Amber Sword

The wheels of the carriage rolled over the gaps between the stone slabs, creating a continuous clattering sound, causing the carriage interior to sway slightly but then fall silent momentarily.

Princess Griffine seemed to understand Brand’s question. A hint of confusion appeared in her silver-grey eyes, "Magic? Mr. Brand, Haruz has yet to begin practicing magic. I plan to wait until he matures a bit before considering it. Besides, as a member of the royal family...I actually don’t intend for him to get too close to the wizards."

This is a tradition in the Vorn World. Nobles often have their children practice magic, but it’s rare in the royal family. Magic involves mysterious and unknown powers, and as heirs to the throne, they should avoid unpredictable dangers. Even in those large noble families, the eldest sons rarely come from wizard backgrounds, and Princess Griffine herself, Liwu is just her teacher in mysticism, wizard etiquette, and history.

"Is that so..." Brand stared at Haruz’s thumb and forefinger, the area between them smooth and almost transparent, indicating at least one magic activation reaction; but it didn’t form a stable law like when he first put on the Wind Queen’s Ring. In Brand’s memory, only one spell causes such a change, and that is black magic.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Brand?" Princess Griffine frowned, glancing at her brother. Haruz fearfully lowered his head, placing his hands between his knees.

But Brand spoke rather calmly, "No, I just feel His Highness’s hands are more like those of a wizard rather than a swordsman. Generally, noble children his age have already started practicing swordsmanship, right?" As he spoke, he saw Haruz look up in surprise. Brand took advantage of Princess Griffine’s inattention, winking at the little prince—startling the latter to quickly lower his head, afraid of being noticed by his older sister.

The princess didn’t notice this exchange; she felt a bit embarrassed. Haruz indeed started practicing swordsmanship early, but how could she admit her brother is a useless fellow, lacking even the courage to hold a sword?

"Haruz...because after leaving the royal capital, I’ve hardly had time to look after him..." she sighed, taking responsibility upon herself.

"Sister..." Haruz said weakly.

"Shut up," Princess Griffine suddenly said sternly, "You also bear some responsibility here. You should reflect on it properly." Brand watched this sibling interaction with some amusement, thinking perhaps the little prince’s timidity is partly due to the elder princess’s overbearing nature.

Haruz, after being scolded by his sister, obediently lowered his head again, like a trembling, curled-up little animal.

But Brand knowingly asked, "Also, isn’t Sir Overwell and Lord Macaro reputed as the kingdom’s renowned swordsmen?"

He suddenly noticed Roman feeding a white cat with a biscuit, the white cat perched on her lap. He hadn’t even noticed when this little creature appeared. He saw her lift her head, narrowing her golden eyes, scrutinizing him. At the side, Antitina noticed her lord’s gaze, turned her head curiously, and reached out to stroke the cat’s head.

Brand watched the feline comfortably narrow its eyes before turning back. The princess also noticed this but didn’t perceive Brand’s inquiry purpose and answered, "They have all taught Haruz, but Haruz’s talent in swordsmanship..." The half-elf girl showed a disappointed expression, slightly helpless.

From a more ancient era, nobles had to lead their subjects into battle, defending against monster invasions. The noble’s prowess determined the ability to protect those who depended on them. Although with the extension of civilization’s boundaries, peace spans began to lengthen, and now the symbolic role of noble swordsmanship far outweighs its practical significance, but if an heir to the throne is essentially a wastrel, it will more or less affect his prestige among subjects.