I'm Trapped Inside a Prince as the Most Powerful Entity-Chapter 97: Aftermath

All the kings their important advisors and even the strong Imperial soldiers who were present were deeply astonished. They could hardly believe the words that had just come from the Emperor himself.

The Emperor was an almighty powerful warrior. He was a being people whispered about.

They said he was capable of splitting the earth in two with just his bare hands creating vast deep chasms with his strength.

For this Emperor to point towards a young prince from a relatively small and not very important kingdom and declare that this boy had such immense huge potential... it was something that had never happened before.

It was unprecedented.

A silent grudging respect for Eric began to form in the minds of the Imperial soldiers. They along with all the kings had also seen it with their own eyes.

They had watched how a captain of the Empire a strong warrior had been killed right there in front of the Emperor. And he had been killed by this same young prince from a small kingdom.

He was killed simply because the captain had insulted Eric and his father King Noor.

This entire sequence of events the trial the fight the Emperor’s strange decision was in a way laying the foundation for a new legend. It was the beginning of a new saga a new famous story about King Noor and his son Eric.

The narrative of their incredible encounter with the powerful Empire was already taking root in the minds of everyone who had seen it.

As everyone was still trying to understand this monumental declaration from the Emperor he spoke again. His voice cut through the lingering shock that filled the garden.

"I now declare this meeting officially concluded." His gaze hard and unyielding swept across all the assembled royalty the kings and queens.

"And I wish to say this again so everyone understands clearly. If anyone here violates my laws again if anyone breaks the rules of the Empire I will not grant forgiveness this time. It does not matter who they are. There will be no second chances like today." As he said this the Emperor’s eyes briefly flickered towards Eric again.

It was a silent pointed emphasis a clear warning meant for him too.

King Noor hearing the Emperor’s final words bowed his head deeply. It was a gesture of acceptance. It showed his submission to the Emperor’s ultimate authority. When King Noor raised his head again he saw that the Emperor was turning to leave the garden.

The remaining Imperial soldiers began to follow their ruler.

Their movements were crisp and disciplined. The other soldiers who had been guarding the kings and their groups then started to escort each royal contingent each group away from the garden area.

The emergency was over.

King Noor turned to Eric. His expression was a mixture of great relief that it was all over and a lingering profound bewilderment at how it had all happened.

"Eric," he said his voice still carrying a trace of the emotional turmoil the fear and worry he had endured "come. We must now take you to the Academy. The Emperor has given you entry."

Alina who had been standing quietly behind them watching everything now stepped forward. Her earlier fear was completely gone. It was replaced by a hopeful excitement that made her eyes bright.

"The Academy?" she exclaimed her voice full of surprise and joy. "The United Academy? It’s so famous! It has always been my dream to go there! I have read so many stories about it!"

A gentle smile touched King Noor’s lips.

"Yes Alina," he said his gaze softening as he looked at the young girl who had been through so much with them.

"The United Academy is indeed located within the Empire. It is a very important place. And it is funded supported by the Empire itself. That is why anyone who graduates from this academy especially if they get good marks can get a high position in any kingdom."

"It doesn’t matter if they are from a royal family or a noble family from their own kingdom or even if they are from the general populace the common folk. Someone from the common folk who studies hard and graduates from here can achieve a very high rank a very important job in any kingdom they choose to serve."

Alina’s eyes widened in astonishment. A dawning almost disbelieving hope started to fill them. Could it be possible for someone like her?

King Noor seeing the hopeful look in her eyes smiled again a kind and reassuring smile. "Don’t worry Alina," he said kindly.

"You can try to take the entrance examination for the Academy this time. I will pay your entrance fees. It is my way of thanking you for your help and your courage. However the responsibility of actually getting admitted of passing the exam rests entirely on your own shoulders. You will have to study hard."

Alina was so surprised by King Noor’s generous offer that she could barely speak for a moment. "My Lord," she stammered her voice full of emotion "will you... will you really pay my entrance fees? You would do that for me?"

The King smiled and nodded reassuringly confirming his promise. He felt it was the least he could do.

The three of them King Noor Eric and Alina began to walk. They were now escorted respectfully by some Imperial soldiers.

These soldiers were guiding them towards a special exit from the palace gardens. It was a privilege a special treatment they had not been given when they first arrived as accused prisoners. Things had certainly changed.

Eric still feeling somewhat disoriented and confused by the rapid and dramatic turn of events tried to clear his muddled thoughts. He was still trying to understand everything that had happened with Adam and the Emperor.

He turned to Alina with a newfound if still slightly shaky confidence. He wanted to help her too.

"Don’t worry Alina," he said offering her a supportive smile.

"I can help you with the theoretical subjects for the exam. I am good at those. We still have about a week before the exams start and we’ll be staying here in the Imperial capital for that week won’t we Father?" He looked towards his father expecting him to agree.

As King Noor heard Eric’s casual assumption about them staying for a week the small smile that had just begun to grace his features vanished instantly. His expression became very serious. His eyes clouded over with a familiar worry the same worry he had carried before they came to the Empire.

Eric immediately sensed the shift in his father’s demeanor in his mood. He realized that perhaps they wouldn’t be staying for a week after all.

Or perhaps there was some other important matter some pre-existing plan that his father had already decided upon and he hadn’t told Eric yet.

Seeing the look of gravity the seriousness on his father’s face Eric asked "What is it Father? Is something wrong?"

King Noor looked at his son his expression somber and worried. "I must return to our kingdom Estoria as soon as possible Eric," he stated his voice firm and decided.

"The situation in our kingdom is... not good. There are many problems waiting for me. I cannot afford to stay here in the Empire for that long not even for a week." The brief respite from their troubles the short moment of relief was already over.

The heavy weight of his responsibilities as king the precarious uncertain state of his kingdom had once again descended upon him. His duty called him home.