The trees in the garden, which had revealed their bare branches all winter, were gradually sprouting green buds.The world, once entirely white, began to show patches of soil, and the wind slowly softened its force.It was a sign that spring was coming.
The Renel Empire, welcoming early spring, became bustling.It was time to breathe life back into the palace, which had been dormant, in preparation for the upcoming social season.
The palace gardeners busily moved in and out of the greenhouse, planting seedlings and tending to flowers in the garden to decorate the palace with beautiful vases.
The maids went from room to room, changing bedding, washing blankets, and filling the pantry with fresh spring vegetables and fruits.
Parnes Escalo walked along the path leading to the Prince’s Palace, observing the once-silent imperial grounds regaining their vibrant colors.
Upon reaching the main gate, one of the nursemaids, who had been informed in advance, was waiting and bowed deeply.
“I greet Your Majesty, the Emperor.”
“Is the Prince inside?”
“Yes. He is preparing with Her Majesty, the Empress. Shall I go and announce you?”
“No, that’s fine. I’ll go myself.”
Parnes entered the Prince’s Palace and headed to the largest room on the second floor.Through the slightly open door, he glimpsed two familiar figures from behind.
Kayan, standing stiffly in front of a mirror as maids attended to him, was beginning to look every bit like the prince of a nation.
The reason the child was dressed more carefully than usual was because today was his formal investiture as Crown Prince.
Being recognized as Crown Prince meant officially becoming the Emperor’s successor.It allowed him to be introduced to foreign envoys, changed the name of the Prince’s Palace to the Crown Prince’s Palace, and marked the start of his formal education in statecraft.
“You look very dashing.”
Kasallin Robepon, watching the even more adorable child from behind, spoke, and Kayan, blushing, gave a shy smile.
“When His Majesty sees you now, he’ll surely think you look splendid.”
As she subtly mentioned Parnes, the child’s cheerful expression turned slightly complex.
Fidgeting with fingers so small they seemed a marvel to move, Kayan looked as if he wanted to ask, “Will he really think so?”Kasallin took Kayan’s hand, gladly answering his unspoken question.
“This is a secret, but lately, His Majesty has been talking about our Prince often, even amidst his busy schedule.”
The child’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked up at his mother.
“Is he eating well? Has he caught a summer cold? What games does he play to pass the time? He’s curious about so many things.”
“Why?”
“Because he loves you.”
The child, with his small tongue, murmured “Love?” as if to himself.It was a word he’d seen often in storybooks, but he didn’t quite understand its meaning.He stared at Kasallin with eyes that seemed to ask, “What’s that?”
“You’ll naturally understand when you grow a bit older.”
Parnes, unintentionally overhearing their conversation, felt his face grow warm.
He lingered outside for a moment, then entered as if he hadn’t heard anything, just as Kayan was nearly ready.
Kasallin smiled softly upon seeing him.
“You didn’t head straight to the temple.”
“I came to go with you. Are you ready?”
“Yes, we’re done. We’ll head out first, and Kayan will follow with the maids.”
Parnes lowered his gaze to Kayan.When their eyes met, Kayan’s face lit up with a mix of anticipation and awkwardness, his eyes darting nervously.
Parnes hesitated briefly, then reached out to gently pat Kayan’s head.A smile tugged at Kasallin’s lips as she watched.
“You’ve practiced enough, so you’ll do well.”
Kayan, looking up at Parnes with wonder as he encouraged him, gave a silent, shy smile.His cheeks puffed out, and his eyes curved like crescent moons, resembling Kasallin not only in appearance but also in his smile.
That should be good enough, Parnes thought, clearing his throat softly and lifting his hand from Kayan’s head.He then told Kasallin it was time to head to the temple.
[This is the timeline separator]In the grand hall where the Crown Prince’s investiture was held, nobles, palace officials, and temple priests stood in neat rows on both sides.Kasallin and Parnes responded lightly to their greetings and took their seats on the dais.
After some time, the doorkeeper announced the arrival of His Highness the Prince.The doors at the end of the hall slowly opened, and Kayan stepped in, bathed in bright light.
The child, who had been calm when they parted at the Prince’s Palace, now looked completely tense in the presence of so many strangers.Kasallin, watching Kayan with concern, tilted her head slightly to whisper to Parnes.
“The Prince is completely frozen. Will he be alright?”
Parnes, looking at his son, who resembled a bewildered child washed ashore in a land of giants, raised the corner of his mouth.
“Not crying in a situation like this is already more than enough.”
“Is that so?”
Kayan, moving his stiff arms and legs creakily, walked down the carpeted path and stopped in the center of the hall, glancing around.
As if belatedly recalling his instructions to stand at the spot with the small table and flag, he hurriedly moved to the designated place.
Once all was ready, a solemn silence settled over the hall.Moments later, the clock struck noon, and the Cardinal stepped forward.
“Under the solemn command of His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress, we shall commence the Crown Prince investiture and title conferment ceremony.”
The Cardinal, holding a vessel in both hands, stood before Kayan.He recited a long, elaborate blessing while sprinkling holy water over the child’s head.
Kayan, standing still as he had practiced all winter, couldn’t resist his bubbling curiosity and licked a drop of holy water that ran down his nose.
Finding it tasteless, he grimaced and made a small “Ugh” sound.
Seeing this, Parnes and Kasallin both bit their lower lips desperately to stifle their laughter.Parnes tilted his head slightly toward Kasallin, whispering in a barely audible voice.
“Look at that. A bundle of innocent curiosity, always up to something mischievous—just like you.”
“Have you said all you wanted to say?”
As the Cardinal, having completed the ritual, bowed toward the dais, Parnes instantly resumed his dignified imperial demeanor and rose from his seat.
Holding the prepared decree, he descended the low steps and stood before the child.
Kayan, with a stiff expression, found his father standing before him somewhat unfamiliar and slightly hunched his shoulders.Kasallin, watching from the dais, prayed that the child would complete the ceremony well.
Meanwhile, Parnes began reading the decree in a low yet commanding voice.
“Under the divine blessing, Emperor Parnes Escalo and Empress Kasallin Escalo command you.Henceforth, as Crown Prince Kayan Escalo, you shall bring prosperity to the people of the Renel Empire and lead the imperial family to glory.”
“I-I accept the command.”
Kayan mumbled with his small tongue.He was supposed to say, “I accept Your Majesty’s solemn command,” as practiced over the past few days, but it was admittedly a daunting task for a three-year-old.
Parnes, unable to maintain his stern imperial facade, let a faint smile show.Kayan, expecting a scolding, stared at Parnes in bewilderment.
“Crown Prince.”
Parnes knelt on one knee to meet Kayan’s eye level and spoke.
“This father is truly glad that you are my son. You did splendidly today.”
Parnes spoke with utmost reverence and calm.Kayan’s face, once tense, bloomed with a radiant smile.
“From now on, you are the Crown Prince of the Renel Empire.That will be another name for you.Being Crown Prince means you will one day succeed this father as the root and pillar upholding the Renel Empire.Do you understand what that means?”
“Yes, Father.”
It was unclear if he truly understood, but Kayan nodded vigorously with a more serious expression than ever.
Parnes looked at his son with a renewed gaze.It felt like only yesterday that this child, who had just begun to toddle, was now receiving the title of Crown Prince.
Kasallin rose from her seat.She descended the steps and stood beside Parnes in front of Kayan.
“Crown Prince, you are a little different from other children.But that doesn’t mean you’re more special or superior—it means you have greater responsibilities and duties.”
“Responsibilities? Duties?”
Kayan tilted his head, not fully understanding.
“To put it simply, it means helping friends who are weak or in trouble.To do that, you must study hard and read many books.It won’t always be easy.”
“But you don’t need to worry.”
Parnes continued Kasallin’s words, and Kayan’s gaze shifted to him.
“Never forget that your father and mother will always be behind you.”
Kayan’s eyes began to sparkle faintly, as if a star had settled in them.His expression suggested he roughly understood.
From that day on, for some reason, Kayan began to smile brightly at Parnes and gradually show more affection.
The day when the two, with Kasallin between them, would playfully bicker as a close father and son was still a distant future story.
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