After a relentless effort to stay awake, Dustin’s only reward was a piece of blue diamond. What a meager outcome.
All three of them were princes, but why were they so different? Dustin decided it didn’t matter, only wishing to head home and get some rest.
“Prince Nathaniel, it’s getting late. I’ll be taking my leave first.” Dustin excused himself.
“Go ahead. I’ll come to you when I need your help.” Nathaniel nodded with a smile. Dustin and Grace left soon after a simple exchange of pleasantries. Back in the car, Dustin held the unremarkable pendant, shaking his head and sighing.
“Grace, your brother is so stingy. How does he expect to win me over with just a pendant?” Dustin complained.
“Nathaniel is a cautious man. He doesn’t commit too readily until he’s absolutely certain. He’s already quite generous by presenting you with a fine blue diamond pendant considering his nature,” Grace explained with a smile.
In fact, had she not spoken up, Dustin probably would have left empty- handed. Knowing Nathaniel’s personality, he would have merely made grand promises without concrete offerings.
“The contrast wouldn’t have been this stark if there had been nothing to compare it with. Compared to the treasures from your older brothers, this feels somewhat lackluster.” Dustin shook his head.
“Alright, stop acting like you’ve been wronged after gaining so much tonight. Count your blessings.” Grace rolled her eyes.
“Grace, you can’t blame me for this. Your brothers were so persistent in winning me over that I couldn’t bring myself to refuse their treasures.”
Dustin shrugged.
His initial plan was to head home for a restful sleep after leaving the palace. Little did he expect the series of invitations that followed. Although it exhausted him, the gains were substantial enough to make the journeys worthwhile.
“Logan, now that you’ve reaped the benefits, isn’t it time to contribute?” Grace suddenly remarked.
“What do you mean by ‘contribute’? I’m just a messenger. The ultimate decision lies in our fathers’ hands. They are the ones determining the fate of the nation.”
“That might have been true before, but it won’t be the same for long,” Grace said with a solemn expression.
She added, “Father’s health is deteriorating, and we don’t even know if he’ll live through the year. I’ve also heard that your father is not in good shape, and conflict is starting to brew in West Lucozia.
“They say the wicked outlive the virtuous. Since Rufus has committed many evils with who knows how much blood on his hands, he won’t die that easily,” Dustin remarked casually.
Although those were his words, his heart inexplicably quickened. He vividly recalled when Nestor mentioned that the Dragon Guard’s plan was reaching its climax. If Nestor had spoken the truth, then the West Lucozian monarchy was likely on the brink of a catastrophe.
Regardless, Dustin needed to return home to check on the situation. In the past, he deeply resented his father’s inaction, but after everything that had happened, he finally understood the challenges his father faced.
“Hopefully, that’s the case. But you should visit home nevertheless. Perhaps you can be of some help,” Grace reminded him.
“Grace, you don’t have to worry about me. The heir to the throne is still undecided. If it’s not handled properly, it may lead to a bloodbath,” Dustin said as he stretched lazily.
“There seldom is calm whenever there is a succession of the throne. I just hope it won’t be too serious this time,” Grace said, sighing softly.
The current situation was not optimistic for both the royal family and the West Lucozian monarchy. Therefore, it would be best for them to cooperate and stabilize the situation as much as possible.
The Dracan essence was key to achieving this. Everything would change once they gathered all five Dracan essences. They might even be able to rule the world.
