The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

Charlotte listened quietly, and as she listened, she couldn't help but purse her lips, her heart filled with a mixture of emotions, including sympathy and helplessness.

"...So that's how it is. This is the cruel truth behind how the royal family consolidates its power..." She lowered her head, staring at the oval coffee cup she held in her hands, and murmured to herself.

"Unexpectedly, under these circumstances, His Highness Eric still chose to take on everything himself."

"It's a pity," Morian sighed. "His Highness must have had no choice but to secretly arrange for Lady Laurent's evacuation."

During the conversation, he reached into the silver jar next to him, took out a small sugar cube, and added it to the strong coffee.

"The royal family's version of events is correct, but I still feel that things aren't as simple as they seem," Morian said after thinking for a moment.

Charlotte, who had been deep in thought with her brow furrowed, was surprised to hear this and asked in return:

Which aspect are you referring to?

"There are various aspects, but due to a lack of evidence, these are just my personal speculations and suspicions," Morian continued.

"We have no way of knowing the true reason for the weakening of the 'King's' etheric power, but that so-called 'traditional ritual,' combined with the etheric energy in the prince's body, can be transferred to the next successor after the offering..."

"It's all too coincidental; it's like a meticulously crafted story."

Morian reminisced about his experiences at the White Rose Palace, pondering the connections between them as he spoke.

Why would the "King" Ether need the "Princess" Ether's power to repair things? What is the significance and principle behind this? Is it to make the transfer of power within the royal family more rational?

Charlotte pondered for a moment, then frowned slightly and said:

"You mean the account of the 'dedication ceremony' may have been altered and is not the most accurate version?"

“No, I even suspect the ritual itself is fake.” Morian shook his head slightly, adding, “But such speculation lacks key evidence and is not reasonable enough.”

Once you really think about it in this direction, you can't avoid a few key issues.

If such claims contain falsehoods, why does no one question the authenticity of the "rituals" and "traditions"? Is it simply because they might be products left behind by successive royal families?

Not only were the princes and other members of the royal family unaware, but even the king was completely oblivious, as if everyone believed it to be true.

Everyone acted as if it were a serious matter, so no one questioned its authenticity.

Because it looks far too "real".

You can question the ceremony itself, but it's difficult to question the authority of the royal family. Surely the entire royal family can't be blind?

Surprisingly, Charlotte didn't find this conjecture far-fetched; instead, she nodded seriously.

"It's a very bold assumption, and your suspicions are not entirely unfounded."

"Sir, during your interactions with members of the royal family, did you notice anything amiss?"

Morian took a sip of his sugared coffee and sighed:

"No, that's why I said my guess just now is completely unfounded."

"Speaking of which," Charlotte touched her lips with her finger, as if she had remembered something, "I recently got in touch with a retired royal knight."

A retired knight? Morian instantly perked up.

"His name is Gavin. He retired two years ago due to health reasons and now makes a living by doing odd jobs."

"It's said that Mr. Gavin is from another continent and was exceptionally chosen as a knight by the royal family," Charlotte explained. "Should we try to contact him and ask him some questions about the royal family?"

Contact... Indeed, the information Paul, as the current butler, reveals may not be the most accurate...

After a moment's thought, Morian immediately decided to speak:

"Yes, I hope to meet him as soon as possible. Please help me make the arrangements."

"Yes, I will send someone to inform you at that time." Charlotte nodded.

In the remaining time, the two confirmed some details. Morian instructed Gavin not to reveal their true purpose, then paid and left the cafe first.

Instead of returning directly to White Rose Palace, Morian decided to take advantage of this trip to visit Miss Laurent.

Regardless of future plans, it is essential to personally verify the knight's recovery progress.

Given that he still had some time, he walked along the sidewalk, gradually heading towards the main street of Bet City, where there was a lot of foot traffic, intending to cross that area to reach the residential area where the other person lived.

The plane trees lining the street swayed gently, casting large shadows on the stone-paved road. Time had passed quickly, and it was almost noon.

Just as Morian's thoughts were still on the commission, an unusual wave of noise surged over.

Most of the surrounding buildings were already decorated with colorful ribbons, and through the entrance, one could see many young men and women dressed in matching dark academic gowns, posing for photos on the lawn or by the fountain.

He looked in the direction of the sound and realized that he had somehow ended up on "Academy Road". Not far away, a building was topped with a bright gold sign bearing the five impressive characters "St. Joseph's University".

At this moment, countless laughs, blessings, and occasional excited sobs emanated from within, weaving together a unique soundscape belonging to youth.

So that's how it is. This is a university... and today seems to be graduation day? Morian slowed his pace, gazing at the bustling scene from a distance.

Bathed in sunlight, the young people's faces beamed with smiles of anticipation for the future, mixed with a touch of reluctance to let go of the past; each of them seemed brimming with limitless potential.

They talked about their upcoming jobs or their sweet romances, without having to worry about so many important issues; the joys and sorrows of youth were on full display.

The scene made Morian feel somewhat dazed, a feeling that emanated from the depths of the traveler's soul.

He thought back to the summer when he graduated, when he was just as full of energy and vitality as these students. At that time, he could never have imagined that he would soon step into a world where mystery and danger coexist.

The youthful troubles of ordinary students seem like a distant memory compared to the royal intrigue.

...How wonderful. Morian sighed silently, feeling a mix of envy, regret for his past youth, and above all, a sense of unreality detached from reality.

These young people will probably never know that just a few streets away in the White Rose Palace, a prince is preparing to walk alone to the "altar" of destiny for the possibility of saving the kingdom.

Of course, they have no obligation to know, nor is it necessary for them to know, just as everyone has their own path and responsibilities.