"Sorry, my mistake, I've been under a lot of pressure lately," Regulus apologized with a rueful smile, his emotions stabilizing.
"It's okay, like you said, we're like brothers. I can't guarantee how far I'll go in the future, but I'll definitely support your emperorship," Lin earnestly declared, aligning himself with Regulus's aspirations.
Although living in a rural area, Lin wasn't cut off from news, occasionally hearing gossips from the capital.
Regulus's mother was a powerless maid...
Hence, his position in the royal family was somewhat marginalized, not as glamorous or free-spirited as it seemed.
"We support you too!" Colin and Andy also chimed in with their support.
Returning to his bedroom with an envelope, Lin found it stuffed with a letter and a magical crystal ball. After reading the letter, which mentioned an arranged marriage with Regulus's niece, he was instructed to view the magic image and decline if not interested.
Sakres, receiving the latest news, frowned thoughtfully, tapping his fingers on the table. "That third son, he's really lucky!"
Magic cultivation truly demands relentless effort and daily meditation. Every bit of progress in liquefying and purifying magic energy is hard-earned.
After level seven, purifying magic energy becomes incredibly difficult!
Talent, insight, perseverance, and opportunity are all crucial factors.
The trio rejoiced upon learning this.
Activating the magic crystal ball, an image of a slightly older, short-haired blonde girl in a white dress appeared, her delicate and sweet face exuding a noble, cold elegance, especially her captivating eyes.
Even as a level nine magician, one is more than enough in the secular circle, where even emperors are courteous.
The secretary-general worriedly remarked, "We underestimated Lin. His displayed strength and potential are not to be ignored!"
Lin's influence as a level eight magician, art master, and earl was seen as equivalent to a level nine magician in some circles.
Especially being under 50 years old, no one doubted his potential to reach level nine within a century!
The next year, 5213 of the Violet Calendar.
Regarding the Holy Realm...
It seemed highly unlikely.
Naturally born with superior elemental affinity and mental strength, these prodigies have a minimum destiny of a level nine magician, with a slim chance of reaching the Holy Realm!
"It's good."
"My father reached level eight magician!"
Not thinking about the future, Lin's advancement to level eight would certainly benefit him once the news spread.
"Rich, you've got mail!"
Lin agreed, knowing he'd receive another system reward once Rich got married and had children.
...
A dark brown pigeon with a wingspan of about a meter landed on the mail house's collection box. A staff member quickly collected the letter and fed the bird.
Unbeknownst to many, Lin had quietly grown in stature, now a force not to be overlooked below the Holy Realm!
The second prince's mansion.
Though labeled as a dormitory, it was more like an independent villa, with each student having their private space.
Couples and married pairs were common within the academy.
Regulus was moved, knowing not many nobles in the country genuinely supported him. The title of the third prince didn't hold much weight among the real power players.
Angry outbursts and the sound of things being smashed echoed in the study, as the attending maids kept their heads down, fearing reprisal.
At 14, Rich was of marrying age for noble-born children. This wasn't uncommon.
Scott City.
Lin experienced another minor breakthrough in magic power, reaching the mid-stage of level eight.
...
Shortly, the letter reached Rich in dormitory 2210.
Superior elemental affinity and mental strength talents, while not top-tier, were still considered exceptional, even among royalty.
Rich excitedly read the letter, his face lighting up with joy.
The headache wasn't only for the eldest prince.
Rich was smitten.
The academy's facilities were complete with hotels, shops, and clubs, allowing students to enjoy a luxurious and nourishing life without leaving the campus grounds.
Lin represented this kind of talent.
Violet Calendar, 5214.
Lin's eldest son, 16-year-old Rich, married 17-year-old Annie Scott in a grand ceremony in Scott City.
Another good news arrived; Serena was pregnant again and gave birth to twin boys named Dekai and Drei later that year.
In 5215, Annie became pregnant. After a family discussion, she decided to take a break from studies.
She was sent to Black Stone Town to the Lin family estate for prenatal care, with Serena looking after her.
In February of the next year, Annie gave birth to a girl, Helena, bringing immense joy to Lin and Serena. Lin turned 50 that year, and with the birth of the third generation, he received another reward from the system after 18 years!