Chapter 240: Kneeling Welcome

Chapter 240: Kneeling Welcome

He carefully folded the letter and sealed it inside a specially designed envelope.

A thin layer of anti-spying alchemy coating was applied along the envelope's edges to ensure the contents wouldn't be intercepted by third parties. Then he handed it to the large-tongued parrot.

"Fly to Falu Ke Kingdom's Royal Capital and find Andie Falu Ke."

Luo En whispered the command while injecting a thread of spiritual energy, imprinting Andie's Mana Imprint into the bird's consciousness to guarantee it could accurately locate its objective.

The parrot let out a hoarse screech, spread its wings, and vanished into the horizon.

After sending the Messenger away, Luo En returned to his meditation state, continuing to draw power from the stars to refine his "Star Projection" technique.

He could feel his mana pool slowly yet steadily expanding. Though this growth wasn't as intense as during a breakthrough, the cumulative effect over time would be tremendous.

【"The Murmuring of the Star Devourer" (Mastery) experience points +1】

【You are currently in the "Star Mapping" state. Your mana continues to rise steadily】

...............

Falu Ke Kingdom, Royal Council Hall.

Golden-haired Andie sat at the head of the long table, dressed in luxurious royal robes. A golden badge representing his crown prince status was pinned to his chest, engraved with Falu Ke Kingdom's Sun Crown crest.

His transformation since leaving the Black Mist Jungle was far more pronounced—not just in outward appearance, but in fundamental changes to his aura.

The ambitions once hidden beneath his elegant exterior had now completely surfaced. No longer masked, this ambition had become his most striking trait.

Golden vertical pupils exuded unquestionable authority. Every glance and movement radiated regal bearing. The refined noble aura had completely metamorphosed into the calm confidence of a ruler.

This transformation wasn't merely external—it represented a fundamental shift in his very nature, as if he had been born to sit atop that throne.

"The western district search is complete. No abnormalities were found", reported a guard captain in gleaming armor, bowing respectfully with a restrained voice.

His armor bore the Sun Crown Knights' insignia, marking him as an elite.

Andie's fingers lightly tapped against the armrest.

"What about the southern district? That's my eldest brother's territory. What's the situation there?"

"The southern district search is ongoing. It's expected to take two more days to complete", the guard captain answered cautiously. "The architecture there is more complex with numerous underground passages requiring thorough investigation. Additionally, the residents are relatively resistant to our operations. Progress has been slower than anticipated."

A cold glint flashed in Andie's eyes. "Continue the search. Ensure no suspicious location is overlooked, particularly those secret passages leading outside the city. They must all be sealed. Anyone in the southern district obstructing our efforts should be dealt with as traitors."

The guard captain snapped to attention, saluted, and withdrew. His footsteps echoed across the marble floor, unnervingly clear.

When the last official had departed, Andie finally exhaled and leaned back in his chair.

Rubbing his temples, his stern expression softened slightly, revealing traces of fatigue.

This rare moment of solitude allowed him to shed the perfect mask of a ruler.

Since returning to the kingdom, he had never truly rested.

The bloody power struggles within the royal family proved far more brutal than he'd imagined. Each day brought new crises and challenges.

Among his fifteen siblings, three had been assassinated, two disappeared while fleeing, four had been confirmed to undergo mutation, and the rest continued their desperate survival struggles.

The conspiracies, betrayals, and sacrifices involved were far more complex and blood-soaked than outsiders could imagine.

Even Andie himself often felt shocked and uneasy.

Fortunately, Lady Luck seemed to favor him.

During those initial difficult months after returning, his powerful bloodline abilities and the weapons Luo En provided helped him survive multiple assassination attempts.

That deep red longsword had saved his life countless times.

That silver-white breastplate had blocked countless hidden weapons and spell attacks.

Combined with his early displays of strength and the decisive duel where he killed his own brother, his reputation had rapidly risen.

As he gradually consolidated more military power, the situation began turning in his favor.

First, he won the loyalty of several elite border unit commanders, using their forces to steadily erode his brothers' military influence.

Finally, through a clever coup, he seized control of the Royal Capital.

When news of his father's critical illness spread, he swiftly acted, seizing control of most military forces in the Royal Capital and launching large-scale arrests of his siblings.

Those once high-and-mighty princes and princesses were now either fugitives or prisoners at his feet.

"Prince Andie", a deep voice interrupted Andie's thoughts.

He raised his head to see an elderly guardian in red robes approaching slowly.

The guardian's hair was white, his face etched with age, deep wrinkles carving furrowed channels across his skin. Yet those blue eyes remained sharp and radiant, revealing transcendent wisdom.

In those eyes seemed to lie all-encompassing insight and understanding.

This was none other than Andie's grandfather—August Falu Ke, the kingdom's only High Apprentice, regarded by the royal family as their most important advisor.

Andie immediately stood, his expression resuming its composed mask.

Though grandfather and grandson, they always maintained a subtle distance and wariness during political matters.

"Grandfather, shouldn't you be resting?"

His voice carried both concern and cautiousness.

August waved his hand, slowly sitting in the chair opposite Andie.

"At a time like this, who thinks about rest?"

The elderly guardian's voice was low and hoarse, tinged with undeniable worry. "I've just received news—the Black Mist School detected an Abyss energy leak event. The school has begun evacuations and may struggle to protect itself."

Andie's expression immediately turned grave. "What? Is this information confirmed?"

He had been preoccupied with the throne struggle recently, reducing communications with the Black Mist School.

But this news was critical. If the school truly faced crisis, his connection with Luo En might be affected.

Furthermore, a crisis of this magnitude could threaten surrounding regions, even impacting Falu Ke Kingdom's stability.

August nodded, his face darkening.

His aged fingers unconsciously rubbed an ancient badge on his robe—the symbol of his time studying at the Black Mist School.

"It's reliable. This information came through my old friend Hom. He happened to leave the school before the evacuation.

According to his description, contamination signs have already appeared inside the school, especially near the Abyss passage area. Mutated creatures have begun appearing."

The elderly guardian paused, his eyes flashing with disdain.

"Speaking of which, your so-called pride and joy—Luo En—is probably trapped in this crisis himself.

After all, he's just an unripe apprentice. Facing such a crisis, his chances of escaping unscathed are practically nonexistent."

Andie frowned but didn't argue. He understood his grandfather's skepticism toward Luo En, a common attitude among rigid old elites.

They struggled to acknowledge new generations' values unless witnessing their power firsthand.

"Additionally", August's voice grew graver, tinged with reprimand. "Your recent actions have been too aggressive. Mass arrests of your siblings, forcing them to desperate measures, even causing some to choose aberrant transformation—that has brought shame to the royal family."

The elderly guardian's gaze sharpened, that gentle exterior suddenly revealing a blade-like intensity.

"Struggles for the throne are understandable, but completely severing familial bonds and blood-purging the royal family—that's excessive.

Your brothers weren't saints, but they at least understood restraint. They played their political games without harming the royal family's overall interests. Their goal was to exile you, not annihilate you."

Coldness flickered in Andie's eyes as his facial muscles involuntarily tightened.

A familiar fury surged through his veins—his Crimson Blood Sky Dragon bloodline instinctively reacting.

Yet he quickly regained control, taking a deep breath to suppress the impulse.

The facial expression management training he had undergone especially for such moments proved invaluable now.

Emotion was the most unreliable advisor, especially in political struggles. One moment of impulsiveness could lead to irreversible consequences.

"Grandfather, I understand your concerns about royal unity, but the situation leaves no room for hesitation now."

He explained earnestly, his voice carrying an unshakable resolve. "Elder Brother and Second Brother have already begun their schemes, plotting to seize power the moment Father passes. They secretly bribed the Royal Guard Captain and even prepared forged royal edicts. If I didn't strike first, it would be one of them standing here while I'd already be executed in secret."

Andie's memory flashed back to his return to the Royal Capital. Elder Brother's warm welcome had been a carefully designed trap, while Second Brother's affectionate care concealed deadly poison. If not for Luo En's gift and warning, he'd already be in the afterlife.

August Falu Ke sighed deeply, his eyes betraying reluctant acceptance. His fingers unconsciously traced patterns on his long robe. "You're too hasty, Andie. Inheriting the throne requires not just courage and decisiveness, but also wisdom and patience. If all your siblings become enemies, you'll live forever in fear and suspicion. Even sitting on the throne, you'll never feel at ease."

The elderly guardian's gaze sharpened, his direct stare piercing through all pretenses like it could reach the soul itself. "Every move you make must lay foundational groundwork for future rule. With such widespread executions now, by the time you ascend the throne, even nobles will hesitate to express genuine opinions. A king needs loyalty, but he also needs honest voices. Otherwise, he'll easily be blinded by flattery and lies."

As Andie prepared to respond, a piercing cry suddenly echoed from outside the window, interrupting their conversation. August instinctively flinched at the unexpected sound, his hand automatically rising in preparation to cast a spell.

A black bird twice the size of an ordinary parrot perched on the windowsill. Its red eyes glowed unnaturally, its beak slightly open to reveal a rolled message inside. Its feathers shimmered metallically under the sunlight, exuding an aura of unnatural life.

Recognizing this special Messenger Bird immediately, Andie rose and retrieved the letter from the parrot's beak. The bird chirped in satisfaction before flapping its wings and vanishing into the horizon.

As he unfolded the parchment, his golden vertical pupils quickly scanned its contents, his face unable to conceal his astonishment. This wasn't the polite smile of social occasions, but genuine, unrestrained joy that even made his dragon-like pupils contract and expand uncontrollably.

"Lord Luo En is arriving at the Royal Capital?!" August noticed his grandson's transformation and asked cautiously. His voice remained calm, but his eyes betrayed exceptional vigilance, as if facing some potential danger.

A smile curved Andie's lips, his eyes gleaming with triumph like a gambler seeing perfect cards. "More than that – he's already completed ascension to Full Mage."

"What?!" August shot to his feet, his wrinkles twisting from shock, his eyes bulging like copper bells. "Ascension? Full Mage?! Absurd! How could he possibly complete ascension in such a short time? The School would never so easily hand over the Key Potion. This is sheer fantasy!"

The elderly guardian's reaction bordered on excessive, his voice trembling with emotion, even forgetting his usual composure and restraint. His wrinkled hands unconsciously clenched, knuckles whitening from the pressure, as if trying to snatch the letter for confirmation.

As a seasoned High Apprentice, he understood ascension's difficulty better than most. The gap between High Apprentice and Full Mage represented an essential, qualitative divide – not just enhanced abilities, but fundamental lifeform metamorphosis. Even the strongest High Apprentice remained ordinary flesh, while even the weakest Full Mage had already transcended most biological limitations. Lifespan, potential, and mana utilization all differed vastly.

"You must be deceived." August shook his head, his tone decisive, carrying the earnest guidance of an elder to a younger generation. "Luo En probably fabricated this lie to exaggerate his strength before you. Though I've heard of special pathways besides the Key Potion, their success rates are practically nonexistent. Even with exceptional spiritual aptitude, without Special Innate Talent enhancement, success is nearly impossible."

"No, Grandfather. Luo En is no ordinary person." Andie stated firmly, his eyes burning with excitement so intense it made August feel uneasy. "If anyone else spoke these words, I'd doubt them too. But for Luo En, I have unwavering faith. From the moment I first met him, he's displayed abilities and potential beyond ordinary people."

His golden vertical pupils gleamed with a peculiar light, as if witnessing a great secret. "He's different, Grandfather. From a marginal Sixth Class Star candidate apprentice to High Apprentice, now becoming a Full Mage – all these events point to one truth: he's no commoner."

"August fell silent for a moment, his brows knitted tightly in deep thought. As an experienced High Apprentice, he understood mage ascension's difficulty intimately. Achieving Full Mage status from Sixth Class Star Aptitude was practically an unheard-of miracle, yet the numbers simply didn't lie - this defied all statistical probability, even conventional metrics of Special Innate Talent amplification."

"Let's hope you're right." August finally sighed, his tone carrying both doubt and faint hope. "The support of a Full Mage could indeed improve our situation significantly."

Andie picked up the bell on the table and rang it gently. The crisp, penetrating chime soon summoned a retainer in red uniform who entered, bowed, and awaited orders.

"In three days, I'll hold a grand welcoming ritual." Andie commanded, his eyes shining with anticipation, his voice clear and firm. "Open the city gates wide and have all commoners line the streets to welcome our distinguished guest. Dispatch the Royal Guard to kneel in welcome ten kilometers outside the city walls. Scatter flowers and decorate the roads with brocade – receive him with the highest honors. Let the entire city know our kingdom's most powerful ally is arriving."

Though surprised, the retainer respectfully noted the orders, clearly accustomed to the prince's recent bold moves. "Understood, Your Highness. May I ask who this honored guest is?"

"Full Mage Luo En Lalf." Andie's voice brimmed with pride, as if announcing a great achievement. "A Full Mage and our kingdom's most important ally in the future. I want this welcome ceremony to become one of Royal Capital's most spectacular historical events, something everyone will remember."

Surprise flickered in the retainer's eyes before he bowed and hurried away to prepare for this unprecedented ritual. The sound of his footsteps echoed against the marble floor, gradually fading into silence.

Watching everything unfold, August's skepticism hadn't faded but deepened into greater concern. He never believed in miracles, only in proven, stable power.

"You place too much trust in this so-called friend." The elderly guardian slowly rose, his voice low yet serious, carrying the authority of age. "Remember, Full Mages have their own standings and principles. Their perspectives already transcend kings and kingdoms. Once one ascends to Full Mage, their worldview completely transforms. They usually have little interest in mundane royal matters. You cannot expect a newly ascended mage to invest much in your throne struggle. They have much broader realms to explore."

Andie smiled faintly, confidence flashing in his eyes. "Grandfather, Luo En differs from other mages. Our connection isn't merely transactional – it's genuine friendship. And his coming proves he sees value in what I currently possess..."

August shook his head, saying no more. He could see Andie had already made his decision, and no persuasion would change his mind. This young man was too confident, too trusting of this mage named Luo En. Such a combination in power struggles often led to dangerous consequences.

The elderly guardian slowly left the hall, his heart heavy with worry. He couldn't predict what agreement existed between Andie and Luo En. But he was certain the arrival of a Full Mage would completely change Falu Ke Kingdom's future. This transformation might far exceed Andie's control.

Whether good or bad, the change would be profound and irreversible. A mage's will alone could alter an entire kingdom's fate.

Just like a stone cast into still waters.

Even the smallest ripple could grow, through time's passage, into unpredictable, vast waves.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end