Extra Part 1

One year after the coronation of King Aldric Slater, the Kingdom of Veldera finally achieved a level of prosperity its people had not experienced in decades.The young king, who still had not chosen a woman to become his queen, was constantly being urged by his ministers to marry as soon as possible.“I don't want to get married yet, Prime Minister.”Aldric let out a quiet sigh as he watched a swan gliding across the palace lake before continuing,“There are still many things I want to accomplish for this kingdom.”Jefry Milton smiled.“You've already accomplished so much, Your Majesty. Thanks to your policies, this kingdom has become one of the fastest-developing nations today.”Aldric turned toward the Prime Minister who faithfully accompanied him on his afternoon walks.“That's still not enough. I ... still want to ....”“I know, Your Majesty. However, couldn't you continue doing all those things even after getting married? You have already reached a suitable age for marriage.”Ald

Extra Part 2

Spring had returned to the Kingdom of Veldera.The streets of the capital were filled with merchants and craftsmen, while the fields beyond the city walls yielded abundant harvests. Everywhere, the people spoke of the same thing: the future of the kingdom seemed brighter than ever before.Yet inside the palace meeting chamber, the ministers were occupied with an entirely different concern.“Your Majesty must marry as soon as possible.”The statement echoed through the room for what felt like the hundredth time that morning.Aldric Slater, seated upon the royal throne, let out a long sigh. His gaze shifted from one minister to another.“I'm beginning to think all of you use the same opening line every day.”A few ministers chuckled, but Prime Minister Jefry Milton maintained his serious expression.“Your Majesty, the people love you. The kingdom is flourishing. Precisely because of that, we must think about Veldera's future.”“And Veldera's future can only be secured through my marriag

Extra Part 3

That afternoon, after surviving three separate meetings that had all somehow ended with discussions about marriage, Aldric decided to leave the main palace.He put on a simple cloak and was accompanied by only two trusted guards.His destination was the Eastern Tower.The stone tower stood apart from the palace's main buildings. In the past, it had been used to imprison nobles who had committed serious crimes against the kingdom.Now, it housed only one resident.Liam Slater.His cousin, who was serving a sentence of lifelong exile.As soon as Aldric entered the room on the upper floor, the scent of medicine greeted him.A physician on duty immediately bowed upon seeing the King of Veldera.“Your Majesty.”“How is he today, Doctor?”“More or less the same as usual.”Aldric nodded quietly.He walked toward the room guarded by several soldiers.The wooden door was opened.Near the window sat a dark-haired man gazing at the evening sky.Liam's hair had grown much longer compared to a yea

Extra Part 4

That night, after his meeting with Liam, Aldric could not sleep.Ever since he had left the Eastern Tower, the image of Liam's face had lingered in his mind."You look tired."That simple sentence kept echoing in his head.For more than a year, Liam had lived in his current condition. During that time, everyone had assumed that his awareness was gone forever.But what Aldric had seen that afternoon was different.For a few brief moments, Liam had truly seemed conscious. He had truly seen Aldric—not as the prince who had been exiled because of a grave mistake. He had known exactly who he was.The next morning, Aldric summoned the physician who had been responsible for Liam's care all this time.The elderly man arrived looking slightly confused.“Your Majesty wished to see me?”Aldric nodded.“Please, have a seat, Doctor.”Once the man was seated, Aldric immediately asked the question that had been troubling him since the previous night.“Has Liam's condition changed?”The doctor appear

Extra Part 5

“I am serious, Your Majesty.”“But he ... he already put you through ....”The room fell silent once again.The afternoon sunlight streamed through the study window, making the atmosphere feel even calmer.Nathan looked at the two men before him and continued,“I have not forgotten what happened in the past. But he still deserves the chance to regain his sanity.”His gaze lowered slightly.Aldric and Jefry listened quietly.Those words immediately left Aldric speechless.Seeing the king's expression, Nathan smiled faintly.“And I don't want to see Your Majesty burdened with regret for allowing Prince Liam's condition to remain as it is.”For a few moments, no one spoke.Then Aldric finally nodded slowly.“Thank you, General.”Nathan simply returned a small smile.Three days later, a secret operation was set in motion.Under Aldric's orders, Jefry sent letters to kingdoms throughout the continent.The letters were addressed to royal physicians, renowned scholars, herbalists, and expert

Extra Part 6

The order continued to echo in Nathan's ears even after he and Jefry left Aldric's study.They walked through the long palace corridors without saying much. Only when they reached the front courtyard did Jefry finally turn to him.“So?”Nathan let out a long sigh.“I haven't given him my answer yet.”“But you will accept.”Nathan glanced at his old friend.“I have a wife now. And a son who is only a few months old.”“And you also have a king who is asking for your help, Nathan. What are you going to do?” Jefry asked.Nathan remained silent.Jefry simply sighed.That night, Nathan told Angela everything.They were in their bedroom. George, their tiny son, was fast asleep in his cradle.Nathan sat on the edge of the bed while Angela listened quietly.“So the king wants to find that doctor for Prince Liam?” Angela asked.Nathan nodded.“His name is Aresh Vian.”“And you may have to go look for him?”“Yes.”Angela fell silent for a moment.Nathan had expected his wife to try to stop him.