The rising sun-glazed upon the Capital City. The vibrant city was filled with life. On the Citadel of the city, inside the Imperial Palace, the young emperor Arthur was walking with a face full of relief while being followed by an entourage of servants.
'Finally! That brunette sure took his time to teach me about hating non-believers. Damn, the religious class is soo boring, wish I could just bunk it but Ginny always finds me. Anyway, next class is Earl Volfor's History lesson, something interesting.' Arthur thought. Leaving behind the servants, Arthur made his way toward the designated room for the Historical education of the Crown Prince. Yes, this entire Palace has a dedicated chamber for the Crown Prince's education, which includes History, Politics (which is not being used), Religion, mathematics, geography, language, sword fighting, hand-to-hand combat, martial arts, and other rooms.
*knock *knock
"Enter." A sharp yet serene voice echoed.
Closing the door, Arthur sat down on the chair overlooking the Earl.
Earl Peter Volfor, the so-called Earl of the Palace, is a middle-aged man with sharp features drawn on his face. He has an ectomorph build and shiny black hair. With an air of mystery surrounding him, Earl is an enigmatic presence but also someone who sincerely taught the Emperor about history.
With patience, Earl Volfor started teaching Arthur about the history.
"Today we will learn about the various cultures of our Eldorion Empire. Your Majesty needs to know about them, as one day, they will become your loyal subjects. " He said.
'Yeah, loyal subjets' Arthur thought, sarcastically, but still paying attention to it, as History and culture were always his favorite.
"Now tell me how many official cultures and languages are part of our Empire? " Earl Volfor asked, testing Arthur.
"13 Cultures and 9 languages. " Arthur replied.
Nodding his head, Earl Volfor said, "Correct. The state religion of our Empire is the religion of Ain, a monolithic religion that follows the first Saint Ain's teachings. You must have learned of his holiness and his sermons right? "
"Yes."
"Hmm now let's learn more about the culture of the Empire.... " With that Earl Volfor described, the various races and cultures of the Eldorion Empire, their origins, and their languages.
"In future, additional language lessons will be assigned for Your Majesty." Earl Volfor said suddenly.
"Why!" Arthur asked in dismay, breaking that little stoic face he had kept till now. At this point, as a child, he didn't care about maintaining the facade of indifference. Nine different language classes were just too cruel for him!
Internally amused, but keeping a sharp appearance Earl Volfor replied, "Your Majesty, every Emperor in the past had learned all 9 languages in past. Eventually You would have to learn them as well."
'A lie of course' Earl thought internally. The Emperor didn't need to waste time learning various languages, instead, the Crown Princes of the past only learned the important languages and left the rest to the translators.
However, Arthur's case is special.
Due to meddling from the aristocratic factions, which had risen to control the entire Imperial Court, they, had meddled in other aspects of the Palace. Including the Emperor's upbringing.
By making him waste time perfecting useless subjects, which would hardly be needed in governing, the Emperor wouldn't have time to perfect the important subjects like governance, economics, politics, swordsmanship, martial arts, hand-to-hand combats, war tactics, strategies, etc. that would help him in growth and development.
'They are making him a puppet.' Earl Volfor thought darkly while glancing at The young Emperor.
Then, a small smirk appeared on his face for a brief moment before returning to his stoic appearance. 'I wonder if he can endure it.'
'Let's see what happens in the future.'
"Since we still have time, today we'll start with the first chapter of our Eldorion Empire. What's the name of the first Emperor?" Earl asked.
"Cardinal Von Ignviar." The Emperor replied, though still sulking about the languages he would have to learn.
"Correct. Now let's start with his origins. Formerly Eldorion Empire was called the Valgus Empire. This Empire was once the overlord of the entire Continent with lands stretching from the current east coast to the other side of the Heavenly mountain Ranges. The Valgus Empire was a formidable entity, capable of waging wars on multiple fronts without any difficulties. It is recorded that, at its peak, the Valgus Empire boasted an army of more than 600,000 infantry, and cavalry, alongside another 300,000 private forces of the Lords and the nobles of the Empire. This force was more than enough to counter every aggression toward external enemies." Earl said, in an almost untraceable pride, which he kept hidden.
"Then why did it collapse?" asked Arthur, genuinely curious about the famous collapse of the Valgus Empire that he had heard of during stories his nanny told him about.
With a slightly dark expression, Earl Volfor revealed, "The strongest of ones, had weakness inside. The collapse occurred due to the infighting of during the incompetent Emperor Ariyad III's reign, and the greed of aristocrats. The internal enemies, rebellion, and slow disintegration caused the gradual collapse of this once-mighty Empire."
'Hmm, to think internal chaos can cause such a thing. Wait, why does this feel similar to me?' Arthur thought, before realizing the answer himself, 'Isn't what happened to Valgus Empire happening currently? Those nobles are roaming around the Palace as if they own them. Just cause I am still a weak child.'
Unfamiliar emotions rise in his heart, as Arthur contemplates the future option.
'Though I don't care about my status, I do not like what does nobles are doing. Still, I can't do anything about it.' A sense of helplessness enveloped him, the thought of knowing but being powerless to do, is something he felt for the first time.
Throughout his little life, Arthur has only known happiness, especially being taken care of by his beloved nanny. Though a smart lad, who has been observant since he could think of, he is still a child barely four, and has yet to understand the world.
Today he learned more than just history subject, he learned of his weakness.
---
Satisfied with the silent response from the Emperor, Earl Volfor decided to end his class.
Left with his thoughts, Arthur remained passive throughout his other class. Finally, after the classes were completed, he met up with his nanny, with a lot of questions.
"Ginny!" Arthur exclaimed before throwing himself into her arms. After a brief reunion, Arthur's Nanny, Ginny affectionately ruffled his hair before asking,
"So how was your day Your Majesty, what did you learn today?" Ginny asked with tender eyes.
"Nothing much like the usual boring classes," Arthur replied with an expression of disdain, as he thought of the blonde who was teaching him.
Understanding his thoughts, Ginny gently reminded, "I know, you find those class boring. But it's also necessary for your Majesty to attend those class and learn from them. "
"But I already know about them, why can't they teach me to fight, rather than those stupid classes! " Arthur exclaimed, with a hint of dejection. For him, the lectures from the so-called 'professional professors' are the same things that his nanny has taught him years back.
Sigh*
Sighing, Ginny thought of how to brighten Arthur's mood again. Through tips and bits, she had already gathered enough evidence, to understand that the education of the Young Emperor has involved politics to high level.
Apparently, the noble factions involved in succession struggle wanted wanted themselves to 'teach' the young Emperor, so that they could take on the title of being tutor of the Emperor himself. That title has political significance in the aristocratic social circles, and the powers behind the throne wanted their members to attain them without much problem.
They probably thought that Arthur's just a little toddler, still green to the world around. By letting their men, teach him, they would be able to mould him to their liking. A perfect puppet.
But young Arthur ain't no puppet. Though possessing curiousity, like any other child, what sets him apart is his out-of-the box thinking and intellect. For a four year old child, he's already an intelligent lad, so much so that she had taught him about the subjects that his tutors are teaching him now.
'I can't let them know about it.' With resolve harden, she vowed to not let anyone learn about this secret of Arthur, until he is strong enough to protect himself.
'Forget about the outsiders, even his own vassals would end him without hesitation, if they knew what he is capable of. ' She thought.
With a deep breath she decided to take the gamble,
"I know it feels dull, Your Majesty. But sometimes, we must play along for a while—not because we're weak, but because we're wise. These lessons? They're not just about facts—they're about showing the world that you're growing just like they expect you to. But deep down, you and I both know you're learning something far greater, something they're not even aware of."
Keeping the eye contact, Ginny revealed few more things to hm,
"So for now, let's keep our secret, shall we? Let them think they're teaching you. Meanwhile, you and I—we'll prepare you for the real challenges ahead. Quiet strength is the mightiest kind, Arthur. And when the time comes... you'll shine brighter than any of them could imagine."
Although not fully convinced, the Young Emperor decided to trust his nanny, who had raised him, and nodded at her words.
Sigh*
With a sigh of relief, Ginny was glad and touched that the lad trusted her this much.
Skeek*
For the first time, her mana felt a twinge of touch, as if someone is trying to see through her. Spreading her mana sensor, she sensed the barrier is still active, meaning the culprit is inside the palace. Then she remember what happened three years back.
Glancing at Arthur again, but this time she controlled her mana and used it on her eyes to enhance her vision. Despite expecting it, she was still shocked of what she saw.
The seal, that Ginny put on Arthur, three years back, was supposed to hide his abnormal amount of mana for 10 years at least, yet now it's barely managing to maintain itself, under the relentless assault from Arthur's mana.
Masking her shock, Ginny analysed the situation.
'Rather then anyone else finding out about this, it would be better for me to reveal his situation and teach him how to mould his mana. '
'I wanted to wait for few more years, before teaching him, but now.... ' Glancing at the still clueless Arthur, she thought out loud,
"Yeah, better to reveal it now. "
"??? "
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A/N:- Hope you all liked this chapter....