A few days passed, and the palace's life rhythm remained unchanged for young Arthur—breakfast, lessons with tutors, and playful diversions. But then, without warning, the Prime Minister arrived, casting an unwelcome shadow over his routine.
Arthur felt a shiver run down his spine at the sight of the Prime Minister. The man radiated a malevolence that sparked fears in the young prince. He worried about potential harm to himself or, worse, the possibility of losing Ginny, the one person who truly cared for him. What struck him as particularly odd was how the Prime Minister completely ignored Ginny, treating her as if she were invisible. With little time to understand the man's motives, Arthur resigned himself to playing the role of the compliant heir.
"You look even more handsome as you grow, Your Majesty," the Prime Minister said, his smile unsettling. Arthur wished he would stop scrutinizing him; he could sense the man's desire to escape the palace, and truth be told, he felt the same way.
"Hehehe, of course I am!" Arthur replied, a smug grin spreading across his face. The irritation flickering in the Prime Minister's eyes pleased him; it felt like a small victory against the man's fake smile. If he couldn't 'see' the Prime Minister's emotions, he might have fallen for the act.
"Your Majesty, I am here to escort you to a funeral," the Prime Minister announced. A funeral? Confusion washed over Arthur as he noticed Ginny and the maids wearing odd expressions in the background.
"What's a funeral?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
The Prime Minister's gaze sharpened, his creepy smile still intact. "A death anniversary for your father's other wife."
What? Arthur had no idea his father had another wife, let alone that she had died. As he stood there in silent bewilderment, the Prime Minister instructed the maids to assist him in changing into funeral attire, leaving him waiting outside.
When Arthur emerged from his room in somber clothing, he made his way through the palace corridors toward the waiting Prime Minister. But before he could reach him, Ginny intercepted him, her voice filled with concern. "Please, Your Majesty, never decide without careful thought. Believe in yourself, and whatever choice you make in the days ahead, know this..." Her warm smile, full of kindness, accompanied her heartfelt words, "I'll always be there for you."
Her farewell, marked by a gentle wave, stirred an unsettling premonition within Arthur. A nagging feeling persisted, as if this could be the last time he would see her. No! He resolved to protect her at all costs. Ginny wasn't just a caretaker; she was a mother to him. The woman who claimed to be his mother, the so-called old hag, never approached him with genuine intentions. She couldn't possibly be his real mother. Regardless, he vowed to confront her upon his return.
As Arthur approached the Prime Minister, that ominous feeling lingered. Ginny's words echoed in his mind, offering both comfort and foreboding. She had become his anchor, a source of genuine warmth in the cold currents of palace intrigue.
The Prime Minister led him toward the funeral procession, but Arthur's thoughts remained tangled with the promise Ginny had made. Determination surged within him; he wouldn't let anything threaten the one person who had shown him unwavering kindness. The complexities of royal lineage and political machinations faded momentarily, overshadowed by an innate need to shield Ginny from any impending storm.
Taking a deep breath, Arthur urged himself to calm down. He needed to focus on where the old man was leading him; he had to trust no one close to him. Resolute, he entered the horse-drawn wagon.
The interior was surprisingly comfortable, imbued with a palpable sense of magic. It resonated with an enchantment, evident in the subtle hum of mystical energies. A closer look revealed a sophisticated magical sealing barrier encompassing the carriage. A pang of frustration hit Arthur—he had no magic to wield. However, his unique ability to 'see' the flow of mana allowed him to discern the intricate web of the seal.
The remainder of the journey unfolded uneventfully, punctuated only by greetings from other aristocrats. Their hollow congratulations clashed with the true sentiments Arthur could sense beneath their polished facades. He couldn't help but label them as two-faced, their insincerity a stark contrast to the innocence of a four-year-old's critique.
As for the wagon, it was a marvel of craftsmanship, adorned with intricate carvings and plush upholstery. The exterior shimmered with an ethereal glow, indicative of its magical enhancements. The seal, a delicate lattice of arcane symbols, danced around the edges, preventing any magical interference. Though his magical prowess lay dormant, Arthur's ability to navigate the currents of mana allowed him to perceive the barriers that sought to confine him.
Upon reaching the somber site of the funeral, Arthur's discomfort intensified. Notably absent were the old 'grandfather' and the so-called old hag—his mother. A gnawing unease settled in. Why would they forsake attending such a significant event? They wouldn't have willingly left him alone with the Prime Minister. The thought sent a shiver down his spine.
"Your Majesty, did your mother tell you the story of what happened to your father's other wives?" the Prime Minister inquired, his excitement betraying a malicious intent that set Arthur on edge.
"No," Arthur replied, oblivious to the hidden agenda behind the man's inquiry.
"How can she keep you in the dark, Your Majesty? Nevertheless, I'll enlighten you. Your father had two more wives, and one of them, Norn Von Dracon, passed away today due to mistreatment by your mother," he divulged, his face a turbulent mix of anger and concern.
His revelation unfolded like a macabre tale. Following Arthur's father's demise, his mother had imprisoned and tormented both of his other wives for the past four years. The shock deepened as the Prime Minister dropped another bombshell.
"Also, Your Majesty, did you know you have an older half-brother?" he continued, each word laden with the gravity of his disclosure.
"I have an older brother?" Arthur exclaimed, grappling with the implications. Why then was he the emperor and not him?
"Yes, Your Majesty, but his mother was a servant. Upon the announcement of His Highness Johannes's death, he and the servant were killed by your mother," the Prime Minister revealed, his words casting a grim shadow over the newfound revelation.
The pieces began to align, revealing a grotesque puzzle of familial betrayal and power struggles. The realization hit Arthur—this was why his grandfather and mother (the old hag) had chosen to remain absent. Unaware of the sinister undercurrents, they did not fathom that this Prime Minister had "escorted" him to attend his stepmother's funeral. The intricacies of imperial dynamics unraveled before him, exposing a web of deceit, cruelty, and secrets that had shaped his existence.
The Prime Minister's objective was clear—to sow seeds of doubt about both Arthur's mother and grandfather. In that, he succeeded; Arthur's resentment towards them deepened. Yet, his disdain for the Prime Minister remained unchanged. Regardless, Arthur wouldn't linger in this puppetry. Once he attained Magic Stage 2 for his white mana core, he would break free from these confines.
Upon returning to the palace, Arthur was met with a shock.
"Where's Ginny?" he urgently inquired.
"I'm sorry, but I have no idea where she went," replied a maid.
Panic gripped Arthur as he dashed to his room. Collapsing onto his bed, he wept, fearing the worst. The night's echoes, filled with crickets and magic birds, provided no solace.
Eventually, he succumbed to sleep, the absence of any comforting presence leaving him to face his despair alone.
Upon awakening, Arthur found a maid by his side. Recognizing her from Ginny's company the day before, he decided to inquire.
"Hey," he greeted in a cold voice, his dignified stare capable of sending shivers down anyone's spine. The maid, overwhelmed by his presence, merely nodded.
"Tell me where Ginny is," Arthur demanded in an authoritarian tone.
The maid stammered, "Lady Ginny said that... Your Majesty would ask thi—"
"Tell me where she is, and don't make me say that again," he interrupted, his tone growing colder.
"She told me to inform you to go to the place you like the most!" the maid hastily explained.
In moments, realization dawned on Arthur, and he sprinted past the shocked maid toward the Imperial Gardens. It was the place where he usually sought refuge—an immense tree at the far edge of the garden, the very spot where Ginny had opened his eyes to the wonders of magic.
Upon reaching the familiar hiding spot, Arthur noticed a magical letter placed there, emanating overflowing mana. Ginny, understanding his penchant for this place, had chosen it as the location to reveal her message. He picked up the magical letter, feeling the resonance of mana pulsating within it, and began to read its contents.
As he unfolded the letter, the words glowed softly, revealing Ginny's familiar handwriting. "Dear Arthur," it began, "If you are reading this, it means I am not by your side. I want you to know that I care for you deeply, and I have always tried to protect you. The world around you is filled with dangers, and I fear for your safety. Trust your instincts, and remember that you are stronger than you think."
Arthur's heart raced as he read on. Ginny continued, "You must be cautious of those who surround you, especially the Prime Minister. He may seem like an ally, but his intentions are not pure. I have seen the darkness in his heart, and I worry he will try to manipulate you. Stay true to yourself, and do not let anyone sway your decisions."
Tears welled in Arthur's eyes as he absorbed her words. He felt a mix of gratitude and sorrow, knowing that Ginny had always been there for him, even when others were not. "I will protect you, Ginny," he whispered to himself, determination flooding his veins.
The letter concluded with a final note of encouragement. "Remember, Arthur, you are not alone. I will always be with you in spirit. Stay strong, my dear prince."
With the letter clutched tightly in his hands, Arthur felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would not let the Prime Minister or anyone else threaten the bond he shared with Ginny. He would uncover the truth about his family and the dark secrets that lurked within the palace walls.
As he stood beneath the immense tree, the weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him. But he also felt a flicker of hope. With Ginny's words echoing in his mind, he vowed to become the prince he was meant to be—a prince who would protect those he loved and confront the darkness that threatened to engulf his world.
With newfound resolve, Arthur turned away from the tree, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He would not be a pawn in someone else's game. He would forge his path, guided by the light of Ginny's love and the strength he had yet to discover within himself.