I shift uncomfortably in my seat.

My gaze flickers with all sorts of emotions, but I keep my face expressionless as I stare at the boy who sits before me. He isn't even sixteen years of age, with golden wool-like hair and eyes of azure brilliance, radiating the splendor of the Randalorion Royal Family.

The third and youngest son of King Claudius Randalorion—Claus.

What is he doing here?

"I apologize for coming to see you on such short notice. The truth is, I came here on a secret visit."

Claus' childlike voice echoes in my home, revealing information that makes this matter several times more complicated.

'He came here secretly? For what purpose?' My brows twitch mildly, but I don't speak.

Not yet.

Right now, we're in my private residence on campus.

I was surprised to see the third prince waiting for me right in front of my entrance when I returned. He was covered in an obscured outfit, but with my observational skills, as well as my Conceptions, it was easy to decipher his identity.

The moment I realized this, I hurriedly invited him to my residence, which leads us to the present moment. What the hell is going on?!

"You must have already figured it out, but I'll be as transparent with you as possible. There are guards stationed all over your home, but it's simply protocol to ensure I am safe. Even I don't have a say in the matter. I said I sneaked out, but I'm sure my father is aware of this by now, which means I don't have a lot of time to spend here…"

"Why have you come, Prince Claus?" I finally speak, my eye narrowing with suspicion as I get straight to the point.

This is clearly unrelated to the Royal Family's official mandate regarding my Knight title.

If I had to guess, it's more involved with why he wanted Anna to invite me to attend his Coming-of-age Ceremony.

This kid… he wants something from me.

But what is it?

"Sir Javier Aditi… I will be frank." The third prince's face has a complicated expression at this point, but it quickly turns stern and bold. "I wish to become Crown Prince and succeed my father as the next King of the Randalorion Kingdom. I'd like your support in this endeavor."

'E-eh?!'

This shocking declaration hits me like a ton of bricks.

What in the world?!

I understand a Royal like him having ambition. After all, a third prince is still a prince. But why involve someone like me, who is merely a First Rate Scholar and a newly appointed High Rank Knight? Sure, I'm a Senior Professor in the Royal Academy, but I'm not even a Dean. I don't have sufficient influence to back something as massive as this.

If I were wealthy, I would perhaps even grant the absurdity some leeway.

But I'm not!

The only thing I have is—

'Hold on…' My eyes widen mildly as I change my gaze towards the prince. 'This is certainly related to why the Royal Family has been favoring me all this time. If the third prince thinks this highly of me, it must be influenced by the internal affairs of the Royal Palace.'

At this moment, I am curious.

However, I cannot afford to display my ignorance.

'I did kill Zarius, but I haven't made any major move since. Could it be that they hold me in high regard because they knew Zarius as a Leviathan and they suspect me of being one as well?'

My thoughts are in disarray.

However, the one who has the answers is right in front of me.

I simply need him to tell me.

"Why come to me?" I ask him plainly, feigning ignorance in the matter.

"Sir Javier… please don't treat me like a child. I know that you are a force to be reckoned with. As for how I know this, I'll tell you." His voice is calm as he speaks, and his smile is serene. "My father has a special council of special advisers, and my contact there has informed me of your existence—that you are a special person in this Kingdom."

'Oh? Does he know I'm a Leviathan?' I can't help but ask myself. 'And as for those special advisers, since they're so close to the King, I should assume that they know of the existence of Leviathans and, at the very least, suspect me of being one.'

"Since I know this, my brothers should also be aware. We might appear to be a cohesive unit, but there is severe competition, deep scheming, and immense suppression ongoing in my family… even at this moment. I haven't been able to make any moves, and I also haven't been affected too much, since I am still a child. But everything will change once I come of age. If I don't have a powerful backer by then, it'll be too late for me."

I understand this.

To be honest, this boy's ambitions and desires are clear as day to me.

What I still don't understand is how much the Royal Family knows about me—about Leviathans.

'It seems he isn't aware of the details either…' My eyes narrow on Claus as my thoughts flow calmly, and I think of my next move.

It also seems I'll have to change my earlier assessment of the envoy that the Royal Family intends to send to me.

"Who is coming to deliver the royal mandate? Which of your brothers?" I ask calmly.

Upon hearing this, Prince Claus smiles bitterly. "As expected, you were already aware that it would be one of them…"

Not exactly.

At least, not at first.

However, seeing as my perceived level of importance is this high to the Royal Family, and the fact that the third prince had to hurry here secretly, it became obvious that they would send one of the other Princes to me.

'Claus knew he couldn't wait for his Coming-of-age Ceremony, else one of his brothers would seize his opportunity of first contact.' I sigh and smile wryly.

Once I figured that part out, it became clear that I would be entertaining another Royal.

If I had to guess, it would be—

"My oldest brother, Jakob. He's the one coming…"

Exactly my guess.

The First Prince has been looking for a way to establish a relationship with me, even before my Leviathan status came into question. Plus, if there's anyone that the King himself would assent to coming, it would likely be his first son.

With this new information, I can assume that my High Rank Knight position is practically set in stone. However, at the moment, that seems rather trivial.

There are more concerning things.

"How soon is he arriving?"

"By my estimates, he should be here in a day or two."

"So you came here ahead of your brother to propose this deal to me." I relax in my chair, no longer experiencing any kind of discomfort.

It's evident now.

I'm the one in control of this entire situation, and the third prince knows it.

"Yes, Sir Javier. I am willing to cater to your needs and any request you make if you can openly support me in my future plans."

"Those aren't light words to make. Are you sure?"

Prince Claus nods.

"To be frank with you, my contact among the advisers is my fiancé's father. He also desires that I get into the position of King, which will elevate his family's status and give his daughter a more prestigious position. I trust him to a considerable extent, and his information is credible."

"What information is that?" I ask with a soft grin.

"He told me that I wouldn't be losing out on the deal… even if I offered to cater to any of your requests." Claus leans forward, interlocking his fingers as he stares deeply at me. "It's why I chose to meet you alone, and as quickly as possible. I wish to express my sincerity and sincerely ask for your backing."

"Hmmm…" I enter deep thought and sigh to myself.

There is a lot to unpack here.

Just from what I have learned from Claus, it seems the King and his Royal Advisers highly suspect that I am a Leviathan. It means they know Zarius was a Leviathan, and by killing him, I have put myself on their radar.

It also means they are aware, at least to an extent, of how powerful Leviathans are.

This explains a lot of their actions and inactions involving me.

'Does the Royal Family fear me? This is very likely…' My smile broadens, and I feel a sense of relief, like a heavy burden has been lifted off my shoulders.

All this time, I never considered this.

If the Royal Family is showing this level of hesitation and reverence towards me, it must mean that there are far more opportunities than I initially anticipated.

I have been limiting myself a little too much, haven't I?

'The third prince is practically willing to do anything I tell him, just for my support. He also thinks he won't be losing out on this deal, which means he believes that with my backing, the throne is guaranteed. These aren't his own thoughts, but rather the thought of the Special Adviser he is relying on for information…' The more I think about the matter, the more certain things become more evident to me.

'It was only a fleeting thought before, but now I deeply suspect that this Kingdom has deep ties to Leviathans. It could be that the founding King was a Leviathan, or maybe he received the help of a Leviathan to establish the Randalorion Kingdom.' My eyes flash with instant realization, and I lick my lips at this very possible situation.

The records must have then been kept secret, with only a select few knowing about it.

'The King and his Special Advisers…' I nod in silence. 'This must be the Royal Faction's trump card—the secrets that give them legitimacy.'

Prince Claus's future father-in-law hopes that I can use my identity as a Leviathan to pretty much crown Claus as the King. If this is truly how the Kingdom operates, then I could as well simply back Claus and enjoy the rewards that come with it.

But are things so simple?

The third prince does have his advantages. He is young and desperate, which means he will be the easiest to use among the three princes. I am now very confident that the Royal Family has a good amount of information on Leviathans, which I can use. If I back Prince Claus, I can have easy access to these resources.

However—

'Is this the greatest benefit I can gain? I'm not sure yet…' I relax further in my seat and let out a light chuckle. 'It would be too forward of me to accept the third prince without first of all considering my options. The first prince is coming in a few days, and I'm sure Korrin will make some kind of move as well. Let me see their sincerity and the benefits that they can offer me.'

Once I gather all three, I'll be able to make a more informed decision.

"Give me some time to think about it, third prince," I speak calmly, my gaze telling him everything he needs to know.

"I… understand." He slowly bows his head before rising to his feet and smiling at me.

"I will be waiting for your favorable response in the Royal Palace."

'He's still extending an invitation to his Coming-of-age Ceremony, huh?' I laugh to myself, still unsure of my attendance even at this moment.

"Time will tell."

He lowers his head once more and then proceeds out of my home.

I remain seated, not even escorting him out of my room. Normally, this would count as contempt of the crown, and any Royal would find it immensely disrespectful.

But I already know nothing will come of it.

In fact, this is the best impression I can make at the moment, considering my new identity.

Prince Claus eventually departs from my house, and after confirming that all the surrounding guards have left, I enter into deep contemplation again.

'I wonder… what the other Princes will offer.'

I suspect Prince Claus will remain the most humble and cooperative contestant, while Prince Korrin might be the most casual one, considering my past relationship with him.

But I don't know what Prince Jakob will do.

Not yet.

'I suppose I'll just have to wait and see!'

****************

A large delivery arrived for me two days later, alongside a letter from Korrin.

It clearly stated his intentions, as well as his willingness to cooperate. In the past, I may have been glad to see this, but at the moment, it comes off as distasteful.

Compared to the third prince's efforts, Korrin's attempt lacks a great deal of sincerity.

I have to say… I'm disappointed.

Did he think he would have an easier time because we attended the Academy together and had had prior contact?

We haven't even spoken in so long, yet he thinks he can take the 'familiar' approach.

How foolish… how arrogant.

'I already expected his attempts to be more lax compared to his brothers, since me and him had a relationship in the past, but this is too poor. With just some gifts and a letter, he thinks he can buy my loyalty? Does he underestimate the influence of a Leviathan, or did the third prince overestimate it?' With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I can only wait for the first prince to clear the air of confusion for me.

Thankfully, the very next day… Prince Jakob Randalorion arrived.

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