Victor and Clara stare wide-eyed. In their 2,200 years of life, this is a first.
They've seen divine elixirs that heal wounds and regenerate bodies, but creating flesh and blood from the void? They've never even heard of such a thing.
The two step forward to examine me.
It's true—the royal bloodline flows within this body. It cannot be faked.
"You… what you said is true…"
I nod in confirmation.
"Father, Mother, may I return to my other body?"
Victor answers decisively, without a moment's thought.
"No. Stay as you are."
…??…
After a thorough inspection, they look at me with disbelief. Clara swallows hard and says:
"It seems you've cultivated extraordinary abilities. What are your plans for the future?"
I glance at them, my eyes lingering on the pendant around Mother's neck, where a faint soul fragment resides.
"I'm strong enough now. I want to save her."
Mother Clara smiles warmly.
"Good, such resolve! Worthy of my son. But first, come with us. Proper preparations will increase your chances of saving Liora."
…
Along the way, they recount everything they've been through—why they changed their identities, how happy they've been these years, and the scandal of my relationship with Sister Liora, which crossed moral boundaries.
Though I already knew parts of it, hearing it from their lips still feels strange.
…
After a day of soaring through the skies, I'm utterly exhausted. This body is too weak.
"Father, Mother, I know you're not used to the body I crafted. But with it, I could take us to our destination in an instant."
In unison, they reply:
"No."
Realizing their tone was too sharp, Victor clears his throat and says:
"Just keep this form and follow us."
… After a month of traveling through the skies, we finally arrive.
Along the way, they explained their plan.
The Sky clan, the royal family of Sky Dark Nation, is one of the three strongest human factions today.
Father wants me to return, reclaim my position, rally forces to attack the Soul Clan, establish my reputation, and then free the souls trapped in Lưu clan village so they can find peace.
…
With just the two of them, they single-handedly restored Sky Dark Nation's control.
Me: ??? How could they ever have been assassinated? …Never mind, it's not important.
…
I become a prince. Father and Mother reclaim their thrones as Emperor and Empress.
We begin assembling forces to prepare for the assault on the Soul Clan.
During this time, Sylvia Nation declares a break in relations with us.
The human race is divided among three major powers. Sylvia Nation, with its ten-thousand-year history, stands as the strongest—a prehistoric behemoth. Next is Vitalora Nation, followed by Sky Dark Nation.
The strongest human faction severing ties causes chaos within our nation.
Preparations for the Soul Clan campaign grow more difficult, even risking cancellation.
In the grand hall of Sky Dark Nation's imperial palace, Victor sits high on his throne, facing a court of ministers determined to obstruct the Soul Clan expedition.
"Your Majesty, the current situation is highly unfavorable. If we insist on attacking the Soul Clan, it may weaken our national strength."
…
Victor, weary, asks:
"Can any of you tell me why Sylvia Nation cut ties with us?"
An elderly minister steps forward and reports:
"Your Majesty, according to tradition, our eldest prince must study and train in Sylvia Nation until adulthood before returning.
This time, Prince Eldrin Sky, son of the Vitharion Sky, went to Sylvia Nation in place of the crown prince. By chance, he befriended Princess Sylvia Aeloria Rose of Sylvia Nation. It was a joyful matter, but the Lumineth clan there, plotting against the crown prince, fabricated an assassination attempt on Princess Sylvia Aeloria Rose and framed Prince Eldrin Sky. The attempt failed, and in the Sylvia Emperor's fury, the Lumineth clan was exterminated, and all involved were executed.
Prince Eldrin Sky was also hunted but fortunately escaped. This was entirely the Lumineth clan's doing. The Sylvia Emperor, blinded by love for his daughter, refused to distinguish right from wrong. Even so, Prince Eldrin Sky is of Sky Dark's royal blood. They shouldn't have pursued him to the death like that.
This must be a deliberate move against our royal family during a time without a reigning monarch.
Please, Your Majesty, judge wisely."
Victor's gaze is indifferent, his emotions unreadable.
"Was it Eldrin Sky's fault? Your reasoning has merit. The royal family cannot be humiliated, and this matter must be clarified."
"Crown Prince, Eldrin Sky is your younger brother. He went in your place and caused this. How would you handle it?"
Father's giving me a chance to prove myself. Since being named crown prince, rumors have swirled about me. Many are unconvinced, as this prince lacks any renown.
Such is the game of thrones.
For Father and Mother, how could I disappoint them again?
I bow respectfully and say:
"Your Majesty, your son has some thoughts. If it's a misunderstanding, it should be resolved, sooner or later. A man of our royal blood should have the courage to stand before the one he loves and offer an explanation. Perhaps, in the heat of the moment, my younger brother retreated out of fear. I understand his choice. But I also believe he's eager to meet the princess and mend things.
If there's something hidden in this matter, how could our royal family tolerate such a person?
I propose that I accompany my brother to meet the Sylvia Emperor directly and express our goodwill."
…
The court murmurs.
"The crown prince…"
"That won't do."
"Too naive."
Victor, from his throne, roars:
"Silence!"
"If the prince has spoken, I approve. Depart in one day."
…
In the inner palace, Mother looks at me with worry.
"Are you sure you'll be alright?"
"Mother, rest assured, I'll be fine. If I'm concerned about anything, it's that you two might overthink."
Clara seems unconvinced.
"How can I not worry? Sylvia Nation is filled with powerful experts."
"Mother, truly, there's no need to worry… Father's here."
…
After a day, I bid them farewell. Before leaving, they give me numerous protective treasures and endless advice. They truly care for me.
Sitting in the palanquin, I review the situation. That Eldrin Sky is a despicable man. To gain the support of Sylvia Nation's eldest prince, he abandoned a beautiful girl who loved him wholeheartedly. Power blinds the eyes, doesn't it? Along the way, he's even arranged to have me assassinated. But I'll take a detour—let's see how they try.
One more thing: Princess Sylvia Aeloria Rose bears a striking resemblance to Sister Rose. The only difference is their demeanor and personality—one is intelligent, proud, and beautiful; the other, aside from her silliness, has little else. They can't be the same person. Perhaps relatives? This trip, I must meet her.
The journey is smooth. As we near Sylvia Nation, my brother, either out of impatience or fear, tries to slip away alone at night several times. I stop him each time. To prevent his recklessness, I put him to sleep for the rest of the trip.
Upon entering Sylvia Nation, a fleet of soldiers awaits us.
The reception is grand, I'll admit. They claim it's for our safety, sending a hundred thousand troops to escort us.
Truly, the strongest human nation.
We're brought to the capital to meet the Sylvia Emperor. My brother, hearing this, turns pale as a pig's liver. I can only console him from afar:
"Don't be afraid. I'm here. Just tell the truth, and I'll handle the rest."
In response, I get a glare of pure hatred.
What did I do wrong?
…
We're meticulously and courteously escorted from the border to the capital.
In the grand hall, the Sylvia Emperor sits high on his throne. His presence is overwhelming, powerful, unmatched. He looks down at me from above, and I meet his gaze.
…
I suddenly remember I'm here to seek peace, not provoke. Shuddering, I lower my head, feigning nervous fear.
…
The air is silent, no one speaks. He sits above, I stand here, his nation's champions at his side, my brother groveling there. I must reclaim some dignity.
"Your Majesty, the assassination attempt on Princess Sylvia Aeloria Rose must have hidden motives. My brother isn't foolish—he'd know that such an act would spark war. Moreover, Princess Sylvia Aeloria Rose and my brother Eldrin Sky are deeply in love, their bond unyielding. How could he commit such a deed? There must be something amiss."
…
The court buzzes with discussion. My brother looks at me with a glimmer of hope.
The Sylvia Emperor's face remains impassive.
Perhaps he hasn't devised a response. I don't mind waiting.
…
After a long pause, the Sylvia Emperor slams the table and rises.
"Hmph! Are you saying I'm wrong?"
"Bring her in."
A woman, bound to a wooden board, covered in countless whip marks, is carried in.
"Crown Prince Noah Sky, here's my evidence."
He sits back calmly, adjusting his regal posture, and watches us.
I turn to Eldrin Sky, who's staring at the woman, pale and trembling.
"Do you know her?"
No response. I repeat:
"Brother…"
"I don't know her," Eldrin Sky says firmly.
I look back at the Sylvia Emperor. He meets my gaze.
…
Suddenly, a bitter laugh erupts from the bound woman.
"Eldrin Sky, even in death, I won't forgive you, you faithless wretch!"
…!!…
I turn to the woman.
"Do you know my brother?"
She glares at me from head to toe, then says:
"Yes, I know him. I loved him deeply, gave him everything, and yet… I was blind to love such a man."
I pity her, but looking at the bigger picture…
"Miss, please calm down. Do you have proof your words are true?"
She shoots me a look of contempt. ???
"I have proof. That night, we exchanged tokens—our personal jade pendants. Mine is in my confiscated belongings. You can check."
…
Moments later, I hold a jade pendant engraved with "Prince Eldrin Sky."
"Miss, if what you say is true, then you and my brother were… intimate that night, correct?"
The court falls silent.
Her face flushes with anger, and she spits blood, glaring at me.
…
"It must be true, then. So, do you know how many moles my brother has on his body?"
She stares daggers at me. If looks could kill, I'd be torn to pieces.
Spitting, she snarls:
"You're both vile, despicable men!"
I've gone off track.
"Miss, answer the question."
Under my piercing gaze, she finally responds:
"I don't know, and I don't want to know."
I turn to the Sylvia Emperor.
"Your Majesty, you've observed everything. Surely, the truth is clear."
The Sylvia Emperor claps and says:
"Indeed, I see it all clearly."
I take a deep breath and continue:
"Your Majesty, a woman who gives herself to a man without even knowing how many moles he has must be promiscuous. How can we trust her words? The jade pendant could be stolen. Your Majesty is wise."
… Silence…
The bound woman screams:
"You filthy cur, your vile tongue!"
I step forward, swiftly gagging her with a cloth.
"Your Majesty, is there more convincing evidence?"
…
The Sylvia Emperor, furious, his aura like a tiger, growls:
"So, my daughter is lying to me? She's the victim—does she not know who harmed her? You want evidence, do you?"
"Summon Princess Sylvia Claire Flora!"
Moments later, the delicate chime of bells rings rhythmically. A graceful, flower-like figure steps forward.
"Father."
"This is my daughter, Sylvia Claire Flora. She is the witness."
…
Princess Sylvia Claire Flora approaches me, her large, round eyes fixed on mine.
"I am the witness. I was the last to see Sister Sylvia Aeloria Rose and the first at the scene. That man saw me and intended to kill me to silence me but failed and fled."
"Crown Prince Noah Sky, do you have any questions?"
…
"Princess, with your noble status, my brother's recklessness has offended you. He will be punished accordingly.
May I ask, did you see my brother strike your sister?"
"I didn't see it, but there were only two people at the scene: your brother and that woman."
I clear my throat.
"Ahem… So, you didn't see it. Isn't it hasty to conclude my brother harmed his fiancée?"
Princess Sylvia Claire Flora, calm, replies:
"Could it have happened another way?"
"Yes, Princess.
A wise man once said: when all illogical possibilities are eliminated, the remaining one, however improbable, is the truth. The truth is singular, and it points to that woman."
… Silence… Whispers.
"Your Majesty, allow me to reconstruct the events. That woman, Sa Tiểu Linh, was ordered by someone to seduce my brother, aiming to ruin his bond with Princess Sylvia Aeloria Rose. Then, she used underhanded means to manipulate my brother into harming the princess. In short, it was a staged scene."
The Sylvia Emperor, intrigued, asks:
"Crown Prince Noah Sky, do you have evidence?"
I stand tall and reply confidently:
"Yes, Your Majesty. I've had people investigate and learned a few things.
Please summon Young Master Phong Vân, son of Chancellor Phong Phi Long, for clarity."
… Murmurs…
The Chancellor steps forward.
"Your Majesty…"
The Sylvia Emperor waves his hand.
"Bring his son here."
… Silence…
The hall is deathly quiet.
"Your Majesty, my visit to Great Sylvia Nation isn't a grand occasion, but etiquette must be observed. I've brought humble gifts to express my sincerity, hoping you won't refuse.
And this is a special gift for Princess Sylvia Aeloria Rose, to inquire after her health."
… Silence… ???
…!!?