"Mother, are you feeling alright?" Edwin inquired, genuine concern etching his features.

In her chamber, Allison lay on her bed, her face tinged with a feverish hue. She had already received treatment from the Royal Physician.

"I'm fine, my dear," Allison responded with a faint smile, trying to conceal her discomfort from her son.

But Edwin was no fool. He knew that she had fallen unconscious earlier and had glimpsed the Royal Physician exiting her room, confirming that something was amiss.

"All right, mother," Edwin said with a bright smile, choosing not to press the issue.

His mother then inquired, curiosity evident in her eyes, "What did you read at the library today?"

She coughed a few times, which wasn’t serious but a rather common cough.

Edwin, pleased to share his newfound knowledge, replied, "I read about the five elements of chakra and their basic descriptions."

Allison's face brightened at this news. "I'm delighted that you enjoy your studies so much. I was the same way when I was your age."

Curious, Edwin inquired, "What did you enjoy reading, mother?"

Allison replied, "I didn't have a fondness for history or informative subjects. Instead, I started with picture books and hero stories from our kingdom. Each story was so captivating that I'd read them again and again."

"I see. Tomorrow, I'll make sure to read some storybooks," Edwin said with a smile.

"In that case, be sure to read 'The Dragon, The Knight, and The Princess.' It's a truly captivating tale," Allison recommended.

"Mhm~!" Edwin nodded in agreement.

A brief silence enveloped the room, broken by Edwin's voice.

"Mother, you once mentioned attending your kingdom's academy. Could you share your experience?" he asked.

Allison was taken aback by Edwin's question. It was unexpected, as heirs of the Royal Family typically had specialized tutors rather than attending academies.

However, Allison quickly surmised, ‘He must have read about academies in a book and become curious.’

"Academies are institutions that nurture young minds, providing knowledge and fostering personal growth," Allison explained.

Her dry cough interrupted her momentarily. She didn’t pay any heed to this as it was a common occurrence.

"In an academy, you have the chance to interact with others who seek knowledge. Sharing knowledge and interacting with your peers is how your own knowledge grows. Moreover, you forge true friendships and enjoy your youth as you should. It is these friends who help you during your need of time," Allison explained with a hint of nostalgia.

Edwin ventured a guess, "You were a princess, Mother. Weren't the other students commoners? They must have been awed by your presence and treated you differently."

Allison corrected him, saying, "Actually, they only paid heed to my status for a few days, and soon, they conversed with me just like anyone else. Those were wonderful times."

"Wow," Edwin responded, absorbing the tale of his mother's academy days. It was truly fascinating for him. "I'd love to attend an academy, but one for martial arts."

Allison's face lit up with a smile at Edwin's enthusiasm. "If that's your passion, you can join the Brolia Central Academy. It's one of the world's top institutions, excelling in both knowledge and martial arts training. Many of their graduates become renowned scholars or formidable warriors."

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"I'll be the best among them!" Edwin declared with unwavering confidence.

Allison responded seriously, "It won't be easy. You'll have to work very hard, as there's no shortage of talent."

But her smile returned as she added, "But I believe in you, my son. I know you'll certainly become the best."

Edwin nodded, a determined "Hmm" escaping his lips.

After their conversation, Edwin left his mother's chamber to allow her some much-needed rest.

He headed to the Imperial Garden, a place that always brought him peace and allowed him to think without distractions.

As he approached the entrance to the garden, Edwin stumbled upon his siblings. Second Princess Grace, Fifth Prince Wilfred, and Sixth Prince James had gathered there for a discussion.

Wilfred seemed particularly enthusiastic as he shared, "Elder Brother Lucius has already started his martial arts training. His tutor is General Falcon, one of the most powerful warriors in our Empire. General Falcon says that Lucius has tremendous talent. His physique is stronger than most, and General Falcon says that once his chakra manifests, it will be much more potent compared to a normal person."

This news filled Wilfred with pride. It was only natural, considering that First Prince Lucius, Third Princess Alicia, and Fifth Prince Theodor were born from the same mother, First Queen Cersei vi Rocswell. Siblings born of the same mother were typically closer due to their shared lineage.

Similarly, Second Princess Grace, Fourth Prince Theodor, and Eighth Prince Gideon had the same mother, Second Queen Cassandra vi Rocswell, making their bond tighter.

Sixth Prince James and Ninth Princess Sylvie were born to Third Queen Margaret vi Rocswell.

Lastly, Edwin, the Seventh Prince, was the child of the Fourth Queen, Allison vi Rocswell.

"What's there to be so proud of?" Grace responded with a calm and confident tone. "I'll turn 9 soon and begin my martial arts training. I'll leave Lucius behind quickly."

Wilfred, determined to defend his older brother's honor, asserted, "No way! Don't forget, my eldest brother has a physique stronger than anyone else! Plus, he's being trained by General Falcon. You will never catch up to him."

Grace couldn't help but roll her eyes in exasperation. "Hmph. Muscles aren't everything. I'll prove that brains and the mastery of chakra are the most important factors in becoming a powerful warrior."

James chimed in, showing his agreement with Grace, "I'm with Second Sister Grace on this one."

Wilfred's annoyance became evident as he shot a glare at James. "Shut up. Your opinion doesn't matter here!"

James, unbothered by Wilfred's hostility, met his gaze with calm composure. Before he could respond, Wilfred's attention shifted abruptly.

"Ho...ho...ho... Look who we have here. The disgrace of our family!" he taunted.

Grace and James both turned their heads to see who Wilfred was referring to. Their eyes settled on Edwin, who was approaching with a serene expression.

Though Edwin had overheard Wilfred's words, he showed no signs of anger on his face.

"I've always wondered how you can still live in the palace without feeling embarrassed or guilty," Wilfred stated bluntly. "Your mother was the princess of a kingdom that's aiding our enemy Empire in their fight against us. You carry the blood of traitors within you."

Wilfred's audacious and harsh words caught even Grace and James off guard. Although the information was common knowledge in the palace, nobody had dared to be so tactless as to say it to Edwin's face.

Edwin's emerald eyes narrowed at Wilfred's words.

He could have ignored teasing, but Wilfred had crossed a line by insulting not just Edwin but also his mother. That was something Edwin couldn't tolerate.

Edwin's eyes gleamed with an air of cold confidence as he coolly responded, "Well, Wilfred, they say ignorance is bliss, but I suppose you're living proof of that. No need to feel guilty when you don't understand complex matters like politics and alliances. Let's stick to what you do best – showing off your brawn and boasting about things you don't understand. You might just become the Empire's best town guard one day."

Grace couldn't help but chuckle, while James simply shook his head, impressed by Edwin's sharp wit. Wilfred, on the other hand, was left fuming and speechless, humiliated by his own attempt to embarrass his younger brother.

Wilfred, his teeth audibly gritted, shot back, "You're a disgrace, Edwin. All you do is hide in the library, burying your nose in books like some spineless scholar. A prince should be training, not reading those dusty old tomes.”

Edwin smirked, his tone coolly cutting, "Well, Wilfred, some of us believe that knowledge is a weapon more powerful than any sword. But I suppose you wouldn't understand that, being more of a dull blade yourself."

Grace and James stifled laughter, finding it hard to contain their amusement at Edwin's witty retorts.

Wilfred's anger reached its peak, and he couldn't tolerate Edwin's mockery any longer. With a furious shout, he lunged forward, attempting to punch Edwin to vent his frustration.

However, the age difference between the two was negligible, and Edwin had no intention of becoming an easy target.

With swift agility, he sidestepped Wilfred's punch effortlessly, narrowly avoiding it. He couldn't help but taunt, "Honestly, Wilfred, even a blind man could see that punch coming."

Wilfred's face reddened with anger at Edwin's taunt. He attacked with a flurry of furious punches, swinging as fast as he could.

But to his dismay, Edwin handled it with surprising calmness. He gracefully sidestepped, took a step back, and swayed to avoid each punch as it came.

It was as if he could predict Wilfred's moves before he even made them, a result of his keen observation and the simple predictability of an untrained fighter.

The more he dodged, the more frustrated and tired Wilfred became.

As Grace and James observed the brawl between Wilfred and Edwin, they initially found it amusing. However, their amusement quickly turned to awe as Edwin effortlessly dodged Wilfred's attacks.

Unable to contain himself any longer, James stepped forward and pulled Wilfred away, urging, "That's enough, Wilfred!"

Edwin couldn't resist a mocking comment, adding with a smirk, "Don't blame Wilfred, James. It's not his fault he thinks fists are the answer to everything, given his... intellectual limitations."

Wilfred was seething with humiliation as he heard those words. He was about to exert more strength and break out of James’ hold.

“Stop. The Royal Tutor is passing by the hallway. He must be on his way to the library,” Grace spoke suddenly.

Now, although Wilfred was extremely furious, he still restrained himself. He knew that if the Royal Tutor found him quarrelling, he would definitely punish them. Even his status as a royal prince wouldn’t be enough to ignore that punishment.

Thus, Wilfred shot Edwin a venomous glare and threatened, "Just wait, I'm telling our eldest brother, Lucius, about this. He'll definitely teach you a lesson!"

Edwin couldn't help but smile in response to Wilfred's threat. He feigned astonishment and replied, "Oh, I'm shocked! I didn't know your mind was capable of thinking about anything other than fighting. It's truly a miracle!"

James spoke sternly, "Edwin, cut it out. You're just making things worse."

Edwin simply shrugged, as if to say, "I'm not the one who started it."