Caladros closed the heavy doors of the throne room with a deliberate push, the sound echoing through the grand chamber. With purposeful strides, he approached the throne, his footsteps soft against the ornate red carpet that stretched the length of the hall. When he finally stood before the dais, he lowered himself onto one knee, his right knee pressing into the polished marble. Though royalty himself, he performed the gesture out of respect for his father.
King Lucius regarded him with a raised eyebrow, his chin resting on his knuckles. "You've come to discuss something, I presume?"
"That's correct." Caladros straightened slightly but kept his head bowed. "I told you I would remain in the palace, but… I've had a change of heart."
The king's expression darkened ever so slightly. "Oh? And what prompted this sudden shift?"
Caladros exhaled quietly, steeling his nerves. "I no longer believe the assassins will try again so soon after their failure."
Lucius's cold smile cut through the air like a blade. "You're testing your luck, boy." His voice was calm, but it carried a chilling undertone that sent an involuntary shiver down Caladros's spine. "Just because they failed once doesn't mean they'll stop. For all we know, the assassin could be hiding around the palace, waiting for you to poke your head out."
Caladros clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. He had anticipated this response. Convincing his father to let him leave would be no easy task, especially when even he couldn't guarantee the mastermind had given up. The specter of death still loomed, and one misstep could lead to his soul dissolving into nothingness.
"Why do you want to go outside anyway?" Lucius asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
Caladros hesitated. The truth was both simple and dangerous: he had recently discovered that his mana core was fully functional, allowing him to practice magic without relying on external artifacts. It was a secret he needed to protect. Remaining in the palace, surrounded by watchful eyes, would only increase the risk of exposure.
But…
He hesitated again, doubt flickering across his face. Lucius was more than just his father—he was a tactful and cunning ruler. If Caladros revealed his newfound abilities, his father would undoubtedly understand and offer support. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that some secrets were better kept hidden.
After a moment of silence, Caladros finally spoke, his voice steady but firm. "My mana core is fully functional now."
The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Lucius and the man standing beside him froze, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and shock.
"What!?" Lucius's voice rang out, his composure slipping for a moment.
"Are you absolutely certain?" he pressed, leaning forward in his throne. "How is this possible?"
"I don't know," Caladros replied honestly, shaking his head. He had no intention of revealing the involvement of Astaroth, the demon who had terrorized the world 500 years ago. The revelation of Astaroth's existence—and his role in healing Caladros's mana core—would undoubtedly cause chaos.
The king's grand advisor, Herald Northblight, stood silently to Lucius's right. A man of sharp intellect and unwavering loyalty, Herald came from the esteemed Northblight family, which had served the Amaranths since the kingdom's founding. His expression mirrored the king's disbelief as he stared at the second prince.
"Are you absolutely sure about this?" Lucius asked again, his voice quieter but no less urgent.
"I am." Caladros met his father's gaze. "I've confirmed it myself. I don't know how to cast magic yet, but I'll learn the basics soon enough."
Lucius leaned back, a mixture of relief and astonishment washing over his features. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined his son—long scorned and pitied for his defective mana core—would one day wield magic. The gods' gift, the supreme law of the world, was finally within Caladros's grasp.
"Do you realize the danger this puts you in?" Lucius asked, his tone sharp. "If your enemies find out, they'll target you even more. Perhaps it's best we keep this a secret for now."
"There's no need," Caladros said, his voice firm. "Announce it, Father. Let the world know that I, Caladros Fenwynn Daelithor Amaranth, am not a useless prince. I simply bloomed later than others."
Lucius chuckled, his earlier tension easing slightly. "You certainly know how to make a statement. But I suppose that's fair. So, what are your plans now?"
"I want to enroll in the Lunar Eclipse Academy."
The king's eyes widened slightly. "Are you certain? That's no small endeavor."
"Yes." Caladros nodded. "I want to be admitted by tomorrow."
The Lunar Eclipse Academy was one of the most prestigious institutions for mages, steeped in history and renowned across the continent. Its founder, the Lunar Sage, had been instrumental in sealing the Demon God, Astaroth, during the Great War. Graduating from the academy was a mark of excellence, with its alumni often becoming leaders in their respective fields.
However, the academy was no easy path. While admission was accessible to many, its rigorous training and high expectations ensured only the most exceptional students graduated. A strict point system required students to meet monthly quotas or face expulsion. It was a crucible where the strongest, smartest, and most talented thrived.
Lucius's hesitation was palpable. "You're aware of the risks, aren't you? Many of your peers are far ahead of you. Some have already reached the Orange Core. You'd be starting from scratch."
"I know," Caladros replied confidently. "But staying here won't help me grow. The academy will push me harder and faster than anything the palace could provide. Besides, many of my peers are already there, receiving superior training. I can't afford to fall further behind."
Lucius sighed, leaning back in his throne. "You've made up your mind, haven't you? You always were stubborn—just like your brother."
"Thank you, Father," Caladros said, bowing deeply.
Lucius turned to his advisor. "Herald, handle his admission."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Herald replied with a respectful bow.
As Caladros left the throne room, the king's expression grew serious. "What do you make of this?" he asked Herald.
Herald's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "It's hard to believe his mana core healed simply from the resources you provided. There's more to this story."
Lucius nodded slowly. "When we announce this, attribute it to the assassination attempt and the medicines we administered. That should suffice."
"You won't press him for the truth?"
"No," Lucius said firmly, his gaze distant. "Some secrets are better left buried. Asking too many questions could invite disaster."