[‘Gregory, my boy… Though many say I am a good ruler, I know I am not. I was very greedy when I started, hoarding my riches while letting others suffer.

On the surface, I looked kind, but behind closed doors, I was indeed vicious. But maybe because I’ve touched me, I began to change ever since you came into my life.

From only seeing you as a blood relative to loving you… This old man has changed since then.

And now, waiting for death’s call, I realized how wrong I was. Gregory… You must never become like my past self.

Protect our people and lead them to a better tomorrow.]

Gregory’s eyes were red. 

His father died strangely, suddenly growing weaker and weaker by the day, until he finally passed away.

The 17-year-old Gregory felt he wasn’t ready for the throne. 

But recalling his father’s words, he decided to take a bold leap into his future. 

One of his cabinet ministers with a long white and black beard calmly stepped forward and patted his shoulders. 

”Sigh… Your highness Gregory, let us do our best not to dwell too deeply into the past. Your father will not be happy seeing you this sad.”.

Gregory lifted his red eyes, flashing a warm smile to everyone.

”Right, uncles… Yes! It’s a happy occasion, so let’s be happy! I finally caught the boar!”

”Hmm… You did it. Congratulations, your highness.”

”Congratulations, your highness. As expected of my student.”

”Pui!~~… Why are you so shameless as to take credit now? That’s obviously my water step he was using.”

”What a joke! What is the water-step when compared to my fire arrow skill?”

(*π*)

….

Gregory looked at the group and chucked merrily. 

Well, he wasn’t alone, even without his father being by his side. 

~Gallop. Gallop.~

Barly!

In the distance, he could see one of his guards rapidly advancing with his beloved Barly. 

The horse was so happy, seeing its owner. 

The long-bearded minister hopped on his own horse, looking at Gregory with undisguised satisfaction.

”Your highness, since your trial was a success, it’s best we head back into the City. The boar will be transported by others very shortly.”

At night, the nightly beasts would begin to move. 

In particular, he was talking about the Night Mantis that only moved at night around these parts. 

Of course, meeting one or 2 was nothing. 

But meeting a whole gathering of wandering mantis would be very disastrous!

Looking at the setting sun, they knew they had limited time to head towards the forest’s perimeters. 

~Gallop. Gallop. Gallop.~

They were off, riding hastily amidst the hilly terrain. 

Up, down, up, down. 

They were first in a forest region, then soon arrived in a rocky one, followed by a mushy one, a sandy desert, another forest one, and so on. 

Each terrain housed unique creatures.

But believe it or not, all this was still considered the innermost forest terrain. 

.

Up, down, up, down… they moved vigilantly.

”Your highness, your coronation is in late July. For the time being, you must perfect and perform the various rituals in accordance with our culture. Fret not. We will be here to prepare and guide you step by step.”

Gregory nodded. “Thank you, uncles. I, your proud pupil, am ready to learn!”

”Hahahahahaha~” Another man laughed. “Great! Great! We shall begin the rituals 2 days from now!”

”Yes! The earlier we begin, the better for his highest Gregory!”

Gregory listened to his uncles, subconsciously agreeing with them.

But soon, he frowned. 

”Uncles… Do you think my letter to Uncle Cletus will get to him?”

This…

The men all looked at one another tactfully.

Cletus Ghoul!

That man had always been a thorn in their flesh!

What? Do you think they didn’t know how he tried to assassinate his highness on multiple occasions? If not for his highness’s strange blessings, wouldn’t he have died a long time ago?

They sneered, thinking of their counterattack with the bastard.

It should be noted that when the late Monarch passed, they secretly controlled the news.

At present, it was only announced a month ago that the monarch was dead. 

However, he had long died 2 months ago with only them knowing. 

Even the monarch himself wanted it to be so.

And to preserve his body, they gathered the snowy remains of winter, freezing his body down to the more. 

And even after the announcement was made, they still applied paint and did several other tasks to make his appearance look fresh for the opposition to see.

.

The men all looked at themselves thoughtfully. 

Even if the news went out as fast as it could, it should be arriving at Cletus’ side a few weeks from now in mid-June or late June. 

In that case, how would it be possible for him to make it back to the Capital on time? 

Impossible! 

Even if he grew wings, such a thing would never happen!

From their many spies scattered around, they knew exactly where Cletus was. 

So calculating and estimating things, it would be magical for Cletus to appear here during the coronation. 

F***! 

They didn’t want him here at all! 

And even the late Monarch had agreed to this. 

That guy’s ambition was too great. 

But luckily, they were smarter, making a swift move before Cletus could react.

And now, even if he came to the Capital later on… Wouldn’t the boy already be crowned?

Of course, they would also stay vigilant, especially against the opposition here.

No…

It can be said that if they handled the opposition, then even if Cletus came back and tried to rally support, he would be met with a dead-end!

.

The long-bearded man dawned a calm face.

”Your highness, let us forget about your uncle now and focus on your corporation… For now, it’s best we keep him out of the picture, completely!”

What harm could a barking dog far away do without the opposition’s support?

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