Confronted by the Church people, Estella didn't have many tricks up her sleeve; the Church Court greatly respected her father and feared any complaints he might make.

However, there was one person she could still manage.

So Estella lavishly entertained her second brother Achilles. In the princess's hall, beautiful maidservants surrounded Achilles, and the table was filled with fine wine and delicious food. Achilles was in a very good mood. He rarely stayed in the Royal Palace because it was too boring, like a luxurious big cage, where everything carried restrictions and shackles. Outside, he could truly enjoy himself to the fullest. Even Queen Kelly found it hard to manage him since Achilles championed the great banner of worldly experiences in the Holy Land.

The path Achilles took was also different from others.

In high spirits and drinking freely, Achilles animatedly recounted his experiences outside, the various people, the various places, and the odd incidents he encountered. Men, when drinking, tend to talk a lot. Estella listened, filled with envy. The outside world was really big, and sometimes she wondered, what is the meaning of living?

"Estella, you're really amazing now. Almost everyone is talking about you. You've really brought great honor to our Ola." Achilles did not forget to praise his sister.

Unbeknownst to anyone, the maidservants had quietly left.

Moncalleta highly revered new trends of thought and innovation, having a solid foundation of ideas, and after absorbing Luthor's new thinking, established the Celestial Principle School.

The royal family was greatly favored by the goddess, with no lack of talent, but they were not tied much to philosophy until Estella's theoretical insights suddenly emerged and conquered these stubborn and haughty lunatics. To be honest, Achilles didn't really find phrases like "productive forces determine production relations" particularly useful. Why these people were so manic, he couldn't understand. Anyway, his sister was incredible, and that was enough. What he feared most was dealing with these old folks, more frightful than any place else.

Achilles initially thought these people were primarily praising the royal family. After all, they were socially adept, so exaggeration was normal. Yet, even with the royal family slowing the pace, the enthusiasm within the Celestial Principle School remained undiminished.

"I heard that old Vladimir, who's been stuck at his current level for a long time, is finally starting to show signs of a breakthrough." Achilles said, "He really should thank you properly."

"Second brother, I've been curious, is Grandmaster Vladimir really that formidable?" Estella asked, pouring Achilles a full glass of wine herself, the wine's color was golden, definitely one of Father King's treasures.

Achilles paused, seemingly moved by something, "Very formidable, but not in that kind of way—it's another kind of formidable. Those monsters on the Heavenly Dao path are beyond my understanding; they are difficult to deal with, best left alone if possible."

"Heavenly Dao? Is this a kind of path?" Estella asked.

"Yes, a new path of the Sixth Epoch, uniquely theirs, whereby they gain strength by studying the rules of civilization, society, and celestial bodies' movements. It's impressive, but it's not the same as ours. In any case, you should have less contact with them. I always feel they're not quite normal; sometimes they even dare to question the divine." Achilles said.

"Second brother, are you following the Knightly Path?" Estella asked, curious.

Achilles was initially quite happy, but suddenly grew cautious, "Why are you asking this?"

"Can't I care about my brother, or is there something unspeakable about it?" Estella's big eyes sparkled with grievance.

"Cough, cough, I didn't mean it that way. Sigh, don't ask anymore. Mother has forbidden you from knowing these secretive things. I feel Mother is right; you are the happiest person in our Kingdom, innately fortunate, haha."

"Second brother, what is luck?" Estella asked, "Is it luck to be kept in the Royal Palace doing things I don't want? I'm not saying the present is bad; Father and Mother are kind to me, and both you and eldest brother take care of me, but I think you are the one who understands my feelings the most. I am bound to grow up, and you can't protect me forever. The more you do, the more easily I'll be deceived."

Achilles slowly put his glass on the table, the casual expression disappeared, replaced by silent eyes, "Whoever dares to deceive you, I'll make them regret appearing in this world."

Estella smiled softly, "Second brother, being alone in the Holy Land, I'm sure you've faced many difficulties and challenges, seen many secretive events. Your insight is in no way inferior to our eldest brother's; in certain domains, it even surpasses everyone. So you should know better than anyone that you can only rely on yourself for protection. A hothouse flower with no training can't withstand storms, and won't even discern right from wrong."

Achilles paused, took a deep breath, "I knew this meal wouldn't be so easy. You're so formidable now. I'll have to come less often in the future, or I'll fall into a pit easily. I admit you are correct. Principles are principles but reality is reality. Tell me, what do you want to know? What I can say, I will. What I can't, I still won't."

Estella knew Achilles only seemed rebellious; deep down, he was very obedient to Mother's words.

"I want to know what honor in the Knightly Path is, and what function it serves?" Estella asked.

Achilles looked at Estella and smiled, "Why not ask the Prayer?"

"Would you say it?" Estella asked.

Achilles shook his head, "Actually, there are no shortcuts on any path. Truly secret knowledge is a precious commodity gained only at the cost of one's life. Regarding the Prayer, I wouldn't know. Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you. Why do you want to know about the knights?"

Estella was well aware that her second brother, who seemed nonchalant, was actually very cautious on important matters, but she had already planned, "To satisfy curiosity. Maybe it could be of reference."

"Different paths are completely different, not something to be referenced. Also, who spoke to you about these roads?" Unknowingly, Achilles had become serious. He wasn't easily fooled. Had someone infiltrated the princess's circle?

Estella blinked her big eyes, "I heard someone mention it in the academic society. Is there a problem, second brother? You're so fierce..."

Looking at Estella's tear-filled eyes, Achilles suddenly found himself at a loss again, "I didn't mean it that way; I'm worried someone might mislead you. As a member of the royal family, you must be vigilant enough. Enemies will approach you in unexpected ways. Some seemingly casual things might be parts of elaborate plans!"

Estella widened her eyes at Achilles, looking incredulous.

Were those really words he could say?

Mother often said Achilles was like a sail-less boat in the sea, drifting wherever the waves took him.

Achilles felt a bit embarrassed and rubbed his nose, "Cough, cough, alright, alright. The essence of honor lies in honor itself. Pursuing honor is the core of the knight's path, and our just Moncalleta is the place where honor is most easily born."

"Second brother, that's as good as saying nothing!" Estella stomped her foot.

"No, I said it. Sometimes the truth is as simple as that." Achilles laughed. Damn, from now on, I must bring my brain when dining. This girl is getting sharp; she can set traps for me before I even know it, luckily I'm smart.

"After all, second brother is reasonable; having been to the Holy Land indeed makes a difference."

"You're trying to say I'm easy to fool, right?"

"How could I, second brother, keep eating, I have something else to do." Estella clapped her hands, and the maidservants came to serve more dishes and wine. She wouldn't accompany them further, suddenly remembering she still hadn't chosen a gift for Mr. Gemini.

Achilles, staying behind, looked at Estella, then at the empty wine jug...

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