Chapter 3: The World Through Roy’s Eyes
South Sea Mansion.
Under the moonlight, the lake shimmered like scattered jewels.
Two dashing and exceptional young boys engaged in a game here.
One of them, dressed in lavish clothing adorned with golden decorations, exuded an aura of a king that was both aristocratic and effortlessly imposing.
The other, casually swinging a wine glass, legs crossed, arms draped lazily, had a slightly squinting gaze that belied a fierce intensity hidden beneath a laid-back demeanor.
Not many knew that their long-standing rivalry had fostered a mutual respect between these two princes, and they were quite close privately.
On the first evening of the new semester, having a long-overdue match was an unspoken agreement between them.
With their skills, they could easily discuss international affairs while keeping their game intact.
But this time, as Jason spoke, his longtime rival found himself momentarily at a loss.
“What do you think about the situation in the North?”
“That guy is behind it.”
“Cautious enough, last semester he used the excuse of insufficient credits, but really, he was just creating cover while secretly teaming up with the Duke’s daughter at the border of the Empire.”
“Should I say, as expected of him—every move he makes is a big deal.”
Even from afar, major powers always had their own channels for gathering information.
Though the details were unclear, the two had already confirmed that Roy’s involvement was crucial in the recent conflict at the Empire’s border. Whether it was to pressure the Winter Royal family, assist against the invading Demon Race, or deal with the Cultists that emerged afterwards, Roy was never far from the picture.
Jason’s expression soured, unable to hide his competitive spirit.
Douglas, on the other hand, could only feel a simple sense of wonder.
Last semester, Roy was just an exceptionally talented and somewhat tricky junior.
Now, viewed as the head of a faction and a royal family member, Roy Ainbrad had become a topic they could not ignore.
Perceptions of the same person or thing could differ based on the observer’s subjective stance.
To the freshmen, Roy was an enviable life winner, surrounded by countless beautiful girls. To the upperclassmen, he was a true genius, having swiftly entered Sequence 6 and standing shoulder to shoulder with the most gifted young ladies.
But to the two princes who had tangled with Roy before, he was far from simple.
A beauty-obsessed playboy?
Not possible, absolutely not!
Were those ordinary beauties around him?
The Lionheart Princess, the Chief Elf’s daughter, a prominent figure in the Mage Association, and even the Duke’s daughter from the Empire’s border.
Even her maid possessed considerable Holy Light power, suspected to have some unclear ties to the Holy Light Church.
One or two could be accidental, but having so many extraordinary figures around him practically screamed, “I am up to something!”
Douglas expelled a breath, his voice heavy like thunder: “I think he’s planning something big!”
“I wholeheartedly agree.”
As he downed a glass of red wine, the moonlight cast a sharp light in Jason’s eyes.
“His appetite is certainly large.”
“First, he solidified his power domestically by relying on the Oath Knights, using Princess Charlotte as a pressuring tool. Next, he connected with the typically low-key Verdant Council, and relied on the Witch to infiltrate the Mage Association from within.”
“Now, he’s even setting his sights on the mammoth that is the Winter Empire!”
Recalling Roy’s actions, Jason’s tone grew serious, abandoning any pretense of amusement.
“In my view, his next move is to gather strength, intervene in the internal conflict of the Winter Empire, bolster the border, and seize power completely!”
These notions Jason shared, Douglas could also envision.
But Douglas could only comprehend the actions without grasping the motives; he could not see through the deeper intentions behind Roy’s moves.
He could sometimes perceive an opponent’s intent, even when facing the unfathomable Witch.
But with Roy, Douglas could never understand what he was truly after.
“And what then? What good does it do him to meddle in the internal strife of the Winter Empire? No, ultimately, what is he really after by uniting so many factions?”
At this point, Douglas had already paused the game, resting his chin on his hand, deep in contemplation.
His friend, however, was free from such a dilemma.
Jason chuckled: “Isn’t it obvious?”
“Explain,” Douglas furrowed his brow, feeling anxious about lagging behind his friend.
“Beauty on one’s knee, power over the world. He’s already obtained the former; all he seeks is the latter.”
Jason set his wine glass down, his attention no longer on the chessboard but instead gazing at the shattered moon, his eyes trembling slightly.
“In my view, he aims to establish a Pan-Northern Alliance based on the Lionheart Kingdom! To achieve a hegemony that no one has ever accomplished!”
Douglas was taken aback.
He felt something was amiss but couldn’t pinpoint why.
“Douglas, let me be blunt: if we let this continue, Roy’s plans will only become reality. At that point, our two nations might just have to live under the shadow of the Pan-Northern Alliance! We can’t sit idle!”
Jason turned back, his gaze blazing: “But if you and I join forces, we might just have a chance to thwart his ambitions!”
All this time, Jason had been yearning for a worthy opponent.
A life of endless riches felt dull and monotonous; a real man should contend with a crowd of heroes and carve a name on the continent!
Leanna and Douglas were strong foes, but now, Roy was Jason’s top contender, the opponent he had always longed for!
Jason’s passionate proposal left Douglas feeling a bit exasperated.
Unlike Jason, who seemed bored and was always looking for a battle, Douglas had lived a life of intrigue and scheming since childhood, and it left him weary.
It was always better to avoid conflict than to jump headfirst into a fight for life or death.
Besides, was Roy truly someone desperate for power?
Thinking back to his encounters with Roy, Jason couldn’t picture the young man who scorned fame and fortune being obsessed with power.
“Douglas, you’re not afraid, are you?”
Douglas admitted that Jason’s viewpoint held some truth.
But he felt Roy was far more complex!
During the Trial of Blue, he had a knack for predicting events—he prepared in advance before the trial even began, noticing the Cultists’ attack before the teachers did!
Roy’s vision was far broader than his own, and his pursuits were more than easily surmised!
Until he understood the true intentions of that Black-Haired Boy, Douglas was inclined to refrain from rash actions.
With that thought, Douglas sighed softly: “No need to provoke me; it’s too early to draw conclusions on war or peace. Let’s put the alliance discussion on hold.”
Prince Douglas gazed into the distance, his thoughts somewhat drifting.
The tangled mess he couldn’t make sense of likely appeared crystal clear to Roy.
And who knew what kind of world Roy was seeing…
Meanwhile.
The Silver-Haired Girl, with her ponytail tied back and apron on, rolled up her sleeves, busy in the kitchen, leaving a deep impression on Roy.
Is this the charm of a wife?
Teacher Xue Nuo, I really like you!
At this moment, Roy began to understand why Boss Cao had such taste.