The city of Eternaland in the evening remained bustling with people. The townsfolk moved through the streets, shopping amidst the calls of merchants still selling their wares. Lamps began to light up gradually along the marble roads that gleamed throughout every corner of the city. Yet today, the atmosphere felt somewhat different. Many soldiers were patrolling the city, drawing curious gazes from the townspeople.

A group of soldiers, led by Viscount Fidelis Worth, marched through the marketplace with determination, heading toward a district filled with lights, laughter, and the gaiety of the night. This area housed the most famous and luxurious brothel in Eternaland, a place where nobles and aristocrats often came to escape their burdensome duties.

The townspeople, standing in clusters, paused their conversations as the fully armed soldiers passed by, whispering to each other in curiosity. “Why are so many soldiers out? What has happened?” an old woman asked. "Is there another disaster happening?"

A young man standing nearby replied, "No, it seems they are searching for someone… perhaps Prince Lucius?"

A young woman spoke softly, her voice tinged with concern, "I heard that Prince Lucius refused to attend another important meeting with the Emperor. What do you think happened?"

The soldiers made their way to a well-known, luxurious brothel frequented by the city's elite. Dim lights from oil lamps hung on the stone walls and ceiling, casting an alluring glow. Deep red silk curtains adorned the hall, and women in light, sheer dresses moved about with gentle smiles. Soft music played in a corner of the room, interspersed with the laughter and chatter of the guests.

The head soldier led his men inside, scanning the room with a focused gaze before stopping at the door of an opulent chamber. He knocked politely, and one of the soldiers spoke in a low voice to the prince inside, "Prince Lucius, please return to the palace. An important meeting awaits your presence."

The door opened, revealing Prince Lucius Libertas seated on a plush bed draped in deep red silk, surrounded by several women. His blonde hair was tousled, and his brown eyes sparkled with indifference to his surroundings. His clothes were disheveled, still carrying the scent of alcohol and the revelry of the night. He smiled and spoke with a mocking tone as he saw the soldiers enter, "You again… I came here to escape the chaos, yet you still managed to find me."

In truth, Prince Lucius’s feelings were more complex than they appeared. In the past, he had tried hard to participate and play a role in Emperor Maximus Libertas's court. He had volunteered to join battles several times, hoping to prove himself worthy of inheriting power, but every time he made a proposal, his ideas were dismissed and given little importance, unlike his sister, Princess Valeria. Princess Valeria seemed to be favored by the Emperor; her suggestions were always taken seriously. This left Prince Lucius feeling a deep sense of injustice and inadequacy.

So, Prince Lucius chose to live where he felt freer. In this luxurious brothel, where joy and merriment were distractions from his pain and bitterness.

The soldiers in the lavish room attempted to speak with Prince Lucius, but he remained uninterested until Viscount Fidelis Worth appeared at the doorway. The Viscount, a middle-aged man dressed in a formal and dignified outfit, with a serious expression filled with determination for his duty, spoke softly yet firmly, "Your Highness, I kindly ask you to return to the palace. This meeting is of utmost importance to the empire's stability."

Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

Seeing the Viscount, who commanded authority and respect, Prince Lucius knew he could not persist in his defiance. He sighed in frustration but stood up from the bed, adjusting his clothes as best as he could. "I will go with you, but not because I want to attend those meetings, but because I want to hear what my father has to say to me today," he said, his voice carrying a note of challenge.

After Viscount Fidelis Worth tried to persuade Prince Lucius to return to the meeting at the palace, the prince finally agreed, but he refused the Viscount's suggestion to change his clothes before leaving.

"I don't see why it matters if I attend in this state," Prince Lucius said flatly but with a stubborn edge in his voice. He met the Viscount's gaze with slight irritation. "If this meeting is truly important, I shouldn't waste time changing."

Fidelis sighed softly, knowing he could not change the prince’s mind. Considering the tense situation, he reluctantly allowed the prince to attend the meeting in his current state, even though it contradicted court etiquette and protocol. "Then I will accompany you," he replied politely, though with a hint of worry.

As Prince Lucius walked out with the soldiers, every eye in the luxurious brothel turned toward him with astonishment and curiosity. Some whispered, "Is that Prince Lucius? Why does he look like this?"

"Yes, that’s him," an old woman whispered to her friend. "Look at him… His clothes are disheveled, his hair is a mess. What is he doing here?"

When the people heard the old woman’s question, they exchanged glances as if to say, ‘He’s at a brothel, surely not just to read books?’

Whispers began to spread again, "I've heard he rarely attends court meetings these days. Maybe he feels excluded by the Emperor."

The procession of soldiers, with Prince Lucius following Viscount Fidelis, left the brothel and headed back toward Grandia Palace. As they walked along the main marble road of Eternaland, the prince’s disheveled appearance drew the attention of people on either side of the street.

People began to gather in small groups, speaking quietly. "Prince Lucius… Why does he not look like a prince at all?"

"Yes, he should be a dignified leader, shouldn’t he?" another woman said, looking on with concern. "What will the Emperor say if he sees him like this?"

On the way back to the palace, the soldiers and Prince Lucius passed by shops selling a variety of goods—stalls displaying fresh fruits, silk and woven fabrics fluttering in the gentle breeze, and shops selling weapons and armor filled with warriors and soldiers buying supplies for daily drills. Everywhere the procession passed, people paused to watch, talking about rumors of bad luck and unfortunate events from a fortnight ago.

"I heard there was ash drifting from the west, seen by many," a young man told his friend.

"Really? I heard the same, but that’s nothing compared to the fiery red ring orbiting the moon. I’ve heard it’s a sign of something evil to come," an old woman whispered.

"I don’t know what it means, but many in this market say it’s a sign from the ancient gods," an old man interjected.

“And there are rumors that Prince Lucius is unhappy about not having a prominent role in the court’s meetings,” a young woman added. “He might feel sidelined… like he’s been left in Princess Valeria’s shadow.”

As the soldiers and Prince Lucius arrived at Grandia Palace, towering in the heart of the city, the great seat of power, the palace was built from white marble with imposing fortifications that looked both majestic and formidable. The large bronze doors opened to reveal a wide hall filled with red carpets and glittering chandeliers. All eyes turned to Prince Lucius, who remained in a disheveled state and had not dressed properly.

The soldiers opened the doors to the meeting room and escorted Prince Lucius inside. Every eye in the room turned toward him. Some showed surprise and displeasure, while others showed curiosity and concern. Emperor Maximus Libertas stood at the head of the table in the center of the room, his face stern, his sharp brown eyes fixed on Prince Lucius, who still stood at the door.

An important meeting was about to begin, and the fate of Prince Lucius might change forever in this conversation…