Chapter 61
The Prince's Choice
The royal court remained perfectly still as the Emperor's question echoed through the grand hall like a gentle bell ringing in a quiet temple.
"…And why do you want that city?"
All eyes turned toward Alex.
The nobles leaned forward in their fine seats, their colorful robes rustling softly like leaves stirred by a passing breeze. Golden sunlight streamed down from the towering high windows, painting the long red carpet in warm glowing stripes and making the golden throne shimmer like a piece of the sun itself.
Tall pillars rose around the chamber like ancient guardians carved by master artisans centuries ago. Their surfaces were decorated with elegant dragons, blooming flowers, and flowing rivers of stone that seemed almost alive, silently watching every word spoken in the court of the empire.
But Alex simply smiled lightly, calm and relaxed, as if he were chatting with old friends around a cozy fireplace rather than standing before the most powerful nobles of the realm.
"Well… there is no grand reason, Father," he said in a steady and honest voice.
"I simply want to rule somewhere as a prince and learn how to govern properly. I have heard that Labyrinth City is a free city full of adventurers, merchants, and travelers from every corner of the world. It feels like a lively, colorful place where I can grow and help people."
A soft murmur passed through the court, like surprised whispers from a crowd watching a kind hero in an old story.
Alex folded his hands behind his back and continued speaking in the same clear, warm tone.
"It is also one of the busiest trade cities in the empire, with wagons rolling in from distant lands and markets full of wonderful goods and rare treasures. So I believe it would be a good place for me to learn how to rule wisely and fairly, like a true protector of the people."
The entire noble court fell quiet.
Some nobles stared at him in disbelief, their eyes wide like children hearing an unexpected twist in a tale.
Others blinked in gentle confusion, tilting their heads as if trying to solve a clever puzzle.
A few even looked slightly relieved, their shoulders relaxing like heavy burdens had suddenly been lifted.
DING!
+10,000 SC
Alex kept his expression calm and friendly, though inside he almost laughed with quiet amusement.
They really believe that explanation.
The system's cheerful chime felt like a friendly pat on the back from the Goddess herself.
The Emperor looked at his son with deep, thoughtful eyes. For a moment his gaze felt sharp enough to see straight through words and into the heart, like a wise ruler who had governed the empire through countless seasons.
"…Hmm."
Finally he leaned back slowly on the golden throne, his rich royal robes settling around him like a soft cloud of crimson silk.
"If that is truly what you want… then I grant you Labyrinth City."
The nobles immediately turned toward the throne, their faces full of surprise and quiet respect.
The Emperor's voice grew firm and clear, carrying through the vast hall like a calm command spoken from the very heart of the empire.
"Is there any objection?"
The court fell silent.
For several long seconds no one dared speak.
The only sound was the soft flutter of imperial banners hanging high above the chamber.
Then finally one noble stepped forward—a kind-faced lord with calm eyes and a gentle smile. His polished boots tapped softly against the marble floor as he approached.
He bowed respectfully before the throne.
"The prince has saved an entire duchy from disaster," he said warmly.
"He deserves a reward worthy of his brave deeds."
"Granting him Labyrinth City is more than reasonable."
"I have no objection."
The Emperor's gaze slowly swept across the rest of the court, calm and steady like a king surveying his loyal kingdom.
"…If that is what everyone believes?"
One by one the nobles bowed their heads.
"No objection, Your Majesty."
"We agree with the decision."
"It is a suitable reward for such a courageous prince."
The Emperor nodded once.
A proud light shone briefly in his eyes.
"Very well."
Then he looked at Alex again, this time with fatherly warmth.
"After you eliminate the Eclipse Covenant threat, you will officially receive Labyrinth City."
"For the next ten years you will rule the city as its lord."
"And during those ten years…"
A faint, knowing smile appeared on the Emperor's face.
"You will not need to pay imperial taxes."
A few nobles chuckled quietly.
The sound was light and relaxed, like soft laughter at a noble banquet.
Alex could hear them whispering among themselves in gentle tones.
The prince is a bit bold for wanting that place.
Labyrinth City? That lively, bustling city full of adventurers and surprises?
What an interesting choice.
Alex ignored the whispers with a small inner smile.
Inside, he was smiling even wider.
They think the prince is mad for wanting Labyrinth City.
But they have no idea what that city is truly worth—the hidden paths, the ancient secrets, the power waiting to bloom.
Good.
The less they know… the better for me and the light I carry.
The Emperor suddenly spoke again, his voice pulling everyone back to the moment.
"…Alex."
"Yes, Father?"
"I have heard troubling news about the eastern duchy."
The atmosphere in the court suddenly grew a little tense, like a soft cloud drifting across the sun.
"Is it true that the eastern lands cannot produce agriculture for one year?"
Many nobles stiffened in their seats, their expressions turning serious.
Food shortages were never a small matter.
They touched every village, every market, every family table in the empire.
Alex nodded calmly, his golden eyes steady and reassuring.
"Yes, Father. That is correct."
"When the Eclipse Covenant attacked the duchy, they left behind a dark curse upon the agricultural lands."
"A massive purification ritual will be needed to cleanse the soil and bring the fields back to life."
He paused slightly, allowing the words to settle through the hall like quiet rain.
"So this year's harvest is largely ruined."
A wave of quiet unease spread through the court, like a worried wind rustling through distant fields.
But Alex continued speaking in the same calm and hopeful voice.
"However, the duchy normally provides only sixty percent of the empire's total grain supply."
"Our imperial reserves are still strong and well stocked."
"We should be able to survive one or two years without serious famine if we plan wisely and support one another."
The Emperor listened carefully, his wise expression thoughtful.
"…Hmm."
"Well reasoned, my son."
"If the situation is as you say, the empire will endure and grow stronger together."
Then he raised his hand with quiet authority.
"Court dismissed."
The heavy tension in the hall finally broke like morning mist beneath sunlight.
Nobles began leaving their seats, whispering quietly among themselves with new respect shining in their eyes. Their footsteps echoed softly on the red carpet as they filed out through the towering doors and into the bright palace corridors beyond.
---
Royal Dining Hall
Later that evening the royal family gathered in the grand dining hall, where the atmosphere felt warm and peaceful, like a cozy blanket wrapped around everyone's shoulders after a long and eventful day. Crystal chandeliers glowed softly above the long dining table, their countless facets catching the candlelight and scattering it through the room like captured stars. The shimmering lights painted the marble walls and golden pillars in gentle hues of amber and honey, making the entire hall feel almost dreamlike, as if the palace itself were quietly celebrating the prince's return.
Plates of delicious food filled the air with inviting scents—roasted meats glazed with sweet herbs, fresh warm bread that smelled like home and comfort, colorful fruits piled high like bright jewels from the royal gardens, and fragrant tea steaming gently in delicate porcelain cups decorated with golden leaves.
Soft music from hidden harps floated through the air, gentle and soothing, like a lullaby played by the wind itself. The melody drifted across the hall like warm sunlight, wrapping everyone in a peaceful calm and making the whole room feel like a safe haven after the tension of the royal court.
Alex sat between his mother and younger sister, feeling the love around him like a warm embrace he had not realized he missed until now. His father rested comfortably at the head of the table, looking relaxed and content in his simple evening robes, far removed from the commanding figure who had presided over the imperial court earlier that day.
Here, he was not just the Emperor.
He was simply a father.
His sister looked at him with bright, curious eyes that sparkled like morning dew under the first rays of sunrise.
"So… big brother," she said eagerly, leaning forward across the table with a happy grin that showed she had been waiting all evening for this moment, "what really happened during your journey? Tell us everything!"
The Emperor also looked toward him with calm interest, a small amused smile playing on his lips.
"Yes, Alex," he said warmly. "What exactly have you been doing all this time? And what are your next plans? We would like to hear it from your own heart."
Alex placed his cup down slowly on the table, the warm tea leaving a gentle glow in his chest.
For a moment he simply looked around the table.
At the loving faces of his family.
His mother's kind eyes.
His sister's excited smile.
His brother's quiet respect.
And his father's steady gaze.
"I think…" he said softly.
"…it's time I told you the truth."
Everyone at the table looked at him, waiting with open hearts and curious eyes.
Alex took a slow, steady breath, feeling the holy light inside him gently strengthen his courage like a guiding star.
"Father… when I was in my long coma…"
"…I met the Goddess of Light."
The entire table froze for a heartbeat.
Even the soft harp music seemed to pause in quiet wonder.
DING!
+2,000 SC
His sister's eyes widened like bright stars appearing in the night sky.
His mother covered her mouth in astonishment, her eyes already shining with emotion.
Even the Emperor's calm expression flickered with deep surprise and quiet pride.
"The Goddess showed me visions of the future," Alex continued quietly, his voice steady and sincere.
"She said the world is slowly approaching disaster."
"In the future there will be famine that touches every land…"
"Northern barbarian invasions that shake the borders…"
"And many other dangers that could bring harm to the empire we all love."
Silence filled the room.
Heavy.
But also full of care and understanding.
"That is why I began preparing," Alex went on gently, his golden eyes warm with determination.
"At that time I was not strong enough to tell anyone."
"So I had to act alone."
"Opening businesses."
"Traveling east."
"Investigating the Eclipse Covenant."
"It was all part of a plan to prepare for what is coming… and to keep everyone safe."
The Emperor watched his son quietly for several long moments.
Then he spoke in a gentle, loving voice that seemed to wrap around the entire table like a protective cloak.
"…My child."
"You have been carrying a heavy burden all this time."
He reached across the table and placed a strong, fatherly hand on Alex's shoulder.
"But you do not need to carry it alone."
"You have a family."
"And we will help you however we can… with open hearts and steady hands."
Alex smiled softly, feeling the warmth of their love spread through his chest like golden sunlight after rain.
"Yes, Father."
"That is why I told you now."
His sister leaned forward again, her voice filled with sisterly worry and curiosity.
"But if that's true…"
"Why Labyrinth City?"
"Wouldn't it be safer for you to stay here in the royal capital with us?"
Alex shook his head slowly, his smile calm and reassuring.
"No."
"Labyrinth City is extremely important for my future plans."
"I will explain it properly later… when the time feels right."
"For now, trust me."
"It will help all of us in the end."
The Emperor studied him quietly for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"…Very well."
"If that is your decision…"
"I will trust you completely."
He leaned back slightly in his chair, the chandelier light dancing softly in his thoughtful eyes.
"So tell me."
"What will you do next?"
Alex's eyes grew calm and determined, shining faintly with the divine light of the Apostle.
"Well…"
"It's time for me to travel again."
He looked up slightly as if he could already see the distant road waiting ahead.
"Next…"
"I will go to the Holy City."
The family looked at him with love and quiet wonder.
The soft harp music slowly resumed, flowing gently through the hall once more like the forest welcoming a new dawn.
The adventure was calling again.
And Alex felt ready.
Ready to walk forward into the future.
Surrounded by the warmth of home.
To be continued..