Chapter 1304
When Connor was sent to Derek, Kylie smiled and said, “It’s too early today. Prince Connor hasn’t fully woken up yet. Please keep an eye on him on the way and remind him not to get confused or behave improperly in front of His Majesty.”
After speaking, Lydia stepped forward and discreetly handed over a banknote.
However, Derek didn’t take it. Bowing slightly, he replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, there’s no need to worry. There’s no question of improper behavior. His Majesty simply wanted to see his son and sent me to fetch him.”
Derek was well–versed in reading people’s intentions, and it was clear Kylie was fishing for hints about what Salvador might ask Connor. She hoped Derek could coach the boy during the journey on how to respond properly.
In the past, Derek might have quietly accepted such a gesture. Yet, today was different.
Kylie’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered and responded, ” Then I’ll leave it in your hands, Mr. Walker. Thank you for your trouble.”
Derek bowed again. He then took Connor’s hand and departed.
In the corridor outside Goldleaf Palace, Salvador paced back and forth, his expression stormy. He had spent the entire night awake, unable to rest as the words lead the army in person wrapped around his mind like a thorny vine, relentless and suffocating.
There were too many things to consider if he were to lead the army himself.
If he were to lead the army, it would necessitate naming an heir. Unfortunately, Connor, his eldest and rightful heir by birth, was young, ill–suited for leadership, and plagued with a temperament that could only be described as spoiled and lazy. In every aspect, the boy lacked the qualities of a future king.
And yet, Connor was his firstborn and legitimate son. 1
“How long has Derek been gone?” Salvador asked abruptly, his tone sharp with impatience as he turned to the chamberlain Giovanni, who stood nearby.
“Your Majesty,” Giovanni answered respectfully, “it has been an hour.”
In truth, it had been longer, but Giovanni dared not say so. Salvador’s expression
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Chapter 1304
was already dark and foreboding.
“An hour is far too long!” Salvador snapped. “Everspring Palace isn’t far from here. Why hasn’t he arrived yet?”
Giovanni immediately replied, “I will go and check on them at once, Your Majesty.”
Before Giovanni could leave the Golden Harmony Hall, Derek appeared, panting heavily. Connor was slumped over his back, fast asleep.
Salvador’s gaze turned thunderous at the sight. His voice boomed with fury. “Put him down!”
“Your Majesty, please calm your anger!” Derek called out as he gently lowered Connor to the ground.
The boy, deeply nestled in sleep, was startled awake as his feet hit the floor. Disoriented, he lashed out instinctively, his small fists aiming punches at Derek.
“You insolent servant!” he snapped.
Derek caught Connor’s fist with ease and bent down to whisper urgently, “Your Highness, quickly greet His Majesty.”
Connor rubbed his bleary eyes and froze when he met Salvador’s icy glare. A shiver ran through him, and his rebellious expression melted into one of obedient fear. He dropped to his knees with a thud.
“Greetings, Your Majesty,” Connor said.
Salvador’s voice was cold as steel. “Why was Derek carrying you here? Are your legs not for walking? What are they for, then?”
Tears welled in Connor’s eyes, and he stammered, “Dad, I was just so tired…”
Salvador stared at the boy, and a wave of profound disappointment washed over him. How could this child ever shoulder the burden of kingship?
Suppressing his growing anger, Salvador turned and strode toward the palace.
“Come inside!” he barked.
Derek leaned down to help Connor up, whispering, “Hurry along now.”
Connor tugged at Derek’s sleeve, his small face full of apprehension. He didn’t dare enter alone and cast a pleading look at Derek.
With a heavy sigh, Derek followed him into the hall.
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Chapter 1304
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Inside, the flickering light of the lamps illuminated Salvador’s stern, unforgiving expression. Connor knelt on the floor, his head hanging low, looking like a criminal awaiting sentencing.
Salvador disliked the sight. He raised his hands and said, “Stand up and answer me properly.”
“Yes, Dad!” Connor scrambled to his feet, instinctively moving closer to Derek for reassurance. As soon as he caught Salvador’s sharp glare, he froze and stepped back, lowering his head again.
“What have you been reading lately?” Salvador asked.
Connor stuttered, “I… I’ve been reading The Thousand Verses and…and The Expanded Wisdom.”
“Recite a passage from The Thousand Verses,” Salvador commanded.
Connor’s face went blank.
R–Recite?
“Heaven and earth are dark and mysterious. The universe is vast and ancient…”
He racked his brain, trying to recall the next part. He had been reading it every day recently and could usually recite several lines, but why could he only remember one now?
He became more and more anxious, and his mind started to spin.
“Heaven and earth are dark and mysterious, the universe is vast and ancient. The sun…the sun and moon have no light, and…and the stars rise…”
Salvador’s patience snapped. He grabbed the inkpot from the desk and hurled it toward Connor.
“I’ll show you how the sun and moon have no light!”
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