Sebastian added enthusiastically:
“That’s right, big brother isn’t wrong. Not only in the military, but he also reformed politics. Valerius Evander reduced taxes for the people, encouraged trade and commerce. Thanks to that, the people's lives improved significantly, and their trust in the court increased.”
Nathaniel nodded, continuing:
“Moreover, he promoted culture, arts, and education. Talents are valued regardless of their background. Those who are corrupt and bribe are severely punished without mercy.”
Ethan listened attentively, sensing the strength and decisiveness of Valerius Evander. Sebastian cautiously added:
“Although these policies have greatly benefited Helios, it’s undeniable that Valerius Evander is extremely brutal in conquering neighboring countries. Those who refuse to cede land or pay tribute are mercilessly annexed.”
After finishing the story about Helios, Nathaniel looked directly into Ethan’s eyes, his voice slow but filled with deep concern.
“Ethan, no matter what you face, always maintain the spirit and dignity of a prince of Aria. By any means, protect the honor of the royal family.”
Sebastian, too, couldn’t hide his anxiety but tried to smile.
“Ethan, I know you are intelligent and talented. In any situation, always remember that your family and your country are waiting for your return.”
Both elder brothers understood that this journey was far from simple. It was a severe test, fraught with danger, and the hope of returning was slim. But they didn’t want to worry Ethan further, not wanting to burden their young brother even more.
Ethan bowed his head, his heart filled with many emotions. He knew his elder brothers were trying to encourage him, but he also understood the difficult and dangerous situation awaiting him.
Nathaniel gently continued, his voice full of determination:
“Ethan, if you have any opportunity, seize it. You not only represent the royal family but also all the people of the Kingdom of Aria. No matter how difficult it is, strive to survive and return. I believe you can do it.”
Sebastian placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder, his eyes full of love and worry.
“We will always pray and wait for you. You are not alone; we are always behind you.”
After giving advice to his younger brother, the two elder brothers left, leaving Julian Pierce standing silently in the quiet room.
Julian walked to the window, looking out at the distant sky. He recalled the strange dream that had haunted him. In the dream, a tall man who called himself the king had humiliated and oppressed Ethan Caelan. That imposing, ruthless man—could he be Valerius Evander, the young king of the Kingdom of Helios?
“Valerius Evander.”
Julian whispered, the name weighing heavily on his lips.
“He demanded an unmarried prince as a hostage. Was it merely a coincidence, or had he intentionally targeted Ethan?”
Under the flickering candlelight in the quiet night, Julian’s silhouette sat silently at the table.
“Even if forced, I can choose how to face it,” Julian murmured to himself.
The next morning, Julian woke up early, his eyes filled with determination as he looked at Reed Jace and Leo Grant. He ordered:
“Tell me about the teachers who have taught me. I want to know more about them.”
Reed Jace bowed respectfully and began:
“Fourth prince, your music teacher is Raphael Gray. He is known as the ‘Immortal Musician’ because of his exceptional talent. His music can captivate people and even move nature.”
Leo Grant continued: “Your chess teacher is Samuel Brooke, a renowned master with the title ‘Chess King.’ He has defeated numerous chess players from neighboring countries. Each of his games is a work of art.”
Reed Jace continued:
“Your poetry teacher is William Blake, who has written many poems praised in the court. People say that when he recites poetry, flowers bloom and the moon shines.”
Leo Grant smiled and added:
“Your painting teacher is Thomas Green, an artist with many works exhibited everywhere. His brushwork is so exquisite that it astonishes everyone. His paintings bring nature to life on paper.”
Reed Jace solemnly said: “And your etiquette teacher is Edward Moore, deeply knowledgeable about court rituals of various countries, known as the ‘Master of Ceremonies.’”
Leo Grant continued: “Your history and politics teacher is Robert Hale, an experienced official in governance and politics. He is known as the ‘Political Genius.’”
Julian nodded and asked Reed Jace and Leo Grant:
“I also want to learn horse riding, archery, and martial arts. Who teaches these subjects in the palace?”
Reed Jace bowed and respectfully replied:
“Fourth prince, your horse riding teacher is Charles Strong, a general with many battlefield achievements, known as the ‘Horse Saint.’ He has extraordinary horseback riding skills, controlling a horse as if it were part of his body.”
Leo Grant continued:
“Your archery teacher is Victor Archer, a renowned archer in the court, known as the ‘Shooting God.’ He can hit any target and has won many national archery competitions.”
Reed Jace added:
“And your martial arts teacher is Bruce Lancer, a martial arts master known as the ‘Martial Saint.’ He has trained in martial arts since childhood, mastering various forms, with exceptional strength and refined combat skills.”
Julian nodded slightly, his eyes shining with excitement:
“What incredible masters! Invite all of them to the palace to teach me.”
Reed Jace and Leo Grant responded in unison: “Yes, Fourth prince!”
In the following days, Ethan Caelan's palace became more lively than ever. The sounds of music, clashing chess pieces, and brushstrokes on paper created an enthusiastic learning atmosphere. Julian, with his intelligence and talent, learned quickly and innovatively in each subject. These days, though busy, were filled with joy and memories. They equipped Julian with many skills and knowledge for his journey to the Kingdom of Helios.
During martial arts training, Julian winced, feeling sore and exhausted after a week of horseback riding and archery.
“Whew, Ethan’s body is truly fragile,” he sighed.
Bruce Lancer smiled gently:
“I taught the Fourth prince long ago. You were smart and quick-witted, advancing rapidly, leading among the princes. But since he fell into the water at age 12, narrowly escaping death, his body has been weak and unable to continue martial arts training. It’s a pity!”
Julian smiled, rubbing his aching shoulder:
“Well, this body is quite useless now.”
Bruce Lancer placed a comforting hand on the prince’s shoulder:
“It’s alright, prince! We will train gradually, increasing the intensity. With patience, you will surely recover.”
Julian looked at Master Lancer and smiled: “Alright, if I can’t become a master, at least I should be strong enough not to fall off a horse again.”
Both laughed heartily.
Julian, though worried about Ethan’s frail body, understood that this weakness was a significant disadvantage, making self-defense difficult in dangerous situations. Every strenuous activity caused intense pain throughout his body, but Julian gritted his teeth, enduring the training, just as he had persevered since his days as a trainee.
Valerius Evander had just finished dealing with the state documents. For the past few days, his mind had been entirely consumed by Ethan Caelan, leaving him with little energy to focus on state affairs. Now that Ethan had finally regained consciousness, it felt as if a massive weight had been lifted from his chest.Eager to see Ethan, Valerius left his desk and hurried toward the Jade Heart Pavilion. From a distance, Doctor Henry Thorne greeted him with a respectful bow and began his report.“Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince, has just finished soaking in medicinal herbs. He is now in the garden, basking in the sun to recover,” Henry informed him.Valerius turned his gaze toward the garden. “How is he faring?” he asked with a note of concern.Henry hesitated before replying, “Your Majesty, his life is no longer in immediate danger. However…”“What’s the issue?” Valerius’s voice betrayed his impatience.“His Highness has a naturally cold constitution. After falling into the lake previou
Ethan Caelan also understood that he had no way to escape Valerius Evander at this moment, nor could he accept the kind of love between men that Valerius spoke of."So… even if I were to die, I can never return to my world?" Ethan thought, despair casting a shadow over him like a suffocating fog.Closing his eyes, he tried to piece together the fragmented memories from his dreams—his mother, lifetimes of suffering, the curse, Valerius Evander, Lucian Evander. They all felt like scattered shards of a puzzle, chilling him to his core." Lucian Evander … the Four Heavenly Dragons… those noblemen… What connection do they have to me? I need to start by understanding them."Ethan struggled to rise from the bed. He had been lying still for far too long. The moment his trembling feet touched the ground and he attempted to stand, his body collapsed onto the cold floor."My legs… why can’t I feel my legs?" Ethan exclaimed, panic lacing his voice.Hearing the commotion inside, Henry Thorne rushe
Lucian’s eyes roamed hungrily over Ethan’s flawless, ivory skin, flushed with an enticing hue that only fueled his desire to conquer. "Look at this… seems like Prince Ethan of Aria is craving me as much as I want him…" Lucian murmured, pressing his lips to Ethan’s collarbone, tracing down to his chest. "Little beauty… I’ll make you feel so good…"“No!... Let me go…” Ethan cried out, trembling.“Let you go? It’s an honor for you to be used by the Four Dragons,” sneered the crimson-moled man. “We don’t often share, you know. You should be grateful we're making an exception for you.”The group of men closed in, circling Ethan. "Aaa… get away! Don’t... don’t touch me…” Ethan struggled, his cries growing desperate."Ethan!... Ethan!... wake up!” A familiar voice cut through his torment, yanking him back to reality from his horrifying nightmare.Ethan’s eyes shot open, his whole body shaking. Terror lingered in his gaze as cold sweat trickled down his face, soaking his clothes. The terrifyi
"Hahaha... resisting only makes you more beautiful, little beauty." He forced Ethan into a rough kiss, one hand gripping him tightly, the other pressing his jaw to force Ethan's mouth open. Seizing the opportunity, he plunged his tongue into Ethan's mouth, invading every corner.Disgusted, Ethan summoned all his strength to bite down hard on the man's tongue, shoving him away. "Get lost!"Interrupted unexpectedly, the dimpled man pulled back in pain, wiping blood from his mouth and snarling, "You filthy whore, you dare bite me?!" He slapped Ethan hard across the face twice: "Smack! Smack!" The blows sent Ethan crashing to the floor, his cheeks immediately swelling with the imprint of five fingers. Dizzy, he tried to open his eyes, but his vision was blurring."Quite the prize indeed, even his kiss has a hefty price," the man with the high forehead commented with amusement.Lucian smirked, watching Ethan. "Pour more wine for him!"Immediately, the man with the crimson mole approached E
His voice softened as he whispered into Ethan’s ear: “It’s my fault, I was wrong… Ethan… I swear I will make it up to you…”Valerius gazed at Ethan, his eyes filled with sorrow and regret. He knew that his words would never be enough to ease the pain in Ethan’s heart. Gently, he pulled Ethan closer, holding him tenderly in his arms.Ethan trembled in Valerius’s embrace, torn by the contradiction within him. Though he loathed the closeness of the man who had once violated and humiliated him, his soul now longed for a shoulder to lean on, someone to help him through the agony of losing his mother, the haunting memories of his own tragic fate through each lifetime, and the despair he felt about the future awaiting him.Suddenly, Ethan wrapped his arms around Valerius, burying his face in Valerius’ chest. It didn’t matter who it was, just as long as someone stayed beside him, offering him warmth to dispel the coldness in his heart.Valerius was stunned for a moment. This was the first tim
But Ethan, with his kind heart, reincarnated quickly. The curse of vengeance followed him through each life.Ethan looked at the scenes of his tragic past, feeling as though hundreds of arrows pierced his heart, leaving him gasping in agony. “Mother… I don’t want to continue anymore. I want to return to my true life, as Julian Pierce.”Victoria shook her head, her eyes filled with tears. “Julian? Look again.”The mist shifted, revealing the blurry image of Julian Pierce at a party, flashes of cameras in his face, deafening music pounding in his ears. Glass after glass of alcohol was offered to him, and he couldn’t refuse. Each sip burned his throat. He felt dizzy, his body losing control, burning up like he was on fire. He tried to stand, but his legs trembled, unable to support him.“Julian, you’re drunk. Let me take you to your room,” came the voice of a film investor.The scene shifted to a lavish room where Julian was surrounded by powerful men. He struggled, resisting with all hi