In his room, Eckert sat down to meditate after a grueling training session with Angel. Just as he closed his eyes, there was a knock at the door.
"Invite yourself," he called out.
A servant entered, bowing, and said, "I greet the young prince. Your presence is required in the royal palace tomorrow morning. The commander is also seeking an audience with you in Guest Room 3."
After the servant left, Eckert stood up and dressed, pondering why the commander would seek him out. "All that matters to him is battle," he mused. "Well, I'll find out soon enough."
---
In a medium-sized guest room, the fierce-looking Hansel, the royal commander, sat sipping hot tea. The room was simple but elegant, with a plush chair by the window, a small wooden table, and a vase of fresh flowers adding a touch of color.
The door opened softly, and Eckert entered, bowing his head slightly. "Greetings to the royal commander, Hansel."
Hansel returned the bow and said, "The royal commander at your service."
Eckert sat down and, with a hint of curiosity, asked, "What brings the commander here on such a sunny day? I know it's not just to visit, right?"
Hansel, putting down his tea, met Eckert's gaze and said, "Then I will go straight to the point..."
Hansel leaned in closer, his voice low but urgent. "No matter what, don't agree to any instructor those palace scum assign to you. Tell them you'll use puppets or some other method, but never agree to their choice." As he spoke, he spread his aura to cover the room, ensuring their conversation remained private.
Eckert frowned, perplexed by the warning. "Why? Wouldn't it be better to train with a human than with mere puppets?" he asked, setting his teacup down, a hint of frustration in his voice.
Hansel sighed, a deep, weary sound. "You won't understand it just yet," he replied, shaking his head. "But it's Fin who suggested this."
At the mention of Fin, Eckert's expression darkened. He knew Fin all too well—his stepmother's father, a man with a history of schemes and malice. Eckert nodded slowly, piecing together the implications. "Fin... He'll do anything to weaken or even kill me. This isn't the first time he's tried something like this. I can't even count the number of times," Eckert muttered, his voice tight with controlled anger.
Hansel leaned back slightly, his eyes sharp as he observed the young prince. "Exactly. Knowing he's the one bringing in the tutor, you can be sure it's just another trick. He's playing a long game, one where he hopes to diminish your power and influence before you even have a chance to claim them."
Eckert ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly as he considered the situation. "But what should I do, Sir Hansel? Fin never gives up. Once he sets something in motion, he'll see it through to the end, no matter the cost."
Hansel nodded, acknowledging the truth in Eckert's words. "Just agree to their plan for now. Don't raise any suspicion by outright refusing. But when the time comes, reject the tutor's methods, his comments, his points—anything he tries to push on you. Stick to what you know and trust. Meanwhile, meet me at the market whenever you can. I'll give you pointers and help you train in secret."
Eckert stared at Hansel, a mix of gratitude and determination in his eyes. "Thank you, Sir Hansel. I'll be careful. And I'll take you up on that offer. Fin might think he's smart, but we won't let him have his way."
Hansel gave a rare smile, albeit a small one. "Good. You have the potential to be great, Eckert, but only if you stay vigilant. Don't let your guard down for a second. The palace is filled with enemies hiding behind friendly faces."
Eckert stood up, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him, but now with a renewed resolve. "I'll be cautious, Sir Hansel. And I won't let them use me as a pawn in their games."
Hansel rose as well, placing a hand on Eckert's shoulder. "Remember, the kingdom needs a strong leader. Don't let them break you before you even get the chance to rise."
With that, Hansel bowed and exited the room, leaving Eckert standing alone, deep in thought. The prince knew he was up against forces that had far more experience in deceit and manipulation. But with Hansel's support, he was determined not to let them defeat him.
As the door closed behind Hansel, Eckert's eyes narrowed, the fire of determination burning brighter than ever. He would play along for now, but when the time came, he would show them that the prince of Bilbordia was no one's pawn.