Vladimir Phoenix
A week later, we prepared to travel. After the incident in the office, Father had gone silent—ignoring and avoiding me completely. I told Amelia and Astra we were leaving. At first, they refused, but with a little persistence, they agreed. Amelia bounced up and down with excitement—guess she was happy about the shopping ahead.
The servants readied the carriages. Father left first, blatantly avoiding me. We shared a carriage, and it felt strange—I hadn't ridden in one for two years, leaving the territory behind. Amelia praised the comfort of the carriage as we traveled for a week.
When we reached the Capital, we were greeted by four massive palaces. Amelia looked uneasy, clearly uncomfortable with the grandeur. The carriage stopped in front of the Vermillion Phoenix Palace. Its elegance was overwhelming as we pulled up at the front gate.
A servant bowed deeply and greeted us."Your Highness Vladimir."
We were shown various rooms—the place where my rise would begin. I handed Amelia and Astra formal clothes, telling them they'd wear uniforms to the upcoming event. They exchanged confused looks but followed me obediently.
As we entered the throne room, I bowed before the throne. Amelia and Astra copied me, their faces full of nervous energy. His Majesty Jean greeted me with a long speech of praise—and called Astra "The Wondering Knight." Then he turned to Amelia with a fake smile, making her blush.
Then the elders spoke, breaking the mood."Don't praise him, Your Majesty.""How dare he lie to us!""Where was he when those bandits attacked? Speak!" they shouted.
I felt my power rise, though I kept it controlled to avoid hurting Amelia and Astra. Still, the temperature dropped noticeably around the elders and King Jean.
"Your Majesty Jean," I said, voice low and cold, rising slowly to my feet."I'd like to clarify something. I am Vladimir Phoenix, heir to the Ice Phoenix bloodline. I may be from a branch of our house, but I am still Royalty. Speak your disrespect, but remember this—you fools."
I let the silence stretch, watching their reactions. Guards raised their weapons. Astra moved to shield me, but I stopped him with a wave.
"Insolence!" one elder shouted.
A smirk curled my lips. I stared at King Jean, who matched my gaze with amusement.
"I am Vladimir Phoenix, Prince of the Winter Lands of Mythos. The Phoenix blood runs through my veins. We rule the Winter, not the Frost family governing the Northern Mountains. I will rule the Winter Lands—not from the shadows of so-called direct bloodlines. I will be King of the Phoenix family, placing the Ice Phoenix as the main bloodline. These are my Knights. They will be respected. I refuse to be looked down on because of my bloodline, and I refuse to acknowledge those who gave up."
I turned my gaze from Father to the elders." As the future King, I will not tolerate disrespect from old bastards hiding behind the throne."
The hall went silent, as if time stopped—until an idiot yelled: "Guards, kill them!"
Twenty-one guards advanced, weapons drawn. Astra tensed, ready to fight.
I stretched out my hand calmly."Hashi Art: Self Made Art Impaling Spikes Prison."
Ice spikes erupted from the floor, piercing the guards' arms and legs—immobilizing but not killing them. The cold was brutal, frostbite setting in instantly. Their faces twisted in shock and fear.
I grinned at King Jean, who still looked amused. "I see," he said. "The young are energetic these days. Crystal has a powerful rival. Visualization Casting—that's truly unique."
His tone shifted, noble and kingly. "Vladimir Phoenix, as King of the Phoenix family, I, Jean Phoenix, acknowledge you as a candidate for the throne."
The hall fell silent once more. I bowed with a grin.
"Furthermore," he added arrogantly, "I will grant you a rank among the Division Knights. Bring honor to the Phoenix name."
Just as planned. I snapped my fingers, releasing the guards from their icy prison.
Now my rise begins. I will bring forth a blizzard, become King, and claim my vengeance.