Chapter 59: Rudy’s Thoughts

Chapter 59: Rudy’s Thoughts

“I actually haven’t properly thanked you yet—for healing my sister,” Prince Rudy said with a smile.

“Healing and saving lives is my duty, just as it’s His Majesty’s duty to govern the nation,” Ye Tian replied, smiling.

“Yes, just duty. By the way, Sir Gale, what do you think of the current state of the Principality of Leyton?” Rudy suddenly asked.

“Peaceful and prosperous, people living and working in contentment,” Ye Tian answered.

“That’s just an illusion. The Principality of Leyton’s relations with neighboring countries are far from good, especially with the nearby Empire of Guchilong. Almost every year there are skirmishes. Internal corruption is severe. The grand principality is riddled with decay beneath its surface,” Rudy sighed.

“It’s really that serious?” Ye Tian was startled.

“Yes, and no one would believe it if you told them,” Rudy said with a wry smile. “My father wants to set things right, but it’s already too late.”

Ye Tian was left speechless.

“My father has grown old; his ambition has faded. He only wishes to enjoy his twilight years in peace, yet the fate of the nation still matters!” Rudy buried his head in his arms, as if muttering to himself, “Will he really just watch Leyton collapse before his eyes?”

“Perhaps His Majesty has his reasons. But one thing I’m sure of—he hopes you all are happy and safe,” Ye Tian said, gazing up at the sky. Wasn’t that what he wished for as well? To stay by the side of those he wished to be with, to look upon those he wished to see—such happiness!

And so, the two of them, one looking at the sky, the other at the ground, sat quietly, waiting.

After a long time, Rudy let out a deep breath and smiled. “Thank you for keeping me company for so long.”

“It’s nothing. It’s my honor to chat with the prince.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.” Rudy smiled and walked away. Ye Tian watched his retreating figure, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Interesting, it’s getting more and more interesting!”

“Your Majesty, that man is dangerous. Should I take care of him?” a voice sounded in Rudy’s ear.

“No need, he’s still useful,” Rudy replied with a sly smile. “He’s an interesting person. I’ll allow him to live a little longer.”

“Yes!”

“What are you looking at?”

“Oh, nothing.” Ye Tian turned and saw Laura’s smiling face.

“Beauty, what kept you busy today?”

“Don’t change the subject, we need to talk seriously!” Laura said, feigning sternness.

“What is it?” Ye Tian looked pitiful.

“Hmph!” Seeing Ye Tian’s expression, Laura couldn’t help but laugh. “What are you doing here?”

“Got lost,” Ye Tian scratched his head. “This place is too big.”

“I’d better take you back, so you don’t cause trouble.” She turned, leading Ye Tian out of the royal gardens and back to her chambers. “Security in the palace is much stricter now. Don’t wander around!”

“Yes, yes, understood!” Ye Tian lay on the bed, legs crossed, thinking. “Do you really understand?”

“I do! If you keep nagging, you’ll turn into an old woman!” Ye Tian muttered.

Bang! A teapot hit Ye Tian.

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“Only a petty man and a woman are hard to keep in check!” Ye Tian grumbled, watching Laura sway her hips as she walked away. He sighed, tossing the teapot back. “Prince, oh prince, why bother at all!” Ye Tian lamented.

“Cooking beans with bean stalks, beans weeping in the pot,” Laura said, holding food as she entered, seeing Ye Tian still lying on the bed humming a tune.

“Dinner’s ready!”

“So little, it won’t even fill the gap between my teeth!” Ye Tian complained.

“If you want more, cook it yourself!” Laura retorted.

“It’ll definitely taste better than yours!” Ye Tian mumbled.

“You’re full of it!” Laura pouted.

“I’m not kidding, I cook very well,” Ye Tian said seriously.

“Fine, fine, I know. Even food can’t shut you up!” Laura tore off a goose leg and stuffed it into Ye Tian’s mouth.

“This iron nail isn’t your doing. Delicious.” Ye Tian started eating heartily, making Laura roll her eyes.

Meanwhile, in the prince’s chambers, Rudy sat silently by the window, gazing at the scenery outside.

“Your Highness,” a shadow twisted at Rudy’s feet. With a flicker of black smoke, a figure clad in black robes appeared before him.

“Your Highness!” The man bowed again.

“Do you think what I’m doing is right?” Rudy asked blankly.

“At this point, right or wrong no longer matters. Those who achieve greatness must abandon everything else,” the man replied in a muffled voice.

“Yes, my father taught me the same,” Rudy looked at the scenery, sighing. “Tell them to prepare.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” The shadow flickered away joyfully.

“I’m sorry, Father. I’m sorry.”

“By the way, you met with the Crown Prince today?” Laura sat on a chair, watching Ye Tian devour his food.

“Yes, why?”

“What kind of person do you think he is?”

“Hard to say. He gives the impression of someone cynical but with grand ideals,” Ye Tian replied without looking up.

“Ha, hypocrite.”

“You know it, yet you ask,” Ye Tian said, spitting out the goose bone. “He’s extremely dangerous—he wants to outmaneuver everyone.”

“How so?” Laura was intrigued.

“It’s just a feeling,” Ye Tian answered, making Laura angry.

“Feeling? What nonsense! No more food for you; give it here!” She lunged for the roast goose in Ye Tian’s hands.

“No, you’re not getting it!” Ye Tian dodged, and in the scramble, gently kicked Laura, who lost her balance and fell into Ye Tian’s arms.

“Ha, caught you!” Ye Tian grinned mischievously, raising his greasy hand and smacking Laura’s round backside.

Smack! Laura grunted, glaring at Ye Tian. The room was suddenly filled with warmth and playfulness.

“So, little wolf, already so hungry?” Laura teased.

Smack! Ye Tian gave her another slap.

“Ouch! Go easy!” Laura complained.

“Still want more?” Seeing Ye Tian raise his hand again, Laura quickly escaped from his lap, angry. “You’re addicted to hitting me!”

“A little,” Ye Tian looked at his hand. “Feels pretty good.”

“Get out!” Laura kicked Ye Tian and ran out.

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Ye Tian finished his meal happily. Laura returned, “You haven’t answered me yet—just now, you did it on purpose!”

“Sorry, I finished eating.” Ye Tian smiled, spitting out the bones.

“Hmph! I have ways to deal with you!” Laura muttered as she cleaned up and left without looking back.

“Well fed, no homesickness,” Ye Tian hummed a tune, leaping onto the bed. Time for a rest; the night would be busy.

Ye Tian’s intentions were good, but fate wouldn’t let him idle. Just as he lay down, a maid entered.

“Sir Gale, the prince invites you to a ball. Here’s your invitation and attire,” she said, trembling and not daring to look at Ye Tian.

“My goodness! What is this family thinking?” Ye Tian jumped up. Seeing the nervous maid, he suddenly smiled, “Thank you. Should I ask you to help me change?”

“I have other things to do, I won’t disturb you!” The maid replied shakily, turning to flee.

Ye Tian grabbed her. “But I don’t know how to wear it!” He blinked innocently.

“I really do have things to do, Sir Gale, truly!” The maid was on the verge of tears, Ye Tian’s reputation preceding him. “Really?”

“Really!” The maid nodded rapidly.

“Fine then,” Ye Tian said, disappointed.

The maid secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

“But you must help me with one thing!” Ye Tian suddenly declared.

The maid’s heart skipped a beat. She watched Ye Tian take the clothes she brought and toss them aside, then move toward her. Her heart raced, eyes filled with fear.

Bang! She was pressed against the wall, unable to retreat further.

Ye Tian placed both hands on the wall, blocking her escape, a classic predatory look on his face.

“What do you want?” the maid trembled.

“What do you think I want?” Ye Tian grinned.

“No, please, don’t!” the maid pleaded softly, despair in her eyes. Such things weren’t unheard of in the palace, and it was always the servants who suffered.

“Please, don’t.”

“Alright, just kiss me and you can leave,” Ye Tian said, turning his cheek.

The maid was confused.

“Just a kiss,” Ye Tian repeated.

She hesitated, then leaned in and lightly kissed his face.

“That was a bit weak—next time put some effort into it!” Ye Tian said, turning to the chair and inspecting the attire.

“That’s all?” The maid was uncertain. “Are you asking me to stay the night? I wouldn’t mind!”