Chapter 255: Chapter 242: Proof of Radiance, The Prince’s Return

"Naturally!"

Leona’s reply was sharp and decisive, without a hint of hesitation.

She took two steps forward and removed a palm-sized golden disc from the lining of her form-fitting armor, presenting it to Jon with both hands.

"This is the ’Proof of Radiance,’ a Holy Relic passed down through the Apollonia Royal Family for a thousand years."

"A single drop of blood is all that’s needed. The Blood of Radiance will answer the call of its own. Without the blood of a royal heir, it will remain as silent as common iron."

Jon’s gaze fell upon the Golden Disc.

It wasn’t forged from pure gold. Instead, it had a golden base inlaid with some kind of orange-red Crystal Stone that formed the shape of the Sun.

But that wasn’t the main point.

The main point was the vast, warm aura it emanated.

He was no stranger to this aura; in fact, it was quite familiar. He had felt it when he exposed the vile plot in the Sun Church of Birch Town, when he witnessed Reya’s class change, and even when he had drawn the attention of the Sun God.

This also aligned with what he knew from the game *Yino*. The Apollonia Duchy bordered the Saint White Valley, where the Sun God Poao had once performed a miracle to purify the land of demons. As a result, the Sun Church considered it one of their Saint Lands.

Because of this, the Apollonia Duchy had a very strong culture of faith.

It wasn’t surprising that Leona, as a representative of the Royal Family, would have such a disc to verify his bloodline.

However, after everything he had been through, caution was now etched into Jon’s very bones.

If he really was the son of Apollonia’s eldest princess, this bloodline would surely bring not just benefits, but more likely, a host of unforeseeable troubles—and he already had more than enough trouble to deal with.

So, Jon didn’t reach out to take it. Instead, he raised his eyes to Leona.

"Knight Leona, the matter of one’s bloodline is of great importance."

"I request that my two masters be present to bear witness. Their experience and wisdom will be enough to ensure this matter is handled with fairness and care."

Far from being angered by his request, Leona’s eyes shone even brighter with pure gratification and respect.

She nodded forcefully, her orange-red cape billowing slightly with the motion.

"As it should be! Your caution is a testament to your prudent and steady character!"

"Please inform your masters. Leona and the Radiant Knight Order will respectfully await them here!"

Jon gave a slight nod and said no more.

He raised his right hand, his fingers spread naturally as a visible, azure glow of Magic Power gathered at his fingertips.

The ball of Magic Power trembled and warped slightly before transforming into two thin streams of light that shot out of the reception hall, streaking toward the manor’s Magic Research Room and Forging Workshop.

Leona and her Knights watched with bated breath, their eyes filled with delighted surprise.

’Mr. Jon is a noble Caster!’

For those who had seen the eldest princess, this all but confirmed that Jon was her son.

Therefore, the greater the Power he displayed, the happier they were!

The wait was not long.

Only a moment later, the heavy oak door of the reception hall was gently pushed open by an invisible force.

Claudio’s tall, slender figure appeared first.

He still wore his signature ink-green robes, his silver-gray hair tied back meticulously, and his expression was serene.

The Elf Mage entered without a word. After giving Jon a slight nod, he silently sat in the chair beside him, acting as if he hadn’t seen anyone else in the room.

Immediately after, a booming voice echoed down the hall.

"You brat! What’s all this about someone showing up to claim you as kin? You better watch out! Now that you’ve built up a small fortune, don’t tell me some—"

The Old Dwarf’s signature barrel-chested figure squeezed through the doorway, his footsteps thudding heavily. THUMP. THUMP.

He trailed off as his eyes met the indignant gazes of several of the Knights.

Sutton sized them up, then glanced at Jon, who wore a helpless smile. Ultimately, he swallowed the two words he was about to say.

"Fine. I’m not that busy anyway. I’ll keep an eye on things for you."

With that, he lumbered over and sat down on Jon’s other side, mirroring Claudio across from him.

With his two masters present, Jon showed no intention of making introductions. Instead, he took the disc from Leona’s hands.

A faint light flashed at his fingertip, and a single drop of crimson blood fell precisely onto the orange-red Crystal Stone Sun at the disc’s center.

HUMMM—!

The instant the blood touched the Crystal Stone, the Golden Disc erupted in a blindingly brilliant light!

The light wasn’t scorching or harsh. It was like the purest midday sun—warm and vast—and it instantly filled the entire reception hall.

Then, like a living fluid, the light surged joyfully toward the hand holding the disc, winding and swirling around it in delicate strands.

Finally, all the light rapidly condensed on the back of his right hand, coalescing to form a perfectly clear golden emblem. It was the exact Sun pattern from the center of the disc, now seemingly branded onto his skin, radiating a soft yet unyielding halo.

At the same time, a notification visible only to Jon quietly appeared:

[Proof of Radiance acquired. Divine Skill Effect +10%]

Jon’s gaze lingered on the notification for a moment, and an incredibly complex, indescribable emotion flickered in the depths of his ice-blue eyes.

He clenched his fist, feeling the faint warmth from the new emblem on the back of his hand. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

’It’s actually real. I’m really the Prince of the Apollonia Duchy.’

This sudden change of identity left him feeling completely adrift.

’I already had a mountain of things to deal with. Now this. Just great...’

While he stood speechless, Leona and the Radiant Knights she had brought with her had already dropped to one knee.

The clang of metal on stone and the ecstatic shouts of the knights echoed through the light-filled hall.

"May the radiance of Apollonia shine forever! We welcome Your Highness’s return!"

"Your Highness—!"

Leona’s voice was choked with emotion. Her long years of searching had finally come to the most perfect conclusion. How could she not be overjoyed?

Claudio sat to one side, his silver-gray eyes fixed for a moment on the glowing Sun Emblem on the back of Jon’s hand. A flicker of imperceptible contemplation crossed his deep-set eyes.

He said nothing, but it seemed he had come to some sort of decision.

The Old Dwarf, on the other hand, was much more direct.

"Tsk, so the kid really does have a background like this."

He clicked his tongue, his gaze shifting from the majestic, fading emblem to the armored Knights kneeling on the floor. Finally, his eyes rested on Jon’s face—outwardly calm, but clearly churning with emotion—and he let out a sigh.

"It’s just a shame... that old An Ran and his wife, the ones who found you, aren’t here to see you enjoy this good fortune..."

Hearing the Old Dwarf’s words, Leona looked up in astonishment, her expression one of disbelief.

"Sir... His Highness Jon’s adoptive parents... Could it be..."

Sutton shook his head, not answering directly.

So, Leona turned to look at Jon.

Jon merely lowered his gaze, his tone betraying little emotion.

"That’s all in the past..."

"Now, let’s talk about what comes next..."

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