sighed, then continued to pluck the strings of his lute.

“Once a man is struck by love, he is no longer himself.

Alas… in the end, Prince Iliran is no different from any ordinary man.

He is too young, possessing all the beauty and vigor of youth, yet regrettably unsuited to the spirit of this land.” He said, changing the tune on his lute.

“So, how long do you intend to eavesdrop over there?

Don’t think for a moment I haven’t noticed, alright?”

“Randall.” A man and a woman rose from a table on the other side and came to sit with him—a swordsman and an archer, both familiar faces.

“You’ve actually befriended Prince Iliran?” Tier looked at the Otherworlder before him.

Randall merely chuckled in response.

“Why not?

Haven’t you two befriended Sister Antolia?

To be honest, it’s quite incredible.

What exactly is her background?

You mean the Transmigrators’ Council has made no move to suppress or interfere with such a powerful individual appearing in the border church?

How much influence must she wield behind the scenes?

How formidable must her backing be?

I don’t know the specifics, but I do know you’re assisting her.”

“Are you investigating in secret?”

“There are numerous Otherworld Travelers of all kinds operating here in Draynes.

As a minor leader among them, I ought to thoroughly understand the situation I face.” Randall responded with a smile.

“So, will you tell me?

The outcome of me discovering it myself versus you volunteering the information carries entirely different implications.”

“…Antolia might be the key to maintaining balance between the natives and us, especially in this era.” Tier stated calmly.

“She is Eric’s disciple, yet an extreme Holy Light wielder.

When she reaches that position, she will be able to bring us many advantages.”

“So that’s how it is… Thinking about it this way, it’s indeed understandable why the Transmigrators’ Council hasn’t taken any drastic actions.

However, it’s clear that only some people think this way, while another faction holds entirely different views.”

“Do you have any intel?” Mula looked at him.

Randall met her gaze, and Mula immediately understood the meaning in his eyes.

“You truly are someone who wouldn’t lift a finger without personal gain.”

“After all, I am a bard.

With an unpredictable income, I must ensure I can always earn a little coin.” Randall chuckled, though how could a prince’s confidante truly be poor?

He was simply ever-greedy.

Mula extended a purse, and Randall took a few borderland silver coins from it.

“They believe Antolia’s current situation is not under control, and your surveillance is too lax to meet their demands.

Some insist on ‘inviting’ Miss Antolia to the Transmigrators’ Council tower for ‘training,’ only to release her afterward as a loyal pawn to serve their interests.”

“That is absolutely unacceptable.” Tier said, sitting to one side.

“Those people merely wish to rule the continent.

The Transmigrators’ Council was never meant to be a governing body, but rather a…”

“A regulatory body, a welfare organization, please.

When power is expanded indefinitely, anything will gradually transform into an authoritarian regime.

We cannot stop this process.

The system Rajes left behind was far too idealistic.

He established this system and then retreated into seclusion, leaving the rest of us to uphold that ideal.

We must confront potential threats.

It’s inevitable that some will be driven to extremes.”

“But those individuals should still be a minority for now,” Mula stated.

Randall nodded.

“Indeed, but that doesn’t mean they won’t act.

If you truly intend to guarantee Sister Antolia’s safety, you might find yourselves clashing with those radical factions.

They won’t show you mercy just because you are Otherworlders.

We all know that the Otherworlder community has never been truly united; only crises unite us briefly.

With the return of peace, we remain fragmented.”

“Thanks, Randall.”

“However, at least within the capital of Draynes, I can guarantee her well-being,” Randall suddenly interjected.

“That much can be guaranteed… but her ambitions, surely, aren’t limited to merely a small Draynes, are they?

Haha.”