Before he was crowned king II

Ten-year-old Mars Salfeld stood motionless on the reef.

The waves hit the rocks one after another, and snow-white foam sprayed out.

It was still calm at noon, but as the air became dull, the seabirds flew lower and lower. Seeing large black and thick clouds over the sea, it was almost an instant, and the darkness came ahead of schedule.

Following the sound of "rumbling", one after another of the waves surged, like thousands of troops fighting, sending out a roar of heaven and earth.

The surface of the sea was pitch black, and there were no traces of any living creatures.Originally, quite a few fishing boats would enter the Lysis Sea to try their luck, but with such intense waves, experienced fishermen had already realized that the storm was coming, and returned to the port early to avoid the wind.

Now Mars was the only one left, his face was pale, and his whole body was numb due to freezing.

As one of the heirs of the empire, he didn't need to suffer this kind of hardship, but today's situation is obviously a bit special.

"Your Highness, the portrait is finished!" There were hurried footsteps behind him, and someone walked to the edge of the reef and shouted.

Mars' stiff shoulders drooped slightly, and his back trembled uncontrollably.

"Your Highness, I will carry you down immediately." The man picked up his thick sleeves and stepped onto the rock with great effort.

"No, Earl Shelter, thank you for your kindness. But I can do it myself."

Mars exhaled slowly, and he looked down at his numb legs.

Even though he didn't know how long it would take for them to obey the order and take the first step, he still decisively refused Earl Shelter's help.

Because at this moment, there are at least dozens of eyes looking at this direction.

He will never allow himself to make any embarrassing behavior.

Mars straightened his back and walked down the reef step by step. Earl Shelter immediately took out a thick cloak and put it on him.

"How am I doing?" Mars' lips trembled.

"Very good, Your Highness. The effect of the portrait is astonishing." Earl Shelter bent over and said in a low voice, "All the officials are praising you for your bravery and courage far surpassing your peers. They all say that you Behaving like a young monarch."

"Really?" Mars' brows and eyes were slightly relaxed, "They said so."

"Of course, Your Highness, everyone thinks that you are the only heir who has the shadow of His Majesty the King. You are extremely smart and fearless in times of danger..."

Mars is indeed very much like His Majesty the King - Salfid III.

No one needs to judge, he himself is convinced of it.Because he is also surnamed Salfid, and half of his body has the same blood as His Majesty the King.

The door of the bedroom was closed tightly, and the warm air slowly escaped from the fireplace.Mars was wrapped tightly in the dark green velvet quilt, holding a dark red parchment book in his hand.

"I heard from them that you became a puppy who fell into the water today. It seems that you are really embarrassed enough."

The girl opened the door and walked in, staring at Mar without looking sideways.She was wearing the dark soft armor of the Cavaliers, had the same silver hair as Mars, her ponytail was tied neatly, and her heroic little face looked more like a handsome teenager.

"I said that no one is allowed to come in." Mars raised his eyelids and stared coldly at the guard at the door.

"You know very well that they can't stop me." The girl took up the conversation straightforwardly, "Are you saying these accusatory words to me on purpose?"

"I didn't say that, Miss Tisifeng." Mars closed the book calmly, "I hope you don't misunderstand."

"Indeed, this is just a joke. I know that although you are still at the age of runny nose, you have always done things well."

Tisifeng shrugged, "I also know that you are secretly reciting the "Bright Old Testament" in order to seize the opportunity of the Pope visiting St. Corinthian Church in the afternoon."

"I didn't do it secretly." Mars frowned, as if dissatisfied with Tisifeng's statement, "I was just studying, and I could recite it from the book when I was six years old."

"Of course, everyone knows that you are the smartest among our brothers and sisters." Tisifeng raised his hand and tousled his brother's neat and smooth silver hair.

"That's because I've always been strict with myself." Mars slapped Tisifeng's hand away with a tight face, "For example, I won't waste time on horse racing, gambling, or love affairs."

These words obviously meant something, and Tixifeng's eyebrows trembled slightly: "Little brat who hasn't grown up, do you know what it means to talk about love?"

"Like you and Knight Commander Taylor, I saw—" Mars hadn't finished speaking when Tisiphon pinched his left cheek.

"If you talk nonsense again, I'll spank your ass." Tisifeng raised his chin, and his words were full of threats.

"If I wanted to take advantage of this, I wouldn't say it in front of you." Mars' cheeks flushed slightly from being pinched, "I'm different from Brother Fern."

"It's different, you are much more difficult than him." Tisifeng said with some headaches.

"Thank you for the compliment."

Tisifeng sighed softly, and looked at his younger brother, "Mars, if the Pope really comes this afternoon and is willing to be the priest of a certain successor, do you think that this person must be you?"

Mars didn't speak, but his extremely natural expression had already given Tisifeng the answer.

"Why? Mars. To be honest, I don't think you can become a faithful and qualified believer."

Tisifeng took the "Bright Old Testament" in Mars's hand, "You don't believe this at all."

Mars stared at Tisifeng for a while, and then slowly said: "Sister Huang, do you know how many believers the God of Light who praises in this book has?"

"How would I know?" Tisifeng crossed his arms.

"Earl Shelter once told me that the servants in his family have the habit of praying in the morning."

Mars said, "One time later, I met Bishop Clara in the palace, and he told me that one out of every three people in the empire respects and admires the supreme God of Light."

"so?"

"I want to understand them and get close to them." Mars reached out and took his book from Tisifeng's arms. "To achieve this goal, I am worth making some changes."

Tisifeng was a little dazed when he heard this, and looked at the boy who was no taller than her chest.

She suddenly found that her young brother was more mature, thoughtful and ambitious than she had imagined.

It's certainly a terrific talent, but not necessarily a good thing to celebrate.

"Is it alright to tell me these things?" Tisifeng looked straight into the boy's eyes.

"It's okay, this is not a secret, and everyone will know it in the future." Mars said softly.

"Maybe, but not everyone will agree with you, I hope you have considered this."

With her silver ponytail shaking, Tisifeng turned her back, "Don't worry, I'm not interested in what you want, and I won't tell anyone what you just said."

"Miss Tisifeng..." Mars stood up as he watched the girl leave. "I will not tell mother about you either."

Tisifeng stopped in his tracks, glanced back, expressionless, "Mars, you are really unlikable."

Mars didn't deny it, because he did deliberately annoy his imperial sister.This is just a harmless counterattack, after all, it was the opponent who tested him first.

Of course, he was sure that his sister Huang would not take such trivial matters to heart.

"Your Highness, I met Princess Tisifeng on the way here." Earl Shelter hurried in after saluting at the door, "Is she here to look for you?"

"Well, she came to visit me."

"Then how are you now? I see that your face is a little red, it can't be—"

"I'm fine, Shelter." Mars interrupted Earl Shelter, "I feel like I'm the same as usual. In the afternoon, the Pope is likely to come, and my mother gave me a chance to speak. Hope I have to be absent for some inexplicable reason."

Mars blushed and coughed twice. He was indeed the same as usual, but this did not refer to his body, but his mind.He knew very well that he didn't want to miss this opportunity.

It is not easy to get everyone's approval.He didn't want to admit it, but what Sister Xifeng said was correct.

"I understand what you mean, Your Highness." Earl Shelter looked at the boy who was about the same age as his son, his face was a little moved, "I don't know what else I can do for you...to ease your discomfort? Don't want me to go to a doctor I know?"

"It's too late." Mars looked at the big wooden clock beside the wall, "Shelter, I need some laudanum."

The golden pointer moved one by one, and the scheduled time for the Pope's arrival was getting closer and closer.

"Whenever, wherever, the God of Light spreads benevolence, fraternity and dedication to the world. It turns into light, wind, fire, and all things, guiding the confused people to the right direction..."

The young man in white cassock stepped on a soft stool and stood on the podium. He had a serious face and clear articulate speech. His immature and solemn voice reached the ears of everyone in St. Corinth Church.

The brilliant afternoon sun passed through the rose window covered with angel paintings, and fell gently on the boy's pale silver short hair.

"It's unimaginable, His Royal Highness Mars is only ten years old now..."

"Yeah, what kind of talent will you have when you grow up with such qualifications!"

"In comparison, His Highness Fern seems a little mediocre..."

There was warm applause from the audience, and Mars bowed to his father and mother sitting on the throne and empress. He calmly walked past the gloomy-faced emperor brother, accompanied by noble songs, and could still hear Faintly heard the compliments from the ministers.

Mars didn't show a little complacency, on the contrary he was a little disappointed.

Yes, his presentation was perfect, everything seemed to be going as he wanted it to, except for one thing.

The Pope of the Holy See did not arrive on time.

"Can you hold on? Your Highness..." Shelter asked in a low voice, "The sedative effect of laudanum is not very long-lasting."

"I know..." Mars' voice was as decisive as iron, and there was no weakness at all, "I can persevere."

He knows what he is doing, and he has worked hard for this day.

The entire royal family, including him, has a total of three heirs. Except for the female Queen Tisifeng, his only competitor is his royal brother Fern Salfield.

Foolproof.

Even if the result is guided by fate, he still has absolute confidence to win the favor of the God of Light, as long as the mysterious and holy Pope can come here——

"Bishop Zangwill." King Salfid III, who was sitting on the throne, said, "Why are you here?"

Mars was stunned for a moment. He turned his head and saw a white-haired old man in holy cassock walking slowly from the gate of St. Corinth Church against the sunlight.

strangeness.How could it be Bishop Zangwill?Why?Could it be that something has happened and the Pope himself will not show up today?Mars had a vague premonition.

"I'm very sorry, Your Majesty the King." Bishop Zangwill bowed and bowed. "The Pope asked me to express my sincerest apologies to you. Due to some reasons, he could not come to watch the ceremony in person today."

"It turns out that the Pope is busy." Salfid III nodded, with no emotion in his tone, "But it's a pity, these children of mine thought that they would be lucky enough to hear the teachings of the Pope today."

"Once again, I would like to express my deep apologies to you, Your Majesty. As we all know, the Pope seldom rests when he serves the gods day and night."

Bishop Zangwill glanced around and said, "But regarding your Highnesses, the Pope did give me an oracle before I left."

Hearing this, Mars immediately returned to his senses, slightly tensing his sore back.

"Oh, is that so? I don't know what kind of oracle the bishop brought?" Queen Karina, who was sitting at the right of the king, asked softly.

"Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Queen. Two months ago, the Pope heard the guidance of the God of Light under the sacred tree. He hoped that one of the princes under his knees would be placed by his side to take care of him and teach him the doctrine and ethics."

"Your Majesty and I have heard about this for a long time. The God of Light is the belief of the Holy Via Empire, and it is also the belief of Your Majesty and me. As a royal family, we are also very willing to obey the oracle."

Queen Karina said, "It's just that I don't know which prince of St. Via the Pope wants to choose?"

"Your Highness, that is why I came here." Bishop Zangwill reached into his snow-white cassock and pulled out a bright golden feather.

"This is—" Salfid III stared at the feather like everyone present.

"This is the longest feather on the golden peacock's tail, which symbolizes happiness and peace..." Zangwill let go of his hand, "and the highest blessing from the gods."

Without any mana fluctuations, under everyone's gaze, the magnificent feather seemed to be supported by something invisible, floating up to the highest point of the church dome.

"Blessed by the God of Light!"

Seeing this miraculous scene, fanatical believers among the nobles took the lead in shouting on the church.

Mars opened his eyelids, looking at the light spot that was getting farther and farther away from him, a chill crept up his back inch by inch, reaching to his heart, to the deepest pride.

The golden peacock's feathers did not come to his brother, nor to him, but fell to the dress of his mother, Queen Karina.

"Bishop Zangwill, what does this mean?" Salfield III asked.

"Your Majesty, this is the guidance of the God of Light." Bishop Zangwill pressed his chest.

"What do you mean—" Queen Karina clutched her lower abdomen, with a rare look of surprise on her dignified face.

"Yes, the child chosen by the God of Light is in your womb." Bishop Zangwill smiled kindly, "The third prince of the Holy Via Empire has not yet come into the world."

"Biography doctor!" Salfid III also showed a look of joy, and took the initiative to hold the queen's hand.

The queen is pregnant with a child, and the empire is about to usher in a new life.Faced with this sudden and great event, the originally lifeless Saint Via Royal Court immediately turned upside down.

Mars left the church alone in the chaos, and everyone was paying attention to the third prince who was favored by the gods.

So much so that he said he was sick and retired without attracting anyone's attention, including his parents who were immersed in joy.

"Go down..." said his father.There is only a faint word of approval, not even a word of concern.

"It's really ridiculous." Mars took a deep breath, and he walked into the quiet garden and sat under the pink rose flower stand.

No matter how you look at it, he has failed.Sometimes failure after hard work is far more embarrassing than failure after slack.

When he walked out of St. Corinth's Church, Brother Fern gave him a mocking and contemptuous grimace.

What's the use of being smart, what's the use of working hard, and in the end, it's not that you can't get the favor of the gods?

Good cards and preferences are born, just like the order of birth between you and me, which cannot be changed.

Mars was able to decipher the meaning behind that grimace, because Brother Fern had said this to him face to face a long time ago.

It's just that he didn't believe in fate at the time, and he didn't like to take the idiot's words to heart.Who would have thought that when he suddenly recalled it now, it turned into a fishbone choked in his throat.

If there really is a god in this world, then what kind of mission is arranged for him?

If he is not satisfied with the fate that has been set, can he just accept it in silence?

Mars drooped his head, his thoughts were blocked by confusion, unable to find the right way out.

"Hello, Your Highness Mars." A childish voice sounded.

"Are you - where are you from?" Mars turned his head slightly, only to realize that there was a black-haired boy younger than himself sitting behind the flower stand.

"I am from the Rose Manor in the capital, Your Highness." The black-haired boy showed a rare maturity.

"Oh, black hair. By the way, you are from the Cabede family." Mars withdrew his gaze, spoke lightly, and reluctantly exchanged a few words.

Because his mind is far superior to that of his peers, he always only likes to talk to older people, and he doesn't like to talk to children like himself, "Are you here waiting for Viscount Norman to come back?"

"Yes, Your Highness." The black-haired boy answered succinctly, without the noise that should be expected at this age, which won some of Mars' favor.

"It's boring waiting here alone." Mars asked casually, out of his own etiquette in dealing with people, he didn't want to let the conversation between the two of them end in such an awkward way.

"No..." The young man shook his head, "I read the book and listened to your preaching outside the church. I spent this time very fulfillingly."

"You listened to my speech?" Mars was a little surprised.

"Yes, your speech was perfect." The black-haired boy paused, "I am really happy for your success."

"Success? Do you think my performance today can be called a success?" Mars smiled wryly. How could the little boy understand that he clearly failed completely today.

"Have you encountered any troubles?" the black-haired boy asked.

"No, there is nothing worth worrying about." Mars said softly, "Anyway, no matter when, no matter where, the world always obeys the arrangement of fate."

"Do you think we are controlled by fate?"

"In fact, all our efforts are in vain. As long as we experience more things and read more books, we will easily find that the trajectory of history is far beyond everyone's expectations..."

Mars turned his head and looked at the young man standing in front of him, "I think maybe I shouldn't tell you this now, it will be better when you grow up and understand yourself."

"Your Highness, I have actually read some books." The black-haired boy said suddenly.

"Are you literate? Let me see, what are you reading?" Mars took the book in the boy's hand and flipped through it, "Oh, "The Tortoise and the Rabbit", a picture book of fairy tales?"

"It's a book for my younger brother. He's going to be three soon, and I'm going to tell him when I get home at night." The boy looked like a little adult, with a serious expression on his face.

"It seems that you are a good brother." The smile on the corner of Mars's mouth gradually disappeared and became tense. "However, the rabbit lost to a tortoise in the race... It's really an unpleasant story."

"Your Highness, this is a story written by people."

"Yeah, fate is like a pen in people's hands, and they can fiddle with the characters on the paper according to their own preferences."

Mars gritted his teeth in an invisible place, "It's annoying and helpless."

"Your Highness, it is a fact that the rabbit runs faster than the tortoise." The boy continued after a moment of silence, "Even if the rabbit loses because of sleeping in the story, it will never miss the victory because of this reason in the future."

Mars was dumbfounded.

"Your Highness, you said earlier that giving is futile. Although it was offensive, I actually have a different opinion on this point."

Mars slowly raised his head and looked at the boy seriously for the first time.

"I once read in a book that the city of Rayleigh, in the eastern territory of the Saint Via Empire, is sloping and facing the wind, so every summer and winter, there will always be heavy rains there, and even cause terrible floods.

When they first migrated, people could only succumb and flee, watching their homes be swallowed up.

But now, they will repair the doors and windows of houses in advance, dig ditches, and build dikes in spring to compete with the torrent of fate. "

The young man said unhurriedly, "So I think fate is not the absolute ruler, it controls at most half of our life, as long as people accumulate enough strength before the flood arrives, fate will not be able to show its power."

"Competing against the torrent of fate...you make a lot of sense." Mars frowned, and he suddenly found that he had indeed fallen into the shackles of confusion because of his failure, "by the way, what's your name... Ka Bede?"

"Sean Cabed, Your Highness."

"What you said untied my knot." Mars smiled and returned the fairy tale picture book, "Thank you..."

"You are too serious, Your Highness. It is my honor to help you." The black-haired boy's elegant demeanor was far from being as immature as his appearance.

Mars still wants to have a few more conversations with this young man, but he is not feeling well and his head is a little groggy. If it continues, it may be difficult to maintain the dignity of a nobleman in front of the other party.

Although the memory will fade with time, he left a deep impression on the black-haired boy that day.

Queen Carina has been in power for 11 years, and Mars, the second prince of the Saint Via Empire, sat under the wisteria trellis again, enjoying the bright and bright afternoon sun while writing down his past memories.

This is a small habit he has just developed recently, trying to keep some small and vague memories in his mind on parchment.

"Recently I read a historical biography. There is a sentence in it that says, "Reflection is a mirror. If you can see your own gains and losses from it, you are a victory." Mars put down his pen and looked at the black-haired young man sitting opposite him, "Yesterday At night, I suddenly recalled that more than ten years ago, I seemed to have contacts with members of your Cabed family. "

"A member of the Cabed family? I don't know who you are talking about?" Alex was stunned.

"It's been so long that I can't remember the name. I only remember that he was only five or six years old at the time. Although he was very young, he had already shown wisdom that was different from ordinary people."

Mars held the bone china cup, rubbing the pattern on it with his thumb back and forth, and the corners of his mouth slightly curled up, "He told me a story about a rabbit and a tortoise, which inspired me and benefited me to this day."

"It turned out that such a thing happened." Erics was a little vague, he didn't know much about his family relatives.

"Do you know who he is? He has black hair and a delicate appearance. He is probably in his 20s now." Mars asked casually, "Should be more intelligent than when he was a child."

"I'm not sure, Your Highness." Erics chose to tell the truth, "Because my other relatives haven't had any contact since my father passed away. Tingmu... No, I heard that they all moved away from most of the hometowns. Near the coast of Solor."

"That's it, it's a pity, I thought we would have a chance to see each other in the capital." Mars said with emotion, "But speaking of it, there is no shortage of smart people in your Cabed family, whether it's Viscount Norman or yours. Elder brother, Viscount Sean, of course including you..."

He deliberately paused for half a second, "Viscount Alex."

"Your Highness, I am far from enough compared to my father or my brother." Alex lowered his head and said softly, "I am definitely not a smart person."

"Why belittle yourself? Although it is an old story, you are the youngest "intermediate mage" in the history of the empire. "

Mars put down his glass and closed the notebook in front of him, "Or do you think I'm trying to flatter you and win you over?"

"No, I didn't mean that."

"I really appreciate you, Alex. Because you are very talented." Mars' expression was flat, "but I don't like people like you at all."

"I'm sorry about that." Alex's voice didn't fluctuate, and his face didn't show any surprise, as if he had expected His Royal Highness's attitude towards him.

"You don't need to apologize, those were just pleasantries before, what I really want to say is after this."

Mars stared at Alex, "To put it simply, the matter with Mrs. Mary has come to an end, and I will not blame you for it anymore. Therefore, you can continue to stay in the Falcon Society until you graduate."

"Your Highness..." Alex raised his head.

"I'm glad that you have been promoted to a veritable nobleman, Viscount Alex."

Mars interrupted Alex, because he had finished expressing what someone wanted him to say.

"Also, I wish you a happy second semester at the Magic Imperial Capital Academy." The pink rose flowers swayed in the wind, Mars waved his hands and walked away.