The king's image flickered on the glowing communication device as he began speaking with his usual commanding presence. "Son, on behalf of the kingdom, I am thankful for your efforts in saving the village. You've proven yourself capable of solving a problem that has plagued generations. As a king, I commend your bravery, but as your father, I must reprimand your recklessness. You endangered your life,a prince's life,on a mission with the senior class. I'll overlook it this time, but you are not permitted to do so again."
Theodore clenched his fists beneath the table, keeping his expression neutral. Does he seriously believe I'm that weak?
"But of course," the king continued, his tone shifting to one of suspicion, "you managed to accomplish what others couldn't. You defeated a cursed creature that countless generations failed to overcome. And I find it hard to believe you achieved this on your own." The king's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with doubt. "How did someone as… frail as you manage to gain such power in such a short time? It seems… impossible."
Theodore felt a chill run down his spine. The king was sharp,too sharp. Anyone else would've been convinced by his act, but the king wasn't buying it. Theodore could tell he was searching for cracks in his story, and for someone like him, suspicion could be dangerous.
The king's piercing gaze locked onto Theodore. "Tell me, son, are you dabbling in dark magic?"
Theodore's heart skipped a beat. Damn it, this king is no fool! He quickly masked his panic with an innocent expression. "Father, I assure you I'm not. You can even check me yourself,I've gained strength through sheer hard work." He forced a small, disarming smile, the perfect mask of sincerity.
Roman chimed in to support him, stepping forward to face the king. "I've already examined him, Your Majesty. I found no traces of dark magic in his veins or mana circle. His heart's mana is pure."
Theodore silently thanked Roman for covering for him. At least this old man is useful for once, he thought, maintaining his composed demeanor.
The king, however, wasn't convinced. "I don't believe you," he said coldly. "If my memory serves me correctly, you were nothing but a sickly, skinny child. You should never have even survived to this point."
"Your Majesty!" Roman snapped, clearly offended by the king's words.
Theodore smiled bitterly, hiding the sting of the king's remark. So this is what you think of me, Father. No wonder the original Theodore took his own life. The bitterness in his heart grew, but he stayed calm, refusing to show weakness.
The king's expression softened slightly. "Regardless, it's decided. You'll soon graduate alongside your brother, Caden."
Theodore's brow furrowed. "Graduate?"
The king sighed in exasperation. "I suppose the illness has clouded your memory as well. What are you, an old man now?"
Theodore's teeth clenched. He was furious but held his tongue.
Roman stepped in to explain, "Allow me to clarify, Your Majesty. Royal High operates under a unique grading system. The school is divided into five grades, each with Class A and Class B. The structure is as follows:
• First Grade: Ages 10-12.
• Second Grade: Ages 13-14.
• Third Grade: Ages 15-16.
"Students graduate after Third Grade and spend the next three years on the front lines, fighting monsters or aiding in the war against enemy kingdoms."
Theodore raised an eyebrow. "And after those three years?"
Roman nodded. "After completing their duty, students return at the age of 20. Nobles can inherit their family titles, or they can choose to pursue other careers."
"I see…" Theodore muttered. "So I still have years left to graduate?"
The king interjected, his tone stern. "Not for you, son. The royal family operates under a different system. Crown princes graduate early,after the Second Grade. Then, they embark on a mission to visit the five major countries across the four continents. This is a rite of passage to prove their capability as the next king. Of course, you'll also have the option to challenge your brother, Caden, for the throne, just as I fought my siblings when I was younger."
Theodore froze, processing the information. Then, unexpectedly, he smiled. So I can leave this damned school sooner than I thought. And I get to travel the world?
The king misunderstood the smile entirely. "Don't let that greedy expression fool me, Theodore. Remember, Caden is your brother. Don't let your ambition blind you to that fact."
Theodore tilted his head, utterly confused. What the hell is this old man saying?
"Well then," the king said curtly. "Good luck in your training. I expect great things from you by next year."
The call ended, and Theodore let out a long sigh of relief. "Finally, I can relax."
As Theodore left the office with Vincent trailing behind him, he noticed something unusual,Vincent wasn't talking.
It wasn't until they were outside that Vincent finally broke his silence, scratching his head in frustration. "Aren't you angry, Theo? The king talks to you like that,as if you're not even his son!"
Theodore glanced at Vincent, unbothered. "You don't have to worry, Vincent. This is nothing."
Vincent's face turned red with anger. "No, it's not nothing, Theo! He treats you like this because of that stupid prophecy!"
Theodore stopped walking. "What prophecy?"
Vincent's eyes widened. "Wait… you don't know?"
"No," Theodore said flatly. "Explain."
Vincent sighed heavily. "The prophecy from the Holy Temple when you were born. It said you'd become a disaster. That's why my aunt,your mother,died. That's why the king remarried so fast. And that's why everyone started avoiding you."
Theodore froze, the pieces falling into place. So that's why the original Theodore suffered. It was all because of a stupid prophecy.
"Even the duke hates you," Vincent added. "All because they think you're cursed."
Theodore chuckled bitterly. "I see. That explains everything."
Vincent grabbed his shoulder, his voice softening. "You don't have to worry, Theo. I'll always stand by you. I'll come visit you tomorrow, alright?"
"Alright," Theodore said, watching as Vincent walked away.
As Theodore walked back to his room, a grin slowly spread across his face. "A disaster, huh? I guess that name suits me. Fine, I'll use it. After all… who would've thought I'd be reincarnated as a disaster prince?"