In the grand bathhouse, the sound of water echoed, and thick steam filled the air. Statues of lion-headed fish sprayed hot water into the expansive bath pool.
"Do you feel like Dad is a bit biased? Frederick has been assigned a bunch of top-tier mentors and was quickly given control of military authority, while it seems like our side isn't taking your education as seriously?" Ryan chuckled. "And we haven't specifically arranged for you to go on any expeditions either?"
"Uh..." Devonshire wasn't sure what his father meant by this.
Was he implying that he wasn't as experienced as Frederick?
Or that his mother and Lilith hadn't done a good job raising him?
Or perhaps that Uncle Angron or Godfather Calard hadn't taught him well enough?
Seeing his son's troubled expression, Ryan laughed heartily. "Why overthink it? Just tell me what you're feeling."
"Dad, you've always been busy. Mom and Lilith Mom don't seem very invested, and Uncle Angron isn't exactly cultured," Devonshire decided to be honest, shrugging. "But Frederick's situation is different. He has Uncle Karl Franz, Uncle Gelt, Auntie Emmanuelle, and so many renowned mentors in Nuln to guide him."
There was a hint of jealousy in his son's words, and Ryan couldn't help but grin. The Sun King said to his son, "The social resources in Nulr aren't something our knightly kingdom can compare to. We're lagging behind in many areas. Much of our education still relies on the traditional squire-apprentice system, while Nuln University, the Nuln Gunnery School, and the Nuln Engineering Academy are all century-old institutions."
"I know, but I'm confident I'm not inferior to Frederick. Grandpa had his guards give me some books and scrolls," Devonshire said, pretending to be nonchalant. "It's just that reading them is exhausting."
"Actually, we're not in a hurry for you to grow up so quickly," Ryan fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "Do you know what your Uncle Karl Franz was like before he turned 20?"
"What was he like?"
Ryan splashed some warm bathwater, smiling. "He was practically a spoiled brat. In his early years, he loved hanging out in the streets and alleys of Altdorf, riding through the streets with a bunch of rowdy friends. He was a gambler, spending all his time in gambling dens and throwing parties in high-end bars. But like your dad, he had a solid foundation in leadership, martial prowess, intelligence, and governance. The only difference was that your Uncle Karl wasn't as interested in women as your dad. He preferred gambling, drinking, and feasting."
"Oh ho, Uncle Karl was that wild? Doesn't seem like it now," Devonshire was fascinated.
"Yes, but one thing changed Karl Franz. His father, Emperor Luitpold, began to fall ill, and his health deteriorated rapidly," Ryan nodded softly. "And Emperor Luitpold only had Karl as his son. His brother, Maximilian, explicitly stated he didn't want to run for emperor, so Karl was the only candidate."
"So the Imperial court immediately realized they couldn't let Karl continue down this path. The emperor sent the prince to serve in the military, had Reiksmarshal Helborg guide him in military affairs, and Luitpold personally arranged a marriage for Karl. Karl soon had a wife and children, and he began to realize that his father's health was failing. He had to continue the legacy and glory of the Frederick von Holswig-Schliestein dynasty. After just a few years of military service as the heir, he grew into an excellent diplomat, administrator, and a capable military leader as the Grand Prince of Reikland," Ryan smiled. "Do you understand now?"
"I get it. Dad, you don't look like you're going to die in the next few years," Devonshire quickly understood. "So I still have plenty of time? But what about Frederick? Auntie Emmanuelle has Dad's psychic infusion and is a legendary powerhouse herself. Why is she so serious about training Frederick?"
"There are two situations where an heir is trained intensively. The first was the earlier scenario, and this is the second," Ryan chuckled. "Your Auntie Emmanuelle is excellent in many ways, but her military skills are quite lacking. Even though Nuln isn't on the front lines against the northern barbarians, it still faces endless wars. Therefore, the Nuln military urgently needs a leader with strong military capabilities. As the sole heir, Frederick naturally received focused training in this area from a young age."
"Ohhh, I see, I see. Everyone is dissatisfied with Auntie Emmanuelle's military skills but respects and loves her too much to overthrow her. So all the attention is on Frederick," Devonshire was quick to connect the dots.
"Exactly. You have such a great dad, such a magnificent Sun King as your father," Ryan puffed out his chest proudly, feeling like he was the best. "All the knightly nobles, including your Uncle Angron, your mom, and your Lilith Mom, feel there's no rush. They want you to build a solid foundation, gain experience, and improve yourself. There's no need to force you to grow up quickly like a stuffed duck. Dad's got everything under control."
"Ah~" Devonshire made a funny sound to show he understood. "I get it, Dad. Everyone wants you to stay in power as long as possible, right? Grandpa and Godfather Calard want you to lead them on more grand expeditions to bring back endless wealth and glory. The peasants want you to stay in power because you've opened up a path for them to rise, ensured social fairness, reduced taxes, and given them a chance to escape their lowly status. Lilith Mom and Auntie Morgiana go without saying. Even Auntie Theresa and Auntie Veronica can't be sure if I'll continue to rely on)them if I take over, right?"
"Brat! One day, my reign will end, and you will be crowned king," Ryan grinned mischievously, placing a hand on Devonshire's head. "Want to experience what it's like to have an ultra-long reign?"
"..." Devonshire rolled his eyes. In truth, he wasn't in a hurry to take the throne either. This arrangement suited him just fine.
He understood his father's message.
Although Ryan was nearly fifty, if this were the Empire, it would indeed be time to consider the heir. After all, even legendary powerhouses inevitably decline in physical and mental abilities after their sixties or seventies.
But Ryan was different. Not only did his Primarch physiology grant him a lifespan approaching infinity, but his peak Saint-level strength and status as a Grail Knight meant he could easily live for two to three hundred years. The issue of succession was still far off.
Moreover, Devonshire sensed his father's hint: the various interest groups surrounding Ryan all hoped he would remain in power for as long as possible. Where else could they find such an outstanding leader? Everyone was familiar with how to communicate with Ryan, understood his expectations, and had established mature mechanisms for interaction. If Devonshire took over, regardless of his abilities, everything would have to start from scratch.
Devonshire also knew that, as the eldest son, he certainly wouldn't give Auntie Veronica and Auntie Theresa the same generous treatment, funding, and freedom they currently enjoyed.
Thinking out loud, Devonshire casually remarked, "Dad, don't you think you're sometimes too good to Auntie Theresa and Auntie Veronica? And according to Auntie Sylvie, since your wedding to Mom, no one new has joined the family? Many noble ladies, even unmarried daughters, are willing to offer themselves to you, but you only seem to care about Mom, Auntie Olica, and Auntie Veronica."
"They've all been with me since before I rose to prominence, even your mom," Ryan seemed to be reminiscing about the past. "They've all known me since I was just a baron. Even your Auntie Morgiana has been with me for a long time. Often, these relationships aren't just about feelings but also responsibility. I owe it to them to take care of them."
"As for after my wedding, those who came later were only interested in my power and status," Ryan chuckled. "To me, that's just a fleeting affair, not worth pursuing. I don't lack for company."
"Of course, Dad is incredibly capable. Witches, sorceresses, knightly ladies, even goddesses—I've handled them all with ease!" Ryan added proudly, puffing out his chest and standing tall, as if to say he feared nothing.
"Ohhh! Dad, you're amazing!" Devonshire's eyes sparkled as he seized the opportunity. "I also want to take responsibility for Alarielle. Dad, help me figure out how! Just like how you handled Auntie Olica."
This kid, Ryan couldn't help but laugh. He still couldn't forget the Everqueen.
But as mentioned earlier, it was normal for a young, passionate man to be captivated by a beauty like Alarielle. Both Frederick and Devonshire were ultimate second-generation heirs, and ordinary beauties no longer held much appeal for them.
"The High Elves won't thank us, Devonshire. Even if we go to rescue her, I know Tyrion and the High Elves well. They won't be the least bit grateful. Instead, they'll use us as the main force to fight the undead," Ryan briefly explained the difficulties of the expedition to the Badlands, the required army size, logistics, and the High Elves' attitude. He added, "Based on current intelligence, Mannfred captured the Everqueen to resurrect Nagash, but they're still missing one crucial ingredient. Until then, the Everqueen should be safe. We'll find an opportunity later."
"I see," Devonshire breathed a sigh of relief.
Ryan thought to himself that he had no intention of getting involved in this mess. Tyrion had never liked him, and even if he went, Tyrion might not be grateful. Instead, he'd likely push Ryan to the front lines as cannon fodder.
This reminded Ryan of the famous Battle of Byeokjegwan during the Japanese invasions of Korea in his previous life.
The outcome of that battle, the casualties, and its significance were all debated. According to numerous historical records and studies, the Ming army lost about a thousand men, while the Japanese suffered between three to six thousand casualties. The battle ended with the Ming army retreating to avoid being encircled.
But what mattered most was the blow to the Ming army's morale and fighting spirit. Renowned general Li Rusong had thrown his elite troops and even his personal guards into the battle. After Byeokjegwan, Li Rusong, a hardened veteran, reportedly wept bitterly upon seeing his elite forces decimated. He cried like a child that night in the city, and from then on, he was reluctant to engage the Japanese in direct combat.
Did the Koreans show gratitude?
There was some, but it was quickly forgotten, and they continued to urge the Ming army to advance and send more troops.
Ryan was almost certain that even if he personally led the Old Guard and other elite forces to the Badlands to help the High Elves rescue the Everqueen, the outcome would be the same. You'd fight tooth and nail, exhausting your elite forces, and Tyrion might not show much gratitude. Instead, he'd complain that you weren't tough or brave enough. If you succeeded, you'd get a lukewarm 'well done.' If you failed, you'd become the enemy.
"Let someone else go. I'm not going," Ryan shook his head like a rattle drum. "Just not going."
Devonshire could only nod helplessly. "Alright."
"Don't overthink it. Come on, son, let me teach you how to dance," Ryan suddenly became enthusiastic.
"Dance? What dance?" Devonshire was puzzled. They were in a bathhouse, after all.
"Here, watch this," Ryan stood up in the bath pool, laughing heartily. He placed his hands on his hips, thrust out his chest and waist, and began swaying his hips back and forth. "Elephant~ Elephant~ Your trunk is so long~"
"HAHAHAHA!" Devonshire laughed so hard he nearly collapsed. "What is this? What even is this... HAHAHA! Dad, you're a genius."
"Come on, son, join me. The Elephant Dance!" Ryan gestured for Devonshire to stand up.
So father and son stood together, hands on hips, swaying back and forth.
"Elephant~ Elephant~ Your trunk is so long~"
Just as the two were dancing the "Elephant Dance," the bathhouse door suddenly swung open.
"Ryan, Olica says she has important information..." Sulia appeared at the doorway, her words trailing off as she saw her husband and son. Her face turned red with anger. "What are you two doing?!"
"Sulia." "Mom." The two quickly crouched down, submerging themselves in the water.
"Always teaching weird things instead of proper lessons... Hurry up and get out. Olica has news for you, and dinner is almost ready!" Sulia huffed, closing the door and walking away.
But a smile lingered on the lips of the Imperial Princess and Queen of Bretonnia.
This was the life she wanted.
A life as sweet as a dream.
---
*Meanwhile, on the vast ocean, the High Elf dragon ship fleet was swiftly making its way to the Old World.*
Tyrion, the High Loremaster of Hoeth, stood on the deck, restless. He paced back and forth before finally stopping at the bow, silently gazing at the blue sea and sky.
In his hand was the latest issue of Ulthuan Views the World.
"Hello everyone, welcome to this episode of Ulthuan Views the World."
"For a long time, Albion, as the first island where the Old Ones landed, has been a hot topic in the Old World. Various factions and races have sought to uncover its secrets, but all attempts have ended in failure and heavy losses."
"Even the Empire's Supreme Patriarch, Thyrus Gormann, has repeatedly failed, which is quite amusing."
"We all know the reason: Albion's unique fog and the fierce Chaos tribesmen who inhabit it have thwarted all explorers."
"But recently, a foreign gentleman (here referring to the Sun King Ryan) successfully conquered Albion, completely defeating the local tribes and even repelling two Chaos armies that came to reinforce them. Despite being outnumbered and attacked from both sides, he achieved an epic victory. How did he do it?"
"Turns out, this foreign gentleman single-handedly held off the semi-divine Primordial Daemon Prince Be'lakor, buying time for his army. Then, through a blood ritual, he summoned Nakai the Wanderer, a guardian of the Old Ones' Great Plan, turning the tide of battle."
"How about that? Simple, right? Did you all learn something new?"
"That's all for this episode of Ulthuan Views the World. If you have any thoughts, feel free to write to the Ulthuan Embassy in Marienburg!"
What is this nonsense? Tyrion felt a surge of frustration as he read.
Ryan holding off Be'lakor, a semi-divine Primordial Daemon Prince, was an incredible feat. Even Tyrion wasn't sure he could manage that. And summoning Nakai meant Ryan had to be fluent in all Old One scripts and have established strong ties with the Lizardmen of Lustria.
When will the Asur open their eyes to the world?
Tyrion was genuinely anxious.
"Brother," Teclis approached from behind. "The divination results are in."
"Where is Alarielle?" Tyrion turned abruptly, stepping right up to Teclis. "Tell me!"
"Nagashizzar," Teclis said softly after a moment of silence. "Alarielle is in Nagashizzar."
"Nagashizzar?" Tyrion understood the immense difficulty this expedition to reclaim the Everqueen would entail.
"The question now is, brother, should we seek the Dwarfs' help?" Teclis asked expressionlessly.
"Of course! The Dwarfs must not only supply our army but also send troops to assist us in attacking Nagashizzar. Tell that High King Thorgrim to personally lead his forces to join us!" Tyrion said without hesitation, a cold smile on his face.
"After all, this is a chance for the Dwarfs to redeem themselves."
"Let's hope these stunties can grasp the Asur's rare mercy and forgiveness and help us rescue the Everqueen."
"If they don't put in enough effort, I'll raze their Everpeak to the ground!"
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