Part 27 – I Must Decline

"I-I am honored and proud to become a crown prince candidate, Father," Simon said, facing King Morel, "but I am afraid that I still lack a lot of things..."

"Non-sense!" the king replied. "You, defeating the behemoth, was proof enough that you are qualified to rule a kingdom, and now, your humility is telling me that I made the right choice, as well!"

The king reached out and touched his ninth son's hand.

He could feel the callouses on his fingers and see the scars on his arms and knuckles.

"I know how hard you have trained for the task I gave you," he told Simon.

At least, that was what the servants informed him.

"That is why I have decided to name you as a crown prince candidate," he added proudly. "I know that you would do your best to lead the Eastern Kingdom as well, if given a chance."

"You are right, Father!" Juno said rather cheerfully. "But it seems that my younger sibling still feels that he has much more to prove."

"As he should," Largos piped in.

"That is true," the king replied before Juno and Largos could say more. "That is why I have decided to send him to the Royal Maralict Imperial University to study and be a more capable leader in the future."

"T-The Royal Academy? In the Empire's capital?" asked Simon, who could hardly believe his ears.

"Your tutors from the princes' dormitories, told me that you have excellent grades particularly in subjects concerning government and politics."

Juno gave Simon a cold glare.

"I-it's just that, I find the history of our Empire quite interesting, Father," Simon agreed with a shy smile.

"And that is why I had decided to send you there this coming school year with your brother Juno..."

"But father, I don't think Simon is fit for travel yet," Juno interrupted. "Classes will begin in less than a month, thus I need to leave as soon as possible, since it takes three weeks to travel to the nearest city with a warp to the Empire."

"O-oh, it's okay," said Simon, raising his hand like a child in class, "I hardly feel any pain in my leg, any more."

Upon saying this, Simon pushed his chair back, stood up, and did a small jig.

"My healer Nell is truly remarkable!" he exclaimed. "I guess I am totally healed right now, and could leave for the Academy anytime!"

Juno glared at him even more.

Largos seethed.

He was supposed to be the one to accompany Juno to the capital, after all.

But Simon was so happy with the prospect of studying in the Imperial University that he missed their annoyed reactions.

"That is good then!" Juno tried to keep his face straight. "Actually, Father, a royal summons had just arrived from the empire," he informed the king.

"A letter from the Emperor himself?" King Morel looked surprised.

Juno took a scroll from underneath his cloak and handed it to the king.

"News of our heroic brother's deeds have reached as far as the Emperor's ears," he told King Morel, even before their father could unroll the parchment. "They have requested for the 'Hero' to come to the capital to visit the royal family as soon as he is able."

"T-to the Empire's capital?!" Simon stuttered.

"Yes. Is there any problem?" Juno asked him flatly.

"Since our brother is all well now, then there won't be any problem about traveling immediately, is there?" Largo said with a smile.

"Then I shall prepare for your departure!" the King proclaimed. "You shall leave for the empire's capital tomorrow!"

Things went as planned.

As was scheduled, Simon met with Countess Ruby and her daughter, Lady Rose that afternoon. She turned out to be another marriage candidate, this one, five years younger than he was.

Simon was then escorted to the 'former' 2nd crown prince's palace, where he would be staying from then on out.

The next day was the scheduled visit to the West Kingdom.

Simon was awoken quite early to prepare for the

luncheon event.

"Nell! I am ready for my healing session now," he called to his healer as soon as his attendants finished dressing him up.

Simon sat on his bed with Nell on a chair in front of him, clasping his left hand in his.

"How did you find your quarters downstairs, Nell?" Simon asked him as the healing began. "Did you get the clothes I gave you? I know that they are nothing much, compared to what I am wearing now, but they are still quite usable, right?"

Nell nodded at him.

"I'm glad you seem to like it!" Simon beamed. "We shall be leaving for the capital later this afternoon!" he continued excitedly. "My father had decided to send me to the Royal Maralict Imperial University, but before that, I must first greet his imperial majesty, Emperor Jonas Maralict of the Holy Maralict Empire."

Nell's head suddenly raised to stare at Simon.

He saw a glimpse of his honey brown eyes beneath his mask. They were wide open, while his pink lips, formed a small 'o' of surprise.

"Are you excited as well?" he asked his friend. "I have always wanted to study in a proper school, but to think that Father would enroll me to the Royal Maralict Imperial University! It is a dream come true for me! In fact, I'm still scared of suddenly waking up!"

Nell watched Simon laugh gleefully.

He later gave a sigh and shook his head.

"Is there something wrong, Nell?" Simon asked him.

Nell lifted his right hand and waved at him.

"Why are you waving?" Simon asked, his head tilted. "Are you saying goodbye?"

Nell let go of his hand all together. He pointed at Simon, then raised both arms to flex his muscles.

"Are you saying that I am already strong enough?"

Nell nodded, then waved goodbye once more.

"Then, do you mean that I don't need you anymore?"

Nell gave him another nod.

Simon suddenly felt sad and disappointed.

"But I was planning to give you so much more since I'm now a crown prince candidate!" he told him with a frown. "We could even see the whole Empire as we travel together!"

Nell shook his head.

He clasped his hands together in prayer, and waved goodbye yet again.

Simon gasped as he finally grasped what his healer was trying to say.

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CHOICES:

[Then I guess, this is goodbye] go to Part 31

[No, I forbid you to leave] go to Part 32

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