The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

Upon hearing that humble response, Eric, as if to ease the slight awkwardness of their first meeting, turned his gaze to the closed hardcover book on the round table.

"I hope I haven't made you feel too constrained, Mr. Thias." His voice was gentle. "Sometimes in this palace, I'd rather have a friend I can chat with than read alone."

Morian's gaze followed the book to the cover. The title was unfamiliar, but the author's name and the unique cover style were surprisingly familiar.

Alan Zack? The travel writer known for his short stories?

"If I'm not mistaken, the book next to you is by travel writer Alan Zach?" Morian asked, slightly surprised, before initiating a conversation about other light topics.

As if he had found a kindred spirit by chance, Eric's bright blue eyes lit up, and he became interested as well.

"That's surprising, sir. You've read Zack's books too? But his books aren't exactly popular in the Kingdom or mainstream literary circles."

Morian smiled sincerely, without any formalities.

"I have read his 'Southern Travels' and 'Poet and Dreams'. His observations of the ordinary world in his writing impressed me deeply, and I usually savor them slowly while drinking coffee in the afternoon."

It was also one of the important channels through which I understood the customs and culture of this unfamiliar world at the beginning of my transmigration... He silently added in his heart.

"Yes, I really like the way he tells stories. He always uses ordinary events as a framework to outline the brilliance of humanity that is easily overlooked," Eric said with a smile, nodding in agreement.

"I don't know if you've read Emily's Love? As one of his later works, its style differs from his previous travelogues."

"I'm sorry," Morian shook his head frankly, then asked, "I only just learned about this work. What kind of story is it?"

This was both to continue this lighthearted topic and out of genuine curiosity.

Discussing the work of a commoner travel writer with a prince is a truly unique experience.

It seems that reading widely and broadening one's horizons is always beneficial.

Eric gently opened the book on his lap, his gaze falling on the pages, a gentle smile unconsciously appearing on his face.

"It's a story about a knight and a princess. The theme may sound a bit old-fashioned, but the core is different from common fairy tales."

"The heroine in the book is a princess from a small, long-extinct country. After falling into misfortune, she meets and falls in love with a young knight. The book doesn't focus on describing how sincere their love is, but rather on the silent companionship they share during their long period of hardship," he said calmly.

"That knight was not merely a protector, but the only one who truly understood the princess's choice and vowed to accompany her to that known tragic end."

Eric paused, a hint of regret in his voice.

"The story is very well written; the whole book is filled with descriptions of friendship, difficult choices, and fighting against fate."

"In the final chapter, the princess is forcibly taken away by a powerful enemy force, and after a painful struggle, the knight decides to rescue her alone at all costs..."

"And then?" Morian was drawn in by the narrative and naturally asked out of curiosity.

"And then, the story ends here." Eric sighed softly.

Morian was slightly surprised: "So, this work has an open ending?"

"No, it's not open-ended. Mr. Alan Zack passed away unexpectedly shortly after completing this chapter, and the work was discontinued thereafter." Eric closed the book, his eyes becoming somewhat somber.

"No one knows whether the knight who took a desperate gamble ultimately succeeded in rescuing his princess, or whether it ended in tragedy, with all the struggles against fate and vows becoming regrets."

"In fact, not only me, but Diana's favorite work was also this book, Emily's Love. We used to often get together and discuss some of the plot and character choices."

The room was quiet for a moment, with only the faint sound of a breeze rustling through the curtains echoing in the room.

"It's a pity about the story," Morian murmured, genuinely feeling regret for the work.

At the same time, he also vaguely sensed that the fourth prince in front of him seemed to have invested some more complex feelings in this story.

A moment later, Eric gently placed the book back on the round table beside him. When he looked up again, the gleam on his face from talking about the book had faded considerably.

"Thank you for your willingness to talk to me about these things, Mr. Thias." His voice regained its composure. "But besides wanting to express my gratitude in person, there is another, more important matter I'd like to ask for your help with."

He paused briefly, his gaze fixed intently on Morian across from him.

"I hope you can help Diana Laurent leave Bet City and the Kingdom of Hiran safely and discreetly."

The change of topic brought Morian back to his senses quickly. He could clearly feel the seriousness in the other person's tone when they said those words.

In a brief moment of shock, he quickly processed the meaning behind the request in his mind.

Help that knight lady leave Bet City, or even the kingdom?

Judging from Eric's attentive attitude towards her, this is likely out of some kind of protection, but what is the reason?

Helping a royal knight... or even the prince's personal guardian knight, secretly defect for no reason—the risks and consequences involved are far too great... Morian couldn't help but let a series of conjectures pop into his head.

Ultimately, he decided to carefully choose his words and ask the crucial question:

"Your Highness Eric, I don't quite understand why you didn't personally arrange Ms. Laurent's evacuation? Or rather... why didn't you consider having her leave with you?"

At this point, his tone suddenly became somewhat subtle.

This is a reasonable question that is neither offensive nor does it fail to reveal the other party's true situation and resolve.

Upon hearing this question, the prince's lips twitched slightly, revealing a bitter smile. Without deliberately avoiding the question, he slowly gave his answer:

"Mr. Tias, I cannot leave... As a prince, I still have a mission to fulfill."

"But as far as I know, there are three older princes ahead of you. Even if the succession is in order of seniority, it would be difficult for the burden of the throne to fall on your shoulders," Morian said earnestly, expressing his doubts.

"That's not how it is." Eric shook his head, his expression revealing exhaustion. "You may not understand enough about the true weight that the royal family and the 'Glory Class' truly bear."