"I never expected the Second Prince to be so shy in his youth, and the Great Princess to be so introverted."
Ian raised an eyebrow, a vague suspicion forming in his mind, but he dared not confirm it: "Growing up inherently brings change. It is not unusual for someone who was once untalkative to become quite chatty as they mature."
"As for His Majesty... after experiencing the Dark Moon turmoil, I wouldn’t be surprised by any transformation in him. In fact..."
Pausing slightly, Ian whispered, "I think he is just fine the way he is now."
Marquis Barton nodded slightly; he did not comment on Ian’s words, only dryly stating, "You’re correct, it’s entirely normal—except for me."
"Except for having watched the Princes and Princesses grow from a young age and often taking pictures of them, that’s my exception."
Taking a deep breath, Marquis Barton said in a deep voice, "Ian, you are the Prophet. You passed all my tests, proving you are also an exemplary Sublimator."
"So you must understand, on this land, all powerful Sublimators are madmen."
"And the Setal Imperial Family... they are among the most insane of the lot."
"Yes, you’re right. People change as they grow. A once harmonious family might end up slaughtering one another. A shy and timid Second Prince can become brave and resolute. And a Great Princess with social phobia might transform into an iron-blooded Valkyrie."
"But Ian, what if I told you that all these changes occurred within just a month?"
Ever since discovering that Marquis Barton possessed childhood photos of Axel and the Princes and Princesses, Ian realized he had misjudged Marquis Barton’s importance.
Evidently, back then, Marquis Barton must have been a confidant among the confidants of Axel, perhaps the sort of ’Knight’ or ’close personal attendant’ who lived with no official title but was always by his side.
And Barton had profound knowledge of the Princes.
"Crown Prince Carlos was born when His Majesty was stationed at the Eastern Border for military training before ascending the throne."
Marquis Barton calmly shared secrets known only to him and the people involved: "As you’ve seen, the Crown Prince is open-minded, cunning, but unabashedly genuine with those he likes—a temperament that exemplifies the Setal Imperial Family’s typical disposition and healthy growth."
"The other Princes and Princesses have some character issues to varying degrees."
"In fact, the Great Prince is less like His Majesty, while the other flawed Princes and Princesses resemble him more."
Sitting in his chair, Marquis Barton, with his golden-green eyes, looked at Ian and calmly said, "Because part of their characters is similar to ’His Majesty Axel’ in his youth."
Upon hearing this, Ian was taken aback: "Sir, what do you mean..."
"Yes." ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱
Marquis Barton said, "In his younger years before turning eighteen, His Majesty Axel was an introverted, socially anxious, shy, and neurotic young man. He preferred climbing mountains over chatting, and horse riding over romantic pursuits. Only us old companions could communicate with him normally."
"Because of this, His Majesty was never seen as a contender for the position of the Crown Prince. Even while wielding heavy military power in the Eastern Border, he was not perceived as a threat."
"But one day, after His Majesty went to Imperial Capital for duty, he returned with a resolved demeanor."
"’Barton, I want to change myself. I clearly know my character longs for peace and pleasure, to remain outside the core of authority, living as an ordinary prince.’"
"’But I know I can’t live under my father’s and teacher’s wings forever... I must become stronger and more decisive.’"
"’I must become a beacon for others.’"
Marquis Barton slowly recounted, "How could I refuse then? I most hoped my Lord could become stronger. I told him without hesitation that I supported all his actions, and if he wanted to change, I would accompany him in that change."
"No matter what he wanted to do, I would be his most loyal right hand."
"And then, His Majesty changed."
"He became decisive, steadfast, intense, bearing the majesty and responsibility of an Emperor, yet not losing the tenderness of a husband and father. His Majesty Axel became the perfect candidate for Emperor in my mind."
The old man closed his eyes and sighed, "It was the Dark Moon turmoil."
"The histories in The Grand Library describe it, Ian, you surely know... the Dark Moon turmoil destroyed nearly all established power structures of the Empire. His Majesty had to relocate his entire Eastern Border entourage, and still needed to employ those ’ordinary people’ without noble heritage."
"His Majesty defeated all his siblings and dealt with all forces intending to harm, betray, or obstruct the Empire’s improvement, the nobles, and the royal bloodline."
"His Majesty did astonishingly well, so well that it was unbelievable, unlike himself."
"Rather, he was a bit like... our Pioneer Emperor."
"Former Emperor Inega II."
At this point, Marquis Barton paused for a moment before shaking his head and saying, "Since then, strange events have happened one after another."