Days passed, and news about the MH 4 had already spread throughout the entire capital.
Most of the news settled with the Mages Association, most of whom were in disbelief over the invention of the young prince.
Since the king had refused to release the program book, many of the mages had been left curious and pained by the event.
The car in question was successfully used to deliver goods to Migan City after the drivers were taught how to drive it.
It was convenient and very satisfying to drive, according to them.
While many nobles wanted to meet the third prince responsible for the invention, all requests were denied, as Elizabeth viewed it to be dangerous.
Of course, Sylus was fine with the latter; he himself didn't want his research to get into the hands of the Mages' Organization.
Humans tend to do too much when given knowledge they don't understand.
And since Sylus was not of age yet, his parents handled the rest of the agreement.
All they asked of Sylus was the blueprint of the car and the magic code he used.
If things went according to plan, then the Astrodial family might have just stumbled upon a new business opportunity.
…
A few months later…
Sylus opened the door.
Right there were Erica and her Mystero, Gilgath.
He had recovered from his injuries a few days ago and insisted on resuming his duties right away.
Erica stylishly scanned the room, as if trying to find a treasure inside.
"Oh? That's strange; Zani is usually the one who opens the door. Is she perhaps not around?"
Sylus was not impressed.
For the past month, it seemed as though Erica had changed. But that wasn't something Sylus believed—not by a long shot.
"She's training her swordsmanship with the knight. What do you want?"
"I came to see you, of course. May I come in?"
Sylus glared for a while.
This wasn't the first time she had come to spend time in his room.
So much so, it might as well be a daily occurrence now.
"Sure. Just don't disturb me. I'm studying right now."
Sylus walked away from the door and headed toward his reading table.
Erica followed.
"That's new; my dear little brother and prodigy of the Astrodial family is studying. Who knew?"
She sat down on the bed, her legs crossed, while Gilgath stood beside her.
His gaze was fixed on Sylus, making it hard to tell if it was hatred or adoration.
"What are you studying for? The academy entrance exam isn't for us, you do know that, right?"
Sylus kept mute, sighing right after since he knew she would keep pestering him if he didn't answer.
"I am studying for the Five-Star Exam."
His response surprised Erica.
"Oh? Interesting. How come I wasn't aware of this?"
Sylus flipped a page.
"Because I didn't tell you?"
"Let me guess, you made a deal with Father?"
There was a pause for a while.
Then Sylus said:
"If I pass the Five-Star Exam, my father has already promised to make a deal with the academy regarding a wish I made."
Erica suddenly leaned forward.
"You are going to attend the academy, are you not?!"
Looking at her face, Sylus could see the anticipation written on it.
"I am."
"Good!" Erica folded her arms. "Because we are going to enter together, and I am not accepting anything different."
'Changed, my foot…'
Before Sylus could turn his gaze back to his books, Erica uttered yet another thing.
"Big brother Lucas will be returning back to the palace soon. Mother told me yesterday."
"I am aware."
"I see…" She was hesitant for a while. "It's been so long since we last saw him. Do you think he is still the same Lucas?"
"I don't know. And it doesn't matter." Sylus picked up his book. "If he is coming home, it's most likely not to get buddy-buddy with me. At the end of the day, I am still his enemy for the throne."
Erica sighed.
"Has anyone ever told you you are too mature for your age?"
"Yes. Now leave my room."
"ARRRRGH!"
Erica ignored him, her back falling flat on the bed.
"You boys are so annoying! Why won't you both just be angels like me and get along with one another?"
Once again, silence took over.
"Gilgath!"
"Yes, Mistress."
"My stupid brother just upset me; I want praises."
"You are too beautiful to be getting upset. A goddess like you is quite rare to run into."
Erica had a deep smile on her face, eating up all the compliments.
'Why won't we get along, uhn…'
Sylus knew exactly what his brother was like.
Inasmuch as Erica was bad news, Lucas was far worse.
His hatred for Sylus went as far back as when he was a child. Multiple murder attempts were made, and Sylus managed to survive every single one.
Why did he hate Sylus so much?
Generally, the reason was unknown.
However, Sylus suspected it had something to do with jealousy and the fact that his own mother was in a coma.
Unlike Erica, who never really knew her original mother, Lucas had the opportunity to be brought up by her.
So, when she fell into a coma and Martin married Elizabeth, could it have been that he felt betrayed?
Sylus never really understood how the family lore went, and asking wouldn't do him any good. No one is telling their six-year-old child their family's secrets.
When all was said and done, Sylus knew what he needed to do in order not to get run over by his brother.
And that is to continue being the best the Verdenez Kingdom has ever seen.
Dominating theAdon Valewas just another step—a step Sylus was fully ready to climb.
To become king is to conquer his way to the top himself.
…
Years passed. Though the capital continued to whisper about the MH 4, Sylus's focus had shifted entirely—to yet another goal.
Which also meant something he had been preparing for—
The Five-Star Exam had arrived.
..
[A\N: How do you like the story so far? if there is anything off putting, i am open to suggestions. Oh, and please don't forget to vote for this vote and the characters.]