Valerian, The Legendary

238 Agitation.

Valerian spent the few upcoming days training on his own and talking to Morgana every night before she went to bed. The girl was really stacked with work after taking the throne yet talking to Valerian helped her a lot. The young man only supported her and never interfered in her work.

Life took a mundane turn, every day he would either read or spar with Fortuna. His speed was fast enough to leave Quies in the dust. Vertex had returned from the front after Centaur changed rulers. He would occasionally spar with Valerian but always lose to the boy.

The fourth prince would also spend tie visiting the city and see if everything was going fine. His appearance kept people at peace and the wrong-doers awake. They never knew when this guy might show up and rectify them. The popularity of the fourth prince was on a rise. The palace staff was also very happy around him.

The fourth prince would always lend them a hand in work if he was not occupied. Although he would name it training his mana control it still won hearts.

...

Fragrantia was sitting beside Libra in the court when Prime Minister Alms stood up and said, “Your Excellency, the final matter to address today is the coming Triumph Meeting. We still have not decided on the champion.”

Libra nodded and said, “Personally I would like Ignis to go, but Empress Ashlyn has sent a letter asking him to act as the champion of Spaientia. Now we can send Vertex, but I wonder if he can face the Valkyrian Emperor.”

Fragrantia said, “Vertex has gotten stronger, but he is still far from matching the Valkyrian Champion.”

Her voice was calm and steady, she was sitting on the chair of the Empress, and she could not overlook facts because of her love for the child. The prime minister nodded and said, “Then, what do you suggest, Your Excellency?”

.....

Fragrantia nodded and said, “The fourth prince. He is strong enough to deal with things that may seem difficult.”

The court was surprised, and a minister suddenly said, “Your Excellency, the representative of the Triumph competition will automatically become the candidate for the throne.”

The people nodded, and Libra said, “Lumen does not favor family or origin over talent. If Valerian proves to be the right candidate, then the throne will go to him on its own. Such thoughts are useless.”

His firm speech made the court fall silent but Fragrantia said, “It is fine for you all to think like this, however, the Fourth prince had recused all his rights to the throne in writing. He only wishes to fight for the title of the strongest, and that is all. Even if he wins, he will not claim the throne, and his position as the Fourth Prince will affirm the people of our strength.”

The courtiers nodded and they all calmed down. It was not that they did not accept the fourth prince, but the people always had some reservations about his origins. It was wise for them to do so. Fragrantia stepped in to mention that the boy has recused his rights because she was aware of his goals and his dreams.

After the issue was dealt with, the Empress said, “Three days late, it is the night of the full moon, the birthday of the fourth prince. Decorate the city, and distribute good luck money to the citizens. Ask them to bless the child. He has never asked us for anything and even risked his life for the sake of the nation.

This birthday celebration is something we ought to do for him. His childhood was harsh, I wish that when he steps into his youth, he has something to remember in his early life.”

Prime Minister Alms stood up and with a faint smile, he said, “I agree with Your Excellency. This much we should do.”

The court voted in support of this celebration and the official day came to an end with a final directive from the Empress to keep everything a surprise. They all knew what the young man had done and won battles for them at the risk of his life. They did not know that Centaur was taken down because of him, or they would have crowned him the Emperor without any stigmas.

...

Fragrantia was taking off her jewelry when Libra asked her from the side, “The past few days, I have been noticing some changes in you, Fragrantia. What is it about that child that makes you love him so much? Do not use the same old he helped you and is from a poor background. I also know that it is not simple if he can make a Driad pay a special visit to him. Can you tell me about him?”

Fragrantia sighed and said, “Well you are correct, he is not some simple child. I love him not because of his poor childhood, but for something that runs deeper in our bodies. He is the son of my sister, Flos. Do you remember her?”

Libra was stunned as he stood in his place, he asked in a low voice, “He is the son of Flos?”

Fragrantia nodded with a solemn face and said, “His full name is even more shocking, Valerian Divinus Magnus.”

Libra felt his knees go weak. He sat down on the chair behind him with a heavy thump and asked, “How much do you know?”

Fragrantia sighed and said, “Not until you can digest this information first. The next few things will make you go crazy if it continues like this.”

Libra regained his composure and said, “I want to fight this kid.”

“Huh?”, this time Fragrantia was taken by surprise.

She asked, “What do you mean?”

Libra took a deep breath and stood up from his chair as he said, “This child does not respect me because of my strength, but because I am your husband. I want to show him, why can I, Libra Verus sit on that throne. Just the fact that he is Divinus’s son makes my blood boil with battle lust. That goofy mage. I will spar with this child tomorrow and you do not get to convince me otherwise.”

Fragrantia was shocked at first and then she laughed as she said, “Very well, go and fight him, but don’t come crying later. Also, make sure that you are not seen by anyone, Your Excellency Libra Verus.”