The dining hall was now empty, save for Athan and the ever-present figure of Gerald. The butler stood silently, patiently waiting for Athan to finish his meal of Crab Louie and Brigadeiros. Athan couldn't help but feel a sense of intimidation in the presence of Gerald, who stood motionless while he indulged in his favorite dishes. After what seemed like an eternity, Athan finally set down his utensils, a faint grimace crossing his face.

"Uncle Gerald, why did you not partake in the meal I offered you?" Athan inquired, his voice filled with curiosity.

With his usual unwavering tone, Gerald replied, "Your Royal Highness, it is not proper for me, a servant, to share a table with you. Furthermore, it is not permissible for me to dine during my designated working hours, regardless of any allowances for shared meals with servants."

Athan couldn't help but admire the perfection with which Gerald carried out his role as a butler. Beneath his seemingly cold exterior, Athan knew that Gerald possessed a caring nature, a trait he found endearing. It was a rare quality, one that he hadn't encountered often in his previous life.

Curiosity gnawed at Athan, particularly regarding the concept of "immolation." The very name carried a weight of significance.

Speaking softly, Athan queried, "Uncle, could you provide me with a precise explanation of what immolation entails?"

Gerald's attention sharpened as he answered attentively, "As you may have surmised, Your Highness, immolation involves sacrificing the comforts of home for a period of two years. It is a test that takes place on the seventh day following a prince's sixteenth birthday, a tradition established by the Founding Emperor, your esteemed ancestor. It is a mandatory rite for a prince to be officially recognized as such."

Athan was taken aback by the realization that he would not be recognized as a prince if he failed to complete the immolation. The words he had uttered to his mother, intended to persuade her into granting him permission to venture beyond the empire's borders, now carried unexpected consequences.

Contemplating the gravity of his mother's concerns, Athan's mind became a whirlwind of thoughts. Other peculiar inquiries emerged, begging for answers.

"Are there other families in the empire that adhere to this tradition?" Athan asked, his curiosity piqued.

Gerald's expression flickered, although only for a fraction of a second. He swiftly resumed his composed demeanor.

"Yes, Your Highness, there are three noble families within the empire that maintain this tradition," Gerald replied, his voice steady.

Intrigued, Athan pressed further, "Pray tell, who are these families?"

Gerald, with his ever-composed voice, responded, "They are the three ducal families. They adopted this rule out of fascination with this unique method of testing the male heirs."

Athan couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in Gerald's countenance upon hearing this information. It lasted for a mere moment, a rare occurrence for the typically composed butler.

Curiosity still burning within him, Athan continued, "Well, it also serves as a means of understanding the common people, which can prove advantageous from a business perspective. It is understandable that these families would uphold such a tradition."

A subtle change came over Gerald's face once again, this time lasting a mere second—a rarity for someone as stoic as the butler.

"What is the matter?" Athan inquired, sensing an underlying significance to the reaction.

With renewed sternness, Gerald replied, "That, too, was one of the motivations behind the inclusion of this tradition within their families."


The answer to Athan's next question would be the most harrowing revelation he had received since entering this world. It was an answer that would cast a shadow over the next two years, making them all the more arduous and distressing.

*****