"This is quite interesting."
As Queen Mother Luciana stepped forward, she asked, "So, what do you see?" All eyes in the grand hall turned attentively to the chief wizard as he took a deep breath and began speaking, "A bloody sword and a mighty oak tree." The whispers among the crowd started immediately. "What does this mean?" someone murmured. "A bloody sword suggests a lot of bloodshed, I suppose," another voice joined in. "And what about the mighty oak?" The whispers turned into a discussion, and at that moment, King Richard spoke firmly, addressing the wizard named Akelon, "Silence... What does it mean, Akelon?"
Akelon, with an uncertain look and a hint of a smile, responded, "I'm not entirely sure; I can only offer my interpretation. The founder of this kingdom dreamt of an oak tree before establishing the state, which later became associated with the kingdom. This might imply that this child will build a significant realm..." Richard nodded approvingly, prompting Akelon to continue. "As for the bloody sword, it could signify that he will take many lives with his sword, though these are just my speculations." He concluded with a subtle smirk.
Confusion filled the room as everyone, including Queen Luciana, looked at me. She remarked with pride, "So, this adorable little one will shed blood and expand the kingdom, is that right?" Akelon, looking at me, replied, "Luciana, this is merely a prediction, and even if it turns out to be accurate, what we saw in the crystal ball represents his potential future, not a predetermined fate."
"Understood. So, we need to give him a name now," Queen Luciana said, looking at Richard. "I thought they forgot to give me a name," I thought.
Richard, with a serious expression, said, "Hmm... your name will be Ethan Lenistark." Luciana smiled, nodded in approval, and took me into her arms, saying, "My lovely Ethan."
In the following weeks, a feast was held, attended by all the nobles in the kingdom and representatives from friendly nations. It lasted for four days, during which my siblings showed special attention to me. I learned that Isabella was my eldest half-sister, Karl was my elder brother, and Henry, named after our grandfather, was another brother. Emily, my sister, was shy but affectionate towards me.
Time passed, and my siblings returned to their duties. Isabella and Karl managed their fiefdoms, Henry went back to the academy, and Emily received private lessons in the palace. Occasionally, she would come to me, sharing stories that provided insights into the world.
As the days turned into months and years, I reached the age of four, finally gaining permission to enter the palace library. Although I had just started learning to read, the achievement brought me a sense of pride. During these four years, Henry received a fiefdom, and Emily started her education at the academy.
Currently, in the palace library, I browse through books with the help of a servant, aiming to understand the geography of the kingdom and the continent. Asina Kingdom, where I reside, is of medium size, located in the southwest of the continent, boasting important ports. There are three neighboring kingdoms on our borders: the seemingly insignificant Moritan and Avarya, and the notable Tamerid Kingdom to the east.
Ethan continues his journey to uncover the kingdom's history, explore relationships with neighboring countries, and understand past wars.The library becomes a sanctuary where he can enhance his knowledge in strategy, diplomacy, and politics,shaping him not only as a prince but also as a emerging leader