Chapter 82: The Crown Prince (1)

Thus, Demian's journey to the capital was decided.

"My son, to receive a summons from His Majesty and travel to the capital!"

"My dear, what a joyous day it is."

The reactions of his father and mother were immense. After all, the Haksen family had been a loyal supporter of the king for generations.

It was impossible not to be delighted, as the person who had been faithfully serving the royal family for generations was now chosen.

"Demian! You must do your best! You're not just teaching anyone; it's the Crown Prince, His Highness!"

Historically, when a new king ascended the throne, his teacher often became a powerful figure.

For this reason, the role of guiding the Crown Prince was a position coveted by many.

His parents, already aware of such political calculations, were even more delighted.

"Yes, I'll do my best."

However, Demian, the one directly involved, was indifferent.

To Demian, this task was merely for the sake of the family.

He had no intention of being loyal to the king, so he felt no particular emotion.

"Demian, take care of yourself. I've heard that the water and food in a different place might not agree with you. You need to be careful about what you eat."

"Brother, he's not a child; he'll take care of himself."

"Uncle, have a safe trip."

After exchanging greetings with Louise, Abel, and his sister-in-law Olivia Copperhead, Demian set off for the royal castle with the knights.

* * *

Demian rode with the knights toward the royal castle.

Despite the name "White Horse Knights," the horses they rode were of various colors.

"Sir Demian, how much do you know about His Highness Oliver?"

Perhaps bored with the continuous riding, Liam Bluegreen asked Demian.

"Not much, to be honest."

In fact, he only knew the name, but he couldn't say that outright.

"Well, considering you're not from the capital, it's understandable that you wouldn't know more."

Liam Bluegreen stroked his beard and continued.

"His Highness Oliver is a spitting image of His Majesty in his younger days. Dark brown hair, golden eyes... even his playful smile is a perfect match."

Liam Bluegreen's eyes became slightly dreamy, as if reminiscing about the past.

"It's not just that. He has inherited the same intelligence. No matter how thick the book, he can memorize all its contents after reading it just two or three times. And he understands everything perfectly."

"If that's the case, teaching him shouldn't be difficult."

Being smart and physically active were different matters.

Still, intelligent people tended to have excellent comprehension, so teaching swordsmanship should be easier.

"Perhaps, but I'm not so sure."

Liam Bluegreen smiled mysteriously.

"Sir Demian, I'm warning you in advance because I like you... you should be mentally prepared."

"Really?"

"You asked why His Majesty summoned you specifically, even though there are many sword instructors in the capital. There's a reason for everything."

Liam Bluegreen's smile deepened.

"What makes His Highness say such things?"

"It wouldn't be fun to tell you beforehand, would it?"

Saying this, Liam Bluegreen winked with one eye.

Demian looked at Liam Bluegreen with a bewildered expression.

"Ah, don't ask any more. I don't want to be the kind of person who spoils the fun."

Liam Bluegreen said firmly, making Demian even more bewildered.

There was nothing Demian could do against such a response.

Besides, he wasn't that curious to desperately want an answer.

'The Crown Prince of Apple Kingdom...'

Even when he searched his past memories, he couldn't recall much.

'Well, if he's unbearable, I can always use a club.'

Fortunately, the club he used to reform the rogue Veronica Sanchez was still in his subspace.

It might look a bit crude for a Crown Prince, but it could be polished up.

'The real problem is how to prevent the attack on the castle.'

Strangely, there was almost no information about the attack on the castle.

There were few witnesses, and the Apple Royal Family had kept everything secret.

'This will be more troublesome than teaching swordsmanship.'

Demian was lost in thought on his horse.

* * *

After a week of travel, Demian and the White Horse Knights finally arrived at the capital, where the royal castle was located.

"Sir Demian! Congratulations on your arrival in the capital!"

Liam Bluegreen shouted, spreading his arms wide on his horse. The hearty voice drew the attention of passersby.

"Have you ever been to the capital before?"

"No, this is my first time."

To be precise, it was his first time in this life. He had visited once in his previous life.

"Ha-ha, I see. What do you think? Isn't it impressive?"

Demian raised his head to look around the capital.

The main road leading from the city gate was extremely wide, with 3-4 story buildings lining both sides.

The number of people passing by was so great that it seemed like a swarm of ants.

"..."

Suddenly, the scene from his previous life came to mind.

During his time as a Death Knight, Demian had destroyed this very street on Dorgo's orders.

He had commanded the undead to massacre the citizens and used his Aura Blade to demolish the buildings.

He had advanced to the castle, drenching the street in blood and screams.

"Sir Demian? Your expression suddenly turned sour."

Liam Bluegreen asked worriedly. Demian snapped back to reality at his words.

"It's nothing."

"Hmm... if you're not feeling well, say so. Illnesses tend to get worse if left untreated."

Demian took a deep breath. The fresh air cleared his mind a bit.

* * *

Upon arriving at the castle, Demian was immediately summoned to meet the king.

"Is it really acceptable to meet His Majesty like this?"

Especially in his travel clothes.

"Ha-ha-ha, don't worry. His Majesty doesn't mind such things."

Demian looked displeased, but Liam Bluegreen paid no attention.

"Let's go meet His Majesty. At this hour, he's probably enjoying a book in his study."

Liam Bluegreen led Demian through the castle.

After a long walk, they stopped in front of a door guarded by two knights.

"Your Majesty, it's Liam Bluegreen. I have returned with Sir Demian."

Liam Bluegreen knocked on the door. There was a moment of silence.

"Enter."

With permission, the two entered the room.

Inside, the first thing they saw were bookshelves that reached the ceiling.

There were not just one or two; they filled the entire room.

In the center,

an elderly man with a plump figure sat at a large, wide desk.

"Ah, Sir Liam! Thank you for your hard journey! Was it tiring?"

The king said, rising from his seat. His face and voice radiated warmth.

The king's hospitality brought a broad smile to Liam Bluegreen's face.

"Hard? Not at all. It's a happy duty to follow Your Majesty's orders."

"Sir Liam, you are truly a knight beyond my expectations."

The king and Liam Bluegreen looked at each other and laughed heartily.

After a while, the king noticed Demian Haksen.

"Could this be...?"

"Yes, that's right. This is Sir Demian Haksen."

"So, the rumors are true... you are indeed a Mid-Class knight?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. The rumors about Sir Demian were true. In fact, they were even understated."

The king looked at Demian with surprise and then nodded with a sense of awe.

"Sir Demian, how delighted I am to have such an excellent knight join the White Horse Knights..."

"Your Majesty, actually... joining the knights is not possible."

"Huh? Then why are you here?"

"That is..."

Liam Bluegreen began whispering in the king's ear. As he spoke, the king's eyes widened.

"Well, it's a bit disappointing that you won't join the knights, but I'm still very pleased to meet you."

The king approached and extended his hand to Demian. Demian shook it and bowed.

"It's an honor to meet you."

"On the contrary, it's an honor for me. To be in the presence of a talent who might be remembered in history..."

Demian felt a sense of wonder as he looked at the king.

Despite his position as king, there was no sense of authority or pretense. It felt as if he were meeting a friendly neighbor.

"Sir Demian, from what Sir Liam has told me, it seems you are willing to accept my request, even if you won't join the knights... is that correct?"

"Yes, it is."

"Hehe, what a joy... let's sit and talk."

The king seated the two of them in chairs opposite his desk.

"Sir Demian, I've wanted to invite you to the castle ever since I heard about you."

Demian felt a bit taken aback by this unexpected confession.

"From your perspective, it might sound unpleasant... but I've heard that your reputation... wasn't very good until recently."

"To be honest, it was the worst."

Demian laughed, and the king laughed heartily in response.

"Yet, in less than half a year, you've changed so remarkably."

"I put in some effort."

"What I expect from you is exactly that."

Demian looked puzzled at this unexpected statement.

"I want you to share the method that helped you change with our Crown Prince... to help change the Crown Prince..."

Just as the king was about to continue,

- Sir Liam is back? Who's that strange guy with him?

- Your Highness! You can't just barge in! His Majesty is receiving guests!

- Let go! Don't touch me!

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside. The sound of heavy footsteps and multiple voices could be heard.

- I heard everything! He's the new sword instructor my father is hiring! Do you think I'll just stand by and watch?

As the voice drew closer, the king's face grew more troubled.

Bang,

The door was kicked open, and a young man appeared in the doorway.

Despite his youthful appearance, he had a scruffy beard and disheveled clothes.

Worse still, a strange smell emanated from him.

'The smell of alcohol and perfume... he must have been enjoying himself just now.'

These were familiar smells to Demian, but the question was why they were emanating from the castle.

"Father! I told you! Don't bring in any more instructors!"

The young man strode into the study, and the unpleasant smell grew stronger.

"What kind of uncultured behavior is this! How can you call yourself the Crown Prince of a nation with such conduct!"

The king shouted in anger, but the young man was unafraid.

"Don't change the subject! Why do you keep ignoring me!"

"Even this brat!"

The king and the young man began to argue loudly.

Demian, who had been watching them, turned to Liam Bluegreen.

"Surely... not?"

"It is."

Liam Bluegreen's usually cheerful face was now as stiff as a board.

"This is His Highness Oliver Apple, the Crown Prince."

After a moment's thought, Liam Bluegreen added,

"As you can see... he's a bit of a troublemaker."