The Emperor disregarded Edward's impulsive behavior, forging ahead with his exposition. "It was once said that the Dragon Empire, burdened by an ancestral mistake, can only be rejuvenated when the Holy Son of the Sun Temple ascends the throne, hand in hand with the Holy Daughter of the Moon Temple, who shall be his Empress," he expounded. His words resonated with the weight of history, underlining the immense gravity of the situation. The empire's enduring strength had been upheld over time, fortified by its strategic geography and its maritime frontiers. But now...
In his effort to convey the colossal significance of Edward's role as the Holy Son of the Sun Temple and its profound impact on the empire and its people, the Emperor embarked on a narrative that was anything but trivial. This wasn't just an interesting tidbit; it was the very bedrock upon which the destiny of the empire rested. This crucial fact had catapulted the young fifth prince into the role of crown prince at a tender age – a role that had been established even earlier, at a mere seven years old, following an awakening ceremony.
As the Emperor wove a historical tapestry, connecting the threads of the empire's curse and its intricate implications, Edward once again inserted himself into the discourse. The Emperor's brows responded with a subtle twitch, betraying a touch of exasperation as he struggled to maintain his composure. The consistent interruptions grated on his patience, disrupting the natural flow of his words. The situation was further complicated by the veil of uncertainty shrouding the Crown Prince, a figure of paramount importance to the Dragon Empire, who was inexplicably mired in a comatose state, the cause a mystery. Frustration mingled with determination as the Emperor sought to impart the gravity of the situation while navigating the labyrinth of Edward's persistent interruptions.
Edward's audacious words pierced the air, an irreverent smirk playing on his lips. "So, if I'm not sitting on that throne, the empire's up a creek without a paddle, huh? Guess that makes me even more of a VIP than you," he remarked casually, his tone seemingly playful. The room seemed to collectively twitch in response. The boy's audacity knew no bounds, daring to place his importance above the emperor's. Such a bold act, for no one dared to meet the emperor's gaze directly, and here was the Crown Prince relegating the imperial figurehead beneath him. It was a truth no one could refute at this moment – he truly was the linchpin holding the empire together in its precarious state.
Edward didn't pause there, delving further into the topic at hand. "And this Holy Daughter who's supposed to be my Empress... anyone have the faintest clue who she might be?" A collective quizzical expression rippled through the room, but it didn't take long for realization to dawn upon them.
The emperor affirmed Edward's query. "Indeed, you hold the mantle of paramount importance, and indeed, we are well-acquainted with the identity of the Holy Daughter. She is none other than the progeny of Duke Ronald. Your betrothed."
Edward's reaction was nothing short of explosive. He let out an unintentional scream, jolting those present. "What? I have a fiancée?" he exclaimed, unable to contain his shock. Quickly regaining his composure, he inquired further, "How old is she?"
"The same age as you," the emperor replied, his tone steady.
Edward's inner musings flitted to the age difference between his true self and this newfound fiancée. Pushing that unsettling thought aside, he continued his line of questioning. "So, she's basically as important as I am, right?" He sought affirmation, drawing stunned looks from those around him. The audacity of his claim was impossible to ignore. The emperor, however, nodded in confirmation, prompting a collective sense of incredulity.
Yet, among the myriad expressions, a clicking sound pierced the air from a corner of the room. Edward's gaze followed the sound to a handsome, blond-haired youth, appearing around 15 or 16 years old. The youth's features bore an unmistakable expression of smug satisfaction, his gloat evident upon hearing Edward's announcement of his amnesia. A sense of enmity seemed to emanate from him.
Edward's own straightforward nature led him to take a direct approach in facing enemies. Sensing an opportunity, he decided to test the waters. His newfound awareness of his significance within the empire emboldened him. And the presence of this gloating youth provided the perfect bait – a chance to gauge the landscape, even if it meant plunging into the unknown headfirst.
Edward's gaze fixed upon the blond youth, his query sharp and direct. "And you would be?"
The youth's response was tinged with a hint of annoyance as he declared, "I am the Eldest Prince." His voice dripped with a modicum of authority, embodying his royal standing.
Edward's curiosity remained unabated, as he dug deeper, "And that clicking sound you made – quite irksome. Is there an issue you're dissatisfied with?"
The eldest prince's patience waned. He, who was meant to be the crown prince, now found himself overshadowed by this apparent upstart. Irritation laced his voice as he retorted, "Indeed, your audacity knows no bounds. Placing the offspring of a Duke over the Emperor – a bastard daughter, no less."
Disdain and resentment hung in the air, the first prince's words finding a few silent supporters who shared his sentiment. While these individuals believed the crass tone could be forgiven given the Emperor's notorious favoritism toward his eldest son during his early years, their tacit support only added fuel to the fire.
Edward's temper ignited. His yearning for a harmonious marital bond clashed with this affront – his soon-to-be wife labeled as a bastard. In his own justice system, such disrespect warranted severe consequences, but he recognized his current limitations. Still, his resolve held firm.
"Allow me to clarify," Edward's voice resonated, cutting through the tension. "This girl, designated as the Holy Daughter of the Moon Temple, holds paramount significance for our empire's future. She stands as both the current Crown Princess and the future Empress. To cast such a term as 'bastard' upon her is not just an attack on the Moon Temple or the Empire's impending reign – it's a direct affront to the reigning Emperor, who endorsed her status as Crown Princess. Your audacity knows no bounds, Eldest Prince."
A collective hush settled over the room as Edward's words reverberated. None had anticipated his fervent defense of his future bride, particularly given his prior indifference. The revelation carried weight, leaving many taken aback. Even the Emperor's countenance darkened as he regarded his firstborn son with an expression of sheer disappointment and disdain. The realization dawned – the Edward they knew was no longer the docile figure they once understood him to be.