Chapter 84

Randes rode in a carriage back to the palace. He had arrived in the capital
over half a month ago but had yet to enter the palace. He never liked the
palace; it held nothing but bad memories for him. Despite his strong character,
he disliked enduring insults and suspicions, especially when he was still a
child.

All along the way, Brune had been speaking well of King Yarlin to Randes.
Despite Yarlin’s many flaws, he still harbored a father’s affection for Randes.
He hoped Randes could be a bit friendlier in front of Yarlin. This was his
request, and if necessary, he could even consider it a favor owed to Randes.

Randes’s attitude toward his father was like that toward the horses he
raised. He loved those horses, but sometimes he couldn’t help but whip them on
their backs.

“Uncle, I admire your loyalty. For that loyalty, I’ll try to speak
less,” Randes made his characteristic promise. Brune breathed a sigh of
relief, expressing his satisfaction with a smile. Then he said, “The
priest from Esburg is indeed worthy of baptizing you. I will recommend him to
the king to serve as the bishop of the diocese.”

Randes asked, “May I be fortunate enough to know how the priest managed
to win you over?”

Winning the support of the stubborn captain of the guard wasn’t easy, but
considering it was the priest, it didn’t seem so difficult. Randes wanted to
know everything about the priest.

Brune summoned Sharman to meet the priest, but the priest ignored him and
went to find the ailing prince instead. Afterward, he promised to recommend the
priest as the bishop, and the priest refused but instead promised not to let
the prince be taken by Satan.

“At his age, I’ve never seen such composure and elegance. Randes,
forgive me for saying this, but Sharman may be elegant, but he lacks backbone.
He was ruined by intrigue and conspiracy. But you, my dear Randes, you should
know that what you possess is different from mere elegance. In any case, I am
convinced by him, and I genuinely respect him from the bottom of my heart, just
as you do.”

Brune patted Randes on the shoulder. “Honestly, when I saw you pledge
loyalty to the priest, I felt reassured. It’s good for young people to scorn
everything, that suits you well. But being able to control your pride shows
that you’ve reached another level. You’re not just intimidating anymore, Randes.
Learning to submit is the key to true conquest.”

Randes listened to Brune’s lavish praise of the priest and agreed with his
public act of kneeling before the priest. He couldn’t help but feel happy.

The priest ignored Sharman’s summons and refused the captain’s
recommendation, not out of any noble intention, but because doing so would earn
him even greater renown. Perhaps there was some arrogance in it as well. The
priest wouldn’t accept such patronizing kindness, and Randes understood this
very well.

Randes thought, “We’ve only known each other for less than a month, but
he understands me so well, and I understand him. Isn’t this fate?”

Apart from the bitterness of love, Randes finally also tasted a little
sweetness, even though that sweetness was purely of his own making.

The carriage entered the palace, which looked almost the same as when Randes
had left it years ago. The cross-shaped green path was lined with tall trees,
fountains, statues, flower gardens… everything was just as it had been
before, but the prince felt no emotion or nostalgia for it.

King Yarlin hadn’t seen his son, who had been on his estate for a long time.

“Oh, Randes, you…” Ayrin struggled to sit up in bed, his body
racked with illness. Randes bent slightly so his bewildered father could
embrace him. Yarlin couldn’t express his feelings for a long time. Finally, he
muttered, “Oh, my good boy, you’ve grown so well…”

Randes remained calm. “Father, you don’t look too good.”

Yarlin released his hand, and his curly white hair, damp with sweat, fell in
strands over his forehead. He was wearing a linen nightshirt, his face haggard,
his sunken eyes deeply set in hollow sockets. His once straight nose now looked
like a collapsed mountain on his swollen face. Time had taken away his
handsomeness and health. The only thing that still hinted at his identity as
king was the large emerald ring on his finger. “Yes, my child, your poor
father is in terrible shape.”

Randes kissed his fingers and sat on the edge of the bed, facing his father
with the burned side of his face.

Yarlin’s lips moved slightly, then he gestured to Brune with his eyes. Brune
nodded subtly, waved his hand, and signaled the servants in the room to leave,
leaving the king and his son alone for a private conversation.

The captain of the guard waited at the door for a short while, and soon
enough, Sharman arrived. It was evident that upon hearing the news of Randes’s
return to the palace, he had rushed over immediately. He appeared composed and
courteous, expressing his intention to visit the king. The captain of the guard
informed him in a stern tone that Randes was currently with the king.

Sharman feigned surprise. “Really? Wasn’t Randes infected with the
contagious disease?”

“The prince has recovered,” the captain of the guard solemnly
replied, “God has not forsaken him.”

“That’s truly wonderful,” Sharman exclaimed with a smile.

His demeanor and joy seemed so contrived and superficial to Brune. He
couldn’t understand how Randes, with just a few scars, could lose to the
pretentious prince standing before him. It was ridiculous. Brune said,
“You may leave now. The king wishes to speak with the prince alone.”

Sharman smiled. “Is that so? That’s a shame. I wanted to see Randes
too.” He then turned to a nearby servant and said, “Go in and inform
Father. I really want to join them.”

Brune stepped forward to block him. “Your Highness, this isn’t quite
appropriate.”

“Really? And in what way, Captain of the Guard? I simply want to have a
conversation with my father and brother…”

Before Sharman could finish his sentence, the door to the king’s chamber was
forcefully pushed open.

The tip of a cane emerged from the doorway as Randes stepped out of the
room. His burned face immediately startled Sharman. After years of absence, Randes
had clearly grown taller and stronger than when he was a child. Despite just
recovering from the infectious disease, he appeared full of energy and
vitality. He even seemed more imposing than the prince, who had just recovered
from a serious illness. This made his ugly face even more terrifying, causing
Sharman to involuntarily step back.

“Sharman,” Randes said in his characteristic tone tinged with
sarcasm, “I thought it was some servant who didn’t understand etiquette
making a ruckus outside. Turns out, it’s you, my beloved elder brother, the
Prince.”

Sharman’s face reddened slightly. “Oh, Randes, I just wanted to see my
brothers after such a long time. I wanted to see you as soon as possible.”

“Thanks for your concern,” the prince said sarcastically. He
extended his hand with a smile. “Dear elder brother, that sounds truly
heartfelt.”

Randes lifted his cane and, with a smile, swiftly struck Sharman’s shin. The
cane made a “whoosh” sound as it flew through the air. Sharman let
out a scream, clutching his leg and hopping backward, supported by the
servants.

“Randes, what are you—” Sharman’s expression completely changed.
His cultured face now looked somewhat frantic. “What are you doing?!”

“This is your hypocritical punishment in front of me, Sharman,” Randes
roared angrily. “Stop pretending to be a good person. I know exactly
what’s going on in your mind. Let me tell you, you can pack up and roll down
from the position of the prince on a fine day!”

Randes shouted fiercely, his demeanor even more commanding than the king’s.

“After being scared by your own horse and ending up severely injured,
Sharman, I don’t understand how you could still have the face to come back to
the palace alive after experiencing such disgrace. You didn’t even touch the
boots of a revolutionary. It’s truly embarrassing—”

Randes raised his cane, and Sharman was on the verge of trembling in fear as
he staggered back into the circle of servants. The sharp tip of the cane was
aimed at his brow. The prince looked down at him. “In the future, when you
see me in the palace, stay out of my way. I can’t stand your cowardly and
incompetent appearance. I can’t help but want to slaughter you.”

The captain of the palace guard remained silent, arms crossed, throughout
the altercation. Only after the prince put away his cane did he step forward
and say, “Would you like to stay in your previous palace, Your Highness?
I’ll escort you there.”

“No, I want to go back to the church.”

Randes walked out with his cane, wrinkling his brow. “This place
stinks. You’d better go check if that useless guy wet his pants.”

Brune said, “Your Highness, that’s your brother.” There was no
hint of reproach in his tone, and even a touch of admiration in his smile.

That’s how it was. Randes had the right to humiliate Sharman and make it
clear to him that the title of prince meant nothing. Only true power could
conquer Lexi.

Brune personally accompanied Randes back to the church in a carriage. During
the ride, he asked, “Have you discussed the baptism with the king? Did he
agree to have the priest from Rensborg baptize you?”

“I don’t think I need to discuss this matter with him. I’ve already
decided to be baptized by Eugene.”

Brune sighed softly. “Very well, I will request the king to promote the
priest as soon as possible.”

He could handle this matter, but another matter might not be so easy.

“It’s unfortunate that the infectious disease came at such an
inconvenient time, Randes. You only have a week to practice dancing.
Listen,” Before Randes could voice his objection, Brune placed his hand on
Randes’s shoulder. “I know how brave and proud you are. You think you can
make your own way without the help of nobles, but the fact is, if you don’t get
their help, things will become very complicated. It’s not something brute force
and oppression can solve. Besides, I sincerely hope you find a good
partner.”

The prince listened quietly, his expression neither good nor bad. He
responded coldly, “Do they really need to see a cripple perform?”

“Randes, you know that’s not the issue. The ball is like a battlefield
for the nobles. If you can’t win this battle, you’ll encounter many troubles in
the future. This time, Colby’s efforts have earned you a reputation, but that’s
among the common people. Having a good reputation among them and earning praise
among the nobles are completely different matters. You’re a smart person. I
believe you know what I’m talking about, and you know I’m right.”

“A good lord accepts all the right advice, even if you may not like it.
Am I right?”

Randes remained silent until they returned to the church. As they got off
the carriage, Brune firmly grabbed his arm. “Randes, promise me you won’t
mess things up.”

“If you insist on hearing it,” Randes said, “then I
promise.”

Brune breathed a sigh of relief. “Very well, I’ll have the best dance
master in the palace come teach you tomorrow.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Randes jumped off the carriage. “I already have someone responsible for
all my affairs.”