The next day, Duvan and his entourage departed for the capital of Isthania. The night before, Duvan had sent a message to his uncle—the current Pope—using his communication magic stone. Early that morning, he visited Count Goffham and his family to convey his greetings before leaving. After he and Therion were invited to breakfast, the entire entourage immediately headed for the portal.
Isthania is quite wealthy in this regard. Since its founding, it has possessed numerous mana stone mines, which can be used as a power source for various magical technological devices, including portals. Coupled with periodic monster exterminations, Isthania has accumulated a wealth of resources, allowing it to establish portals in all the major cities within its domain.
Isthania itself has a total of nine major regions, aligned with the cardinal directions. Outside of these regions is the Abyss, a region ruled by monsters that their ancestors had not yet conquered. Despite this, each region of Isthania remains vast, typically comprising twelve to fifteen provinces, each with dozens of major cities and hundreds of smaller towns. Among these major cities, the largest and closest to the central region became the capital.
Thus, Isthania had dozens of portals. Of course, not everyone could use these portals. The royal family naturally received priority, followed by the upper nobility and prominent officials, and then the lower nobility and other wealthy businessmen. This was because, although Isthania could construct so many portals, the mana stones available to activate them were limited and prioritized for a select few. Others had to provide their own or pay a 'transportation fee' to the kingdom.
There were certainly other ways, such as traveling conventionally using private horse-drawn carriages or magically powered public transportation. Public transportation in Isthania also used magic as its power source, but it didn't require as much energy as portals. Furthermore, public transportation in Isthania, such as trains capable of long-distance travel, began using "monster cores" instead and relied more on the mana manipulation abilities of their drivers.
"Your Highness, excuse me, please place your hand here," said the portal guard.
Duvan nodded and placed his hand on the identification device. The device could recognize his aura and bloodline, so the kingdom would cover all of his and his entourage's travel expenses through the portal.
Beep!
The device glowed green after identifying Duvan. Then, the portal opened.
Duvan took a breath. This time, he was returning to the capital. After this, he was no longer a snotty kid who could be looked down upon. Although small, his victory today could be considered a military achievement for him. It was a good start and a door to being recognized as the second prince of Isthania. He hoped his father would look at him with more kindness.
On the other hand, Russelia was also nervous. She walked right behind Duvan, Therion, and Iasthor. After this, Russelia would truly start a new life in this unfamiliar world. Russelia was afraid, panicked, and worried about her future. She has no mother, no father, or her Aunt Dianthe here. No one would defend her. And she could only beg for pity from others… or she could try her hardest to stand on her own. After this, Russelia Hailey… had to grow up on her own. A bitter reality that had haunted her for the past few days, and one she unfortunately had to face.
.....
The portal in Isthania is indeed recognized as the fastest shortcut. It's no wonder many people continue to use it, despite the high cost. A journey that would normally take hours, even by magic train, can be completed in minutes using the portal. One drawback worth mentioning is the discomfort it can cause, especially for new users. Russelia nearly fainted on the spot if not for Therion holding her.
Duvan frowned at Russelia's pale face. He knew this was a normal reaction for those new to portals. In fact, he had experienced intense dizziness the first time he entered the portal. "After this, you should rest at my residence, Miss. I will inform my butler."
Russelia nodded weakly. However, just as they were about to hurry back, a man in his early twenties approached them. He wore a neat suit with a high collar and polished black shoes. The golden-haired, green-eyed man lifted his hat and then bowed slowly to Duvan. His handsome features belied his stern expression. But at a glance, anyone could tell this person was a noble or someone of some importance. Seeing him, Duvan's expression became even more complicated. Duvan knew this man. Count Levington, a trusted aide to his father, King Theo. His father would usually only send other servants to convey unimportant information.
"I, Harris Levington, greet the prince. May the gods of Isthania bless you."
Duvan couldn't help but greet Count Levington. Duvan gave him his trademark smile. "The Count has come all the way here. There's no need for salutes or pleasantries. Does Royal Father have a message for me?"
Count Levington nodded. He looked deeply at Duvan and glanced around the surrounding entourage, then paused briefly on Russelia, who was still being carried by Therion. "His Majesty the king has ordered that the prince should meet him immediately. His Majesty has also heard about the young girl you brought with you, and he hopes to meet her as well. Ah, one more thing: the prince can deposit today's spoils with His Majesty first. In three days, there will be a banquet, and His Majesty will distribute the gifts at that time."
Duvan nodded. He had expected the king to take all of today's spoils first. But regarding his order for Russelia to meet with him immediately… Duvan hesitated to agree. He glanced at Russelia. Seeing her pale face, he felt uneasy. Could Russelia meet the king like this?
As if noticing Duvan's gaze, Russelia lifted her head. She shook her head and whispered, "I'm fine, Prince. There is no need for you to disobey the king's orders."
As a reader, Russelia could imagine what kind of person King Theo was. Although Russelia hadn't known many people in her twelve years of life, her paternal grandmother preferred grandsons over granddaughters. For as long as she could remember, her grandmother had favored her male cousins and cared little for her as a granddaughter. Russelia had even secretly witnessed her and her father arguing. Afterward, her father allowed her to use her mother's surname. In the storybook, Duvan was hated by King Theo, so his treatment was undoubtedly worse. In times like this, it would have been better if they had simply bowed their heads to avoid punishment.
Seeing Russelia seemingly reassuring him, Duvan thought for a moment. What were my Royal Father's intentions? Was he simply curious? Duvan looked back at Count Levington, who seemed to be patiently waiting. "Very well, Miss Russelia will accompany me to meet my Royal Father."
Hearing this, Count Levington's professional smile widened slightly.
...
"Father!"
Bang!
The large door to King Theo's study room swung open. In all of Isthania, only one person dared to do such a presumptuous thing in front of the king—the only daughter of King Theo and Empress Aera—Princess Asthelina. Knowing his daughter's habits, King Theo ignored her and continued to focus on the pile of documents on his desk. Meanwhile, beside the king's desk was a slightly smaller one, where a young boy sat, seemingly dealing with a pile of documents just like King Theo. The teenager had the same dark blue hair as King Theo.
The teenager—Prince Haleon—glared angrily at his sister. Asthelina simply glared back. The two siblings had always had a good relationship. It was not uncommon for them to have small arguments from time to time, but they quickly reconciled afterward.
"My daughter suddenly remembered her old father. What happened today?" King Theo finally raised his head. The corners of his eyes were slightly red and watery. He hadn't had a chance to sleep lately due to reports of a surge in monster numbers and a recent decline in harvests. King Theo and his cabinet officials had argued about this several times.
Princess Asthelina ignored King Theo's sour expression. She remained smiling cheerfully as she approached her father, walking on tiptoe. "Father, Asthe heard that the bastard won the battle. I heard there was a level 4 monster core?"
King Theo glared at his daughter. "Watch your words. At least call him by name."
"Father, is that your point?" Princess Asthelina pouted. "That's not what you should focus on! Father, can I have that monster core? Oh, I also need two level 3 monster cores. I want to make another new weapon."
"What for? Last time, for your birthday, I bought you a new weapon. If you want to increase your magic level, you can take a level 3 monster core. You're still level 2 right now. Why are you asking for a level 4 monster core?"
Princess Athelina smiled sweetly. "Father, I want a collection! Besides, you have plenty. I can slowly absorb them, and maybe after this, I can raise my mana to level 3."
King Theo sighed. But finally, he nodded weakly. "Okay, whatever. But I'll only give you that one monster core. I won't give you any more. You're not the only one who needs a new weapon. My soldiers need new weapons too. Not to mention the Auster National Academy facilities. Not to mention the magic power sources for the other facilities."
Princess Asthelina began to throw a tantrum. "Aaaaah! Father always prioritizes others over his own daughter. I'm the princess of this kingdom!"
King Theo was truly feeling like he wanted to explode. He hadn't slept for two days, and his mood was getting worse by the hour. Now his daughter was whining incessantly!
But before King Theo could vent his anger, Prince Haleon, seeing the king's increasingly sour expression, interrupted.
"ASTHE!"
Princess Asthelina fell silent. She stared doubtfully at her brother's face, which still looked calm as if he hadn't been the one who had just shouted. "Brother?" she asked hesitantly. Her tone was soft. If there was anyone Princess Asthelina feared, it would be Empress Aera and Prince Haleon.
"Don't resist the order. If you've had enough whining, get out."
Hearing her brother's command, Princess Asthelina immediately retreated. She bowed in a standard salute, turned around, and then half-ran out of King Theo's study. She even closed the large door to King Theo's office quietly, as if afraid of being yelled at again by Prince Haleon. Princess Asthelina fled like a mouse after a cat.
"Just keep pampering her," King Theo snorted in annoyance. King Theo still felt dissatisfied, unable to vent his anger and frustration. Remembering his daughter's behavior, King Theo's anger immediately flared again. He almost wanted to throw the glass ink bottle on his desk, but he decided against it and simply sighed. He still remembered that his kingdom was currently in dire need of money. The ink on his desk was the best in Isthania, and even though he wanted to be angry, King Theo felt it would be a shame to destroy his precious property.
"You shouldn't keep spoiling her like this. What if something happens to Isthania? To me? Or to you and the empress? She's a royal princess! But she doesn't understand her responsibilities at all! Even if I don't expect her to help with state duties, that doesn't mean she can whine all the time!"
Hearing the king's grumbling, Prince Haleon simply smiled. He knew the king was merely grumbling. Once his anger had subsided, King Theo wouldn't pursue his daughter further.
"Father worries too much. Isthania has stood for thousands of years. There are no signs of collapse now. Father will live long. The holy wolves won't fall that easily. Asthelina can still be pampered for a few more years. She still has her parents and I, her older brother. Besides, there are my two uncles, right?"
King Theo snorted again. King Theo had several other half-siblings, but the uncles Prince Haleon mentioned were his two most prominent half-brothers. King Theo had two brothers with whom he was quite close. They were all born to different mothers. The first, Aristaios Lycus Arakhia, was the son of the former king's beloved concubine. As far as King Theo knew, Consort Hildrea died after giving birth to Aristaios. Afterward, the late Empress Lienna—King Theo's mother—took over his custody. Aristaios and King Theo grew up together under Empress Lienna's care. Thanks to this, they had a very good relationship. Thus, King Theo had no difficulties granting him the title of Grand Duke of Bayez and giving him the western region of Isthania.
Meanwhile, his second brother, Rudolf Salazar Arakhia, was the son of Consort Trisma, another concubine of the former king. His relationship with King Theo was not as good as the king's with Grand Duke Bayez. However, this didn't mean they were enemies during their childhood. It was simply that, despite their youth, Rudolf already appeared more mature and steady. At that time, Rudolf also had many supporters and was even one of the top contenders for the throne.
The battle for the throne was always fierce. The three of them were the top contenders at that time. King Theo was willing to lose to Aristaios because they were both cared for by Empress Lienna. He considered Aristaios to be like a real brother to him, unlike Rudolf. However, despite his overwhelming support, Rudolf seemed uninterested in the throne. Although he won the trials, he seemed to do so as a formality and to demonstrate his usefulness as a prince. Thankfully, after King Theo married Ruella, the temple fully supported him. Afterward, Rudolf's support plummeted. Only then did King Theo breathe a sigh of relief and gain full support from the people.
However, after ascending the throne, King Theo only granted Rudolf the title of Duke Hauke. King Theo also granted Duke Hauke control of two-thirds of the southern Isthania, the Thisol region, which was most frequently affected by monster invasions. However, Rudolf seems to completely obey the decree and focus on protecting his domain. Duke Hauke showed no signs of rebellion. He continued to report on the condition of his domain as usual, paying tribute according to standards, and regularly sending news about his family.
Remembering the past always reminded King Theo of Consort Ruella. If not for her, he might not be sitting so peacefully on his throne now. Suddenly, the image of Duvan crossed King Theo's mind. He startled. Right, Duvan should be arriving at the palace by now, shouldn't he? Ah, yes, his second son also brought a little girl with him. Strange, they said, the little girl suddenly appeared on the battlefield. Suddenly appearing... King Theo was reminded of his late love, Consort Ruella again.
Just as King Theo was lost in his thoughts, a knock sounded on the door.
"Greetings to the sun of the kingdom. May the gods continue to bless your radiance. I, Harris Levington, request an audience. I have brought with me Prince Duvan, a noble son Sir Therion Azil Verron, and Miss Russelia Hailey."
Hearing this, King Theo sat up straight. Prince Haleon also turned toward the door. For a moment, like his father, he ignored the pile of documents on his desk. Ah, yes, Prince Haleon remembered something. Hadn't his poor, annoying brother returned today? They said he had won the fight. Prince Haleon's eyes flashed. Ah, how long had it been since he met his younger brother again?
"Enter!" the king ordered.