“Alas, I’ve taken on a terrible task.”
The meeting concluded, and Adair, walking his way back, couldn’t help but sigh.
The moment Ivan had spoken, Adair had harbored a vague premonition of trouble, and indeed, the matter had fallen squarely upon his shoulders.
Breaking the opposition’s alliance and drawing Duke Buzz Leo and Duke Henry David to Rich’s side was a task far more intricate than simply handling the foolish Baron Quentin.
Yet, it struck Adair as peculiar. Ivan seemed intent on becoming a hands-off manager at this crucial juncture, even entrusting Adair with such a significant decision.
‘What exactly is that boy plotting?’ Adair mused silently.
“Lord Adair, please wait.”
Suddenly, Kelly called out from behind Adair. He turned, inquiring, “Is there something else?”
Kelly replied, “The Little Prince hopes to speak with you privately.”
‘Rich,’ Adair thought.
Adair exhaled slowly, sensing that the child was likely feeling lost and confused at this moment.
“Very well. Please lead the way.”
Adair followed Kelly to Rich’s room, where Rich sat by the window, gazing blankly at the sea of clouds outside.
Kelly nodded, gesturing for Adair to enter, then quietly closed the door, granting them private time together.
“What are you thinking about, Little Prince?”
Adair’s voice pulled Rich from his reverie.
“Eh? Teacher, you’re here.”
Rich quickly stood, scratching his head. “I was lost in thought just now and didn’t notice. Also, please don’t call me Little Prince; it feels so awkward.”
“Alright then, I’ll continue to call you Rod in private.”
Adair settled into a chair by the window, gesturing for Rich to sit as well.
“I heard you were looking for me. Is there something you wish to discuss?” Adair inquired.
“Ah, yes. Hmm…” Rich hesitated, seemingly grappling with how to articulate his concerns.
“Teacher Adair, is my elder brother and the Legion Commander planning to have me…”
Rich couldn’t bring himself to utter the last few words, only managing to stare blankly at Adair.
Adair understood Rich’s unspoken question. Rather than answering directly, he asked, “What have you discerned?”
“Yes, I wasn’t entirely clear before. But after experiencing these recent twists and turns, many past events seem to have grown complicated. My second brother used to often take me to the homes of many powerful nobles, encouraging me to build good relationships with their heirs.
“At the time, I thought he was merely trying to find me some high-born playmates. But later, I vaguely felt something was amiss, and only now do I understand that he was consolidating influence for me.
“Now, my eldest brother has suddenly turned against me, and Legion Commander Fu Yuanxing and others seem to want me to step forward and contend with him… That’s when I began to form a hypothesis.”
Adair looked at the still somewhat timid Rich with an appreciative gaze. “That’s an excellent analysis. The fact that you’ve noticed these things proves you’ve matured considerably.”
Adair’s words effectively affirmed Rich’s deductions.
“So, what I’m thinking is true, then?” Rich asked, his breathing slightly quickened.
Adair no longer beat around the bush, stating plainly, “It’s quite evident, isn’t it? They, your supporters, wish for you to become king.”
“I never thought of that,” Rich said, his eyes wide.
“They don’t care whether you’ve thought about it; they care about who will be king in a way that best serves their interests. Of course, the final choice is yours. If you absolutely refuse to become king, they cannot force you.
“Do you wish to be king, Rich?”
“I—I don’t know. I’ve never considered that question.”
Rich lowered his head, a hint of dejection in his posture. He hadn’t realized how he felt; he’d expected to refuse outright, yet the words had caught in his throat.
“What kind of person is your eldest brother, the First Prince? Do you believe he could be a good king?” Adair asked.
Rich spoke haltingly, “My eldest brother, hmm… he is quite arrogant, fond of power, and somewhat autocratic. He usually favors nobles and is always very harsh towards commoners. We’ve argued many times over these issues, and my second brother always mediated for us.”
Adair began to understand Rich’s hesitation; this was a rather undesirable prince.
“I see. It appears he is a man without the magnanimity of a king. Why do Fu Yuanxing and the others reject your eldest brother so strongly? It can’t just be his conduct, can it? Do you know anything else?”
“It might be due to the institutional reforms my royal father implemented over a decade ago. It seems he abolished the rule that only nobles could hold official positions, granting offices and rights to commoners who had achieved merit.
“Lord Fu Yuanxing was promoted in that very manner. That’s largely all I know; I was too young when these matters unfolded. My second brother probably knows more.”
“I understand,” Adair said, patting Rich’s head. “I cannot give you the answer you seek, for that is something you must decide for yourself.
“However, there’s no need to rush to a conclusion. You are unclear on too many things; how can you find your way forward when you are still lost in a fog? Instead of blindly charging ahead, it would be better to pause and organize your thoughts.
“I offer you this advice: thoroughly understand your royal father’s reforms from back then, the impact those reforms have had on the kingdom over the years, and finally, analyze the true conflict between Fu Yuanxing and your eldest brother. By then, you may well have your own answer.”
“Is that all? The thought that someone is currently contending for power and influence on my behalf, it makes me…”
Adair interjected, “They are not acting for you, but for themselves. In the future, you will need to compel them to act on your behalf, but for now, you are merely their puppet.
“So, to escape this predicament, properly clear your mind and embark on the life you choose for yourself. That’s all I can say. Don’t overthink things; now, go diligently complete the task I just assigned you, or your teacher will be displeased.”
“Yes, yes, Teacher.”
With the task Adair had given him, Rich no longer seemed so despondent; at least he now knew what he should be doing.
Adair exited Rich’s room, where Kelly was still waiting outside.
Kelly offered her thanks, “Thank you, Lord Adair. I’m sure the Little Prince will appreciate your kind intentions.”
“I merely offered some words. By the way, where is your Second Prince now? I’d like to meet him.”
Kelly replied, “The Second Prince is currently in the training room. I can escort you there, Lord.”
“Will it interfere with your duties?” Adair asked.
“Not at all,” Kelly shook her head. “Consider it my expression of gratitude to you. This way, please.”
“Thank you.” Adair no longer stood on ceremony, following Kelly to the training room.
Inside, Ivan, dressed in his training attire, was honing his swordsmanship. Though the moves were basic, in Ivan’s hands, they flowed like water, possessing an indescribable beauty, as if he were painting a scroll with his sword.
Kelly spoke, “I shall take my leave now.”
“Alright, goodbye.”
After watching Kelly depart, Adair entered the training ground and sat in the resting area, quietly observing Ivan’s practice.
After a while, Ivan concluded his training and also came to the resting area. He wasn’t surprised to see Adair, having already noticed his presence when he entered the training ground.
“My apologies for the wait. I have a bad habit: once I start practicing swordplay, I won’t stop until I complete a full sword dance.”
“It’s fine. I witnessed a truly magnificent sword dance; it was remarkable. Such fluid movements, as if you were wielding your own limbs, without the slightest awkwardness.”
Ivan asked, slightly astonished, “Does Your Excellency also have an interest in the Way of the Sword?”
Adair recalled Isaac, who had also reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, and shook his head. “I wouldn’t call it research, merely an acquaintance through observation.”
Seeing Adair’s reluctance to elaborate, Ivan didn’t press further. Instead, he asked, “Is there something you wish to discuss with me?”
“What are you planning?” Adair asked directly.
Ivan sat down, took a sip of water, and countered, “What do you mean?”
Adair sneered, “Are you playing dumb? Your recent behavior has been highly unusual. If I’m not mistaken, you’re attempting to place me in your former role, to have me advise Rich on strategy. What exactly is so demanding that you’re stretched so thin, forcing you to rely on an outsider like me?”
“Lord Adair remains as perceptive as ever,” Ivan praised, then looked at Adair. “You are correct. In a short while, I will have pressing matters to attend to, leaving me no time to look after Rich. I hope you can take my place and ensure Rich successfully ascends the throne.”
“You cannot speak of this matter?”
Ivan stated decisively, “I cannot. You would also do well not to investigate; it would not benefit you.”
Adair looked calmly at Ivan. “Are there no others you can trust? You’re putting a great deal of pressure on me. I don’t possess your prestige to keep those ravenous tigers in check. Nor has Rich matured to that extent.”
Ivan smiled. “That’s precisely why I’m asking you to handle this troublesome dispute. This way, while your prestige may not reach the point of absolute authority, you will certainly gain significant influence. Furthermore, with your relationship with Rich being both teacher and friend, if handled well, my presence or absence will be irrelevant.
“Moreover, if I continue to personally oversee every detail, those individuals will never truly understand who their true allegiance lies with.”
Adair gave a wry smile. “Hey, hey, hey, you’re taking it easy as a hands-off manager, but have you considered my feelings? This is like walking a tightrope over a cliff.”
“But risk and reward are directly proportional. Success and renown would no longer be a mere dream for Your Excellency. And, might I add, are you not particularly interested in that cult? If you proceed with this path, I believe you might even come into contact with them again.”
Adair’s smile vanished, and he asked with a serious expression, “What do you mean? You have information about that cult? Tell me! The danger of that cult far exceeds your imagination.”
“How terrifying,” Ivan said, still speaking with casual nonchalance. “However, if you wish to seek information, you must participate in this royal game yourself, Lord Adair.”