Hearing his father speak this way, Faust understood immediately and nodded:
"Just like you."
When the Kingdom of Qingxi was able to become independent back then, did it rely on some incredibly meticulous planning?
There was no other reason; it was simply a group of companions from Qingxi forming a hot-blooded band, rising up during the Empire's internal strife and carving their way out with blades and spears.
Pure violence. Absolute martial force.
Power was the reason for being King.
Once the glorious battle achievements of the past were mentioned, a flush appeared on the old King's pale face, and he smiled:
"I am ashamed; I should be considered a Heroic King of the lowest tier. However, to liberate the people of Qingxi and build a tiny independent kingdom was ultimately enough. My capacity was limited to this."
Alright, stop smiling. We know you're proud, but you don't have to say it every single time.
The reason the old King was so indifferent to governing was likely because he fundamentally believed these things were useless.
Mere petty tricks, inferior to the Path of the Hero!
Indeed, nothing was more suitable for a King than having great power reside within oneself.
Faust understood this logic well. One wouldn't need to rack their brains on how to balance subordinates, wouldn't need to carefully alleviate contradictions, and wouldn't need to engage in diplomatic tug-of-wars or play the hypocrite with hostile forces.
Those who follow me prosper; those who oppose me perish! Let the invincible sword do all the talking.
In this world, there truly existed powerhouses capable of taking on an entire nation single-handedly, leaving a profound mark on legends and epics.
Faust had once yearned for such ease, but his talent in the occult was truly... mediocre.
To use Yu Xuemu's sharp critique:
"Aside from being exceptionally handsome, you have no outstanding talent."
In the field of the occult, an excellent appearance is indeed part of one's abilities, but beyond that, Faust had been disparaged as worthless by his Royal Sister, the high-level Caster.
Precisely because he understood this, Faust worked twice as hard in other areas. The Path of [Monarch of Dominion] didn't rely on innate talent; as long as one could be a qualified and competent monarch and establish enough merit, their status would rise accordingly.
A peerless powerhouse was out of the question, but by working hard, he could expect to squeeze into the first-class ranks.
Moreover, this fairy tale world was an era of "Great Rites." Even though nations fought each other until their brains spilled out, they followed strict rules in certain aspects.
An occult noble with recognized status did not have to worry about being assassinated or decapitated by a powerhouse. Currently, the Kingdom of Qingxi had only two "occult noble" lineages in the true sense: the Royal Family and the Roselin family.
Almost no one dared to violate the rules authenticated by the Fairies.
"To become... a Heroic King?"
The Prince of Qingxi's eyes lit up. A path he had previously given up hope on suddenly opened up.
In truth, Faust didn't enjoy playing strategy simulation games that much. While he was indeed a Paradox player, reality lacked a "God's view." Once he actually started governing, he found difficulties everywhere.
The entire territory of the Kingdom of Qingxi was only the size of a former border province of the Empire, yet it already strained him. It was hard to imagine how much effort further expansion would take.
If he could take the route of the "Heroic King," he wouldn't have to worry about being unable to manage it.
Faust simply wanted to be a Tyrant; he didn't care which path he took to get there!
"The Fairy chose to contract with you likely because It intends to nurture a Heroic King. For a mortal they favor, Fairies always try to provide as many trials as possible."
The old King took this for granted. He picked up a quill, signed a decree with his seal, and handed it to his adopted son:
"Whenever you wish to go out and train, just go. The position of Regent is always reserved for you. The future of Qingxi is ultimately in your hands. However, as for Yu Xuemu... you'll have to convince her yourself."
Mentioning his daughter, the old King grumbled: "That girl hasn't listened to me for a long time. Her sense of belonging to Qingxi is also... sigh. Ever since I brought you back, she's been full of joy, only caring about doting on her younger brother."
Doting? Father, what are you talking about? Why can't I see it?
Faust almost laughed out loud. With the way his Royal Sister looked at him—always finding him disagreeable—even if she paid him attention, it was likely just to find faults.
It's a shame, Father is really senile.It was simply that Yu Xuemu truly had no interest in power; otherwise, he wouldn't even know if a war of succession was happening under his nose.
The Prince shook his head and took his father's decree, finding it to be an appointment delegating the King's full authority to the Regent. Even the diplomatic powers he was supposed to receive after the coronation ceremony were granted to him.
"The kingdom is in your hands. From now on, I will no longer interfere in whatever you do. Ahem... I have done everything I ought to do. In the future, under the protection and guidance of the Fairy, whatever end the Kingdom of Qingxi reaches will surely be destiny."
The aged warrior-king looked as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He let out a long sigh, then waved his hand and adjusted his posture to lie down on the daybed.
Seeing his father resting, Faust performed a salute and slowly exited the bedchamber.
For some reason, why does everyone have no interest in the throne? Passing it around like a hot potato... this feeling of being the only one out of place... could there be a 'heavy is the head that wears the crown' curse?
[Is there a possibility that they all care more about the kingdom's future, and you're simply the only one blinded by a lust for power?]
Actually, yeah.
[However, if it weren't for that, you wouldn't be bold enough to defy destiny. I like it when a Human child is loyal to his desires and searches bitterly; you are a standout among them, Faust.]
"Stop with that for now. Is there a catch to this 'Path of the Heroic King' Father mentioned?"
Faust was mostly used to Mephisto's conversational style. The other party didn't act like a sublime Fairy at all; jokes, teases, and sarcasm came naturally. Where was the sacred image of the Fairies from the legends?
What little reverence he had left had been practically eroded away.
[Are you interested? Well, a Human child is indeed far too fragile. Without enough power in hand, one can do nothing. My plan to help you become a 'Tyrant' involved taking this path anyway.]
Faust took a deep breath: "So, when do I go participate in the trials?"
the Path of the [Hero] was not something that could be achieved behind closed doors. One had to follow the process, experiencing adventure and training across the vast, boundless land.
Most royal bloodlines from various principalities and kingdoms would go out on travels and trials. Princes were as common as stray dogs on the street.
I didn't expect I'd have to become a wandering prince too. Whatever, it's a necessary part of a fairy tale.
[No need for that—at least not now. If you need a blessing, I can give you the opportunity to grow stronger right now.]