Chapter 121: Shifting Winds and Changing Clouds

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Chapter 121: Turbulent Changes

In a small courtyard in Reycina, Ye Tian and Leyton sat together drinking tea. As for Canon and Layla, they had gone off to keep watch. Although the girls were full of questions, they didn’t ask anything and resolutely carried out their duties. Ice and fire!

Leyton quietly listened to everything his sister recounted, staring blankly at Ye Tian, who shrugged and smiled, signaling Leyton not to be surprised. Once Reycina finished her story, Leyton voiced the question that had been weighing on his mind.

“Remy, why have you come here?” Leyton asked, his doubt clear.
“Our father has passed away, so I decided to come find you. Also, I’ve decided to pass the throne to you,” Reycina hesitated.
“No,” Leyton rejected immediately. “I hate that position—I’ll never sit on it.”
“But it’s what you deserve,” Reycina urged anxiously. “I’ll help clear all obstacles for you.”
“Sister, as long as you can take the throne, I’ll be content,” Leyton gently patted her head. “Since you’re here, stay a few days longer. I’ll spend some time with you.”
“Okay.” Reycina nodded. She knew Leyton had been stubborn since childhood, which explained his relentless pursuit of magic at the academy. But with his pillar of support toppled, Leyton now seemed somewhat lost.

“Remy, you’ve lost weight!” Leyton suddenly said. Tears streamed uncontrollably from Reycina’s eyes.
“You’ve suffered,” Leyton murmured.
“No, as long as I can see you, brother, nothing else matters,” Reycina wiped her tears and spoke earnestly.

“Gray, thank you for saving my sister,” Leyton stood to express his gratitude.
“It’s what I should do,” Ye Tian smiled. “Now, can you tell me the things you didn’t want to share before?”

“Both Remy and I were illegitimate children born to servants. Though we lived together in the palace for a time, after that man married a cruel woman, we were forcibly separated. Remy stayed in the palace, and I was secretly sent to a village to be raised.”

“I didn’t care much about that place—I disliked the atmosphere there—but I worried about Remy. Later, my village was massacred by bandits, destroyed completely. Only I survived. I know it was that old man’s doing. He wants to erase me!”

“I don’t mind dying, but why drag innocent family members down with me?” Leyton clenched his fist tightly. “So I came to the academy to become the strongest. I want revenge. I want to kill that old bastard with my own hands!”

Reycina gripped Leyton’s hand tightly; he patted her reassuringly.
“Thank you, Gray. Without you, I don’t know where I’d be now,” Leyton sincerely said.
“No problem. I’ve always wondered why your name carries the empire’s title. Now I understand,” Ye Tian said with sudden realization.
“Heh, so what? The only connection I have with him is this name,” Leyton smirked.

“Actually, it might not have been Charles V—your father—who ordered the destruction of your village,” Ye Tian pondered aloud.
“What?” Leyton jumped up. “What did you say?”
“I mean, maybe it wasn’t your father trying to erase you, but someone else,” Ye Tian said seriously. “I’ve met your father. He values family above all. The proof is he tolerates your stepmother and her illegitimate child. That’s no simple matter of acceptance!”

“An illegitimate child?” Leyton frowned. “I remember there was a boy in the palace similar to us when we were young.”
“That’s him, but he’s dead,” Ye Tian shrugged.
“Dead?” Leyton sighed. “Another poor soul.”

“If I were you, I’d investigate the palace thoroughly—though unlikely, there should be some clues,” Ye Tian advised.
“This…” Leyton hesitated.
“Don’t you want to know the truth?” Ye Tian smiled.
Leyton hesitated again.
“Think it over,” Ye Tian urged. “Princess Reycina will stay a while. During this time, you can consider carefully.” After speaking, Ye Tian gestured for Reycina to remain silent.

“This…” Leyton still hesitated.
“Ask Canon’s opinion. After all, if you two are together in the future, you’ll have to face these matters together,” Ye Tian smiled.
“Alright.” Leyton stood. “Remy, I’m leaving first.” He patted the girl’s head. “Have fun.”
“Okay.” Reycina said no more. Ye Tian had spoken for her; now all that was left was to pray.

“Gray, thank you,” Reycina said dazedly.
“You’re welcome.” Ye Tian smiled. “Having Leyton by your side must give you peace. Now go write that letter; I’ll prepare the meal.” With that, Ye Tian rose and left.

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“Gray,” Layla called at the door, seeing Leyton leave with Canon and then Ye Tian follow.
“Layla, sorry, some things I can’t tell you. There are still many unknown dangers,” Ye Tian said seriously.
“It’s okay,” Layla smiled warmly inside.
“I’m going to serve the princess.”

Layla happily ran inside. Ye Tian watched the departing girl and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Your Majesty, please enjoy!” Ye Tian laid out a table full of delicious dishes, making the princess’s eyes sparkle.
“Gray, what’s this?” Reycina pointed excitedly at a dish.
“That’s sweet and sour pork ribs,” Ye Tian whispered respectfully in the queen’s ear. “I’m called Gray now—no more mistakes!”
“Oh, that’s not certain!” The queen smiled charmingly. The surrounding cooks and maids covered their faces, whispering, “Her Majesty is so adorable!”

“Miss, you can’t say that!” Ye Tian was helpless. “Do you want everyone to know I once served your country?” he gritted his teeth.
“Rogue!” The queen muttered softly, blushing as she lowered her head to savor the food. And indeed, it was delicious!

“Gray, what’s this?” Reycina couldn’t help but ask again.
“This is flying snow goose, made from northern ice geese. The flavor is tender and fragrant with a special aroma,” Ye Tian explained with a smile.

Many magical beasts in this world are delicious because they exercise regularly, making their meat exquisite. Ye Tian could easily turn them into gourmet dishes, and creatures from special regions had unique tastes.

“This is rabbit meat!” Reycina tried another dish, surprised. “Big-eyed rabbit, right? I’ve eaten it before.”
“Yes, this is the Frost Big-eyed Rabbit. Its meat is like frozen snow, tender and juicy when lightly cooked. Tasty, isn’t it?”
“Mm, delicious, but a bit spicy!” Reycina stuck out her tongue. “Look, my face is red!”
“Ahem, Your Majesty, please maintain your composure!” Ye Tian admonished, glancing at the maids, whose eyes sparkled like stars. “So cute!”

“Father, father!” A young man burst into General Bratis’s study.
“What’s the matter? So frantic!” General Bratis frowned. “Stay calm—I’ve told you countless times!”
“No, father, look!” The young man handed over a letter.
“The queen’s letter!” Bratis was shocked. The Bratis family’s status had plummeted after the capital’s upheaval; receiving a letter from the queen surprised him greatly.

“Father, what is it?” Durumen saw his father’s furrowed brows and asked uncertainly.
“Durumen, do you think the Bratis family can rise again?” Bratis pinched his brow.
“Yes, definitely!” Durumen said firmly. “A century-old foundation doesn’t collapse so easily!”
“Exactly. We still have a vast network. Don’t underestimate our family connections. Send for Mikey—I need to discuss something with him.”

“Report: Lord Mikey requests an audience!” a servant called at the door.
“So soon!” Bratis was secretly surprised. “Invite him in—no, I’ll go myself!”
“Father!” Durumen was anxious. “I can go!”
“No need. I want to gamble. If I win, our family will shine again!” Bratis folded the letter and put it away. “Durumen, get along well with Mikey. It will benefit us later.”
“Why?” Durumen asked curiously.
“Because the capital is about to face new winds,” General Bratis’s lips curled into a smile.

“Prepare the horses! Prepare the horses!” At the border camp, Prince Dirufi glanced at the letter in his hand and jumped up like his pants were on fire.
“Order preparations for battle! Everyone must not slack off. I’ll be away for a while. If the enemy dares to invade, you have permission to strike!”
“Yes!” The men’s eyes blazed with fire.
“Delparis Jin, lead ten thousand elite guards to Feply Academy. Do you know the location?” Dirufi asked.
“Understood!” A heavily armored man responded instantly.

“While I’m gone, General Bratis will command. Follow his orders. Understand?” Dirufi scanned the lower ranks.
“Yes!” They straightened up.
“Horses ready! I’m going to Feply Academy!”

“What’s this?” the queen asked, continuing her tasting.
“That’s Kung Pao chicken, with peanuts, cashews, and chicken,” Ye Tian patiently explained.
“This is bear paw!” Reycina tried.
“Yes, braised bear paw. How’s the taste?” Ye Tian said. He had gotten the bear paw from a mammoth bear. Such a fat bear paw was not to be wasted, so he saved it for Reycina, keeping it frozen.
“Gray, why do you look teary-eyed?” Reycina asked curiously.
“Nothing. I’m just touched seeing Her Majesty enjoy the meal so much,” Ye Tian glanced at the large bear paw. “It must taste excellent.”

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“Want to eat with me?” Reycina tilted her head.
“No, you let me live a little longer,” Ye Tian said helplessly.
“Hehe, you look so pitiful, I’ll let you off. What’s this?”
“This is crystal pork knuckle, made from wild boar’s front leg. Sweet but not greasy,” Ye Tian continued.

“I’m so full!” Reycina rubbed her bulging belly.
“Your Majesty, watch your image!” Ye Tian whispered. Thankfully, the maids nearby had eyes shining like stars. The queen before them was adorable—like a little sister!

“Gray, after eating, let’s take a walk. Show me around the academy!” Reycina said.
“Sure!” Ye Tian first handed her a handkerchief.
“What a beautiful handkerchief!” Reycina admired. “What flower is this?”
“That…” Ye Tian scratched his head. “I don’t know.”
“Liar!” The girl bluntly called him out. “If you don’t want to say, that’s fine.”
“It’s the acacia flower, a legendary flower from Miaojiang. It’s said eating it can greatly enhance one’s powers, but no one knows where it blooms,” Ye Tian sighed.

“Pretty?” Reycina looked closely at the handkerchief.
“Maybe,” Ye Tian said awkwardly. “I’ve never seen it.”
“Really?” Reycina asked.
“Really. Legendary flowers aren’t easy to find.”

“Alright, here you go,” the queen returned the handkerchief.
“Let’s go.”
“Your Majesty, this way please.” Ye Tian gestured to lead her.

“Gray, is this the library?” Reycina looked around curiously. “So big!”
“By the way, I haven’t asked your profession, Your Majesty. Guess!” Ye Tian said.
“Probably magic,” Reycina grinned.
“Bingo!”
“Let’s go in. I’m excited!”

“Hi, respected Miss Akanara, this is Her Majesty the Queen. Don’t pretend you don’t know her!” Ye Tian teased.
“Your Majesty, welcome to Feply Academy. I’m Akanara,” she stood and bowed quickly.
“Oh, you’re Vice Dean Louis’s granddaughter? Nice to meet you. May I look around?” Reycina asked politely.
“Please do, but the second floor is off-limits to Your Majesty,” Akanara said.

“Understood! Gray, I’ll look around. You two chat,” Reycina said, sensing they knew each other and stepping aside to avoid being a third wheel.
“Okay, Your Majesty. If you find books, please take a seat over there,” Ye Tian pointed to a row of chairs.

“Why did you bring her here?” After the queen left, Akanara grabbed Ye Tian by the ear.
“Not to make fun of me, right?”
“No, I thought you two knew each other!” Ye Tian grinned.
“Serves you right!” Akanara was annoyed but released him. “You seem familiar. Hmph, you must have known each other long ago.”
“Mr. Gray!”

“So you did investigate me,” Ye Tian sighed.
“I was just curious. No investigation. Don’t flatter yourself!” Akanara turned away. “Why is she here? To make you king?”
“What are you thinking? I’m just an ordinary man. No such luck.” Ye Tian laughed.
“Not necessarily, since you saved her before!” Akanara said sourly.
“That’s getting ridiculous. By the way, weren’t your friends supposed to send someone? Where are they?”
“I was wondering myself. They were ready but suddenly changed plans. So I used you as a substitute. Worked pretty well.” Akanara pouted.
“Didn’t you ask why?” Ye Tian frowned.
“I did, but they didn’t say.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”

“Forget it, I won’t ask. Well, I’m serving the queen now—cut me some slack, okay?” Ye Tian said.
“Fine, I won’t bother you!” Akanara pouted.
“Can you take care of the roasted meat for a while?” Ye Tian smiled. “And the little hawk!”
“Deal!” Akanara cheered. “What about Snow White? Did you bring her?”
“No, she’s still in my blanket!” Ye Tian said.
“Wait, don’t take her yet, wait until she leaves!” Ye Tian grabbed Akanara, who had dropped her book. “Remember to feed the little hawk!”