Athan, the astute young scholar and prince of the Shenron Empire, embarked on meticulous preparations for his impending journey—an endeavor that would mark his first foray beyond the confines of his homeland. Excitement mingled with a disquieting unease within his soul as the promise of exploration beckoned him forward.
Assisting Athan in his preparations was Gerald, the stoic but caring butler who had become both mentor and confidant. Athan admired Gerald's composed demeanor, beneath which lay a wellspring of concern and affection. Though their bond was strong, Gerald maintained a respectful distance, addressing Athan as "Your Highness" to honor the royal blood that coursed through the young prince's veins.
With unwavering focus, Athan meticulously selected two humble commoner outfits from his wardrobe, intent on blending seamlessly into the diverse tapestry of foreign lands that awaited him. His fingertips lingered upon the hilt of his treasured sword, Moonlight, a symbol of his prowess and identity. However, the weight of his decision compelled him to reluctantly leave the blade behind, entrusting its safekeeping to Gerald within the confines of the Novalie Palace. The mere thought of parting with his cherished weapon evoked a sense of bittersweet sorrow, tempered only by the reassurance that it would be returned to him upon the completion of his journey.
As the departure day loomed nearer, Athan found his mind occupied by an unusual concern—an anomaly in the realm of his intellectual pursuits. It gnawed at him persistently, threatening to overshadow his enthusiasm and self-assuredness. The source of his disquiet? The meager sum of twenty silver coins that had been allocated for his journey.
Despite his vast reservoir of knowledge and the wisdom acquired in his previous life, Athan found himself burdened by the meager compensation. He possessed an acute understanding of the intricacies of the world, cognizant of the financial challenges that lay ahead. The paltry sum, though seemingly inconsequential, weighed heavily upon his determined shoulders, for it represented a potential obstacle on his path to enlightenment.
Athan, renowned for his sharp intellect that shielded him from the clutches of fear, discovered himself ensnared by this singular predicament. It troubled him deeply, challenging the limits of his resourcefulness and his ability to devise solutions. The incongruity of his unease within the vast realm of his intellectual prowess perplexed him.
Gerald, ever observant and attuned to Athan's nuances, discerned the subtle shift in the young prince's countenance. Behind his stoic facade, Gerald possessed an intimate understanding of Athan's character, as well as the profound concerns that burdened him. Though his caring nature yearned to offer solace, Gerald chose to express his support through action, shrouding his true emotions in an enigmatic veil.
Thus, on a quiet evening, their surroundings illuminated by a soft glow, Gerald approached Athan. The butler's unwavering gaze met Athan's searching eyes, offering a modicum of comfort amidst the tempest of thoughts that threatened to consume him.
"Your Highness," Gerald's voice resonated with a gentle yet resolute tone, "I perceive the weight that rests upon your shoulders. The journey that lies ahead may seem treacherous, but remember that true strength resides not merely in intellect but in adaptability and resilience. Trust in the depths of your resourcefulness, for it shall guide you even through the most shadowed paths."
A flicker of understanding illuminated Athan's features, his countenance transforming from uncertainty to quiet determination. Gerald's words, like drops of wisdom, seeped into his consciousness, reminding him of his own capabilities and the wellspring of ingenuity that resided within him. The realization that true wealth extended beyond the confines of monetary riches resonated deep within his being.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Gratitude welled up within Athan as he absorbed the silent support offered by Gerald. Though the butler's caring nature remained concealed beneath a stoic exterior, the unspoken bond between them blossomed with renewed strength. Engaging in profound conversations that stretched into the depths of the night, they exchanged knowledge and tales. Athan found solace in Gerald's presence and wisdom.
Thus, with their concerns assuaged and newfound resolve coursing through their veins, Athan and Gerald prepared to step beyond the borders of the Shenron Empire. Clad in the unassuming attire of commoners, Athan secured his sword at his side, aware that his decisions carried weight and that uncertainty still lingered in the recesses of the future.
----------------------------------------
Athan's thoughts were absorbed by his ardent curiosity regarding the nations that the powerful Shenron Empire bordered. He looked to his devoted butler, Gerald, with a twinkle of curiosity in his eyes, seeking explanations for the mysteries that lay beyond.
With the same expressionless stoicism as usual, Gerald addressed Athan with respect and the courtesy title "Your Highness." He started out by listing the names of the three countries that bordered Shenron: the Holy Empire of Vesta, the Principality of Gracia, and the mysterious Kingdom of Bahrain.
Gerald proceeded in low tones, shedding light on the extent of Vesta's might, which was on par with Shenron. He did, however, offer an intriguing twist: unlike Shenron, there was no emperor.
Instead, power in Vesta was wielded by the enigmatic entity known as the Pope of the Holy Church of the Dragon Goddess Tiamat. This high-ranking position conferred emperor-like authority, and the Pope was chosen by divine intervention, with their successors being given the title of saint or saintess.
Athan's mind ignited with an inferno of fascination, fueled by the juxtaposition of his past life as an atheist and his newfound revelation. He used to be a sceptic, dismissing concepts of gods as figments of his mind, but now he stood on the verge of uncertainty. The divine powers bestowed upon the priests of Vesta's Holy Church called into question the very foundations of his beliefs.
Athan was lost in thought, thinking to himself about the possibility of a being endowed with supernatural might. He asked, scarcely audible, "Are these so-called gods even real?" He was profoundly affected by the tremendous ramifications, which he experienced with a mix of awe and uncertainty. Perhaps such a celestial person was the mastermind behind his own reincarnation. Athan couldn't see how anyone else could have created such a radical change. He shrugged uncontrollably as a wordless admission of the unknowable resulted from the gravity of this realisation.
Athan had entered previously unexplored territory as a result of an unexpected turn in his quest to discover the world's facts. The mysteries and opportunities at the Shenron Empire's frontiers begged for him to explore them. These revelations would put his ideals to the test in areas other than only scholarship.
Gerald's grave voice cut through the cloud of introspection, jolting Athan back to reality. He repeated, "Your Highness," with unshakable fidelity. Gerald started to reveal the Principality of Gracia while his consciousness was still connected to the present. Gracia was strong enough to defeat a duchy within the Shenron Empire, even though it lacked very much in raw force compared to Vesta and Shenron.
However, it was not the realm's strength that mesmerised the world; rather, it was its incredible variety of rare plants and animals. Gracia, despite being a small portion of Shenron, claimed to encompass an astounding 70% of the continent's diverse environment.
Athan's unquenchable curiosity erupted out of control. "Then, Uncle, what percentage of flora and fauna does Shenron hold?" he inquired in a tone that was both enthusiastic and inquisitive.
"As per my knowledge, Your Highness, Shenron claims approximately 40%," Gerald said in a gruff, wise voice.
*****
Support me through Patreon : Asher NightShade | With me in this Fantasy world! | Patreon