Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: The Fifth Prince

The residence of the Fifth Prince stood in quiet isolation, positioned far from the central palace as if distance itself had been deliberately chosen. It was neither ruined nor neglected, but there was a clear absence of attention—no servants moving in haste, no signs of importance, no atmosphere of authority.It was a place meant to exist.Nothing more.Inside one of its inner chambers, Samuel Krueger stood before a tall mirror, his gaze fixed on the reflection that now belonged to him. The boy staring back was twelve years old, his frame thin and untrained, his presence lacking any sign of discipline or refinement. His black hair rested loosely across his forehead, and his pale skin carried the stillness of someone who had never been tested.A body that had lived without purpose.And yet—His golden eyes remained unmoved.Deep. Calm. Unfamiliar.They did not belong to Samuel Krueger."…so this is the vessel that survived," he murmured softly, his voice low and controlled, as if speaking to himself was merely a formality.There was no frustration in his tone, no resentment. The weakness of this body was obvious, but to him, it was simply a condition to be understood.Not something to be feared.He raised his hand slightly, observing the subtle tremor that followed such a simple motion. The instability was real. This body had never been trained, never refined, never pushed beyond its limits.But that could change.Everything could change.A knock came from the door, steady and respectful.Unlike before, it did not open immediately."Your Highness," a calm voice followed, "may I enter?"Samuel's gaze shifted slightly.Edward."…enter."The door opened, and the knight stepped inside. His armor was worn but well-maintained, his posture straight, yet not rigid. There was a quiet steadiness about him, something grounded that separated him from the cold discipline of palace guards.More importantly—He looked at Samuel directly.Not with contempt.Not with indifference.But with concern."Prince Samuel," Edward said, his voice respectful, though softer than formal protocol required, "you are awake earlier than usual."Samuel turned to face him fully, studying him in silence for a brief moment. The difference was clear. Among all the fragmented memories he had inherited, Edward stood apart.He had stayed.Even when there was no benefit in doing so."I don't require as much rest as before," Samuel replied calmly.Edward paused slightly, clearly noticing the change, though he did not question it immediately.Instead, he stepped further into the room, his expression carrying a faint hesitation."There is something you should know," he said. "A royal summons has been issued this morning."Samuel's eyes narrowed slightly, not in confusion, but in focus."A summons?"Edward nodded."All princes and princesses are required to attend at the palace."The words settled into place, aligning with the structure Samuel had already begun to understand.Masca Kingdom.A royal family divided by design.Eight princes.Four princesses.Each raised under separate households, guided by their respective mothers, protected by assigned knights, and shaped by influence rather than unity.There was no concept of family in the traditional sense.Only hierarchy.And position.Samuel's position…Was at the bottom."My mother is not among them," Samuel said quietly, more as a statement than a question.Edward's expression softened slightly."…she passed away during your birth," he replied, his voice lower now. "Since then, you have remained here."Separate.Unclaimed.Unprotected.Samuel turned his gaze back toward the mirror, his golden eyes reflecting something far more complex than the boy standing before it.So this body had never truly belonged anywhere.No maternal backing.No political weight.No expectation of growth.Only existence."…and the others?" Samuel asked calmly.Edward understood immediately."The First Prince, Albert, is twenty-five. He holds the highest authority among the royal children," he began. "Second Prince Hashimo is twenty. Third Prince Noah is seventeen. Fourth Prince Jecent is fifteen."He paused briefly before continuing."You are the Fifth Prince… at twelve years.""The Sixth Prince, Andrew, is also twelve."Samuel listened without interruption.Edward continued."The princesses—Charlotte is twenty, Lilly seventeen, Sharon fourteen, and Precious twelve."A complete structure.Balanced.Controlled.Divided.Samuel absorbed everything in silence, his thoughts moving far beyond the surface of simple names and ages. This was not merely a family—it was a system of competition disguised as lineage.A place where only the strongest would remain relevant."…and yet," Samuel said quietly, "I have never been considered part of it."Edward did not respond immediately.Because it was true.Samuel had always been… outside of it.Not targeted.Not supported.Simply overlooked."…that does not mean you are without value," Edward said after a moment, his voice firm, carrying more weight than before.Samuel glanced at him briefly.There was no doubt in Edward's eyes.Only sincerity.For a brief moment, silence filled the room.Then Samuel turned away from the mirror."…prepare for departure," he said calmly.Edward blinked slightly."You intend to attend?""Yes."The answer came without hesitation.Edward studied him carefully, as if trying to confirm whether this was truly the same person he had been guarding all this time.Something had changed.Not visibly.But undeniably."…understood," Edward said at last, bowing his head slightly—not out of obligation, but acknowledgment.As he turned to leave, Samuel's voice stopped him."Edward."The knight paused."…you have remained here despite my… lack of standing," Samuel said, his tone neutral, yet deliberate.Edward did not turn back immediately.When he did, his expression was calm."You are my responsibility," he said simply.Not duty.Not obligation.Something more personal.Samuel held his gaze for a moment longer.Then nodded once."That will be sufficient."Edward left the room.And once again, silence returned.Samuel stood alone, his golden eyes lifting slightly as he stared beyond the walls of his residence, as if already looking toward the palace in the distance.The royal family.The divided bloodline.The system that had already discarded him.A faint stillness settled around him.Not oppressive.Not heavy.But certain."…this world truly values strength," he murmured.And for the first time since awakening—There was something almost resembling interest in his gaze."Then I will see it for myself."