The book lay open before me, its pages aged and delicate. I scanned the section titles, and my eyes landed on one that made my pulse quicken: "The Royal Lineage of the Azure Empire."
The Azure Empire—my supposed "Empire." Just a few days ago, I was a guy stuck in a strange world, trying to survive with a wish system while everyone mistook me for royalty. Now, I was somehow real royalty. If I was going to keep up this charade, I figured I'd better understand the background I'd "wished" into.
The book detailed the empire's founders, wars, and rise to power, but I sped through it, aiming for the section on the current rulers. And there it was.
The Reigning Emperor, Kaelith the Invincible Sovereign, and the Empress, Seraphina the Radiant Heart.
Talk about grand titles! However, these titles weren't exaggerated. The description of my "father" alone was intimidating.
Emperor Kaelith: Known as Kaelith the Invincible Sovereign, the Emperor rules with a strength that none dare challenge. He stands at the peak stage of the Mahayana Realm, the very pinnacle of mortal cultivation—a level attained by only a handful throughout history. For over 350 years, his reign has shaped the Azure Empire, with Kaelith renowned for his strategic brilliance, invincibility, and overwhelming power. Legends speak of his silver-and-blue imperial armor and his piercing blue eyes, said to strike fear into his enemies and inspire loyalty in his followers. His presence alone is a force, and he's earned a reputation as one of the world's most formidable rulers.
"Fantastic," I muttered, smirking as I closed the book. "Just the son of the scariest warlord in the world."
I flipped the page and found an illustration of Empress Seraphina. My "mother," if you could call her that, looked every bit as regal as my "father" was imposing.
Empress Seraphina the Radiant Heart, an icon of grace and wisdom, has stood alongside Kaelith for nearly 300 years. She cultivates at the early stage of the Mahayana Realm—a feat in itself that commands immense respect. Her long, midnight-black hair and piercing blue eyes mirror her compassionate yet commanding nature. Known for her ability to calm turbulent situations, Seraphina's Qi presence is gentle yet profound, her aura calming even the fiercest spirits. Beloved by the empire, she's seen as the heart of the Azure Empire, balancing Kaelith's strength with empathy and insight, and her presence is equally revered throughout the continent.
So, Dad's the indestructible war god, and Mom's the heart of the empire. And somehow, I'm supposed to be their son. Sure, why not?
I could picture a family portrait: Emperor Kaelith looking like he could slice through the world with a glare, Empress Seraphina a pillar of grace and strength, and me… just standing there, praying no one could tell I was an impostor. Perfect.
The next section brought a chuckle out of me. Apparently, I was expected to embody both of their "finest qualities." According to the book, I was destined to be a "blend of the Emperor's might and the Empress's compassion."
Oh, if only they knew, I thought, amused. I can't even meditate without attracting half the sect's jealousy.
Reading on, I found details of perks unique to the crown prince. Perks. Actual perks—ones that were almost ridiculously extravagant.
The Royal Perks of a Crown Prince
1. Royal Right to Command:
• Description: As crown prince, I have the authority to command any Azure Empire personnel, including cultivators stationed across different sects. I could give orders that nobody dared refuse. The thought of this perk alone made me grin—having a secret army at my command didn't sound half bad.
2. Emissary Privileges in Other Nations:
• Description: As crown prince, I have diplomatic immunity in regions allied with the Azure Empire. Anyone who harms me faces severe repercussions, which apparently means a lifetime of looking over their shoulder. So, I get the VIP treatment across multiple countries? This perk practically screams "untouchable."
3. Mentorship Clause with Elder Masters:
• Description: The crown prince is entitled to private instruction from the sect's elder masters whenever he wishes, giving him an edge in cultivation knowledge. Imagine that—top-tier experts at my beck and call for personal training sessions. I could practically feel the glares this would earn me from other disciples.
4. Royal Inspection Right:
• Description: I apparently have the right to inspect sect practices, giving me access to off-limits areas and a deeper view into sect politics. Well, well—VIP tours through the "no-entry" zones? Definitely useful for a little behind-the-scenes knowledge.
Many more, but I just skimmed through. And then, as I turned the page, a list of my supposed personal attributes appeared, each one more flattering than the last. The empire really thought I was this blend of unstoppable strength and compassion—a future ruler worthy of reverence. Even if it was obviously just glazing me, it was hard not to feel a little pride. But underneath that pride, there was a nagging sense of guilt.
This entire identity… it was a lie. Emperor Kaelith and Empress Seraphina—the figures I was now calling my "parents"—were real people with real expectations for their heir. They had poured their hopes and dreams into their son. But that son wasn't me. I was someone else entirely, a stranger thrown into their lives because of a single wish.
And my real parents? They were back on Earth, likely sick with worry, not knowing where I was. The thought of them sitting at home, hoping for news, hurt more than I cared to admit. They were my real family, not these distant rulers I'd read about in a book.
But here I was, thrust into a life that felt half-scripted and half-destined. Whether I liked it or not, I was now the crown prince. And as much as I wanted to dismiss this identity as a convenient cover, there was no escaping the reality. I had a role to play here, and people were watching.
As I took a deep breath, letting the weight of it all sink in, I tried to remind myself of why I'd made that wish in the first place. Not to become a prince or to play a part. I'd made that wish to survive, to adapt, to find a way back home. But it seemed the path had taken a detour—a detour that led to the throne of the Azure Empire.
Alright, Michael, I thought, running a hand through my hair. Looks like you're not just playing prince anymore.
With one last glance at the book, I slid it back on the shelf. My mind buzzed with everything I'd just learned, yet as I left the library, a small part of me felt lighter. I knew the weight of the expectations I'd be carrying, but I also knew that if I was going to be part of this world, I'd make sure I did it on my terms.