Chapter 38
Vasilian learned the harshness of the world at an unusually young age.
And within that harshness, he made a firm, repeated vow—not to simply accept fate, but to change his own miserable life at any cost.
“When the day comes that I can wield this holy sword properly, I will return to the royal court and reclaim my rightful place. Not as one cursed with this damnable power, but as a proud knight of the god-given Beshart.”
Despite his young age, he spoke his ambitions with confidence, yet the more he spoke, the more tension built, and beads of sweat formed on his palms.
He clenched his fists tightly, not wanting to show any weakness to the only person he could call upon for help.
In that moment, he looked like a warrior who had resolved his destiny.
“I intended to become a mercenary to hide my existence and to learn the sword and survive. But no one would teach a child like me how to wield it.”
It was only thanks to the mercy of the foreign knights that he could even step into a position of command.
He would endure a life of scorn and envy. That misfortune would serve as fertilizer for achieving his goals.
In a resolute voice, Vasilian commanded Athanas:
“Then teach me the sword, Duke Lucifer.”
Athanas did not answer immediately. He sensed that Vasilian’s words were not yet finished.
“I will ascend to the highest position in the royal court. For that, I need your help.”
A solemnity passed through him that was impossible to see in a boy his age.
Vasilian exhaled roughly after stating his ambitious goal.
Any ordinary noble might have considered this the childish arrogance of a powerless, weak young crown prince.
They would think he was pretending to be strong to resist the world’s fears, ultimately a shallow, half-baked bluff.
And they would have reported every so-called outrageous statement of the pitiful crown prince to the emperor.
Perhaps Athanas himself might have thought that way until recently.
Seeing Vasilian trembling from tension, Athanas grew angry at his own previous complacency.
Like the young crown prince, Athanas too needed to act and embrace change.
To protect what is precious, one must gain strength and embrace transformation.
To stay stagnant is to rot.
The fact that the crown prince stood before him at this very moment was a divine arrangement and an opportunity for Athanas.
A faint smile flickered across his grim face.
Athanas knelt on one knee and gave the tense Vasilian a definitive answer.
“I, Athanas Lucifer, swear loyalty to the royal court. Therefore, it is only natural to follow the commands of Your Highness, the crown prince, chosen by the holy sword. However, mere words alone will not be enough to earn Your Highness’ trust.”
He paused, took a deep breath, and then smiled broadly.
“Promise me that after your coronation, you will not withhold support in changing the unjust treatment of Lucifer. Even if others try to sway me, I will focus solely on this goal.”
“Very well. I promise.”
Vasilian’s face relaxed into a smile of relief at the certainty in Athanas’ words.
“It’s late. I shall escort you to your quarters.”
“No need. I will continue as Vasilian the mercenary, not as the crown prince.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to use a pseudonym?”
Vasilian gave a wry smile.
“They say boys abandoned by their parents are often called Vasilian, taking the name of a crown prince who shares their fate.”
Over time, his name became a symbol of abandoned children, spreading like a trend.
Athanas, unaware of this trend in the northern regions, was shocked—but Vasilian silently endured every insult, keeping his eyes on the future.
“Oh, and don’t tell anyone I am the crown prince. Especially not Flora.”
“Now that I think about it, you two are quite close. If a friend keeps secrets, Flora might feel hurt… Is there a particular reason?”
Vasilian pressed his lips tightly together in response to the sudden question.
‘She despises the royal court.’
Even after learning Flora’s status, he debated whether he should honestly reveal his own. But remembering her expression of loathing whenever the royal court was mentioned, he decided against it.
If he revealed his identity and Flora openly disliked him for it, the emotional wound would be severe.
It was better to hide the source of potential hurt.
“I am concerned she might do something disrespectful.”
Athanas tried to dissuade him, but Vasilian remained firm.
“It’s fine. I will forgive any misdeed she commits.”
Athanas attempted several times to persuade him for Flora’s sake, but could not insist further once Vasilian was so resolute.
“Then allow me to tell my son and my aide.”
“Very well. You may tell them. But make sure everyone else treats me as a mercenary. Especially in front of Flora.”
“Thank you. In that case… I must push forward with the mercenary business as soon as possible, so I can serve Your Highness without raising suspicion.”
“Flora is remarkably clever for her age. I look forward to her ideas.”
Flora’s proposed business plans would strengthen the bond between Lucifer and Vasilian, making the mercenary business an invaluable venture.
“Don’t worry. I will make it succeed, no matter what.”
Both smiled.
Thus began the union of Duke Lucifer, turned against by the world, and the abandoned crown prince.
Athanas’ handwritten guild establishment permit was sent to the royal court.
Since the distance between Lucifer Castle in the north and the Philinwood Imperial Palace was great, correspondence took two weeks, not counting the review period.
A month passed, and finally, the long-awaited letter from the royal court arrived.
“After all this time, they should grant permission.”
Flora, sitting on Athanas’ lap, eagerly opened the letter after receiving everyone’s permission.
But what she saw crushed her expectations.
Denied.
The terse reply offered no explanation, insultingly brief for a response to a duke’s family.
Flora, unable to contain her anger, tried to crumple the letter, but Athanas quickly lifted her into his arms.
He had anticipated this reaction, remaining calm, and began a fatherly lesson to prevent any worse consequences.
“If you ruin the letter from the royal court, you could be arrested for sacrilege. Scary people will punish you severely.”
Athanas explained simply for Flora to understand, but her anger blocked it from reaching her ears.
Kicking the air in frustration, her defiance had little effect. To the onlookers, she looked like a small rabbit flailing its short legs.
‘The rabbit princess…’
Elena, watching, snapped herself out of the thought and lightly slapped her own cheek to regain focus.
Flora, puffing air into her cheeks, glared at the letter.
“I hate the royal court so much!”
Her outburst only met a more frustrating response.
“That too is considered sacrilege.”
The response was like adding fuel to a fire, and her sense of injustice surged.
‘Is this just for my own good? Is that it?’
Even if she had anticipated it, why was there no hint of concern on anyone’s face?
Perhaps her resigned expression made it even harder to explain, and her chest felt tight.
“I hate it so much!”
When she could not contain herself, Athanas quietly called her name.
“Flora.”
His calm, steady voice carried firm authority.
When Athanas placed her gently on the floor, she immediately closed her mouth, anticipating a scolding.
But it was already too late to avoid the lecture.
“You must not curse the royal court. We have sworn loyalty and will continue to do so. As members of the empire, we cannot speak ill of our sovereign.”
Though others might grumble privately, Athanas was unnecessarily honest and rigidly principled.
Seeing the resolute gaze, Flora swallowed her resentment and lowered her head.
‘…I hope I didn’t make him feel defeated because of me.’
Athanas’ heart ached at his daughter’s drooping shoulders, yet he could not immediately comfort her.
No matter how lovely Flora was, Athanas needed to teach right from wrong strictly.
The more Athanas continued the lecture with a look of concern, the more Vasilian felt awkward.
He knew Athanas was acting for Flora’s sake, which only amplified his discomfort.
‘I hope she won’t feel too down over this.’
Knowing the child of Lucifer, raised outside the court, needed firm guidance, he also knew this was necessary—but seeing Flora so subdued was far from pleasant.
Soon, Flora’s shoulders began to tremble.
