The Path to Becoming Emperor

Max returned to his room after the audience with the king. The assignment was more a test than an act of trust. The inspection on the eastern borders was far from a minor task: it was an unstable region, with bandits lurking in the forests and villages barely surviving under the pressure of royal taxes.

If I do this well, it will be my first step towards legitimacy. If I fail, I will only reinforce what everyone thinks of me.

"It seems that the king has given you an interesting opportunity."Helena's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. She was standing by the door, as always, with her arms crossed.

—How do you know?

—Rumors travel fast in the court. —He smiled sarcastically. Besides, I've accompanied him long enough to know that he never gives you tasks without a hidden purpose.

Max nodded, aware that Helena was right. His father wouldn't send him to the borders just to supervise; he expected to see him fail or, worse yet, to test if he could withstand the pressure.

—That doesn't matter. I'll do my job.

Helena looked at him seriously for a few seconds before sighing.

—In that case, you'll need to prepare yourself. You won't survive at the borders with your current skills.

Max stood up from the chair, determined.

—Then let's start right now.

Before the training sessions, Max kept his promise to Lysanne. In a secluded room, prepared with tea and sweets, the young woman waited in front of a chessboard, a slight smile on her face.

—I didn't think you would actually accept the invitation, Prince Maxilian.

—I always keep my word, Lady Lysanne.

She laughed softly, although her gaze was sharp as a blade.

—That remains to be seen. Please, take a seat.

The game began. Max had played chess many times in his past life, but facing Lysanne was something else. Each of her moves seemed to be anticipated by the young woman, who moved her pieces with precision and without hesitation.

"I must admit I'm surprised," she said as Max moved his rook to protect his king. In the past, I never thought I would have the patience for a game like this.

—As I said before, people change.

Lysanne tilted her head, with a glimmer of interest in her eyes.

—And what caused that change in you?

Good question. Max knew he couldn't tell the truth, so he opted for a more calculated response.

—Maybe I'm tired of living as a disappointment.

The silence filled the room as Lysanne studied his face. Finally, she moved her queen and captured one of his key pieces.

—That is something admirable, albeit late. I hope you can maintain that purpose.

The game ended with Lysanne winning, although Max didn't see it as a defeat. There was something in her expression at the end, a spark of interest that hadn't been there at the beginning. A small step towards building a trusting relationship.

—I must admit it was a good challenge, Prince Maxilian. I hope we have more games in the future.

Max tilted his head slightly.

—I look forward to it eagerly.

Back in the training field, Helena showed no mercy to Max. Under her supervision, he practiced with the sword for hours, perfecting his stance and learning to anticipate attacks.

"It's not just about strength," Helena told him while blocking one of his attack attempts. If you don't think before you act, you'll be dead before you can lift your sword.

Each session ended with Max covered in sweat, his muscles burning from the effort. But he also felt something else: progress.

"Maybe you're not as useless as I thought," Helena commented after Max managed to block one of her attacks for the first time.

"I'm glad to have your trust," he replied with a tired smile.

Although Helena didn't openly admit it, Max noticed that her attitude towards him was beginning to change.

The day of the journey arrived sooner than I expected. The small convoy was composed of two carriages and an escort of ten soldiers. Among them was Cassandra, a dark-haired mercenary who had been hired to reinforce security.

Max knew her from the novel: a fierce and loyal warrior, but with an unpredictable temperament. In the original story, she had been an ally of the protagonists. Now, she was under their command.

"So this is the famous Prince Maxilian?" said Cassandra when she saw him for the first time, with a mocking smile on her lips. I thought you would be more... imposing.

Max decided not to fall for the provocation.

—And I expected a mercenary of your caliber to be more professional.

Cassandra laughed, clearly enjoying the exchange.

—I like this one. Maybe you're not as boring as the usual nobles.

The journey to the borders began without any problems, although Max knew the calm wouldn't last. During the nights, while they camped, he reviewed the maps of the region and planned how to approach the inspections. He also took the opportunity to observe his companions: the soldiers seemed competent, though somewhat distant, while Cassandra and Helena maintained a constant rivalry.

It will be complicated, but I can handle it.

On the third day of the journey, as the convoy moved along a narrow path between hills, the shouts of the scouts broke the calm.

—Bandits!

From the hills, a group of armed men surged like a wave, shooting arrows at the convoy. Max barely had time to take cover behind a cart as the arrows rained down on them.

"Protect the carts!" shouted Helena, drawing her sword and leading the soldiers into the attack.

Cassandra smiled as she drew her big ax.

—Finally, some action.

Max observed from his position, his heart pounding. He knew he couldn't fall behind.

—Helena, I need a sword!

The warrior looked at him incredulously but threw him a short sword without arguing.

—Stay alive, your highness!

Max gritted his teeth and prepared to fight. This was not a game. If he wanted to survive, he would have to prove that he could face danger, just as he had promised.