Valerius Evander scanned every corner of the room, seeking an empty spot. However, the room was already packed to capacity, leaving no space. As he hesitated, unsure of what to do, a scholar with a scowling face scolded, "Latecomer, still trying to squeeze in?"
Another scholar chimed in, equally annoyed, "There's no room here, senior brother, go stand outside the door."
Elias Dawnfire stepped forward, ready to reprimand the scholars, but Valerius quickly raised a hand to stop him, signaling Elias to retreat to the door to avoid disrupting the class. This was the first time Valerius found himself in such an embarrassing situation, feeling a mix of awkwardness and confusion.
When the class ended, Valerius intended to approach Ethan Caelan to surprise him. But as he took a step, he was jostled back by another group of scholars. They surrounded Ethan, like fervent devotees around an idol, continually asking questions, their eyes filled with reverence. For a moment, Valerius felt utterly insignificant.
Stripped of his regal authority, he had nothing to command respect—no talent, no striking allure like Ethan, who, simply sitting quietly, could captivate hearts. He had stood outside the door listening the entire time, and now, even the opportunity to meet Ethan was slipping away. A sudden, inexplicable sulkiness surged within him, and Valerius turned to leave, fuming like a child deprived of a beloved toy.
Noticing Valerius's expression, Elias, understanding his king’s feelings, suggested, "Your Majesty, shall I invite Ethan over to greet you?"
Though having Ethan bow to him was exactly what Valerius wanted, he maintained a proud façade, shaking his head, his voice laced with coldness, "No need, let them be."
Meanwhile, at the front of the class, Cassian Lightwood addressed the scholars, "If you have any questions, please write them down. The Grand Scholar will answer them in the next class."
Harrison Ryder quickly gathered the documents and helped Ethan to his feet, preparing to escort him to rest. The three of them passed by the door, paying no attention to where Valerius and Elias still stood.
Valerius smirked, his voice dripping with irony, "I almost thought those two were Ethan's attendants. What an embarrassment for Helios?"
Elias chuckled, sensing the deep affection of the two devoted friends, "Being an attendant to the Fourth Prince, enjoying music and beholding a beauty daily, is indeed a worldly pleasure."
Valerius huffed lightly, half-jokingly chiding, "So, studying is secondary, and winning Ethan's favor is primary."
Elias maintained his smile, half-serious, half-teasing, "The Fourth Prince is as beautiful as a deity, who wouldn't be smitten?"
Valerius flinched slightly, seemingly recognizing a part of himself in that sentiment, his gaze stern as he glared at Elias, his voice low and intimidating, "Watch your tongue!"
Elias, quite certain that Valerius had fallen for Ethan, couldn't resist a bit of teasing, "Your Majesty, it's not just me admiring the Fourth Prince. I've heard that the ladies at The Imperial Academy are smitten with him, exchanging letters and even planning future engagements."
Valerius's eyes widened in surprise, his hand tightening around his silk fan, glaring at Elias, barely containing his anger. "The Imperial Academy is a place of dignity. How dare they engage in such frivolous love letters with the Grand Scholar? Investigate and severely punish those involved."
Elias respectfully complied, "Understood, Your Majesty. I will investigate."
Seeing Ethan's group disappear down the corridor, Elias cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, shall we go meet the Fourth Prince now?"
Valerius's gaze grew distant as he watched his two closest advisors trail after Ethan, their former grand demeanor completely forgotten. Imagining himself in the same position was intolerable, so he grumbled, "No need, let's continue exploring The Imperial Academy."
When Ethan returned to his room, he immediately went to his desk, carefully picking up his brush to continue drafting unfinished documents. Harrison quickly approached, gently taking the brush from Ethan's hand, his voice pleading, "Your Highness, you've worked hard today. Let's go out for a walk."
Ethan's eyes were serious as he looked at Harrison, "I can't, I have a lot of work to do." He then resumed drafting his documents.
But Harrison was persistent, trying to persuade him, "Your Highness, work will always be there, but youth is fleeting. If you continue like this, you'll soon be old."
Cassian, stepping forward from the corner of the room, added, "Today is also the weekend, and there are many interesting activities in the capital. I bet Your Highness has never toured Helios, let us take you today."
Harrison glanced at Cassian, his voice tinged with annoyance, "I only want to take His Highness out, not you."
Cassian, undeterred, retorted, "I'm only interested in accompanying His Highness, not you, Harrison."
Standing between the two, Ethan sighed, "But I'm a hostage of Aria. Wandering freely in the capital isn't proper."
Harrison quickly reassured him, "Your Highness, the king has decreed that you will be treated as a prince of Helios. Strolling around the capital is not a crime."
With that, Harrison leaned closer, his eyes locking onto Ethan's, his voice lowering as if speaking only to him, "Besides, we will be there to protect you. You have nothing to worry about."
Cassian seized the moment, grasping Ethan's arm, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I will help you with the drafting later."
Still hesitant, Ethan found himself gently pulled away from his desk by both Cassian and Harrison, each holding one of his arms. Resigned, Ethan shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Alright, let go of me. I'll go with you both."
Upon hearing the news, Cassian Lightwood and Harrison Ryder exchanged triumphant smiles as if they had just pulled off a grand feat together. Reed Jace and Leo Grant, noticing this, quickly grabbed some silver and hurried after them.
Not far away, Valerius Evander and Elias Dawnfire had witnessed the entire scene. Elias’s eyes widened as he watched the trio, their camaraderie unmistakable, only lacking an open embrace in the middle of the street. He turned to Valerius with a teasing smirk:
“This Ethan Caelan is like a maiden adored by two suitors at once, isn’t he?”