The Third Prince Of Darkness

A few weeks later. 

I was in a spacious and simply decorated study. This was Isabella's study, and she had summoned me because she wanted to discuss something important. Since I would be heading to the rebellion zone tomorrow, I assumed that would be our topic of conversation.

"Alright?" I said, watching Isabella attempt to retrieve something from a locked box for about five minutes.

"Oh, wait a moment, little Ethan. I had hidden this because it's a very important piece" she said, and I waited another five minutes.

"Ah, finally!" she exclaimed as she sat down in the chair next to me.

Isabella showed me what she held in her hand—it was a sparkling blue stone. The stone bore lightning motifs as if naturally occurring rather than crafted by an artisan. I also noticed Isabella wore a necklace with the same stone around her neck.

"What is this?" I asked.

"This stone was my parents' my wedding gift. According to my father, he bought it from a mysterious old man, who said this stone is infused with powers that dragons imbued into it. When my father asked what the stone could do, the man replied, 'If the life of the wearer of one of these stones is in danger, it will instantly teleport to the side of the other wearer. But it should be worn by a couple who truly trust each other, and if they don't, the stone won't work at all,'" Isabella explained.

"Did it work?" I asked.

"My parents' lives were never in danger, so I don't know, but something tells me these stones will indeed work" she said.

Teleportation magic was a complete mystery to humans. Throughout history, no human had ever invented or discovered teleportation magic; it was exclusively used by dragons. There was a teleportation portal on our continent that connected to the Dragon Academy, and according to legends, dragons had gifted it to humans thousands of years ago, but humans still couldn't unravel teleportation magic.

"Are you trying to give this to me?" I asked, looking into her eyes.

"Do you trust me? Because I trust you" Isabella replied, looking into my eyes the same way.

In this new world, there were only three people I trusted, and coincidentally, all three were women, with Isabella certainly among them.

"I trust you, but I'm not sure if it's right for you to give me something so valuable. Besides, I'm not going to war; I'm just accompanying a large army to stop a rebellion" 

"Still, if I give this to you, both your mother and I will feel reassured. And unfortunately, besides you, there's no other man I could give this to... Now take it" Isabella said, placing the stone in my hand.

The stone had already been turned into a necklace, so I quickly put it around my neck. "Thank you, I'll take good care of it.'' I said, taking the opportunity to kiss Isabella on the cheek.

Her smooth and soft skin sent shivers down my adolescent body...

"Just make sure you keep it with you at all times" she said with a slight smile.

"Alright, alright... I should go now. A group of old men who exalt themselves are waiting for me" I said, standing up.

"Hey, watch your tongue! They're council members, and their support will be valuable to you" Isabella said from behind me.

I waved my hand before turning away from her and approached Emilia next to the door. Since I proposed to her, she had become even more shy, starting to avoid eye contact with me. I won't intervene for now, but seeing her sweet demeanor already makes me happy. Emilia, one of the kingdom's most promising young talents, behaving like this truly quickens my heart.

Where is Althea?" I asked.

"She's cleaning the armor you'll wear tomorrow and checking if anything is missing" Emilia replied, still avoiding eye contact.

"Okay" I said, turning back to the corridor. Emilia followed me as we headed towards the main palace, finally reaching a large room with wide double doors. I instructed Emilia to wait outside as I entered. Inside, four men sat behind an ornate table. The entire room was decorated in lavish style, predominantly using shades of purple.

Among the four men, the one sitting in the highest chair was none other than King Richard himself. The other three were Sir George, handling judicial affairs as the "Minister of Justice" of Asina Kingdom, Sir William, managing financial matters as the "Treasurer" of Asina Kingdom, and finally Sir Edward, overseeing military affairs as the "Minister of War."

These three elderly men were council members of the Asina Kingdom, with King Richard being the head of the council. According to the primary law of Asina Kingdom, the council was responsible for making all decisions that significantly affected the kingdom. I observed the council members until my father began to speak, realizing they were scrutinizing me in the same manner.

"Do you know why you're here, Ethan?" Richard asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty" I replied.

"Then let's begin... The first question will be from the Minister of War" he said.

Sir Edward cleared his throat and began, "Tell me, Your Excellency, if rebel groups were to attack the army, you command, what would you do?" he asked, crossing his muscular arms.

"I will destroy rebel groups that dare to attack as quickly and ruthlessly as possible"  I said. 

The other council members looked at Sir Edward.

"Approved." Sir Edward stated simply.

"Now, it's Minister of Justice Sir George's turn to ask a question," Richard said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty... Tell me, Your Excellency, how do you punish a fourteen-year-old boy who has been involved in rebel groups and activities against the great kingdom of Asina?" he asked.

"The rebel groups were formed solely to replace the Kingdom of Asina with another state. These criminals are undoubtedly traitors, and therefore, all terrorists who attempt to rebel against the great kingdom of Asina should be sentenced to death without distinction" I said calmly.

"Approved." Sir George quickly remarked.

"Lastly, it's the turn of Treasurer, Sir William" Richard said.

"Thank you, Your Majesties. Your Excellency Ethan, my question to you is this: What will you do with the assets of individuals belonging to rebel groups after suppressing the rebellion?" he asked.

"Twenty percent will go to the lord of the region for stabilization, another twenty percent to the soldiers, twenty percent to myself as the commander of the army, and the remainder will be allocated to the treasury of Asina Kingdom" I replied.

"Approved." Sir William confirmed.

"Excellent... Come forward, Prince Ethan" my father said.

I approached the table slowly and stood tall, then knelt down in front of the table, bowing my head. I saw the council members and King Richard rise to their feet.

"With the approval of the Council, I authorize the third prince, Ethan Asina Lenistark, to put down the rebellion and give him command of 3,500 men, including the first royal cavalry. And finally, take your oath, Prince Ethan."  he instructed.

"With all my heart, I pledge allegiance to the noble Kingdom of Asina and vow to serve it with my body and loyalty" I declared loudly.

"Approved. You may rise now..." Richard said.

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Finally, the arc of rebellion begins! You will enjoy this arc very much. HUAHAHHAHA!(villain laughs)