The past was built upon collecting unique characteristics.

Gavin quickly regained his senses and then nodded solemnly:

"I will, after all, I have received your kindness. If you need any other information, please feel free to come to me anytime."

As Morian stepped to the front, Charlotte stood up and nodded slightly to Gavin.

Without lingering, Morian and Charlotte quickly left the restaurant and went to the post station near the post office.

The two boarded a waiting carriage, and the wheels quickly rolled over the uneven dirt road, heading towards the city of Bet.

The carriage began to sway slightly with the bumps in the road. Charlotte, who had remained silent throughout the restaurant, finally couldn't help but ask in a low voice:

"Mr. Morian, if your speculation is true, what are your plans next?"

Morian lowered his head and remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking:

"When I get back, I will first find Prince Eric and explain to him what I saw and heard today, including some of my personal speculations, to see if the plan should be adjusted."

He paused, then added, "If needed, I will contact you by letter."

"I understand." Charlotte nodded gently.

About half an hour later, the carriage entered Bethlehem and stopped near the west side of the White Rose Palace. The two said a brief goodbye, and Morian quickly got out of the carriage and hurried to the palace entrance.

He did not go directly to find Eric, because an audience with the prince required prior application, so he chose to take the rose token and instead went to the office of the butler Paul.

When I knocked and entered, Paul was sitting behind his desk, reviewing a stack of documents. His furrowed brows made him look somewhat tired.

"Mr. Paul, I need to see His Highness." Morian's voice was unsteady and more urgent than usual.

Those weathered, gray eyes scrutinized him, a look of confusion on their faces. Paul put down his pen, looked at the somewhat impatient young man before him, and squinted, asking with a puzzled expression:

"Is there something you need?"

"I have made some unexpected discoveries regarding Your Highness," Morian said gravely.

"This information relates to aspects of the ceremony, as well as the possible reasons for His Highness's frail health."

Upon hearing this, Paul frowned slightly, carefully choosing his words before speaking:

"Although I would like to ask on your behalf, His Highness Eric is not available to see anyone today."

"Please believe me, what I'm about to report is truly very important," Morian said earnestly, taking a deep breath.

Watching his determined expression, Paul pondered for a moment, as if giving it careful consideration.

Finally, with a soft sigh, he stood up:

Please follow me.

This time, instead of going to the study, they headed deeper into the White Rose Palace, to the private quarters belonging to the royal family. The corridors were heavily guarded, and they soon arrived at a bedroom.

The room was softly lit, all the curtains were drawn, the furniture and decorations were exquisite and luxurious, and the space was surprisingly spacious, almost as large as three studies.

At this moment, Eric was leaning against the soft pillows on the side of the bed, his eyes closed, his face slightly pale, and even his breathing was a little heavier.

Morian felt a heavy weight on his shoulders and immediately understood why Paul had refused to see him and why he hadn't been seen handling official business. It turned out that Eric's health had deteriorated to this extent.

Seemingly hearing the noise, Eric slowly opened his eyes, and when he saw who it was, he regained the calm demeanor befitting a prince.

"Mr. Tias, what brings you here?" He smiled as he got up from the bedside, took a coat and draped it over his shoulders, then slowly walked to the sofa and sat down.

Seeing the other person's appearance, Morian hesitated, unsure whether he should reveal those cruel truths.

He then maintained his composure as much as possible and spoke directly:

"Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness."

"My investigation over the past few days has revealed that the 'dedication ritual' you described that day is very likely a complete scam, and even your physical condition may have been artificially created."

Eric's gaze flickered almost imperceptibly, and he instinctively asked in return:

"Can you tell me about it?"

Morian nodded quickly and, in the most concise language, first recounted Gavin's testimony and Levim's search for the wizard.

He then went on to discuss the suspicious points of the contradictions in collective memory, as well as his astonishing speculation that "King" Ether might have the ability to tamper with memories.

Finally, looking into Eric's eyes, he uttered the cruelest conclusion:

"The second prince, Raymond, may have colluded with his confidants to forge the 'sacrifice ritual.' He brought in wizards from the southern continent to secretly harm your body, making your 'voluntary' act seem more legitimate."

"On the other hand, it's very likely that during the ceremony, you'll transfer the 'Princess' ether you possess into yourself, thereby becoming the first in line to the throne! And the reason no one in the entire kingdom questions this is because everyone's related memories have already been altered!"

After quickly finishing his story, Morian's breathing became a little rapid, because he hadn't paused at all since getting off the carriage and revealing the whole truth.

Eric listened quietly, his face expressionless, strangely calm.

A long silence enveloped the room, and no one knew what the prince was thinking.

After a long silence, he finally spoke in a low, hoarse voice:

"I must say, your speculation is bold, but very reasonable... As far as I can remember, that prince died in a hunting accident."

"But is what that retired knight said true enough?"

“Very credible.” Morian nodded affirmatively. “He has half-Pune blood, which allowed him to retain his true memories. More importantly, the other information he provided matches your current situation.”

After a moment of serious thought, Eric lowered his eyelids, and the weariness in his eyes seemed to deepen.

"Thank you for telling me this, Mr. Thias."

"But even if everything is as you say, even if the ritual is fake, even if it's a conspiracy, so what?" He sighed heavily, as if he didn't want to argue anymore.

Morian, sitting opposite, was stunned for a moment and didn't react.

"My father tacitly approved, my brothers were even happy to see it, and countless people believed in this 'tradition.' Everyone was looking forward to the prince's sacrifice." Eric shook his head slightly and laughed self-deprecatingly.

Morian could not refute this, because it was clear from these words that many people cared more about the continuation of the nation's destiny than about a prince.

In other words, almost no one cared about the fate of this prince.

The royal family needs stability, the kingdom needs a future, and the people need security; whatever name this ceremony is given seems irrelevant.