The Prince called out.
Kael greeted, and in an instant—
"It is Crown Prince Edric."
Edric corrected, and the Hero stared at him as if trying to read his expression.
"Ah, I apologize. I am still new to all this, Crown Prince Edric."
The Crown Prince laughed.
"You have far grander things to worry about, Hero. A title is just a formality. You can call me anything you desire."
He smiled as he stared at Kael.
Kael raised his eyebrow before he quickly shook his head and continued his act.
"No, I understand how important a title is and the work one puts in to earn it—respecting it is the least I can do."
Edric paused for a moment, then, he shook his head.
"I didn't earn this title, Hero Kael.
He answered in a low voice.
"Now, I fight to live up to it. To not let my Kingdom down."
The Prince then looked straight at the Hero.
"And if we're speaking of titles, yours bears far greater weight than mine.
While I must protect my Kingdom, you carry the fate of all of Nerathis on your shoulders."
A small smile appeared on Edric's face and,
"You need not concern yourself with trivial matters like respecting titles.
You are above that, Hero Kael."
There was no mockery.
Just a quiet confidence that… unsettled Kael.
Still, he nodded, returning the Prince's smile.
Edric's tone shifted, becoming more personal.
"When you were first summoned, I doubted you.
How could I not? You are a child. A stranger to our world.
Leaving the fate of my world in your hands made me feel irresponsible, weak even."
Kael's expression changed at those words. The Prince, however, wasn't done yet.
"But then I heard what you did in Estwyn, and I realized how wrong I was."
Edric's expression softened.
"You were strong, courageous, and a leader who led everyone who followed him to an overwhelming victory. And I highly doubt anyone else could have done better."
"You are the Hero chosen by Lord Feraos, Kael.
And I am certain you will save Nerathis too."
Then, with a slight incline of his head—
"I apologize for doubting you."
His mind couldn't process what just happened.
This wasn't going according to the script he had in his mind at all!
'Where is the arrogant and prideful Young Master who is secretly jealous of the main character, who has attracted all the attention?
Isn't he supposed to taunt me or make some sarcastic remarks to put me down and feel good about himself?'
Kael studied Edric again.
'…Is he just good at hiding it?'
Kael stopped as a voice rang in his mind. It wasn't Elira.
It was the Crown Prince. He was using the same method as Elira to make sure others did not hear him.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
[Since you're with Court Mage Elira, I assume she told you about today's guests.]
Edric paused briefly and continued after Kael's careful nod.
[More than a few of them will try to challenge you, wanting to test your strength. I won't tell you to decline—that's your choice. But know this: you will be watched. And not all the eyes on you today are friendly.]
Kael remained silent.
Elira had said the same thing.
He was... warning him?
Why would he warn him?
Was this an act to gain his trust?
Or was Edric actually looking out for him?
There were too many questions in Kael's head and no clear answers.
[Of course, you need not worry.]
Edric spoke again, his tone reassuring.
[No matter what happens, the Drakthar Kingdom will protect you. You can rely on us. But—it will be wise to keep some trump cards hidden, just in case.]
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Despite the thousand thoughts racing through his head, Kael nodded, with a grateful look on his face.
[We've been silent for too long. Speak.]
Kael snapped out of his reverie and let out a chuckle.
"Ah, no—please don't apologize. I understand how you must have felt. If I were in your place, I would have doubted myself too."
Edric shook his head at those words.
"You have no reason to doubt yourself. I refuse to believe there could be a better Hero than you."
"…I hope to live up to your expectations."
"That puts my mind at ease, Hero Kael."
"This evening is for you. Enjoy it."
Edric turned to Elira and smiled charmingly.
"And with you by his side, Court Mage Elira, I am even more assured."
"You think too highly of me, Crown Prince Edric."
After a few more pleasantries, the Prince finally left.
Silence settled over Kael and Elira's table.
Elira sipped her drink.
"Nothing, I just have a lot on my mind."
Kael answered, and at his words, Elira just smiled.
"It is not unusual. This is how one feels when they talk to the Crown Prince.
He has a certain… charm."
Kael stared at the Court Mage, and she shrugged.
[I told you, didn't I?
He is not incompetent, nor is he easy to figure out. Even I, who have been in the Royal Palace all my life, haven't figured him out yet.
Why do you think I am unsure of whether he is actually behind Lavinia's fall or not?
At one point, he has every reason to do so, but when you talk to him, you feel like—how could he do it?
It is a never-ending cycle of confusion.]
He could very much relate to her words.
Even he was doubting whether the Crown Prince was behind it all or not.
Suddenly, a voice brought Kael out of his reverie. Then—
"Guests from other Kingdoms are here."
Elira informed, her expression solemn.