Within the Royal Palace, the news spread swiftly like an invisible lightning bolt.
"The Second Prince Alek is executed! Right at the city gate!"
"His Highness’s wizard friend arrived, and effortlessly caused heads to explode!"
"No one saw him make a move, not even the carriage door was opened..."
These words were like wraiths, floating in every corner of the palace, weaving a silent web of fear.
The servants walked quickly with their heads down, fearing that even a careless glance might be deemed disrespectful;
The guards gripped their weapons, knuckles white, fully aware that these symbols of power in the mortal world were mere toys before true extraordinary power;
Even those nobles who prided themselves on their noble bloodlines were now cowering like mice in their corners, terrified of being drawn into this vortex of power beyond their understanding.
In the East Wing of the Palace, within a spacious hall wrapped in white marble, the old Prince August Faruk trembled as he accepted the news brought by a servant.
This nearly eighty-year-old Advanced Apprentice, despite his age, still maintained a dignified posture and sharp gaze.
His wrinkle-strewn face bore the marks of time, and his silver-white long beard hung down to his chest, appearing majestic and weathered.
"Are you sure it was Ron Ralph? Andre’s friend?"
The old prince’s voice was slightly hoarse.
"Absolutely certain, my lord."
The servant bowed their head, their voice trembling slightly with fear,
"When the Second Prince Alek attempted to flee from the city gate, the wizard didn’t even step out of the carriage, yet caused the heads of six people to explode simultaneously. Blood splattered over ten feet, even staining the stone slabs of the gate red."
August’s once grim expression suddenly blossomed with a trace of ecstasy, and his age-clouded eyes emitted a brilliance akin to that of a younger man.
His clenched fist trembled slightly, not from fear, but from uncontrolled excitement.
"Hahaha! Excellent!"
The old prince erupted into laughter, his voice echoing in the spacious hall with a touch of mania:
"A genuine Official Wizard! And an ally of Andre! This solidifies the Farouk Royal Family’s status completely!"
The servants exchanged glances, afraid to look directly at the normally calm and serious elder’s near-unseemly display.
Yet August paid it no mind, his eyes almost turning the sharp glow into a tangible entity, his mouth curving into a widening grin.
His thoughts raced like a runaway horse.
From the rebellious Second Prince Alek’s death, to the arrival of this mysterious wizard, to the expansion of future royal family power...
Each link painted a grand blueprint in his mind.
"Quickly prepare the royal suite in the East Wing!"
The old prince almost shouted the command, unable to hide the excitement in his voice:
"That’s where we host our most distinguished guests!"
His gaze swept over everyone present, seemingly wishing to convey his enthusiasm to them:
"Activate all the maintenance arrays, replace the lights with newly refined magic crystal lamps, and prepare the most precious spiritual energy mattress! Redraw the soundproof runes on the walls to ensure absolute privacy!"
August paced back and forth, the heavy boots striking the marble floor with rhythmic sound.
He suddenly stopped, a cunning glint flashing in his eyes, an enigmatic smile on his lips.
"Oh yes, I heard that Lord Ron was a notorious playboy during his time in the kingdom..."
He lowered his voice, leaning towards the royal steward beside him, with a hint of ambiguity in his tone:
"Do you remember? A few years ago, that fifth son of the Ralph Clan who frequented the East City District, cavorting with beautiful maids day and night, even the most distinguished ladies of the Royal Capital were charmed by him..."
The royal steward paused in thought, then showed realization:
"You’re referring to the debauched young master? Rumors say he spent a fortune rebuilding the ’Rose Hall’, merely to win the favor of an exotic dancer?"
"Exactly him!" August’s eyes sparkled with a peculiar light, his voice nearly trembling with excitement:
"No matter what he’s become now, a man’s nature doesn’t change. Select ten of the finest virgins from the city in secret, their beauty and dance skills must be impeccable, especially those skilled in certain soothing techniques."
The steward’s eyes flickered with hesitation, but it was quickly suppressed by the old prince’s authority.
He bowed respectfully, indicating he would arrange it immediately.
August nodded in satisfaction, continuing to give orders:
"Also, fetch that set of crystal glasses from my cellar, along with the three-hundred-year-old Ice Flame Wine. That wine is a rare treasure I brought back from my expedition to the Northern Lands, made from the essence of ice elemental creatures, capable of making even Advanced Apprentices feel slightly drunk. It should be enough to please this esteemed guest!"
Just as August was immersed in his own world, dreaming of the glorious future to come, a steady and powerful set of footsteps sounded from outside the door, interrupting his thoughts.
Andre stepped slowly into the hall, his golden slit pupils gleaming with a chilling light in the dim interior.
His recent transformation was astonishing.
Ever since returning to the kingdom, especially after successfully seizing power, the once humble and courteous Thirteenth Prince seemed to have transformed completely.
The most startling change was his golden slit pupils—the most direct proof of the Red Blood Flying Dragon bloodline awakening.