Chapter 51: Prince Jantrakant Akni Firegan

  A tall figure descended the stairs. The air surrounding him seems distorted from the scorching heat he emanates. With all the haze and heat around him, it created an illusion that made him stand out more than any noble.

  Following alongside him is a burst of fiery spiritual energy. He need not conceal it here. After all, this banquet is to celebrate his Enlightenment.

  This tall man had a handsome face, pale pink eyes, and fiery red hair. He is the same as Princess Pailin, he possesses all the characteristics of the Heir of Fire.

  Luxurious and expensive attire adorned his body, all the jewelry on his body gleaming brightly, some pieces even radiating power no less than their wearer.

  A confident smile flashed on his face, his gaze sweeping across the banquet hall like a ruler gazing at his pawns.

  Even though there are many Enlightened here, his demeanor clearly states his absolute status.

  This appearance was a stark contrast to when Princess Pailin first appeared.

  It was as if he wanted to flaunt everything he possessed: his status, his looks, his wealth, his abilities, his talents, and his power.

  The arrogant smile on his handsome face seemed strangely fitting. Further enhancing the dignified image of the Second Prince, who stood at the pinnacle,

  The guests respectfully bowed to the arrival of another Heir of Fire. However, this time, Nitaan sensed that many bowed with a mixture of respect and fear, unlike Princess Pailin's bow of reverence and admiration.

  “Greetings, Prince Jantrakant Akni Firegan!” Banphot and Salika shouted, bowing deeply as Prince Jantrakant descended into the banquet hall.

  “Enlightened Mountain-Moving, Enlightened Feather Hand, are you well?” Prince Jantrakant smiled at the two.

  “We are certainly well, Your Highness. We offer our deepest congratulations on your Enlightenment. Your talent is truly astonishing,” Salika and Banphot replied.

  “Only upon reaching Enlightenment did I understand. This is a vastly different level. It is fitting that this state is called Enlightened. Although only one level away from a Second word Engraver, the power I possess is many levels higher,” Prince Jantrakant said.

  “That is correct, Your Highness. Enlightened is a level where a transformation in the Words of Power occurs. A mere Second word Engraver cannot compare," Banphot said proudly.

  Prince Jantrakant glanced slightly. "Did I give you any order to entertain me?"

  The atmosphere suddenly froze.

  "Your Highness… I… I was presumptuous," Banphot replied, sweat trickling down his face.

  "Hmm, it's good that you realize that. Come, take me to greet the guests." Prince Jantrakant offered a faint smile and began to approach the surrounding crowd.

  Nitaan watched Prince Jantrakant from afar. Just by looking at him, his instincts warned him of the danger posed by this man.

  ‘Absolutely do not do anything like before. Prince Jantrakant will kill you. He doesn't care about prohibitions or regulations,’ Nil's voice echoed in his mind.

  Nitaan swallowed hard. Even without Nil's warning, he had no intention of pulling any tricks.

  The sheer power emanating from Prince Jantrakant vanquished any thought of confronting or challenging him.

  "Brother," Princess Pailin approached. Her face still holds the dear smile as usual.

  Prince Jantrakant glanced at her briefly. Upon seeing his sister, a faint smile appeared on his face.

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  "My dear Pailin, you are as beautiful as ever," Prince Jantrakant smiled gently.

  "Congratulations on your advancement to Third word Engraver" Princess Pailin smiled, her voice sounding natural without any hidden intent.

  I thought they would be more tense with each other. Well, they are siblings after all, Nitaan thought.

  "Hmm, thanks. And have you discovered any Word of Power yet? I have waited to congratulate you for 24 years," Prince Jantrakant smiled slightly.

  "I'm afraid I have disappointed you, Brother. However, you can come congratulate me at the coronation ceremony instead," Princess Pailin smiled sweetly.

  Nitaan was speechless. The conversation and emotions between the two shifted so quickly that he couldn't keep up.

  "Don't worry. That day will never come. The two Great Families and many nobles support me after all."

  "You can put down all your worries. Just withdraw and enjoy your life as an incompetent princess. I will surely find a suitable husband for you to be by your side in your later years," Prince Jantrakant chuckled softly.

  "What a pity. It seems that my elder brother has secluded himself too much to the point of forgetting about the outside world. Voting relies heavily on the people's votes. If my memory serves me correctly, the people still harbor concerns about your importation of narcotic plants." Princess Pailin smiled.

  Scary… Nitaan couldn't help but feel a chill. This wasn't the image of a sibling conversation he had in mind.

  "The people forget easily, especially when I am able to bestow abundant benefits to them upon my ascension to the title of Throne Holder. You should worry more about the people's skepticism regarding one of the heirs being a mere Newborn."

  "The people are far more intelligent than Brother realizes. Aren’t those who reported your importation of narcotic plants ordinary citizens? I'm still surprised that the clever scheme of the genius Prince was discovered by a single villager."

  "It must be said that fate has been cruel to me. I have tried my best to develop that plant into a new economic crop. It would have brought immense wealth to the kingdom. Unfortunately, one uneducated and foolish villager does not have the same broad vision as I do," Prince Jantrakant sighed.

  "What a cruel twist of fate, brother. The tens of millions of Gaia you invested vanished into thin air. I truly thank you. The money that was confiscated, I used it to develop the community and build more schools for underprivileged children," Princess Pailin laughed.

  From afar, anyone would see them conversing amicably, their faces beaming with smiles and gentle demeanor. But closer, their conversation was filled with sarcasm, challenges, provocation, and mutual taunting in every sentence.

  Is this how people politely insult each other…? Nitaan thought.

  “As for your next important mission, I hope you are ready. As the rightful heir, any failure would be detrimental. I can only pray to the queen for your success.”

  “Thank you very much, brother. You will also soon be fighting on the front lines. I will pray to the queen for your well-being in battle.”

  The conversation between the two continued for a long time. After offering their congratulations to the Prince, the guests gradually began to leave.

  Nitaan watched from a distance as Colonel Lalanta and Nil spoke with Prince Jantrakant, only seeing their backs as they conversed. He didn't want to imagine the actual content of their conversation.

  “Just as Colonel Lalanta told me, you truly are a genius.” A sweet, clear voice sounded beside Nitaan. Behind him is a woman with fiery red hair and pink eyes, standing and smiling not far from his back.

  “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Princess Pailin,” Nitaan smiled faintly.

  “Just call me Pailin. Calling me ‘Princess Pailin’ is too long and tiring. Only the old folks who need to maintain appearances call me that.” Princess Pailin smiled.

  “Uhh, Your Highness, I… I cannot possibly do that,” Nitaan shook his head.

  “What ‘Your Highness’? You’re not even comfortable using formal language. Just ‘Pailin.’ This is an order. And you don’t need to use ‘Your Highness’.” Princess Pailin laughed.

  “Your Highness...uh...I mean.. Pailin.. Highness?” Nitaan was speechless. Why were all the people around him like this? Something like this happened once with Injan.

  “How old are you?” Princess asked. Her words and demeanor now shed all the high-class and impeccable air, transforming her into an ordinary young woman.

  “I am 21 this year.”

  “Even though you’re just a Learner, you can make a First word Engraver slip? And you’re only 21?” Princess Pailin’s eyes widened. Although she had heard some of Nitaan’s achievements from Colonel Lalanta, hearing them firsthand still left her stunned.

  “That wasn’t really my doing,” Nitaan shook his head.

  “Sure, sure, whatever you say. I just wanted to say hello. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing each other often after this,” Princess Pailin smiled slightly.

  “Huh?” Nitaan was puzzled. He didn’t think he’d see Princess Pailin that often. He was already extremely exhausted from this banquet.

  “Kiita did a great job too. I brought some treats as a reward.” Princess Pailin turned to the large dog sitting neatly beside Nitaan. Her hand is holding a large, beautiful piece of candy.

  “Woof!”

  Candy! Candy!

  Kiita wagged his tail. His eyes sparkling, but then he suddenly remembered that Nitaan told him to mind his manner. He lowered his tail slightly, giving a pleading look as if asking ‘Can Kiita eat?’ to Pailin.

  “How adorable! Eat as much as you like. I brought plenty,” Princess smiled sweetly, reaching out to gently stroke Kiita’s head. She placed many large pieces of candy in front of him.

  Kiita glanced at Nitaan briefly, seeking permission. Nitaan smiled in response. Seeing this, Kiita wagged his tail and carefully picked up a treat, happily and slowly chewing. The happiness meter at his rear wagged at full speed. His ears perked up in rhythm with Princess Pailin's petting.

  Princess Pailin couldn't help but laugh at Kiita's adorable behavior. She had loved cute things since she was a child.

  "You've raised him so well," Princess Pailin said, watching Kiita happily eat his treat.

  "He's an important part of the family," Nitaan smiled faintly, stroking Kiita's thick, soft fur.

  Princess Pailin didn't reply, just smiled slightly before walking away to join the other guests.

  "Thank you," Princess Pailin's voice drifted away as she departed.

  Nitaan smiled faintly. As someone who disliked crowds and talking to strangers, conversing with Princess Pailin didn't make him feel uncomfortable at all.

  Perhaps it's because she's quite similar to me, Nitaan thought.

  "Woof!"

  Kiita! Kiita likes pink-eyed sis!

  Kiita, who had devoured all the snacks, sat up.

  Me too, Nitaan smiled, replying telepathically.

  He didn't know Princess Pailin very well, but there is one thing he is sure of. He wanted to live in a country with a ruler like her.