“Yohan? Earth to Yohan? Hello?” A worried voice resounded in his mind.

Opening his eyes, the headache resided, facing an ashen grey we hair contrasted by his tan skin, waving his hand while holding the barbecue skewer he bought for Owen.

“Is everything alright? The weather now is getting hotter and hotter, so please drink more water,” Owen flapped his hand.

Yohan sluggishly placed his chin on his palm, his eyes drifting to the side.

“Nothing. I’m just restless about the appearance of the second prince. It has been the talk of the town with many guessing his looks.”

“True, what do you think he will look like?”

“The sun.”

“Other than that, of course. He is part of the bloodline of the Sun God,” Owen responded matter-of-factly.

“No, I mean it literally. Once you get a glance of him tomorrow, you’ll get what I mean.”

“You sound sure about that,” Owen pointed out.

“… you won’t believe how otherworldly he is.”

“Right, you sound like those hopeless romantic maidens fantasising the prince’s look. Imagine he is just an average human,” Owen joked.

The remaining time was filled with filler, incessant chattering till the early morning of the 18th Vanir.

The excited citizens gathered and occupied their spots at the palace parade, trying to get a closer look at the royal family. Anticipating the moment when the second prince would officially show his face for the first time.

Carrying his bouquet, Yohan met up with the trio and Owen.

“I’m still loyal to the crown prince. He had been making an effort to address the public's concerns and opinions. Even though he was not born a scholar, he has the experience under his belt!” Gerald rumbled.

“Nah, I’m sure the second prince is a dark horse. He must have his reason for not outshining the crown prince. After all, he hasn’t been crowned yet, but people naturally called him the crown prince due to him being the eldest,” Herrace refuted.

“Do you think a drama will stir up? What if the second prince is crowned instead?” Elliot asked, eating his sandwich along the way.

In front of them was a massive crowd, gathering like bees to a hive.

The buzzing noises gradually increased as the sun rose. Squeezing their way through, they stood shoulder to shoulder, with a competition of heights to get a wider view of the palace’s balcony.

“Hey Yohan, do you want to switch places with me?” Elliot offered, seeing Yohan being blocked by a head taller man in front of him.

“It’s okay,” Yohan kindly turned off the offer, staring directly at the man’s back. He did it intentionally— not because he wasn’t interested but he didn’t want to be seen.

Although he was within millions of people and no one could recognise him, he didn’t know how he would react when he saw Laurent. Ten years together wasn’t a short period, that was a decade of understanding each others’ complexity. It only boiled down to this moment where they reconciled; but only he remembered their time together.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

It was lonely and deserved.

Yohan knew it was difficult to meet old faces, those he shared, taught and experienced with. He decided to leave them behind in this lifetime, so that they walked a different path— one without him.

His thoughts were interrupted by trumpets blowing loudly, signalling the start of the coronation ceremony. Everyone quietened down their voices, their heads uniformly raised towards the balcony. Speeches were made with ceremonial marches. The new recruits strided in, holding the imperial flag of Eir. The white horses stomped majestically alongside the professional knights, marching and reciting the commands perfectly. Yohan moved slightly enough to spot familiar faces.

As expected, the arrangement of the recruits didn’t change.

In the second row and second column stood the famous twins: Eloise and Elio. They were exceptional physical enhancers. Eloise mainly buffed stamina and Elio applied durability on weapons, customised to the weapon users’ strength.

A few rows down was Sorelle. She had a unique ability to create barriers, acting as a defence shield and imprisoned attackers. Her walls have a set of properties and neutralise or rebound Calibre within its inner walls.

Next to Sorelle was supposed to be Yohan, if he had joined the Imperial Knights. However, the spot was left empty with no replacement. Even though it was strange, he dismissed it as an act of respect to the unfortunate recruit who couldn’t participate in the event.

Standing at the front, the polished badge shined as Nathan was dressed in a different attire. It had appeared that he successfully joined the Imperial Knight and was promoted to the commander of a division. Feeling proud that he successfully changed one variable different from his previous life.

Letting out a small sigh of relief, he was glad that his friends were still in the Imperial Knights, thriving to serve.

After the military march, the pope stood forth and addressed the crowd in his empowering speech.

“Shall the sun shine eternal and bless our souls! Let it shed and eject, absorbed by the chosen one who shall lead the Empire of Eir to glory and divinity!”

The crowd applauded and cheered, throwing petals and whistles. Yohan uncovered his hood to have a clear view. His heart pumped with adrenaline, almost as if it could jump out his chest anytime. The throbbing sensation was felt in his throat as he anxiously watched.

The door opened and the esteemed royal family stepped out, waving their hands. However, the crowd died down. Only the sharp inhalation of air could be heard, most of them stoned and rooted to the ground.

One by one, they dropped onto their knees with noises of realisation of what they had seen.

Adorned with golden ornaments, his tailored white coat clasped with emeralds— signifying his respective eye colour. The exquisite cape draped over his right shoulder, exposing the delicate design of golden linings, swirled rhythmically across his body. It hugged his proportions, outlining his fit-figure prominently. His slicked faded hair, sharpened his defined facial features.

Clad in stellar radiance, his colours reflected the parable of the sun; his eyes shine brilliantly, like a crystal chalice. Rays of divinity streaked the sky, captivating the devout crowd— beholding the unparalleled beauty in their gazes.

They stretched and reached their arms, desperately grasping the fleeting incarnation of the Sun God. There he stood, magnificently above the rest— Laurent Carlos La Eir.

“No wonder he never shows his face!”

“Is he even real? Oh my days!”

“He’s the embodiment of our light! Everyone who’s here to witness will be blessed for life!!”

The praises among the people grew louder and louder. Some felt a dawning moment of his worldly presence, tears streamed down their faces, while others found it difficult to deny that it transcended their faiths. He alone was enough to convince them that the sun descended physically before their eyes.

Standing amongst the enchanted masses, Yohan flipped his hood over and lowered his head to a degree that was enough to see Laurent.

Once, the sun saw the vanity darkness. The brilliant light it emitted gave the darkness a meaning to reason its existence. In its nature, the indelible void enshrouded the sun, slowly overshadowing its light.

Yet, the sun embraced it. Soon, the world plunged into total obscurity— where the sun can no longer be seen in the chasm of nothingness.

However, the gods gave them a chance. Reverting back to the past, they were found the furthest away from each other.

As it should be.