Chương 22: The First Prince’s Social Skills

I entered the library early in the morning, before breakfast, which was my habit. The guard watching me went to stand against a wall off to one side, out of the way. I took a seat at my usual table and began copying the book with Eldarin Script into an empty one. Each loop perfectly aligned, each stroke angled near perfection. It wasn't perfect yet, since there were still minor improvements I could make. Tutor Damian has pointed out several minor improvements I could make.

That was the power of a tutor, recognizing how a person could improve their skill by correcting their actions, rather than simply repeating them. He wasn't up yet, but that wasn't an issue since I would just get started right away with whatever work I had to complete. Squire Jessica and Squire Sabin instilled in me the habit of waking up early, much like a skill, when they woke me up early to train. I heard someone else enter the mansion's library and looked up to see the First Prince Maximillian.

It was an informal setting. I was a noble and a member of the household he was visiting, so I did not have to go out of my way. Inclining my head towards him showed I recognized his presence, but wasn't bothering him. Instead, he came over to bother me. I shook my head at my guard, who just nodded back. He wouldn't interfere. There's no need to cause a fuss, since it was just the First Prince. It was better to be polite.

"Good morning, Justin. Working on some skills?" he asked me when he took a seat across the table. He was almost twice my age, but his father had probably told him to make friends with me, I thought cynically.

"Yes, First Prince. I am working on my Eldarin Script and Writing Focus," I replied.

"Two Tier 2 skills. You are as impressive as the rumors suggest. Ah, Transversal of the Dungeon by famed playwright, Aaron the Orator. A classic and a travesty of writing, quite the contradiction," he said.

"My tutor swears by it," I replied.

"Only because it is so mind-numbing, it forces you to pay attention, otherwise, you won't improve your skills. No one wants to read that garbage. Aaron was famed for his oratory skills, not his writing skills," the First Prince said.

"Thankfully, I am getting close to finishing, since it is what I spend most of my time on," I replied.

"Oh, I would have thought you would train in fighting skills? With your mother being who she is," he said.

"She is away with all her Squires at the moment, so I am focused on other skills right now. I can't wait to go down into the dungeon again. There is nothing more exciting than fighting monsters," I replied.

"Exactly what a future legend would say. Oh, we both know my father wants me to make friends with you. Your mother is quite scary, you know?"

"I know. Have you been in the dungeon?"

"All curated and handheld. To get me my initial 20," he replied, and I nodded. Noble male heirs received an initial 20 levels immediately to help them excel in various skills and make it more difficult for them to be killed. Then they would get a lot more after they were married and had kids.

"No fighting skills at all."

"Really? That seems, well, weird," I replied, and he shook his head.

"My entire skill selection is micro-managed for optimal rulership. It can get exhausting, but it is my role in life. What about you? Does your mother select everything?"

"Yes. She confirmed I wanted to follow in her footsteps and didn't hold back. Her Squires haven't held back in the slightest," I replied while warming up to the First Prince. A part of me knew it was probably his skills affecting me, but he seemed like a genuinely pleasant person.

"Martial skills sure sound exciting. So, you are planning on becoming a spellblade like your mother?"

"Yes, at least I think so. It requires a lot of work but is very versatile and powerful on its own."

"Personally, I always thought being a pure magic caster would be best, very powerful," he said. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"That's if you want just to fight other people. Fighting in the dungeon requires rationing of Mana. Fewer burst fights and more of a grind. That is why being a spellblade offers the best of both options," I replied, and the First Prince nodded.

"It seems you have given more thought to your future profession. If only everyone put as much thought into such things as you have. Are you thinking of sticking with a sword, or do you have another preferred weapon?"

"The sword for now. But that might change in time. I am learning a range of weapon skills. What about you? What does the heir to a kingdom learn all day?"

"What fork to pick at dinner to not start a war," he said, and we both chuckled, since knowing the forks for dinner was a part of Eldarin Etiquette.

"There is a lot of focus on international relations, since our nation relies heavily on trade and growing food. I actually have the Farming skill," he said. I blinked in surprise.

"Really? That seems…Well, I wouldn't expect a noble to have that skill. Wouldn't most look down on it?"

"They would, but our nation depends heavily on farming. I prefer to appear knowledgeable when discussing farming-related issues. While I will have advisors, a king's duty is to lead, not let others lead him."

"Down in the dungeon, I will most likely be adventuring alone. Maybe I might form a team if I can find people to trust," I said.

"Trust is hard to develop. The rarest and most precious thing. That is why, as nobility, or at least for me, I prefer to be upfront in all my dealings to avoid misunderstandings," he explained, which made sense. The First Prince really was nothing like I expected. I figured he might be a bit stuck-up like my older half-brothers, but he was the complete opposite of that. He really was a great guy.

"Well, you probably know the backgrounds of the people who will advise you a couple of generations back. Adventurers come from a more varied background," I replied.

"Indeed. Once I learned the history of your mother, the Supreme Warlady, I was impressed. A mere peasant girl, rising and killing her way through the dungeon to emerge as a supreme legend. It makes one realize that if she can do it, it is possible for anyone," he replied.

"I know, but that is where I feel a lot of pressure," I said, opening a bit to the First Prince, who nodded.

"I get that feeling to some extent. You have one incredibly exceptional mother, and I have eighteen generations behind me. I can't disappoint them. The pressure can get a bit much, but I always enjoyed a challenge," the First Prince said, and I nodded as he kept smiling.

"Well, I just have to continue studying and training."

"So, are you thinking of going to the dungeon or broadening your horizons a bit? The College of Advancement would welcome someone like you with open arms."

"It is hard to say. I will probably listen to what my mother tells me, but I guess that the College of Advancement will focus on skill growth and build a stronger foundation. But if I can get in some more fighting in the dungeon, I wouldn't object."

"Ah, a true adventurer at heart. It pains me to say this, but our kingdom lacks a strong adventurous or martial spirit, instead it focuses on trade and food production. Our claim to fame is the School of Growth, which focuses on developing farming skills and expertise. We have the best farmers in the world, but ask for more adventurers, and people hesitate or find excuses."

"Why? I mean, the dungeon is a path to money and power. Sure, the start isn't easy, but with hard work, people can improve their lives."

"Some do, of course. But they all go to other places. We have tried instituting more friendly policies for adventurers, but it is a struggle to attract and keep talent. People set up schools and training institutions in other countries, while our marital talent remains low."

"You can't just hire some elites?"

"We have, but legends are the true power of countries with much more enduring legacies. But talent attracts talent. Even with our best efforts and a considerable amount of money, it has been a struggle. Now there are your mother and yourself in the future."

"Me? I am nowhere near being a legend yet."

"For now. But with a mother like yours, I know it is only a matter of time. You don't have to commit to anything or make any promises. I would ask that you consider our humble nation of Terander in the future when deciding where to live," the First Prince said. This nation was quite lovely, and the First Prince was a great guy. I didn't even mind that he was trying to influence me. Just having to think about where to live wasn't such a big deal. I slowly nodded in response to this request.

"My future is still uncertain, but I won't forget my home," I said.

"Excellent. Sorry if I am such a bore. But you know, parents are always demanding new things from us children," he replied with a smile, and I nodded.

"You aren't a bore."

"Well, I will leave you to your studies. It was good speaking with you, Justin. I look forward to future conversations," he said and got up. I got up and bowed slightly as he left out of respect. That was when my father came to the library with a frown.

"The First Prince spoke with you?"

"He was pleasant. He just asked me to think about making the Kingdom of Terander my home," I said. My father let out a sigh of relief.

"The royal family has powerful social skills that they have trained relentlessly with. Your Focus stat was no match for the First Prince. Think carefully about what happened, what you talked about, and write it all down. And be careful in the future," my father said. He looked at my guard, who didn't react. My father let out a sigh and shook his head. No guard would dare stop the First Prince from having a casual conversation.

"I have other issues to deal with. Be careful," my father said and then rushed off. I frowned as I got out a blank piece of paper and began copying everything that had occurred. My mind was compromised. I couldn't believe it. The First Prince was so lovely and easy to get along with. But was that me, or his skills? My head felt like a mess. He wasn't even demanding, but it was a wake-up call regarding mental skills. If he had hostile intentions or had been a monster, I would be in a much worse position.

Even though I knew the First Prince had manipulated me with his skills, I couldn't help but think that he was a really great guy. Leveraging social skills against a person was truly insidious. It is no wonder that people considered nobility a full-time job, requiring specialized skills. As the heir to the King, he probably had much more specialized skills. Even at his young age, he would have gotten the best education and Tutors growing up.