Chapter 2: A Prince's Burden
Allen woke with a start in his own apartment. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, and the familiar hum of city life greeted him. His head throbbed, echoing the strange memories of another life.
"No matter how long I spend in any world, only two minutes pass in the other world."
The realization electrified him. This was not just a strange ability—it was a massive advantage. He could explore, think, and act in either world while hardly losing time in the other. Hours, days, or even years in one world would pass like mere moments in the other.
I could spend years learning, preparing, building… and only two minutes would pass there. That's insane. I could practically become someone else entirely, master this place while still being 'me' out there…
After testing it for a while, Allen lay back and focused. The familiar sensation returned, and suddenly he was Leonard Greyborne again, standing in the prince's chamber. Everything was as he remembered: the furniture, the tapestries, even the quiet morning bustle of servants.
A maid spoke softly nearby:
"…today is a special day… New Year… the ending of winter, beginning of the new month…"
Allen whispered under his breath, "New Year… and I have to act like everything's normal. Right, Leonard. Blend in, survive, and figure this out."
Through the prince's fragmented memories, Allen pieced together the day's importance. It was celebrated across the kingdom, marking the end of winter and the start of a new month.
Another memory surfaced: today, the king would announce his heir. The thought of being judged, of sitting in comparison with his siblings, made his stomach twist.
Bathing, dressing, and eating followed mechanically. Every movement precise, yet his mind raced. If I mess up one word, one look… everyone will see me as the idiot prince. Calm down. Watch. Listen. Learn.
The butler arrived, guiding him to the great hall. Nobles, merchants, knights, and representatives from other duchies filled the chamber. The air buzzed with tension. Allen's blank, nervous expression was expected of the "foolish prince," and no one questioned it.
He took his seat. All eyes were on the king, but beside him sat his siblings:
Eldric, eldest prince: militaristic, strong and strict, not particularly clever.
Aurielle, second princess: beautiful, smart, cunning, a skilled military strategist.
Kastor, third prince: handsome, skilled in economics and trade, intelligent and charming.
Leonard (Allen), fourth prince: unremarkable, considered useless.
Nymeria, youngest princess: small, clever, skilled in language and arts, one person he could rely on.
The first three children were from the king's first wife, seen as the true heirs. Leonard's mother had died when he was young. Nymeria was the third wife's child. He had no allies. He was powerless in this hall.
So… everyone expects me to fail. Everyone thinks I'm weak. Perfect. No one will notice if I observe and learn. Use that.
The hall fell silent as the king entered. His presence filled the chamber like a storm. His crown gleamed, his robes heavy with gold and crimson.
Allen's breath caught.
That's… my father?
For an instant, his heart stumbled between two realities. His own father—an ordinary man, weary but kind—flashed in his memory. Then came this towering figure, a king who commanded armies and nations. The contrast jarred him so sharply he almost forgot to bow.
He lowered his gaze quickly, hiding the flicker of shock. Leonard's memories whispered that this man had once held him as a child, but Allen felt none of it. The king's eyes swept past him, cold and distant.
A father in name, but not in truth. Right… to them, he's my father. To me, he's another obstacle.
The king raised his hand, his voice resonant.
"Blessings of the New Year to all, from the Church and the throne. May this season bring prosperity, courage, and wisdom."
Then, with sharp finality:
"Today, my children shall be entrusted with territories. Five years hence, they must prove their worth. Only those who succeed shall ascend the throne."
Allen's chest tightened as the names were spoken.
"Eldric, my firstborn—you shall take command of Barlisdon, our southern stronghold. A fortress town rich in silver and iron, guarding the border against our enemies."
The crowd murmured with approval.
"Aurielle—you shall govern Mildon, our western port. A hub of merchants and sea power. Its harbors are the veins of wealth and the strength of our navy."
Aurielle's smile was calm, sharp, already calculating.
"Kastor—you are granted Bolworth, jewel of the central lands. A prosperous town near our capital of Narion, rich in gold mines, industries, and commerce."
Applause rippled through the hall. Bolworth was practically a second capital.
The king's gaze finally shifted, almost reluctantly.
"Leonard—you shall be sent to Orshek, a mining town of the far north. There, you will watch over iron and coal. It will keep you safe… far from the rivalries of Narion."
Whispers broke out. Safe? No—this was exile.
"And Nymeria—you will take Enagata, the island town of the west. A place of culture, learning, and innovation. Nurture its arts and knowledge."
Humiliation and helplessness washed over Allen. The first three siblings had opportunity and power. Leonard had only Orshek, given out of pity for his mother's death—and to ensure he did not interfere.
Five years… and all eyes will ignore me, underestimate me. Perfect. I'll have freedom no one realizes. I can learn, plan… wait… yes. I can survive. I can prepare.
He whispered quietly, "Step one: survive. Step two: learn the town, its people, its resources. Step three… maybe, just maybe, I'll be more than a joke."
The ceremony ended with a lavish dinner. Over the next days, preparations were made for each heir's departure. Carriages were loaded, supplies checked, retinues organized.
When it was finally Leonard's turn to leave for the northern mining town, he felt a heavy mix of anxiety and resolve.
The courtyard bustled. Servants strapped down trunks, guards checked weapons, horses stamped against the cold stones. Allen forced his expression into the usual vacant mask.
Just as the butler announced all was ready, a shadow fell across him.
A tall man in a dark, fur-lined cloak stepped forward, his eyes sharp and unreadable. He bowed slightly, his smile thin.
"Fourth Prince Leonard," he said smoothly, voice low yet carrying. "The north is a harsh place. Most who are sent there… vanish into obscurity. But perhaps you will prove different."
Allen's pulse quickened. This wasn't some idle noble. The weight of his gaze felt deliberate, knowing.
Before Allen could react—