Reborn as the Foolish Prince

The night before Lucien's departure, he had already packed all his essentials. Their journey was scheduled for early morning, leaving no time for last-minute preparations.

Lucien carefully placed his weapons into his Magical Storage, including his Enchanted Sword, High and Mid-Grade Potions he'd requested from Seraphina, and various magical items for augmentation.

Seraphina, however, was confused by his sudden request for potions, unaware that he was heading to the territory of Blackmere. The reason for this secrecy was simple: Seraphina was a worrywart. Both Lucien and Darius knew this, which is why Darius had taken the initiative to keep it from her when they met a week prior.

Lucien, too, had kept it a secret from her, explaining only that he had kingdom matters to attend to that required the use of potions.

Soon, the day of his departure arrived. By now, he was fully prepared, from head to toe. He wore the noble, elegant outfit he'd donned on his first day in this world. He'd already had breakfast, and all his belongings were safely tucked away in his Magical Storage. All that remained was to go downstairs and head to the royal carriage sent from the Royal Palace.

The moment he descended, maids and butlers greeted him, lined up in formation to bid their Lord farewell.

'I guess this is where the real journey begins.'

Gareth waited outside, beside the elegant carriage emblazoned with the royal emblem. He wasn't joining them on such a dangerous journey; he was simply there to open the door.

Lucien walked directly to Gareth, who opened the carriage door for him. Inside sat Darius himself. As the Royal Guard Captain, he would lead them and ensure that Lucien, the Crown Prince, was well-guarded. Thus, Lucien needed to stay close to him.

Darius greeted Lucien with a bright smile as he stepped inside. "It's been quite a while, Your Highness!" He paused, then added, "I hope things have been well for you. Also, I received all the information you sent me a week ago. They were very helpful, but how did you get your hands on such valuable information?" Darius asked, clearly confused.

"Already bombarding me with questions, just as I've stepped inside the carriage?" Lucien scoffed.

"I'm just curious. Not to sound offensive, but something like that was simply beyond your capabilities months ago. So I'm genuinely curious how you managed to obtain such valuable information," Darius pressed, making Lucien chuckle.

"Have you forgotten who I am? I am the Crown Prince; I have many connections."

As Lucien spoke, Darius's eyes and mouth widened. "That's something you also wouldn't say months ago. Your Highness, are you finally becoming your average aristocrat?" Aristocrats were commonly arrogant, often boasting daily about their achievements and possessions.

Lucien shrugged him off. "Anyways, how many soldiers did you manage to bring with us?"

Darius's expression turned serious. "Well, I only brought 30 soldiers. All of them are Arcanists, just as you told me to." He paused, then added, "You know, you kind of have the same mindset as your father."

Lucien turned to him, curious. "In what way?"

Darius smiled. "You share your father's mindset, where you prioritize quality over quantity. The king had also ordered 30 Arcanist soldiers as backups for the Barony of Blackmere back then."

Lucien turned to the windows, watching as they exited the estate's gate. Outside, 30 warriors awaited them, riding horses and carriages, with a flag symbolizing royalty. He could see their preparedness, suggesting they were well aware of the danger this task entailed.

By now, the issue in the Barony of Blackmere had already reached the capital city of Eldoria. Everyone in town was talking about it, expressing their worry, knowing they couldn't extend help as normal civilians trying to live peacefully and quietly.

The kingdom was facing back-to-back issues, making its people anxious, especially since the queen was also ill and couldn't support the king. Consequently, the king bore all the kingdom's burdens, along with Lucien and Seraphina, of course. He also had an assistant to help organize his schedules and tasks, as well as reporting everything currently happening in the kingdom.

Lucien also had two older sisters who assisted the king in their own ways. His oldest sister, Elira Valeron, was currently trying to build alliances with other kingdoms to strengthen the kingdom's military capabilities. Meanwhile, Celise Valeron was working at the Royal Academy, studying magic history and lost relics, providing the royal family with her knowledge as an Adept Rank Arcanist.

Speaking of his two older sisters, they had sent him a letter, inquiring about his current circumstances. They weren't fully informed of his situation, but they knew he had been isolating himself and was not in the right mental state. They were shocked to learn he had suddenly reappeared one day, acting differently than his usual self.

Lucien had, of course, responded to their letters, though his replies were brief, as he wasn't really sure what to say.

Lucien and his army then marched off along the private pathway, created for this very reason. Lucien was quite confident in his army. Despite their limited numbers, he could have asked for more; however, given the kingdom's current situation, he knew he simply couldn't demand too much.

The kingdom's state had been declining ever since the queen fell ill. They had brought in one of the most skillful doctors in the kingdom, but he stated that her illness wasn't natural; it stemmed from mana. Her condition worsened day by day, as she struggled to stay alive.

Knowing that her illness wasn't natural but a curse, they even brought in someone from the church, and a healer as well. They tried everything they could, but in the end, her illness was never cured. It was then declared incurable.

Lucien's eyes became intense as he recalled the time the original Lucien had talked to his mother. He could clearly see how frail and weak she was, yet she remained strong for her children and family, as well as her responsibilities.