Overwhelming Firepower

The man who entered the ballroom stood tall and confident, his presence heavier than any other in the room. Streaks of silver ran through his dark hair, and old scars marked a face carved by battle. His cold, storm-gray eyes saw through lies and flattery alike.

Even though King Ragnor was not the strongest in terms of strength or skill, he was still among the best in the kingdom of Norvaegard. His very presence commanded the room.

After he entered the ballroom, behind him were his wife, the queen, and his children. King Ragnor was one of the few kings who had only one wife, whom he married due to love.

Though in her fifties, Queen Celine Vaelgard carried herself with a grace that defied time. Her long brown hair and gentle eyes had softened none with age.

She was once the daughter of a baron, and, under normal circumstances, she would have never been able to meet the king or even marry him, but due to many interlocking coincidences, the king, who was a prince at the time, saw her and fell in love with her at first sight.

Behind the King and Queen were their children. The oldest was the First Prince, Elric Vaelgard, wearing a military uniform.

The second eldest was the First Princess Mirabelle Vaelgard. She had an elegant and dignified look to her. She was wearing a rather beautiful red dress that attracted a lot of attention.

The third was the Second Prince, Gregory Vaelgard, who was wearing a dress suit with a bright smile on his face. He looked like someone people would like to approach.

The fourth was the Second Princess Elena Vaelgard. She was of a similar age to Lucen, and unlike her other siblings, she was looking at everything curiously. Elena was holding the hand of the youngest among them, the Third Prince Elion Viron Vaelgard, who was looking around shyly.

’It’s like they decided that it would be boy first, then girl, then boy again.’ Lucen couldn’t help but comment to himself.

He then observed each royal family member. He was now comparing each family member based on the memories he had of them in the game, which would mean what they would be a decade from now.

Looking at them now, it was hard to imagine what lay ahead. Betrayals, wars, hidden powers, none of that showed on their polished faces.

’The First Prince was meant to die near the beginning of the game. One of Alexander’s classmates briefly mentioned it. The neighboring Kingdom Inevir was invading the Kingdom of Norvaegard, and the first prince who was leading the army was assassinated, or so the rumor said.’

Lucen then looked at the second prince, Gregory.

’The Second Prince Gregory, one of the most dangerous characters in the game. This was the guy who every gamer suspected of having killed most of his siblings who got in his way to the throne.’

Lucen couldn’t help but frown when he remembered that. Even in the game, it was never mentioned outright if the second prince truly did all of those things.

The only reason the players thought that way was that in the end, it was the Second Prince who sat on the throne at the end of the story.

’The First Princess Mirabelle, she was only seen once in the game. When Norvaegard was losing the war, she, who was sent to another kingdom for a political marriage, came back with an army.’

Even though the war against the enemy kingdom was just a side story in the game since the true enemies were the ones hidden within the kingdom.

Without the Mirabelle’s timely return, the Kingdom of Norvaegard would’ve been conquered, and the story might have changed into something else entirely.

’The Second Princess Elena, there wasn’t much mention of her. The only way to get any information about what happened to her is if you go and play the royal route. In that one, Alexander learns that Elena was kidnapped and never found again. It was also said by the servants of the castle that it was at that time that the third prince started changing.’

There were only a few routes were the ending of the royal family changes, but no matter what, the deaths of Elric, Elena, and Elion never changed.

’The reason for Elena’s death that can’t be changed by the players is that it happens before the game begins. As for Elric’s death, the player also couldn’t interfere with that since the main character that the players control was nowhere near Elric. As for Elion, no matter what choice the player makes, Elion would always resort to using that forbidden drug to enhance his power.’

Lucen, who glanced at the vibrant faces of the current royal family, sighed. He then showed a determined look on his face.

’Yeah, as a player, I couldn’t do much to change their fate, but as Lucen Thornehart. I can save them all, and change everyone’s fate.’

While Lucen was thinking to himself, King Ragnor’s voice, using his aura to speak, echoed in the entire ballroom.

”Welcome all! I’m glad that everyone is able to attend my youngest child’s birthday. I won’t say much, but I hope everyone has a nice time today.”

After saying that, everyone clapped their hands. The royal family then sat on their designated chairs. A line was formed, each person bringing their personal gift that they prepared for the third prince.

The ones in the front of the line were the barons and the knights. The barons who had small territories and little money gave gifts created by their own hands, which were mostly clothes.

After handing their gifts, some brave barons spoke in flattery while repeating their names, hoping to be remembered by one of the royal children.

The knight’s gifts were from the things that they acquired while on various expeditions. An odd-looking statue, a wooden toy from a different country, and other such peculiarities.

The next to give gifts were the Viscounts and Counts. Unlike the rather poor barons, the Viscounts and Counts had money to use. Most of their gifts were either something golden or sparkling.

Then there was one Viscount who stood out among them. Viscount Reval Drenwick, a handsome young Viscount who once called a genius that could match Robert Duskwell, but was now simply a lazy bum bleeding his people dry.

His gift was a beautiful falcon with silver wings. It was trained to follow simple commands. Upon receiving the gift, even the shy third prince showed interest in the new pet.

”What a wonderful gift, Viscount. It would seem that my son loves the gift.” The King praised Reval, which made the other nobles who presented their gifts earlier but did not receive such praise feel jealous.

”I’m honored, Your Majesty. It is my pleasure to bring joy to the Third Prince.”

As Reval bowed his head, he glanced to the side and glanced at Vardon for a second. It was so brief that it was hard to catch, but for Lucen, who was watching the entire time, he noticed it.

’Guess he’s still mad about the incident in Dorsen.’

After Viscount Reval was done talking to the Royal Family, he approached Lucen’s group. He was looking at Robert with a smile on his face.

”It’s been a long time since we last saw each other, Robert. It would seem that you have been doing quite well, getting to become the personal mage of one of the four Dukes. As for me, well... Still a humble viscount with a forgettable patch of land and a treasury barely worth robbing. Just a few thousand gold coins in my treasury.”

The way Reval spoke was rather condescending, and with a sly smile on his face.

”Huh?... Um... Who are you again? Do I know you?” Robert asked, looking at Reval confused.

When the other people eavesdropping heard Robert’s response, they wanted to laugh but tried to hold it in. Still, there were some who couldn’t hold it in and chuckled softly. Even Lucen had a small smile on his face.

Vardon didn’t say a word, but Lucen caught the faint twitch of amusement in the Duke’s jaw. He’d seen it before. This was Vardon’s version of a grin.

Reval gritted his teeth and no longer responded to Robert, and scoffed as he left. Seeing Reval suddenly leave just made Robert even more confused.

”Why was he so angry? Who was that guy anyway?”

When the others heard Robert’s comment, they kind of felt a bit of pity for the Viscount. ”Well, that was embarrassing,” Mark mumbled to himself.

”He really didn’t remember him?” one noble whispered behind a fan.

”As expected of the mad genius, he can say whatever is on his mind.” Another noble commented.

Even though he could not hear what the people were whispering, Reval knew that it should be about him, which made him even more embarrassed as he gnashed his teeth in irritation.

As that event was happening, the line didn’t stop, and everyone continued to give their gifts to the third prince, hoping to be noticed.