Reincarnated as a Bastard Prince with a System

Chapter 01 - Theoron, the Sage of Soara

Where there is bright light, there will be pitch darkness too…

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"The King among the Kings, Ruler of Eight provinces, Bearer of the mythical seal, Overlord of the great Everhart Empire, his majesty, the emperor, Edmond Ashborn has issued an edict: get onto your knees and receive the privilege, O honorable sage."

The sound of a man screaming at the top of his lungs while standing on the stage built around a bodhi tree resonated throughout the small remote village in the province of Soara.

The villagers stood around the tree, observing the unusual appearance of the Emperor's messenger in their remote village.

-Step

As they watched the unfamiliar scene, a middle-aged man stepped out from the crowd and respectfully bowed to the messenger.

"I am honored to receive the Privilege."

The sage, clad in a pure white shirt and adorned with a gray robe, stood with an air of quiet authority. In his grasp, he held a staff, its appearance resonating with the weight of centuries past. The staff, weathered and ancient, seemed to carry the wisdom of ages within its engravings.

The King's messenger nodded in approval, and the sage gracefully knelt down.

In a deliberate and reverent motion, he unhandied the ancient staff, allowing it to float gently in the air. indicating that he was ready to receive the Royal edict.

The Messenger looked at the sage and with his ever-serious expression. Then he broke the seal on the Royal edict and started the religious chant, accounting for his truthfulness before opening the edit.

"In the residence of the divine Bhodi tree and in the witness of great Everhart Subjects, henceforth I shall relay the message of the one true ruler of the Everhart Empire, Edmund Ashborn himself," intoned the Messenger with unwavering conviction. "May the god of oath examine my words and shall incinerate this body if I were to lie."

The air seemed to hold its breath, charged with the sacred energy of the oath. The sage's gaze remained fixed on the unfolding ritual, an unspoken understanding passing between the two as they engaged in the ancient dance of tradition and responsibility. As the Messenger concluded the religious chant, he reverently opened the Royal Edict, revealing the words that bore the weight of the Everhart Empire's command.

As soon as he opened the edict, all the citizens around him kneeled, holding their right hand in front of their chest and their heads held down, showing respect for the Royal edict.

It was a law in the empire to respect the Royal edict with the same respect that the Emperor himself received. Any rebuttal or contradiction to this is considered treason against the throne, and the 'culprit' would be judged for immediate execution.

So, even if the people don't like kneeling, the fear of the cold blades hanging around the hips of royal escorts who accompanied the Emperor's messenger made them comply.

"The emperor of the Great Everhart Empire, Edmund Ashborn, otherwise I, the ruler of the eight provinces, have heard a great deal of your deeds and wisdom. Sage Theoron, you, who is a true Brahman, deserves more than just being in a remote province. In recognition of your achievement, I am now summoning you, Sage Theoron, the protector of the Soara province, to serve me in the Royal palace as one of the 7 wise sages of the Everhart Empire. Accept the honor and be present before my eyes as soon as possible."

The Messenger finished reading the edict and closed the scroll.

The citizens around him stood up, and so did Sage Theoron.

Many of them were happy as someone among them was invited to work at the royal palace while there were also some wise ones who were sad because Sage Theoron, who was protecting them till now, would have to leave.

But there was nothing that they could do.

Each and every word in the edict would be personally written by the Emperor himself. Going against the emperor is nothing but asking for Death.

Then again, the only thing that mattered here was the decision of Sage Theoron; everything else was irrelevant.

"May I know your decision, Honorable Sage Theoron?"

Dooth, who had been the Imperial messenger for about 20 years, relaying the emperor's message, looked at Sage Theron and asked politely. He made sure to be as polite as possible.

It was because of two reasons. Firstly because of Theoron’s title as a 'Sage,' which represented mages that had surpassed the 7th circle.

Sage Theoron was someone who would be considered one of the strongest men in the empire, so Dooth was bound to show respect for greater power. He clearly didn't want to incur the wrath of such a figure.

And secondly because he was the Emperor's Messenger.

The messenger carried heavy responsibilities. Each and every action of the messenger would display the actions of the Emperor himself. If he was to act disrespectfully toward the Sage, it would mean that the Emperor himself would be humiliating the Sage.

And if Sage Theoron misunderstood something because of that, he may become the enemy of the throne, which although wouldn't be a threat to the emperor, would become a hassle.

So, Dooth chose his words carefully so as not to appear disrespectful to Sage Theoron while also maintaining the dignity of the Emperor's messenger as he waited for Sage Theoron’s response.

“I am immensely grateful that the Emperor has personally dispatched a messenger to extend an invitation to the Royal Palace.”

Sage Theoron slowly raised his head with a slight smile on his face in response to Dooth.

"If it is the will of the emperor for me to be in the imperial palace, who am I to reject?"

Even though he was given a choice to accept or refuse, Sage Theoron was aware that refusing the grace of the emperor would mean trouble for himself.

Even if he has the title of  a 'Sage,' there is only so much he could do against the Emperor, so he decided that accepting the position willingly was far more favorable to him.

Besides, the position as one of the seven wise sages of the Everhart empire was very attractive.

Not because he would be able to enjoy the riches of the Royal palace, but because he would be able to meet with 'that' person in the Royal Palace.

The one who brought the Everhart empire to glory along with the previous emperor. The current prime minister of the Great Everhart Empire and the Strongest among the Seven Sages, The Sage of Wisdom.

He was someone called the most intelligent man of all Everhart, and he was also the one who helped the previous emperor rise to glory.

Sage Theoron was overjoyed that he would be able to meet such a man.

"I will follow you back to the Royal palace, but give me some time to bid farewells to my Child."

Sage Theoron demanded as he stared at the Messenger.

The Royal palace existed in the province of Aetheron, the capital of Everhart empire, which was fifteen days away from the province of Soara by horse, and there was no saying when he will be back, so he was a bit hesitant to leave his family there, but as it is the order from the emperor himself, Sage Theoron had no choice but to go. So, he at least wanted to bid farewells to his family before departing.

"There is no need for farewells,” Dooth displayed a warm smile as he continued, “The emperor has ordered your whole family to be escorted to the capital, so be at ease, Sage Theron."

The messenger noticed his worry and said so to Sage Theoron, who was a bit hesitant to leave his daughter and wife.

"Long live the Emperor; then this Old man has no objections. I shall follow you to the royal palace at any time."

Sage Theoron became ecstatic hearing his words as his only worry was now resolved.

"Then we will depart by tomorrow's sunrise; please be prepared by then."

"I shall do so."

Bowing in respect to Sage Theoron, the Emperor's Messenger, Dooth stepped down from the stage and returned to the temporary tent that was built just outside of the village by the royal escorts for their stay.

Noticing the end of things, the people started congratulating Sage Theoron.

Sage Theoron smiled at their affection and humbly replied to them all.

Everyone was in joy as one of their villagers was going to the Royal palace but unlike them, Sage Theoron looked at the Bodhi tree and murmured.

"It seems like fate wants me in the Royal palace this time; I shall follow the will of the Heavens, may the gods look over this humble man."

The gentle murmurs of Sage Theoron faded as he was seen praying to the Bodhi tree.

He was unaware at the moment, but he would soon come to realize that this day would serve as the genesis for a new chapter in the history of the Everhart Empire—one destined to endure eternally in the annals of history!

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