EPISODE 133: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
In Edryan under the Prime Sun, all children will be educated.
— Crown Prince Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani.
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Four pairs of eyes gazed with different expressions as they emerged from the dark carriage. To most of them, this was the first time they’d ever stepped into a place as large and magnificent as this. To others, it was just another day not much different than the last. The only constant was the weather of the season while the troubles of the future’s past remained the same.
The weather did not reflect the same emotions that were in the eyes of the four Imperius students as they stood on the palace grounds. Instead, it began to fill with grey clouds as the trees faded, losing their color and leaves.
One pair of eyes held determination and excitement. They seemed to absorb everything they saw—from the detailedly carved pillars that held up the ceiling, to the freshly decorated entrance that radiated might. Another held justification, for they should have appeared here long ago. To them, it was only just that one with their talent be properly recognized for it.
The third pair were dark but held confidence. They once held worry, but no more, as whatever was to happen would happen. Their current position would only allow them to do so much, but in due time, they would truly be able to change the world.
The final pair of eyes were… complicated. For that was what showed within them—complications. There was worry deep within their crystalized heart, but that stayed away from their eyes. Instead, a mix of emotions was present—excitement, awe, a hint of fear, but mostly… strangely… hope.
“Welcome dear students to War Throne Palace,” a voice boomed as it walked toward them.
The four students looked toward the voice only to see a short-pot man headed for them. “I will be your guide. My name is Butler Jamis, but you may call me Jam,” he said with a smile.
The four processed his words for a second, and Luke stepped forward, seeing as no one else attempted to. He gave a small flourish and bowed before speaking. “Greetings Jam, thank you for coming to guide us today.”
“Haha, no need to thank me. You must be Luke Walker. What a well-spoken and mannered young man …,” he began before turning to another member of Imperius Academy.
“…and you Karla Kansun, I must say it has been a pleasure to finally meet the famous [Journalist] of Imperius Academy Weekly.”
Karla perked up, her dark eyes widening with elation. “You’ve read some of my work?”
“Oh but of course, my darling. Imperius Academy Weekly is famed throughout the capital. The way you make even the smallest of events into an engaging and captivating story is a talent that no other can mimic. My dear if it wasn’t so clear His Highness already recruited you, then I’m sure you’d have been flooded by many houses to join their families.”
Karla placed a hand on her chest, her eyes completely wide at the words of Jam. She opened her mouth several times but stuttered with each attempt at talking.
“No need for words my dear, just know you’re in the greatest hands in Edryan when working for our Prince,” Jam said, kindly smiling at Karla.
He turned to Zie next, seemingly done praising the still-shocked girl. He looked the simple, but smartly dressed youth up and down. Butler Jams eyes sparkled as they did so.
“So this is what the famed [Lord of Combustion], who has excelled in the use of fire and air mana, looks like—smartly, dressed and taller than I expected,” Butler Jamis said as he looked up at Zie.
Zie laughed, which seemed to snap Karla from her daze, as her eyebrows scrunched together in surprise. “That title is only so-so. My magic barely does it justice.”
“Becoming a renowned mage at such a young age is an achievement. Not many can master two elements simultaneously, but more importantly, combining them to create something stronger is an even rarer feat. I do hope we get to see your rare magic displayed during the summit.”
“Should the opportunity present itself, it would be a pleasure to show my magic off. It is not every day a mage can combine two elements into such a rarer form.”
Butler Jamis nodded and gave Zie one last smile before turning toward Simra. He glanced at her up and down and nodded in approval. “You must be Simra, one of the talented apprentices of Sword Saint Aurora. I’ve heard your skills with the blade are a sight to behold.”
Simra smiled, her hand pulling on a long strand of curly hair. “My swordsmanship is only fair, it is far from the likes of my teacher, but one day I hope to boast that I’ve surpassed her.”
Jam clapped at the words of Simra. “Very good, very good. That is the passion, a student of Imperius Academy must have. Only the best can rise from a school named after our Holy Prince.”
The butler took on a more serious look after introductions were out of the way. He gave them each one final look before speaking again. “We will enter the palace grounds now. As we do, ensure that you stay with me and do not wander. We will do a small tour of the grounds as we make our way toward the Tenten Parlor where breakfast will be served. You will be dining with His Highness, where, I’m certain he will update you on what is to come. Are there any questions?”
The group looked around at each other and shook their heads. Butler Jamis, seeing this, gestured toward the entrance and began to lead them within.
Luke sheepishly scratched his head as it seemed Butler Jamis held specific compliments for everyone but himself before following. Simra and Karla walked together, both young ladies’ eyes were wide at the display before them. While Zie followed behind, even he stared curiously at an item they passed sporadically. All around them were decorations and items of luxury as they ascended. Palace staff were passing to and fro, clearly busy, as they readied the palace for the second day of the Imperius Grand Summit event.
“You will see several Total Golems as we pass, some of them belong to the first generation of golems constructed under the orders of our prince. Now, they serve as fancied decorations and powerful protectors of the palace. On our right is…”
The Imperius students continued to follow Jam on their small tour of the palace. A few of the passing palace maids chuckled as they saw the expressions of the newcomers. The students had never before been around this type of wealth, nor had they seen this type of luxury outside the top grade rooms of Imperius Academy.
It took them several minutes of walking, with several small stops as Butler Jamis showed them unique areas in the palace, for the group to finally come to a halt. They’d traveled several floors higher, and finally, they approached their destination.
Butler Jamis immediately straightened up as they began to near the only entrance down a long hall. His steps slowed, and he turned to speak with the students.
“Ahead is the Tenten Parlor where His Highness Lawruthian — the Chosen of Madris, will be.”
His words seemed to serve as a reminder to the four as they too straightened their bodies and did last-minute pat-downs of their clothes.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Simra felt a nervous excitement as they stepped closer to the parlor. She didn't understand why, as she’d known Lawruthian for years—a majority of her life at this point. They’d interacted dozens, if not hundreds of times during the years. Yet now, after traveling through a portion of his home and where he grew up., it was fully beginning to settle in her mind. This young man she called a friend… he wasn’t just the [Holy Prince of Edryan]. No, he was so much more, he was the [Chosen of Madris] the voice of their God on the Mortal Plane. Simra knew this of course, but only now did it become so… real… visible… present… as they came before the large doors of the parlor. Only now did she truly begin to comprehend the magnitude of her relationship with Lawruthian.
He’d always been so casual… so… himself, when they interacted and that severely downplayed his exact status in her mind. That was no longer the case. Not just for Simra, but it seemed for all the Imperius students.
Karla gulped audibly, and quick-paced deep breaths came from Zie. The only one who seemed to be holding themselves together better than anyone else was Luke Walker. Yet to those who watched closely, even he held tension in his shoulders.
Two guards stood outside the Tenten Parlor’s doors—both held strawberry-blonde hair that slipped from between their helmets. Their eyes narrowed as they gazed at the approaching students, but they made no movements to stop them. Butler Jamis stepped toward the doors and bellowed loudly. “ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF THE IMPERIUS ACADEMY STUDENTS, LUKE WALKER, KARLA KANSUN, ZIE BREAKER, AND SIMRA.”
For several long moments, there was silence—then a voice familiar to all near parties spoke.
“ Enter. ”
Right after the voice was heard, the parlor doors slowly swung open to reveal a well-lit room. Karla gasped, and even Zie’s eyebrows raised in shock at the appearance of the room before them.
The parlor doors opened to nothing but one large, seamless window that expanded the length of the room. It even curved to accommodate where the walls would be. A large table, set for five, stood in the centermost position—and, gazing down outside at the center of the room was Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani — Chosen of Madris.
The four shuffled into the room, the doors silently closing behind them. It was only after they closed that they noticed another two guards within the room. It was then that the prince turned to face them with a smile on his face.
“Come check out the view, I love to eat breakfast from here because you can see a lot of the palace grounds.”
And… just like that, the tension was broken. Simra was the first to step forward, a large smile on her face as her eyes met Lawruthian’s.
“I’m glad to see you safe,” she called as she approached to admire the view next to him.
Karla was the second to arrive, followed closely by Zie, and finally in the rear Luke made his way over slowly.
Lawruthian turned back toward the view as the students arrived, his gaze searching the grounds. Simra was next to gasp as she gazed through the large window and down below. She stayed silent and just watched everything below. She’d never been this high before as the Imperius Clock Tower was the highest building she’d had the pleasure of seeing out from. Tenten Parlor made its height and view look like that of a child compared to an adult. The difference was massive.
“The people—they look like… ants,” Zie said.
Lawruthian looked at him and smiled, “They are anything but. Those are Edryans going about their daily lives. Some of them are palace guests, others are members of the Royal Staff. Regardless, each is a valuable asset and member of Great Edryan.”
Zie looked at him and nodded in understanding before both returned to gaze outside. Together, the five continued to gaze down at the Edryans within the palace going about their duties. This continued for nearly five minutes before Lawruthian pulled away.
He smiled at Simra and spoke, not just addressing her but them all. “Are you hungry?”
Just as Simra was about to speak, her body betrayed her.
GrooooOOOOOaaaaaan.
Lawruthian laughed, a pure, hearty thing, before he gestured at the circular table. “Come, sit wherever. Let us have a breakfast fit for a prince.”
As they seated themselves, Lawruthian clapped. Maids and other servants entered with large trays of food stuffed with goods of all types. The food was then served to them and without hesitation, Lawruthian began to eat. The students of Imperius Academy quickly followed his lead.
Luke ate one bite, his eyes expanding as a satisfied, happy, smile emerged on his face. “That’s the stuff,” he whispered.
***
Once everyone ate their fill, Lawruthian clapped again, and just as quickly as it was served, the food was taken away, and the table cleared.
The moment the last maid disappeared, the atmosphere in the room changed. Simra wasn’t sure how, but she straightened herself out, gaze fixed on Lawruthian.
“I’m sure you are wondering why I invited the four of you from Class One to the palace during such a grand event,” the Holy Prince began. His eyes looked from one member of Imperius Academy to another.
“You may or may not have an idea of what the Imperius Grand Summit is, and what is to come. That is fine, for a large change is coming to Edryan which will have you confused on many aspects. Outside of Karla, there is only one reason I’ve called the top commoner students of Imperius Academy forward. The fifth day of the Imperius Grand Summit is known as the Challenger’s Ring. A trial of combat where only the best of the best will display their skills. I lack warriors, and exceptional talent, for the under-level fifty bracket—and, if you are willing, then prove the skills Imperius Academy has provided for you within the ring. Regardless of your win or loss, I will ensure you are rewarded adequately.”
Simra glanced at Luke, it seemed his words from earlier were right. Lawruthian wanted them to compete during the summit.
“It’s my honor to represent the Imperius Academy in the Challenger’s Ring. No reward is necessary for such a task,” Luke Walker stated confidently.
“The sentiment is appreciated, but my royal family does not lack. Regardless of your win or loss in your brackets, you will be rewarded. During your time here, until the start of the Challenger’s Ring, you will train under Johann — Rising Star and Melina — True Sight.”
Karla perked up at the mention of those names. “Aren’t those…,” she said, excited.
“The very first commoners to graduate from Class One in Imperius Academy? Yes. Don’t worry Karla, you’ll have your chance to interview them later. We will discuss your assignment soon.”
Karla nodded in understanding, but the buzz she created remained. Johann and Melina were some of the biggest names among the commoner circle of Edrya. The former students of Imperius Academy were among the first students of low birth to pass. They’d managed to do it while staying in Class One throughout their three years at the school. Meeting them was a dream come true not just for Karla but for Simra as well. Even Luke and Zie held curious, interested expressions.
“They will be the ones to instruct you on what to expect in the Challenger’s Ring as they, too, are participating. You will meet them alongside a few upperclassmen. Do you have any questions?”
The prince looked at each of the students, but none spoke up. “Then Butler Jamis will take you to your quarters. Should you need anything during your stay, he will take care of it.”
Simra sighed. There were plenty of questions, things, and more she wanted to say to Lawruthian. If she could just get him alone for five minutes, then perhaps she could reveal everything. Oh, how she wished they were back at the academy, where the two of them would be able to talk in private.
She would rather not ask him in front of the others, nor did she truly wish to ask for alone time with so many people present and create the wrong idea. One of her best friends was well known for having a vivid imagination and it didn’t help she was equipped with a large mouth. Instead, as the doors opened and Butler Jamis entered to collect them, she followed—leaving behind the prince who watched them go.